Roof Linings Alternatives

[chrisblades]

I've imported a Suzuki Swift from New Zealand where it was used as a road registered race car. I'm trying to get it through it's IVA in the UK to get it on the road but being race prepped, it has had it's roof lining removed and a roll cage installed. VOSA have said it needs protection around the brackets that the roof lining mounts to and around the bolt heads that the crossbeams attach to.

I had thought about re-installing a roof lining, cut to fit around the roll cage. Although this will look nasty, it only needs to be in there to get it through it's IVA inspection, then it's coming out.

Does anyone have any other ideas of how to cover these brackets in order that it can pass it's IVA? Like I say, it doesn't need to be pretty, it's just got to be sufficient to pass it's test.

[PaulG40]

Can you not just use rollcage padding around the bars? Never heard of a requirement for brackets to be covered as most people with track cars would fully strip out the head lining anyway and still be ok MOTable. Although is yours being an import covering more stringent regs I wonder?

[chrisblades]

You're right, the requirement for any brackets to be covered is based on the fact that I'm trying to get an Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA). Once I get it through that, I can rip out whatever's in there and it would pass an MOT no problem.

I think the line in the IVA test reads something along the lines of no-protruding edges beyond 9mm and a certain circumference.

There is FIA-approved rollcage padding around the cage, doubly secured with cable ties. The inspector even thought these tie-wraps were a hazard because of the sharp edge where they'd been trimmed!

[Risotto]

Assuming you're going to keep it in race-prepped form, can't you take an angle grinder to the roof lining brackets?

[PaulG40]

chrisblades said:

The inspector even thought these tie-wraps were a hazard because of the sharp edge where they'd been trimmed!

The guy sounds an anal jobs worth to me!

[CinqAbarth]

PaulG40 said:

chrisblades said:

The inspector even thought these tie-wraps were a hazard because of the sharp edge where they'd been trimmed!

The guy sounds an anal jobs worth to me!

IVA is incredibly strict on stuff like this, it's a tad more in depth than an MOT.

[chrisblades]

Actually the inspector I've been dealing with has been absolutely great. I did think he might be a bit pedantic based on what some others have said, but he's actually been a big help.

I can take off the roof mounting brackets, but will still have the issue with the bolt heads for the cross members providing the rigidity for the roof.

[dfen5]

PaulG40 said:

chrisblades said:

The inspector even thought these tie-wraps were a hazard because of the sharp edge where they'd been trimmed!

The guy sounds an anal jobs worth to me!

You can buy a tool that cuts them without the sharp ends. Working on anything where they've been cut with edge cutters will sooner or later cut you, I've seen stitches required as a result of zip ties.

[5potTurbo]

dfen5 said:

PaulG40 said:

chrisblades said:

The inspector even thought these tie-wraps were a hazard because of the sharp edge where they'd been trimmed!

The guy sounds an anal jobs worth to me!

You can buy a tool that cuts them without the sharp ends. Working on anything where they've been cut with edge cutters will sooner or later cut you, I've seen stitches required as a result of zip ties.

You can melt the cut ends to make them slightly more bulbous (sp?), so a match or cigarette lighter rather than a tool.

Edited by 5potTurbo on Tuesday 17th August 09:35