bikingnutcase0 wrote:I've just read this thread (was browsing the forum looking for wheel offset data, and gearbox info...) and stumbled upon this. Re the third post- Omg, all the legislation is a bit worrying isn't it?!?! The Euro fun police are really on it at the moment aren't they? I've read the INF26 document, about the eight-point system-
Vehicles that have been radically altered-
This covers vehicles which are radically altered from their original specification, but which are not kit conversions.
In these cases, the vehicle components from the original vehicle will be given a number of points. To keep the original registration number, the vehicle must have eight or more points, which must include the original or new unmodified chassis or monocoque bodyshell.
If the vehicle has less than eight points, a second-hand or altered chassis, frame or monocoque bodyshell is used, the vehicle must have IVA, SVA or MSVA, whichever is appropriate, so that it can be registered. A ‘Q’ registration number will then be issued, (see section 7.)
The following points will be given to the original major components used.
n Chassis or monocoque bodyshell (body and chassis as one unit) (original or new)* 5
n Suspension (front & back) 2
n Axles (both) 2
n Transmission 2
n Steering assembly 2
n Engine 1
I have a ratty 1256 HC estate I was planning to tidy up, put a diesel into and use as a daily drive (for 15p a litre biodiesel-fuelled motoring). What I've gleaned from all of this is that my plan to swap engine and box for diesel and later-model box, fit a Jensen-Healey (vauxhall magnum) axle (to withstand the extra diesel torque), and put newer uprated springs, bushes and shocks (suspension, according to the INF26?), and later astra 236mm disks and pads (vented and readily availiable spares), will put me dangerously close to requiring an IVA and new reg no.
If it gets to that point I suppose I'll simply have to claim the back axle is original, and the springs and dampers are just brand new replacements, hence giving me 11points and forgoing the need for a Q-plate. Ridiculous.
Axles, My estate is coming along rather slowly, but I do have intentions of fitting a scimitar SE5a axle, this is a Sailsbury 4HA axle, tough as old boots, LSDs are available as its similar to the basic Jag diff, there is also a lot of changeover from the Dana 44, so parts are not so hard, I seem to remember Volvo use a Metric version too, The bracketing will obviously have to be scratch built, but I am contemplating making adjustable top arms so I can set the pinion angle correctly, the scimitar diff also come with a bracket for a Watts linkage,
the only down side is the hubs need to be redrilled to suit the 4x4" vauxhall hubs,
Springing, rear springs are going to be Vauxhall Corsa Pigtail rear springs, -100mm but with adjustable alloy spring platforms. Personally, The way I read the suspension mods means radical alterations, swapping over to IRS and similar, or front beam to IFS, possibly cutting the floor (monocoque) to fit a 4 bar is marginal at best,
I have been building modified old cars for nearly 40 years, I have never been questioned about my builds, even with the rules been in force for so long, If you are subtle about how you do the mods, you have to remember the car you have is at a minimum of 40 years old, and there are not many MOT testers that can remember what a Viva looks like mechanically, I do know of a very understanding MOT station, I have never used them, but know plenty who have.
If you do have to go thru an IVA its unlikely a viva would ever pass without serious mods, Things like Roof Gutters would ensure a fail, lack of collapsible steering column. exposed wipers, etc I seem to remember you would need to do over 30 mods to a stock mk1 mini to pass an IVA or similar