[Pecos]

Sounds like the fella that claimed to own George Washington's ax. Of course the handle had been replaced three times, and head twice, but it was still George's ax, or so he claimed.

In the case of aircraft, the usual rule is that everything can be replaced except the airframe itself and it's still the same aircraft. But, like you, I wonder how far that can be taken. If I have only the manufacturer's data plate left, can I build an airplane around it and call it the original? I need to check with my EAA buddies.

[x1stcav]

Interesting questions.

I think the s/n plate controversy arose over a Ferrari replica some decades back.

Was it the same car?