I'm completely sure what can or can't be done after having spent 40 years dealing with DVLA / VOSA / DVSA and being married to the manager of an LO for 10 years . I have files of correspondence with DVLA policy and VOSA tech that people still want to argue with because it doesn't suit what they want do
That's cool, I'm just finding it difficult figuring it all out since there seems to be so many contradictory things said, and I fear the official line is not as clear as it could be! It's unfortunate that ACE went down - I never really knew about it until this thread - but luckily some of their info seems to be posted on another forum.
Trust me when I say that I have no wish to mislead or twist things to my own end; I'd rather not spend ages working on a project only to get bummed by the DVLA. I've spoken my mind as to what I feel are the shortcomings of the system and will not be repeating them again, as I fear it only muddies the waters.
However to clarify one of my points regarding old cars going through the BIVA, I meant that if you had to put it in (due to not getting enough points) you'd probably find that there are a number of places it would fail the BIVA if left original; cabin interior radius's and collapsible steering columns spring to mind.
So, as I understand it (and please correct me if I am wrong), the summary is this:
Rebuilt Cars
Effects:
- Can keep the original number plate
- Doesn't need BIVA
Requirements:
- Must keep unmodified monococque\chassis or has a new, unmodified, monococque\chassis of the same original specification.
- Must have at least two of these major components from the original vehicle: suspension (front and back), steering assembly, axles (both), transmission, engine
Example:
Reshelling a Mini with a new bodyshell (or keeping the original), steering and axles (assuming hubs?) remain the same but it has a new engine, transmission and rejigged suspension to suit. Reshelling with an old shell ist verboten! (see Radically Altered Vehicles).
Kit Built Vehicles - not really relevant to here too much, but included for completeness.
Effects:
-MUST have BIVA to get registration
-Q plate or new registration
Requirements:
- To get a new registration all components bar one must be new, the one excepted component must be reconditioned to as new status. Reconditioned component cannot be chassis\monococque. Otherwise Q plate.
Example:
My Haynes Roadster - built from several secondhand parts bins, it's getting a Q plate.
A Caterham type kit where the engine is reconditioned but all other components are brand spanking new.
Kit Converted Vehicles - A slightly strange one!
Effects:
- Keep number plate \ Age related plate \ Q plate
- Age related plate and Q plate require BIVA, keeping the original number plate does not.
Requirements:
- To keep original number plate it's the same as a rebuilt vehicle. No BIVA.
- To get an age related plate you require two original major parts (suspension (front and back), steering assembly, axles (both), transmission, engine) and a new monococque\chassis from a specialist manufacturer or a altered chassis\monococque from the original vehicle. BIVA required.
- A Q plate is for when you can't meet either of the above requirements. BIVA required.
Example:
A kit car using a new chassis along with the engine, transmission and axles from the donor will NOT keep the donor's number plate, but will get a new one based upon the age of the donor.
If I were to modify the monococque of my dad's Mondeo and change everything but the engine and transmission I would have to go through the BIVA but would be assigned a new plate based upon the age of the car. (Not sure on this as it contradicts the Radically Altered Vehicles bit below; is there another requirement I've missed?)
Radically Altered Vehicles - That Old Peach.
Effects:
- Keep number plate\ Q plate.
- BIVA a for Q plate.
Requirements:
- To keep number plate and avoid the BIVA the car must exceed 8 points from the table below, it cannot have a second hand or altered chassis\monococque or evidence of two vehicles welded together to form one.
Essentially this is the same as a Rebuilt Vehicle.
- Anything else goes on a Q plate with a BIVA.
Example:
I rebuild a Mini as stock but use a secondhand bodyshell - Q plate.
I modify my the monococque of my Dad's Mondeo as above - Q plate (?!?)
Clarifications on what mods are allowed on chassis\monococque before it classes as modified were obtained by ACE:
Chassis
- It is acceptable to box original chassis and also to add additional crossmembers but not to alter the existing chassis in any way to allow for their installation.
- It is acceptable to remove NON STRUCTURAL body mounts and engine / gearbox mounts.
- It is NOT acceptable to shorten, or lengthen the chassis, either in between standard suspension points or fore and aft of these.
- Any additional items welded creating a longer overall chassis are classed as modifications. It would however be acceptable to bolt a reasonably sized additional subframe to existing mounting holes.
- Any outriggers (as opposed to continuous chassis frame) fore or aft from the chassis would need clarification from VOSA as to their purpose before removal or alteration was accepted. This would be based on their purpose and whether they formed part of the vehicles original Type Approval.
Monococques
- It is NOT acceptable for the bulkhead, or transmission tunnel area, to be modified.
- The specification for a monococque will vary with each manufacturer and the decision on what are acceptable modifications will be based on those criteria for each vehicle.
- It is acceptable for additional seam welding to be carried out.
Should there be any further questions relating the above information on specific vehicles ACE would be willing to assist in further clarification on an individual basis.
Bloody handy, shame they're not around anymore.
I guess the main gaps I've still got are:
- Does front and rear suspension\axle class as one major component combined, or one each? (If I modded the rear but kept the front do I get 2 points or none? If I keep both do I get 4 or 2?)
- How does the kit converted vs radically altered vehicle body mods compare?
To prevent confusion I'm going to go back through and make sure anything I've said tallies with these items.
Sources:
www.gov.uk/vehicle-registration/overview
www.nsra.org.uk/newforum/showthread.php?52486-Registering-radically-altered-vehicles