DVLA Build Regulations

[Steve_D]

Hi
Went to see local DVLA office today to get their thoughts on where my build would fit into the regs.
I've built a kitcar before so know that each office sees the regs slightly differently.

For KITCAR the regs say ‘all the parts are new apart from one reconditioned ( to 'as new' standard) component’. The office say ‘all the parts’ means major components from the list:-
Chassis/bodyshell
Suspension front & back
Axels (both)
Transmission
Steering assembly
Engine
Any other minor parts can be second-hand.
All the above will get you a current registration and no MOT for 3 years.

The alternative is KIT CONVERSION which will get you an age related registration provided you use 2 major components on the list above from a donor vehicle and add to your kit of new parts. I can't see any way of doing that as the only car that would provide a number of parts is the Ford Scorpio but none of them would be from the list. An Ultima with a Pinto engine now there's a frightening thought.

I'm not even discussing 'Q' plates.

If it’s going to be KITCAR regs I have to comply with then either the engine or gearbox will have to be brand new.
Is this correct?
Steve

[davefiddes]

Yep. That's my understand of the regs.

Things get more ropey still though. Most Ultimas want to avoid getting cats because of the cost (either that or we hate trees ) so we have to pick an engine with a remanufactured block. This is because for the purposes of SVA the emissions are taken with the age of the block (usually 72-74ish age for chevy 350s). For the purposes of registration though the engine is considered new - carefully worded receipts help here I guess.

When it comes to MOT time there are no issues because it is an amateur build vehicle so just has to pass the same SVA smoke test.

[ultimaandy]

My understanding is that the Engine and gearbox count as one component, both must be fully reconditioned to as new though as you state. This is how I (and many others) passed SVA.

I didn't know about the small components being allowed to be 2nd hand though.

[Steve_D]

The bit about minor components being secondhand is the reason I went to speak with them. I know from the past that many people have problems when they go to register because each office interprets the rules differently. This was the Portsmouth office, they were very helpfull and friendly both yesterday and when I build my JBA Falcon 8 years ago.

[ultimapaul]

With SVA & registration you have to be carefull. The SVA examiner may be happy but not the registration office and vicer versa. I got my car SVA'd at the same station as the factory, a long trip but well worth it. They know the cars and ignor items such as polycarb' side windows etc.
I then got the factory to register the car on my behalf, a 5 min formality for them or a very frustrating series of questions and hoops to be jumped through for me. A no brainer decision that one. When I phoned my local registration office (P'mouth) they wanted to know the in's & out's of a ducks arse. They even threatened to force me to TRAILOR the car to the office to have it examined. I would not be allowed to drive it there.
As previously mentioned a lot of agro can be removed if the reciepts are worded correctly, Ultima know how to word them!
It may be time consumming to go up to Nottingham for the SVA and get the car registered via proxy but the hassle avoided is immense.

Paul