shortening a chassis?

[cerbera]

I am possibly starting a custom build project (a two seater convertible), and the car that i have decided to use is the Jaguar XJS V12 convertible,
As i require a shorter wheel base it will be a two seater, not 2+2 as the XJS is, the car will have to be butchered. The over hang may also be shorten, but that is an easier job.
If jag dont give us the f-type im gonna have to do it myself!!

And the questions are as follows:

Would this job have to be prosfessionally done?
Will the car be structurally dangerous after?
( I have heard many horror cut and shut stories)
Can it be done at home with the right equipement?
(And what might they be?)
What changes have to made to the drivetrain? (drive-shaft shortening?)
Would this pass the SVA test? (In the UK)

I am very inexperienced with jobs of this magnitude, i'd love to talk to someone who has undertaken a similar job.

PS any recommended books or videos as guides to a such job would be highly appreciated.

regards Cerbera

[MagicRat]

This kind of shortening requires someone with extensive fabrication, welding and metal working skills as well as a sound and thorough understanding of automotive and structural engineering. While it is wise of you to ask, I believe that your frank admission of your inexperience should tell you this job is beyond your (and frankly, most mechanics) abilities at present.

[cerbera]

thanx for the reply, but why is it not a case of cutting out a section and then welding the two halves together? why is the there a need to have knowlegde of automotive structural engineering? thats was all done when the chassis was made in the first place.
Why is this beyond the abilities of most mechanics surely a competant welder could carry out such a job?

I'm sure this sort of job must be quite common on kit cars?

sorry for bombarding with questions just got alot to learn.