Scratch build for IVA

[M-1wcfh]

Had a look and. I could only find old info on this .
I am considering / early planning a scratch build for IVA , I have searched and the prevailing advice is it’s madness . Has anyone done it with success ?

- this is how far I have got in planning
- space frame chassis , taking cues from atom and ultima
- minimal bodywork , think atom and GRP. And a gr40 style rear clamshell
- LS3 and 01e powertrain .
- doors and door surrounds cut off an e92 .
- suspension off wrecked c6 (where engine will come from )
- styling will be aviation related (former pilot )
- I am thinking about using a fighter jet canopy in part (anyone remember the Jaguar Topcat or ground fighter ?) but the IVA requirements seem quite strict on this .
- i think it’s probably 2000- 3000 hours work .
- my job allows big chunks of time but allowing 3-5 years
- £35 k budget - selling my TVR .
- I do have an engineering background

Any inputs ?

Cheers !

[Steve Dean]

Hi there, I presume you have a copy of the current IVA documentation. This needs to be studied in great detail multiple times and then studied again and again.
By default as you are using many donor parts, then should the vehicle pass the IVA it will be allocated a 'Q' registration.
The canopy parts you are considering using would be a Fail as they will not have the appropriate markings.
I admire your enthusiasm but you need to spend a large amount of time to fully understand the implications of being compliant with the IVA test with regard to a one-off vehicle. It can be done but its not a trivial pursuit.
Keep us all posted if you go ahead.
Best regards
Steve.

[M-1wcfh]

Steve thanks for the reply , yes have been through the IVA Document and will keep going through it , the windows section is a little unclear (!) . I understand has to be e- marked for for windscreen and drivers side windows and rear window if fitted . There seems to be some wiggle room for passenger side windows and “transparent” body panels that are not subject to the windows requirement . Wondering if I can use the canopy for the passenger windows and roof that way . It’s critical to chassis design so need to work that out first .
I have settled on using the Renault twizy windscreen in the pic .
Cheers

Thanks all

[johnpsanderson]

I think you'll be in a very small majority. If you're not already aware of it probably worth looking at https://www.locostbuilders.co.uk/

There are threads on here of very skilled people doing very impressive things e.g. Bespoke Aston

This thread on RetroRides has been fascinating in terms of the challenges of working production car parts into a 'scratch built' design: Reliant Kitten chassis and handbuilt bodywork

"- suspension off wrecked c6 " is pretty vague - most "scratch" builds i've come across use scratch built wishbones (hung from what is effectively a bespoke designed chassis with tailored mounting points) - then coilovers/dampers etc from the likes of Protech /etc - and just uprights/driveshafts/steering racks that have come from (or are based on/modified from) production cars.

I suspect, unless you've got a deep track record in this area of work, you'll be going in absolutely at the deep end...

Edited to sort the hyper links out....

Edited by johnpsanderson on Thursday 23 April 15:23

[M-1wcfh]

John , yes it’s definitely the deep end . Thanks for the information and links I’ll take a good look .
Thanks again .

[Bluevanman]

Contact vosa or whoever it is handles IVA these days.They were very helpful when I was building a 1 off.I no longer have the contact details unfortunately

[Chris-S]

No issue as such, just build with an eye on the manual at all times. I built a Midlana a few years back (plans/book from a US designer) and other than an issue with brake pedal effort and a brain-fart on the axle weight declaration, it passed no bother. Zero issues with basic construction/design etc.

This was using uprights & rack from a donor car (MX-5). Engine & gearbox from another donor (Alfa 166). Everything else was fabricated by me. Screen was a cut-down Landrover item so markings not a problem. No side or rear windows.

BUT...the IVA examiner did say that when he saw the application come in and that it wasn't a recognised kit, he immediately upped his scepticism and pickiness levels. His expression was 'built by Fred in his shed'. Once he saw the car, he was quickly reassured it was a decent build so the test was no problem (other than the issues noted).

I did a pre-IVA MOT test, which it passed, but on the way there it was immediately apparent that braking pedal effort was very high - even if it had passed IVA, I'd have sorted that. As it turned out, it didn't meet the requirements so I completely re-did the brakes. Bigger discs all round, bigger calipers all round, pedal box with the correct ratio...and new master cylinders to match it all. Passed easily on the retest and sooo much nicer to drive.

The brain fart on axle weights was a simple thing to sort - just phoned up DVSA for the retest and gave them the new numbers over the phone.

I contacted DVLA for advice on a VIN long before starting the build, explaining I was doing a scratch build, and they issued me with one. Very helpful. They do require a statement from a 'recognised authority' that said VIN has been applied to the chassis. They gave me a declaration form to get signed & return to them. I got my local MOT place to do that for me.

Note the difference between DVLA & DVSA - the clue is in the names. Licensing or Standards. Took me a while to twig the difference.....duh. And no, they don't talk to one another.....

Re your canopy idea....unless it has approved markings (it won't I suspect), leave it off for the test. That may require some temporary covers/trim to meet the radii requirements but the testers seem remarkably tolerant of things that are obviously temporary as long as you don't take the p155.

Keep us posted!!


...and a final edit...if you use all new parts (with one refurbished to as new with proof) you could get a current registration if you wanted...but honestly, a Q has a number of advantages IMO. As the manufacturer, you can declare the chassis as being new, given you built it.

Feel free to ask if you think of anything I might be able to help with.

Edited by Chris-S on Saturday 25th April 15:09

Edited by Chris-S on Saturday 25th April 15:16

[InitialDave]

Yes, get the manual for the IVA, read it a few times, maybe tabulate out every element into a spreadsheet so you can go through and make notes of how you will address each requirement.

Seconding calling the DVSA for any questions, I found them very helpful years ago with som (non-IVA-related) type approval questions.

Sounds like an interesting project, what's your rationale for the various donor elements you've chosen?

[Kevp]

Hi and good luck.

Just in case here is the link to the current regulation for car manufacturer's

You need section - Annex II, Part 1, Appendix 2
This is for the compliance of single vehicle type approval "Article 44"

https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?ur...

There are 72 sections for you to comply with. However they are not necessarily apply to you. - for example
Section 59, Directive 2005/64/EC, (Recyclability)
Section 61, Directive 2006/40/EC, (Air-conditioning system)
Section 72, Regulation (EU) 2015/758, (eCall system)

Also each country can omit certain sections. The UK has chosen to omit Section 58, Regulation (EC) No 78/2009 (Pedestrian protection). This covers ABS, so a good one to avoid.

At each section the relevant Directive or Regulation number is listed. So its easy to search and find the individual regulations requirement.

You may find setting up a spreadsheet following these sections to be useful especially when presenting the car and documents to the authority's.

Cross reference all this with the IVA info and you will not go wrong. ;~)

Kevin