I have kept quiet on this thread untill now !!
Not knowing your engineering background it would be hard to avise on the merits of what you hope to achieve.
I can see that you have had some very sound advice indeed
Yes I too like the Merves ..... In my view the Merve is a whole different ball game .... If that's what the heart desires, trawl the tinterweb, I am sure you'll be able to find some plans or at the least, a solid sense of direction
Personally I am not a qualified chassis designer but from my many years of structural fabrication.
I am fully aware that any alterations made at one point of the chassis will most likeley have a secondary effect elsewhere !!??
For me personally, my build has given me so much more than a well proven rolling chassis sitting in my workshop.
The build, as outlined in Chris's book has given me the confidence & the desire to design & scratch build a rear wheel drive 7 esque car.
Well if I can complete the Roadster build before I draw my pension
I wish you well for when you start a build, great to see another Roadster on the go & equally great to follow the progress of a whole new concept