IVA / Registration "major component" confusion.

[Darkcat]

Hi all - I'm just in the middle of a Mini build, which comprises parts from an old mini shell put onto a new fibreglass shell (with a bike engine), and in looking through the documentation "INF 26 Guidelines for the registration of rebuilt or radically altered vehicles and kit cars" : (https://www.dvla.gov.uk/dvla/forms/~/media/pdf/leaflets/inf26.ashx)

I am wandering how they will deal with my build.

I am using the complete front and rear subframes and suspension, brakes, and the steering rack & column.

Now under the section entitled "Kit Conversions" which i think this would come under, it states that:
"If a new monocoque bodyshell or chassis from a specialist kit manufacturer (or an altered chassis or bodyshell from an existing vehicle) is used with two original major components from the donor vehicle, a replacement registration number will be issued based on the age of the donor vehicle."

OK All fine, so the "major components" are listed as:
- Chassis / Monocoque
- suspension (front and back)
- Axles (both)
- Transmission
- Steering Assembly
- Engine

My confusion is this:
What are they REALLY referring to as "Axles"?
In the case of the mini, the SUBFRAMES hold the suspension together....

I THINK i could get away without ending up on a Q plate anyway as i'll be using the "Suspension" and "Steering assembly" which is, according to the list 2 major components, but the car os otherwise a mash of new and used parts.

[Dave Brookes]

You shouldn't end up with a "Q" on it.
Your "Axles" are also from the donor.
The only bits that won't be are the new engine and box.

Someone will probably be along in a bit telling you about the INF26 leaflet, and how it means nothing and how you won't need to put your car through test. Just nod and smile and he might not cause any trouble.

[EFA]

Move the number plates from your old car to the new one. Inform the DVLA of the engine capacity change and any change of colour. Make certain you inform your insurers of all modifications to the car from original specification.

Your car is then perfectly legal to drive.


Non compliance with INF26 is not against the law as INF26 is not a Stautory Instrument.


Don't listen to the people on here who provide "kit car build and |IVA related services" as they do not have an impartial view.

[Darkcat]

Really? even though the whole body is now a fibreflass shape with a space frame?

I suppose as the reg still shows on the DVLA web check thing, i could go down that route... but how legal is it?

[Dave Brookes]

See, told ya'

EFA. I have no interest whatsoever in offering any service other than free sound advice to the OP in this thread.

Edited by Dave Brookes on Saturday 23 February 11:48

[EFA]

Dave Brookes - My comment was a generalisation, not aimed at anyone specifically.

Darkcat "but how legal is it?" - Lets try to identify where in fact it is not legal. It is very important to be able to distinguish between DVLA generated nonsense and Law.

[Dave Brookes]

EFA. OK No worries.

Just a thought (And not a "Dig")
What will the discription of the vehicle read on the V5?
If this were a Cobra replica then the wrong thing written in that box would knock 25%+ off the value of the car at resale time.

[Darkcat]

Dave Brookes said:

EFA. OK No worries.

Just a thought (And not a "Dig")
What will the discription of the vehicle read on the V5?
If this were a Cobra replica then the wrong thing written in that box would knock 25%+ off the value of the car at resale time.

Well, the old shell is un-registered ish, it has no V5 (yet appears to be on the dvla's system) I bought it years ago for cash with no paperwork.

I dont know what i'd call it on the V5, its a mini look-alike shell with an old mini's running gear

Edited by Darkcat on Saturday 23 February 14:46

[PaulKemp]

Axles
In this case it is as much of the front and rear drive train that you fit
In kit car lotus 7 types use front and rear fabricated wishbones and also use the diff, drive shafts, hubs brakes back and front without any subframe a from the donor, this still gets you the points for fitting axles

Earlier post said just swap reg plates from old to new

What about the VIN plate? If you swap that is technically ringing

[Darkcat]

PaulKemp said:

What about the VIN plate? If you swap that is technically ringing

Exactly - or is it? if I attach it to a subframe?

anyway isnt that specifically swapping the vin off a scrapped car onto a STOLEN one (in law)

Edited by Darkcat on Saturday 23 February 15:21

[Fastpedeller]

Being realistic, despite it not "being set in law", you could find that DVLA and/or Police take action. Yes, it may no be set in law, but do YOU want to be the test case? I know I wouldn't........ I should think any court of law would agree that the 'authorities' and indeed anyone on the Clapham Omnibus would think it reasonable that a vehicle undergoing such radical changes should go through IVA.
Yes it's not cheap (£450 IIRC), but it's a small price to pay for peace of mind. ps. I have no vested interest either!!

[Dave Brookes]

Darkcat said:

Dave Brookes said:

EFA. OK No worries.

Just a thought (And not a "Dig")
What will the discription of the vehicle read on the V5?
If this were a Cobra replica then the wrong thing written in that box would knock 25%+ off the value of the car at resale time.

Well, the old shell is un-registered ish, it has no V5 (yet appears to be on the dvla's system) I bought it years ago for cash with no paperwork.

I dont know what i'd call it on the V5, its a mini look-alike shell with an old mini's running gear

Edited by Darkcat on Saturday 23 February 14:46

Ahh, the message was directed at EFA with regard to what the new inCARnation would be called.

[EFA]

If it looks like a Mini, describe it as a Mini. Just don't describe it as a Mini when selling for that would be fraud, a matter around which there is Statute legislation.