When does a 'retrofit' require a new SVA test?
Discussion
I'm looking at installing a quick-release steering wheel with electrical connectors (mainly so I can have the horn button where it's easy to thump in anger!) , and perhaps retrofitting a Ford indicator stalks (Like on Stigs new Canam), but then I thought, perhaps I'd have to get it re-SVA'd, would this be the case or would I have to be making more major modifications (i.e. structural) before that occured ???
(I'm asking because I'm only a meer owner, not a builder...)
Cheers,
Pete
(I'm asking because I'm only a meer owner, not a builder...)
Cheers,
Pete
Probably a new chassis would be required before the car would need to be SVA'd again. SVA is a one off test. All mods would need to meet MOT requirements and road traffic laws. (Why do you think so many "kit cars" are never finished?) 
You should have no problem doing what mods your suggesting.
Paul.B
You should have no problem doing what mods your suggesting. Paul.B
Not for SVA, but getting the wiring sorted on a built car will be a mare. It was hard enough doing it on an unbuilt one. 
andygtt said:
So your not going to offer to make it for other builders?
Nope. One 'quirk' I found was that seemingly identical stalks actually function in different ways. I have 3 sets that all work differently, but look identical?!?
For the amount of queries I'd end up having to deal with if I sold a kit to do it, it definitely wouldn't be worth it. Especially as the cars may already have modded looms.
Basically, it would never pay for itself what with modified steering column, cowl fabrication etc.etc.
Shame, as I'm really chuffed with the results in the Can-Am.
Cool,
I'll hunt some down at a local wreckers yard, if it looks old, I'll just buy a new indicator set of Ebay and use the loom...
Just a few more questions! (I looked on your site first - honest!)
1: How did you actually mount the indicator? Bolted directly to the dashboard or...?
2: Did the factory make the extended steering column for you?
3: How do you find that Snap-Off unit, I was looking at some Sparco ones that had multiple connectors. (But are a lot more expensive!)
Cheers,
Pete
(maybe if enough of us do this we can get the factory to offer it as a 'standard' option!)
I'll hunt some down at a local wreckers yard, if it looks old, I'll just buy a new indicator set of Ebay and use the loom...
Just a few more questions! (I looked on your site first - honest!)
1: How did you actually mount the indicator? Bolted directly to the dashboard or...?
2: Did the factory make the extended steering column for you?
3: How do you find that Snap-Off unit, I was looking at some Sparco ones that had multiple connectors. (But are a lot more expensive!)
Cheers,
Pete
(maybe if enough of us do this we can get the factory to offer it as a 'standard' option!)
peterpsg said:
Cool,
I'll hunt some down at a local wreckers yard, if it looks old, I'll just buy a new indicator set of Ebay and use the loom...
Just a few more questions! (I looked on your site first - honest!)
1: How did you actually mount the indicator? Bolted directly to the dashboard or...?
2: Did the factory make the extended steering column for you?
3: How do you find that Snap-Off unit, I was looking at some Sparco ones that had multiple connectors. (But are a lot more expensive!)
Cheers,
Pete
(maybe if enough of us do this we can get the factory to offer it as a 'standard' option!)
Pete,
1) I fabricated a custom mount that bolts to the upper steering column bush chassis mount. It's a tube that shrouds the steering column with a mountnig flange on the rear. Luckily I got a tube that was the exact diameter of the gap in the stalks. The stalks are secured in the original manner with an M4 button head into the mount.
2) I had the column fabricated by an engineering co. to factory specs. To save you getting your ears burnt - I wouldn't bother asking Ted for one
You can modify the original column by welding an extension in, but I'd buggered about with mine alot so opted for a new one. 3) I got the Snap-Off unit from eBay. Took a while to find one at a decent price though (and brand new).
As for the factory offering it as standard, I'm afraid there's no hope of that in the forseeable future. Ted's not a fan of the stalk setup
Apparently they tried it out with some cars destined for Australia but they weren't very well received. I think these were a different stalk design (and probably on the Sport not the GTR/Can-Am). I'm still not sure whether it's more trouble than it's worth, so I'd have to say that I'd probably recommend potential builders to stick with the standard setup.
Ok, I'll not put myself in the postmans' postition with the factory dobermans then!
My alternative plan was to simply tap into the wiring for a few of the most commonly used functions, i.e. indicator, HI-LO beam etc, and putting a few momentary switchs discretely on the steering wheel (directly coupled to either relays or some simple TTL style logic relay driver IC's)
This is the unit I'm thinking of using, it's pricy but nice, plus it has an 8 wire connector to get creative with!
The trick is mounting it if you look at this picture, you can see it's a shaft mount rather than a plate like your one is...
I think I'll have to cut off the flat circular disc on the steering column, mount/weld on the shaft of the quick release unit, then bolt the crush plate/spacer to the other side of the quick release then finally mount the steering wheel on to the crush plate... phew!
How does that all sound?!
Pete
(PS: I'm not afiliated in anyway with the manufacturer!)
My alternative plan was to simply tap into the wiring for a few of the most commonly used functions, i.e. indicator, HI-LO beam etc, and putting a few momentary switchs discretely on the steering wheel (directly coupled to either relays or some simple TTL style logic relay driver IC's)
This is the unit I'm thinking of using, it's pricy but nice, plus it has an 8 wire connector to get creative with!
The trick is mounting it if you look at this picture, you can see it's a shaft mount rather than a plate like your one is...
I think I'll have to cut off the flat circular disc on the steering column, mount/weld on the shaft of the quick release unit, then bolt the crush plate/spacer to the other side of the quick release then finally mount the steering wheel on to the crush plate... phew!
How does that all sound?!
Pete
(PS: I'm not afiliated in anyway with the manufacturer!)
My opinion...
I found that in road driving, with the regular factory setup, my hands are so close to the dash that I don't need anything on the steering wheel or an indicator stalk. Initially I wanted to put these in (and I'm a huge gadget freak), but eventually decided against it after looking at commercial units and the mess of how to mount them. Some really advanced F1 steering wheels might give you all the controls, but they were outside my price range.
The Ultima is so well stared at on the road - your use of indicators doesn't matter too much - everyone is watching what you are doing!
I found that in road driving, with the regular factory setup, my hands are so close to the dash that I don't need anything on the steering wheel or an indicator stalk. Initially I wanted to put these in (and I'm a huge gadget freak), but eventually decided against it after looking at commercial units and the mess of how to mount them. Some really advanced F1 steering wheels might give you all the controls, but they were outside my price range.
The Ultima is so well stared at on the road - your use of indicators doesn't matter too much - everyone is watching what you are doing!
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