Re-body?

[RedEsprit]

The aluminum cars aren't so much rebodied as they are "re-skinned". If you order a replacement decklid, for example, the panel will be wheeled to the proper curves and arc but will include enough metal to overlap the opening by several inches. You then fit the panel to the opening. Installing a body shell to a proper set of tubes is really no big deal (hammer and dolly work but watch for body shell warp during shipping). The main body simply wraps around the tubes and is pop riveted in place. Fitting the doors, decklid and hood are a different matter entirely since they don't simply wrap around tubes. They are custom fit to the main shell openings and its a bit of a pain. I re-bodied an AC Bristol once. Great learning experience. I imagine Kirkham does it exactly the same way as the old panel beaters at AC. Long story short, your tubes will need to be very close (virtually identical) to those from the Kirkham jigs or you will be in for a verrrry, verrrry long (and expensive) afternoon.