SVA

Whilst the following is a history of what process I have followed to get my car on the road, the rules are about to change. From April 2009 the SVA is replaced by an IVA which has different requirements. As my application was made prior to 28th February 2009 I was able to continue with the SVA. This gave me until August 2009 to complete any retests.

The first stage in getting the car legal is to have an SVA test. This involves downloading the form SVA1 from the VOSA website and completing all part relevant to an amatuer build. I also completed an Amateur build declaration form to prove it was built by me. I also photocopied receipts for the chassis and other packs from Findhorn and the receipts from the MGB Hive for the original donor car. I also printed off a selection of photographs showing various stages of development in my garage. I fairly quickly received a reply , wth the photographs returned, saying that they were happy that the application could continue as an amateur build and my details would be passed to the local centre.

The test was booked for 10th March, so I asked a friend to do a pre-SVA inspection on the car. Apart from the usual sharp edges that I had missed on the internal and external projections the inspection was going well.

Then we thought we would just check the windscreen. Unfortunately the acid etching for the British Standard markings was poorly applied, and the BS 857 mark was missing completely.

After numerous phone calls to Findhorn Cars, Brasscraft who make the windscreen, and Sheppard Glass who provide the glass I arranged a visit to Guildford to have the windscreen re-etched. This meant that I couldn't meet the test deadline, so I have had to re-book for 27th March. All of the inspection points have now been rectified with the speedo being returned from Speedy Cables and looking great.

The day of the test came round. The previous night I collected the trailer. I arose bright and early to get a good start. First job was to get the car onto the trailer. First problem. The exhaust pipe kept grounding until I figured out the jockey wheel, and by raising that it tipped the whole trailer. This meant I was about 15 minutes late leaving for the test, so was 15 minutes late arriving. Luckily they were not too busy so it wasn't a problem. The test went very well with just a few minor non-compliancies, all of which were rectified on site. The ranged from some cables tied to brackets upon which the edges were not rounded enough. Just some spiral wrap and the job was done. I also had forgotten to bend the split pins on the calipers and also had missed bending the lock tabs on the nearide caliper securing bolts. All easily solved. Even though I had been around all of the suspension fasteners, fitted split pins and nut covers, and thought I was thorough, there were still some I missed.

The brakes were all fine as well and the noise check was well within. The end result being that I had passed first time and was issued a Minister Approval Certificate. A very important and significant document, validating the three years of hard work, sweat blood and tears, although it looks just like the old style MOT certificate. I thought it would look a bit more special, but I suppose it is just a means to and end. The guys at the test centre in Derby were fantastic, and I really felt that they were there to help me and pass the car rather than trying to fail it. Failing would be something that I would do, not them. Next stage Registration. I suspect that the DVLA are going to be a bit more awkward than VOSA. Aleady they said they wouldn't look at it until I had made an application, which I couldn't do until I had passed the SVA test.

Registration

I visited my local DVLA office to get the relevant forms(V55/5). They were very helpful and indicated that once the application has been made they would wish to inspect the vehicle to ensure full compliance and to assess it's identity. Unfortunately they indicated that I would have to trailer the vehicle to the test centre as you can only drive the car before it's legal to VOSA tests.

Whilst I was there they checked the documentation that I had so far. The V55/5 (first registration of a new vehicle), the V627/1 (built up vehicle inspection report) are the DVLA documents. They checked the Ministers Approval Certificate along with my invoices for the donor car, the chassis invoice and notification of chassis number. All was in order but I had asked if I could register the vehicle off-road as I am not ready for tax or insurance, but they I was not able to do this. I then had to return with some insurance and get at least 6 months road tax. The good news was that I would not need an MOT for three years and they confirmed that I would get an age related "K" plate, although it would not be classed as a historic vehicle as the kit doesn't use the chassis from the original car.

I hired the trailer again and with the help of a neighbour I drove the car to the Birmingham DVLA local centre. All that was required was a quick check of the chassis number against the original invoice from Findhorn Cars and the notification of chassis number, and to check that the engine was the one from the original car. Also that I had the original receipt for the car and the V5C owners document. 5 minutes later, and without even removing the car from the trailer, I was done and ready for home.

First job when arriving home was to get some number plates made up and onto the road for a quick test drive prior to stripping for painting. The car, whilst very draughty, drove beautifully. The only issue was that when I changed from first to second gears there was a huge crunching of the gears. Maybe the clutch needed adjusting, but on further testing it appeared that I was trying to go from first to reverse. Not advisable. Just a slight change in driving style and the problem was sorted.

There are also some speed bumps on my road as well as the car grounded a couple of times due, I believe, to the fact that I have used smaller tyres. Maybe I have to get some larger tyres later. Just waiting for the painting now and I can't wait the gt the car onto the road for real. Hopefully to the Owners club National Rally in July.