I know its abit rough but could you not just change the chassis and get rid of the number on the chassis with a grinder.
Who is going to check it is not an original chassis?? You get to keep your reg and less hastle.
Just a thought.
did I read this correctly, on an open forum?
best to do it above board, if it gets inspected and something does not look quite right, the will confiscate the lot and scrap it. There are enough ringers running about that I hear checks are being carried out more frequently, given the defender seems to be desirable as a stolen vehicle or for parts.
You will not have a leg to stand on, the problem with a q plate seems to be insurance, I would recommend that if you have the choice to try to avoid reusing a chassis and go with new.