IVA for dummies

Really?? Try argueing with DVLA on that score.

DVLA only know two construction types - separate chassis and monocoque. We know different...but it's their rules, their version of Dictionary.

I'd lay any money you like that they would not allow the proposed mods. Cut floorpan = fail.
They don't 'argue' with you they just tell you their version of how it will be.

Sorry, I'm being a little thick. Exempt from what?

Exempt from needing IVA.

Sorry, misunderstood - no issues ref MOT, but cutting floorpan will in DVLA's eyes be altering the monocoque = IVA.

Please add your input. But we are not arguing over facts, these are genuine questions and discussion.

Always interested in fact - and if you have the facts that pertain to the Q's above Suffix -IVA ? - I am all ears especially if this is DVSA verified and publically available.

Firstly I speak with DVSA on a regular basis re IVA system and have done for at least 12 years . Around 10 years back, as part of ACE we clarified the basics of the 8 points rule and had this put in a Press Release from DVLA which used to be held on the ACE site . I hold the original correspondence back and forth still .I have been building cars for over 45 years , was married to the manager of an LO who was there from when the LO offices opened in 1976. I have put my own car sthough SVA and BIVA and assisted in helping an additional 20 off pass with another 150 or so under way. I was involved in teh fight against TYpe Approval in 1976, the subsequent formulation of the SVA test and also its rewrite and update to IVA.

Welded on front wings / cutting rear wings.

This is dependent on type of construction of arch. On most front wings the arch is open and does NOT form a structural panel . However on the rear they normally do as the inner and outer arch form a bowl construction. There are exceptions with some , but not all , Porsches being one. It is perfectly acceptable to fit GRP wings.

Cut away rear arches to form Forest arch with rear arch cut about = IVA
Sticking a Forest arch on WITHOUT cutting arch about = still 8 point compliant.

Mini / Anglia ( and others) flip fronts was the cause of a VOSA ( now DVSA) court case and it was deemed LEGAL IF inner wings were retained . Inner wing function is different between Mini and Anglia but the requirement for it to remain is LAW.

Cutting large hole in roof ? No problems NON structural 'closing panel' , strengthg is consideredto be in uprighst and upper rectangular structure.

Crayford and similar conversions were done BEFORE registration and so were not modified cars but presented as coachbuilt.

No tests to pass before 1998 though rules on what was acceptable re conversions were FACT . These were controlled mostly at LO level and what was acceptable varied from LO to LO.

Even now one of the big anomolies is that DVLA STILL allow Morris tHousnad Convertible conversions " as they are done to factory standards" . However this contradicts their stance that " it didn't leav ethe factory or was registered like that".

Was recently involved in acase with a Scirroco where the car was recently converted with a TUV approved kit but was still sent for BIVA. Th guy had two and the older one was also picked up . After research we proved that it was manufactured before 1998 so the conversion was allowed without BIVA being passed.

Subframes ? I've never had to claify their position so no idea . However they are allowed to be replaced for aftermarket replacements manufactured to OEM standard. It's like restoration of a car , there is no quantified limit to what can be done and how much that can be replaced just that it must be done in OEM style and quality ie if sopt welded from factory then the minimum reqirement is re-spotwelding .

I had a feeling I'd remembered something about non-structural panel removal/modification/replacement not being an issue per se - when I fitted a flip front to my Mini (although I did this pre-1998 anyway). Thanks for confirming I wasn't going mad, kapri