DVLA Threat to 'Modified' Cars

Just Reading practical classics and the new rules being considered to the way we modify and repair our cars.

It's suggesting that major component changes like engines would need the car to take a Single Vehicle Approval test. This would  mean your car would have to meet the same emission and saftey equipement rules as new kit cars.

So you may end up with a Q plate or a car that's not allowed on the road.

Yet again the Goverment are trying to spoil the fun

http://www.dvla.gov.uk/public/consult/summary_inspection_procedures.htm

Yes it is getting difficult to modify cars,when i mot cars now the vehicle has to match the dvla database,i narrow it down by entering all relevant information including engine code,if it has been changed it is a nightmare to get an mot on it,Big brother
Bert

It's a doulble edged sword between honest car improvements and those trying to make money from deceiving unsuspecting buyers.

It may end up that if a car is not standard then it's not legal 8O

Are these just proposals or are the rules already in place?  I'm planning to convert my auto to a manual gearbox and don't want to fall foul of that lot! :roll:

As it stands, the DVLA consultation is FULL of holes, so there is no chance that it will be adopted as it reads. For example, I can't see them adopting the suggestion where a rebuilt vehicle is registered based on its youngest component - we could have Mk1 Golfs running round, with 16v engines, on H prefix or younger!

Also, the definition of when a vehicle is "written off" then subsequently rebuilt, is unfair as it stands (and would become tighter, not more sensible), from our perspective. An insurance company can write a vehicle off based on a purely cost-driven assessment, for a vehicle (say, a Golf van) where its value is not that high but its rarity may mean that its historically significant. Also, very rare cars (I am thinking more of other exotic classics rather than Mk1 Golfs, eg Aston Martin DB5?) may be seriously damaged but be worthwhile to rebuild.

A glimmer of hope is that they may recognise a rolling 25 year definition for a classic, rather than the frankly silly pre-1973 definition, with respect to car tax.

I think its worthwhile for the club to get itself organised and to make a worthwhile contribution into the consultation. Also, it needs to recognise that a good proportion of people want to run quite heavily modified Mk1s.

it doesnt work like that mate, your chassis has to meet your engine and then it has to be 'good' engine, it sucks like, your man to ask is bert hes 'mot' er and what he doesnt make up for in height he makes up for in mot skills

bert first question, my engines shouldn't be in my car (out of later model) what do i do?

I know how hard it is to obtain ANYTHING if its on a Q plate, also garages are very reluctant to sort your motor and the police pull ypou over at every opportunity to "making sure its not a ringer sir!" A wise man once said to me you will only ever own one Q reg.

Bert correct me if im wrong but i thought the DVLA abollished the Q plates in favor of a more detailed inspection. Therefor if you build or Rebuild your car this year it will NOT be a Q but become a 56/06 2006 MK1 GOLF. try explaining that to the insurance..

Thats the WELSH for you. they're all mad - i know

RANT OVER :cry:

Robb said

 This would  mean your car would have to meet the same emission and saftey equipement rules as new kit cars.

So you may end up with a Q plate or a car that's not allowed on the road.

Yet again the Goverment are trying to spoil the fun

http://www.dvla.gov.uk/public/consult/summary_inspection_procedures.htm

The emissions will go on the age of the engine and the only way you'd end up with a Q plate from just modding the car will be if you've removed all the chassis numbers etc, or it's stolen/recovered etc. I'm building a kit car and the SVA is speculated to be worse than it actually is. I belong to this forum: http://community.rhocar.org/ and alot of the guys on here have been through an SVA and can tell you more about it.

Hope this helps.

Mike.

Dougelove said

Thats the WELSH for you. they're all mad - i know

Watch it… :evil:

This is a very difficult topic to discuss. What is considered one thing by one group of people might not be so by another!

I have also read forums where there have been rumours that DIY mechanics will eventually be wiped out as "Any old guy with a spanner" is not always capable of doing a job correctly or more importantly as far as the government are concerned, safely.

If that was the case, I think many of us would pop a sign over the garage door "Soandso's Motor Repairs" and register themselves as a business!!!

they won't stop me from working on my car  :twisted:

I think its useful to split off rumours with facts. The fact is, that DVLA has started a "consultation" process and its worth the club making a researched, informed response to this which could help influence how regulations change in the future.

AL_Mk1 said

Watch it… :evil:

What? :dontknow:  :roll:

You Havent met my Missus!


I AM THE PRIDE OF ENGLAND 8)

Lively debate already!!!. The examples given  are interesting, some other countries, I'm sure it's the US allow Tax breaks for classic cars, but to qualify it has to be stock right down to the last bolt….that includes the in car entertainment as well (Radio for short )

With Q plates if they say the car has to have original engine and chassis to retain the original reg, q plates will be dished out like smarties!!!!

Paul_c said

 I think its worthwhile for the club to get itself organised and to make a worthwhile contribution into the consultation. Also, it needs to recognise that a good proportion of people want to run quite heavily modified Mk1s

Good point Paul_c, may be this thread may thrash out a response worthy of the club :dontknow:

Rob  

First i must add that the mot system asks what transmission is fitted too,so converting from auto to manual is a problem
second tomo chill,i will sort it for you  :wink:
bert

bert, 2 days on the drive solid! its in the bag mate :?
all seems a bit confusing tho, whats differences gonna be lee?

Tomo 2 days doing what exactly?? let me in on the secret,
Bert

drinking tea and staring at the car

tomo320 said

drinking tea and staring at the car

Did it fail the MoT, and what on, and have you fixed it now? Was it an empty washer bottle????? Or something equally embarrasing???

Had a look at the DVLA website ref current rules for modifications and they allocate points (varying) for each major component kept original.  So long as you score 8 points or more you don't have to have a SVA or use Q plates.  Rules for rebuilds don't have a points system but also look at which components you use.

http://www.dvla.gov.uk/vehicles/regrebil.htm

Also had a chat with them and it looks like I'm OK  

Ah thats good to know Ian_T, is that changing your gearbox to manual?

Rob