MOT for an Ultima

[bluesatin]

Well its due next month and was wondering what problem others had with putting an Ultima through its first MOT

[edfoxuk]

just had my first, and it was tough.

two main probs

1 headlight testing. my locals testing rig wouldn't go that low, the vehicle inspectorate said the lights were illegal.

2 emissions. pre s reg and it should be a visual test only. post s and you have to comply with emissions as donor vehicle on V5.

Also they wont like lifting it because the beam lift wont go under the car. They will have to use tall stands instead. If i were you i'd give them a little warning then they can't get stroppy. I had a real set to with an inspector who just didn't want the hassle. Most people react well to the car but i've noticed a few who simply do not. its just the way it is.

where are you? there's one local to the factory who are quite understanding.

good luck

ed

[ultimasimon]

Maybe it would be worth putting up a list of MOT stations that 'understand' these cars?

Mine sailed through and the guy was talking about it non stop, and only too pleased to pass it after the 'physical' brake test

[GTRMikie]

If possible go to a small local garage. These tend to be run by motoring enthusiasts who appreciate the engineering and the effort that goes in to building an Ultima. During the year up to my first MOT I made a point of becoming very friendly with my local garage owner, giving him all the servicing work on our other cars. We are now good friends on first name terms. A few weeks prior to the MOT I took him home and showed him the GTR for the first time. His first comment was "I can see this is going to pass with no problems" I then told him what emission test it had to pass (ie none, I showed him the SVA pass certificate) and he accepted this. On the day of the test he did give it the full going over, in fact all his mechanics (two) were over it like flies and indeed discovered the dreaded play (not too much) in a couple of the rear suspension bushes. I assured him I would replace them at the earliest opportunity. I had no problems getting the car onto the ramps, hoist or brake rollers. My third MOT is due shortly, so the wife's Micra goes in for a full service next week!

[gdr]

So long as the MoT station accept SVA cert coding for emissions standard, should be OK. My V5 has nothing on emissions or age of donor engine so my fear was they would test emissions based on year of registration.

[menostig]

My S reg sport should've been basic emissions tested, but I said the engine was "oh 60s or 70s" and so they didn't bother. They didn't want to roller or road test the brakes either. This shows the value of sending all your business to the same place so they get to know you and your odd collection of kit cars over the years.

[davejw]

There are several things testers don't like so keeping a restrained tongue, be as enthusiastic as possible.

Hardest part was finding an MOT centre that knew the rules and had a friendly ramp - long overhang + low car = no ramp....

After much searching went to see Karl at Verdi's (well respected independent Ferrari specialist near Heathrow) and they got it done. If they can MOT F40's the Ultima is not going to be much more of a challenge.

Dave.

[tjb]

The first two places I tried to get my Sports MOT'd couldn't get it onto their ramps/brake rollers.

Eventually I was recommended Humphries Tyre and Exhaust in Market Street Bracknell (01344 485851), because they have a plate brake tester so no problems with rollers. Also an Ultima goes on their ramps OK. They have passed it twice now. They only did a visible smoke test, but then mine is R reg.

Minor hassle is to use a plate brake test you need to get a weight certificate for the vehicle. I got mine from Bracknell Waste Transfer station. Doesn't cost much but you do get some strange looks queuing up with the lorries to be weighed! It did at least confirm that with half full tanks a Sports weighs 1040Kg

[shithotfast]

small garage = easy MOT. I get mine done in Liss near Petersfield. No issues......SMITHS GARAGE - Liss if anyone wants to get an easy (but safe/real) mot.