Brakes/Wiring/Chasis No.

[VW/MGkit]

Hi, I recently purchased an MG kit car an a VW chasis. I can't find the chasis number as the underside has been completely undercoated. Is there another way of determining the year? The seller didn't know anything about the car (it was just given to him). I know it needs brakes but the shoes sit on top and bottom of the drum instead of the left and right. Is this normal or was it put together wrong. The wiring is a birds nest as well. Would a universal wiring harness work to replace the mess instead of trying to go wire by wire to find the problem(s). I know this a lot to ask, but I could really use the help. Thanks to anyone who can point me in the right direction.