For a little while back, he bought a early 110 V8, he didn't share much of it, but he say's there are various chassis number parts on gussets you can't reach to alter after welding up the chassis... The rdw (dvla) seems to use that to verify the id. Could be bull crapp..
Not rushing you... Can't rush a storm. Just keep going.. I try planning to be at seven sisters in September.. Would like to see your's there.. And a few more..
Looking at his first picture, it's a left hand drive dash. Here in NL, they do ask silly money for that. I can imagine, he's having a go at restoring it. What John did was allready going that way.. I would say, thin cardboard and a few night's at the kitchen table will make nice templates and after that, out with the tinsnip's. Good luck Mart!