Single donor Locost

[skyedriver]

Sorry, overactive brain and underactive hands at the moment, following an accident.
If I was to build a Locost style vehicle, based totally around one donor, say an MG Midget or Triumph Spitfire, would I be able to keep the original registration and would I need to SVA it. My own thoughts are it is simply a re chassis job.
Regards
Tony H

[d-man]

It'll need an SVA test, can only get round that one by using an un-modified donor chassis

As for the number plate, by using a single donor (or just by using enough bits from one car) you'll get an age related plate. That's a number plate from the same year as the donor, but not the actual donor plate itself.

[westyman]

SVA is nothing to fear. It's just to test that the vehicle is assembled safely to a pre set standard. Why fear a safety test ? it's you that's got to drive the thing

[skyedriver]

Not concerned over SVA as safety a major priority however would prefer toggle switches etc.
Also going through the whole palaver, would I still get free Road Tax if pre 73 base car used throughout?

[flossythepig]

skyedriver said:

Not concerned over SVA as safety a major priority however would prefer toggle switches etc.

If you use toggle switches they will need to be shrouded in some way. Look at the switches on the BMW Mini.

skyedriver said:

Also going through the whole palaver, would I still get free Road Tax if pre 73 base car used throughout?

First question on leaflet from DVLA.

Exemption from Vehicle Duty for Historic Vehicles said:

Was your vehicle constructed before 1 January 1973?

[peetbee]

skyedriver said:

Not concerned over SVA as safety a major priority however would prefer toggle switches etc.

Although obviously I'm not recomending or condoning this, but, you could always swap parts over after SVA!

Edited by peetbee on Tuesday 4th July 08:21

[skyedriver]

[quote=flossythepig
First question on leaflet from DVLA.

Exemption from Vehicle Duty for Historic Vehicles said:

Was your vehicle constructed before 1 January 1973?

[/quote]

So I could reshell an MG Midget using a new Heritage shell, new brakes, suspension, radiator seats engine box etc etc and it's tax exempt but if I build a Locost using all the old mechanical bits it's not??

[flossythepig]

skyedriver said:

So I could reshell an MG Midget using a new Heritage shell, new brakes, suspension, radiator seats engine box etc etc and it's tax exempt but if I build a Locost using all the old mechanical bits it's not??

A different can of worms here when "Registering Rebuilt, Radically Altered Vehicles and Kit Cars".

DVLA said:

The original unmodified chassis or unaltered bodyshell (i.e. body and chassis as one unit - monocoque); or
A new chassis or monocoque bodyshell of the same specification as the original supported by evidence from the dealer/manufacturer (e.g. receipt)
And two other major components from the original vehicle - see list below
- Suspension (front & back)
- Axles (both)
- Transmission
- Steering Assembly
- Engine

[dozracing]

Everyone seems scared of the SVA.

It is a test that has to be passed, but, the car you use on the road doesn't have to be the same beast you SVA'd. Once the test is complete you can change it to your hearts content so long as it will pass the MOT each time you present it.

Darren

[MR2Mike]

dozracing said:

Everyone seems scared of the SVA.

It is a test that has to be passed, but, the car you use on the road doesn't have to be the same beast you SVA'd. Once the test is complete you can change it to your hearts content so long as it will pass the MOT each time you present it.

Darren

I will be the first to agree that it stops complete sheds being put on the road, which is the main goal of the test. However, failing a car on the radius of it's speedometer bezel whilst potentialy ignoring a chassis with the integrity of a wet paper bag is not contributing a great deal to that goal.

[skyedriver]

flossythepig said:

skyedriver said:

So I could reshell an MG Midget using a new Heritage shell, new brakes, suspension, radiator seats engine box etc etc and it's tax exempt but if I build a Locost using all the old mechanical bits it's not??

A different can of worms here when "Registering Rebuilt, Radically Altered Vehicles and Kit Cars".

DVLA said:

The original unmodified chassis or unaltered bodyshell (i.e. body and chassis as one unit - monocoque); or
A new chassis or monocoque bodyshell of the same specification as the original supported by evidence from the dealer/manufacturer (e.g. receipt)
And two other major components from the original vehicle - see list below
- Suspension (front & back)
- Axles (both)
- Transmission
- Steering Assembly
- Engine

So, I have just seen an ad for a f/g bodied tubular framed car, described as an 1998 model, with historic reg and tax exempt.............??

[peetbee]

skyedriver said:

So, I have just seen an ad for a f/g bodied tubular framed car, described as an 1998 model, with historic reg and tax exempt.............??

But what does the V5c actually say? My bet would be that it shows the details for the original vehicle.

I bought an old Dutton for spares that still said it was a Ford Escort saloon on the V5, it was old enough to be tax exempt too! Big can of worms....