IVA stuff - D' Day almost on me!
Discussion
Hi Guys,
Well, after months of slightly stressful rushing around after work, trying to unravel all the various sought bits of information I could find to complete my project ready for IVA, I have precisely 1 days to go!
IVA is up at Notts (researched, and apparently the best place, although much further away than I wished for)tomorrow, so early start, collect up all those essential tools, just in case, add bits of rubber and tape, rush around checking all the paperwork is with the car, then have a leisurely lift in the tow car musing about what is to transpire!
Going over the car with a friend (if not using the Factory services) pre-IVA is essential, as a second pair of eyes will always find something you have missed, believe me! And the very exercise seems to sharpen your observation skills, as when that friend leaves, you tend to see other stuff (not pointed out by your friend) with new eyes, so yesterday I found perhaps 1/2 dozen minor issues, easily fixed that could have caused a fail.
One thing the I think should be a MUST for this site, and for the benefit of all who follow, is a PRE-IVA check-list stickied on this forum.
I know there are many pearls of wisdom here already from eminent builders + there is a lot from the factory obviously, but as I found out there are also some conflicting bits of info (eg ride height and the reasons) and stuff that you should check - fix that is not so obvious... There is also the fact that some IVA stations view stuff slightly differently - knowing that is equally important.
So, now I can't do a lot more - here is the start of a few hints that I only found out at the 10th and 11th hr:
Well, after months of slightly stressful rushing around after work, trying to unravel all the various sought bits of information I could find to complete my project ready for IVA, I have precisely 1 days to go!
IVA is up at Notts (researched, and apparently the best place, although much further away than I wished for)tomorrow, so early start, collect up all those essential tools, just in case, add bits of rubber and tape, rush around checking all the paperwork is with the car, then have a leisurely lift in the tow car musing about what is to transpire!
Going over the car with a friend (if not using the Factory services) pre-IVA is essential, as a second pair of eyes will always find something you have missed, believe me! And the very exercise seems to sharpen your observation skills, as when that friend leaves, you tend to see other stuff (not pointed out by your friend) with new eyes, so yesterday I found perhaps 1/2 dozen minor issues, easily fixed that could have caused a fail.
One thing the I think should be a MUST for this site, and for the benefit of all who follow, is a PRE-IVA check-list stickied on this forum.
I know there are many pearls of wisdom here already from eminent builders + there is a lot from the factory obviously, but as I found out there are also some conflicting bits of info (eg ride height and the reasons) and stuff that you should check - fix that is not so obvious... There is also the fact that some IVA stations view stuff slightly differently - knowing that is equally important.
So, now I can't do a lot more - here is the start of a few hints that I only found out at the 10th and 11th hr:
I am sure most below is obvious to many, but not necessarily to all, especially to numpties like me so here goes:
1. Factory can provide a set of rubber trim to cover:
a. Sharp edge in GRP around the front of the radiator outlet on top of the GRP.
b. Side Mirrors themselves (just stretch the rubber around the mirror, tack with a spot of glue where joined, and use
heatgun sparingly to remove wrinkles.
c. Aircon plate under dash.
2. Check out you're steering wheel spokes, are they steel and mainly exposed - might need trimming - (mine didn't)
3. Side Mirrors again - check GRP moulding, especially around the inner edge - outer edge radius OK,but can be quite sharp on inner edge - use coarse grit-paper and bevel - easy.
4. Ride height - factory generally recommend 130 for IVA (I have heard 140)for front, but I was curious as to why - Notts tell me it was all about the minimum height of the bottom of the front indicator units - must be minimum 350mm from ground. I found that 110 is OK with that+ clears test rollers, and managed to get light alignment OK also. Notts IVA centre appear not to be concerned that they may not be able to clear ramp. Taking 'C' spanners with me just in case.
5. Remember to fill both fuel Tanks, and check for ANY fluid leaks - instant fail if found.
6. Wise to cover ALL +ve terms, even on pumps etc with caps - where caps wont fit, I used a blob of Tiger-seal!
7. Make sure your brake lines cannot move close enough to foul or get trapped in the shocks coil springs - easy to miss...
8. If your front clip opens much wider that factory std, as mine does - then it is not IVA compliant (50% of the light unit surface must be visible to an approaching car) - BUT you CAN put a sticker in your cab with a warning to the driver to use a Warning triangle if stopped to warn other road users of the presence of your vehicle) - I did this!
9. For Notts IVA station, over the weekend I found out that the DVLA are opposite! Which means that youi MIGHT be able to go register your car immediately after passing the IVA inspection, but only if they are not too busy! - Certainly saves a trip and another wait for appt!
I am sure there is a lot more, but it is a start....
Remember that not all IVA stations interpret the rules the same way - which can be confusing...
So - we will see....
Anyone care to add some more gems?
1. Factory can provide a set of rubber trim to cover:
a. Sharp edge in GRP around the front of the radiator outlet on top of the GRP.
b. Side Mirrors themselves (just stretch the rubber around the mirror, tack with a spot of glue where joined, and use
heatgun sparingly to remove wrinkles.
c. Aircon plate under dash.
2. Check out you're steering wheel spokes, are they steel and mainly exposed - might need trimming - (mine didn't)
3. Side Mirrors again - check GRP moulding, especially around the inner edge - outer edge radius OK,but can be quite sharp on inner edge - use coarse grit-paper and bevel - easy.
4. Ride height - factory generally recommend 130 for IVA (I have heard 140)for front, but I was curious as to why - Notts tell me it was all about the minimum height of the bottom of the front indicator units - must be minimum 350mm from ground. I found that 110 is OK with that+ clears test rollers, and managed to get light alignment OK also. Notts IVA centre appear not to be concerned that they may not be able to clear ramp. Taking 'C' spanners with me just in case.
5. Remember to fill both fuel Tanks, and check for ANY fluid leaks - instant fail if found.
6. Wise to cover ALL +ve terms, even on pumps etc with caps - where caps wont fit, I used a blob of Tiger-seal!
7. Make sure your brake lines cannot move close enough to foul or get trapped in the shocks coil springs - easy to miss...
8. If your front clip opens much wider that factory std, as mine does - then it is not IVA compliant (50% of the light unit surface must be visible to an approaching car) - BUT you CAN put a sticker in your cab with a warning to the driver to use a Warning triangle if stopped to warn other road users of the presence of your vehicle) - I did this!
9. For Notts IVA station, over the weekend I found out that the DVLA are opposite! Which means that youi MIGHT be able to go register your car immediately after passing the IVA inspection, but only if they are not too busy! - Certainly saves a trip and another wait for appt!
I am sure there is a lot more, but it is a start....
Remember that not all IVA stations interpret the rules the same way - which can be confusing...
So - we will see....
Anyone care to add some more gems?
Edited by 3Dee on Monday 13th May 08:52
I recall having seen a long write-up on this subject on AB's site. I don't know if it is still pertinent, but here it is:
http://www.autobionics.co.uk/Ultima%20specific%20I...
http://www.autobionics.co.uk/Ultima%20specific%20I...
Because the Ultima does not have a steering lock you must have an electronic immobiliser fitted. You can fit this yourself but if it is also an alarm then it must have a certificate from an accredited fitter. It may have changed but this was not in the build instructions nor was there wiring for it in the loom.
Steve
Steve
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