DDK - Die Deutschen Klassiker

Bootsy wrote:Just testing this thread.

And testing if I can reply and quote and post pictures...

Dropped into the IVA centre this morning for a long chat about the through the bonnet filler. Showed him the pictures etc. To cut the long story short he said it he would fail it on the grounds of the filler cap handle, which we know but also on the fact that the tank could still be filled with the bonnet open.???

Asked why would you open the bonnet if you have access without opening the bonnet to fill the tank. His reply was they look at it from every angle that someone might. We chatted further, he tried to contact the top dog at Vosa to discuss the filler. No luck in getting him. So l got an email address to send an email which I've sent with pics etc to see what he has to say.

Had a reply telling me he's away and not back till the 4th Feb. So let's see what he has to say regarding this when he's back.

Hi Rich, thanks for trying. Back to plan B or was it C

Greg having trouble posting this end so can only post in small amounts then edit to add more. Really frustrating.... There's still hope so don't get cutting any holes yet.

Technology is great until it ain't. My computer has stopped communicating with the printer for some unknown reason.

No plan to conduct open heart surgery just yet, so will wait.

Hi Rich, Any update on what other options there are for using the fuel filler under the bonnet?

Just had a reply from Vosa. Here it is.

Unfortunately, having studied your attached photographs, I am afraid that
the vehicle in its current format would receive a failure item for the
installation of the fuel filler. This is because the requirements of
section 03A (Fuel Tanks) of the IVA M1 manual are clear. A fuel tank
filling point must not be located in the luggage compartment. While I
appreciate that with the "bonnet" closed this requirement is met, it is not
the case when the "bonnet" is open. As the IVA manual requires the vehicle
to be assessed for compliance in all modes of operation (Foreword section
of the manual) then this would cause a failure item to be generated.

While I appreciate that this is not the answer you had hoped for, I do hope
that you have found this information to be of use. However, if you feel
that I can be of further assistance in this matter, please do not hesitate
to contact me.

Best regards,

Mark

Mark Vickers Eng Tech MSOE MIRTE | Technical Officer IVA M1 N1 O1
Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency | Ellipse, Padley Road, Swansea, SA1
8AN
Phone: 0300 123 9000

Could it be attached to the bonnet with a flexible pipe so it remains outside. Assuming such a large bore, flexible, petrol proof hose even exists.

Thanks Rich for clarifying the issue. I guess the hole saw and cheque book will need to come out and make the changes.

Basically I plan to cut a hole in the top of the drivers wing/ scuttle use an aluminium fuel filler with key and tether to cap, cut through inner arch (rubber gasket to fuel line) and use appropriate fuel line to tank. I will need to modify the bottom of a beetle fuel tank (reduce height) and use an earth strap to chassis. Tank may end up only holding a couple of litres but only needs to drive around the test yard.

Filler - http://www.carbuildersolutions.com/uk/b ... -aluminium
Hose - http://www.carbuildersolutions.com/uk/u ... ose-51mm-2

Something like this?

http://www.hoseworld.com/acatalog/066.pdf

Might need to be attached to a rear corner of the bonnet to reduce the movement of the filler point. A centre mount would be a lot of movement for the hose to cope with.

Good to have that clarified Rich as it has always concerned me that it may be permissible. However, on that basis you'd fail on lots of other counts. Such as side repeater rearward visibility with the doors open, or not being able to see where you are going with the bonnet open, or ...

Is that really materially different from my T5 van where you have to open the passenger door to open the filler cap which then places the filler cap in the same aperture as the door?



But, onwards and upwards!

Simon

If I fitted an even bigger engine maybe I could get enough speed up!

"Is that really materially different from my T5 van where you have to open the passenger door to open the filler cap which then places the filler cap in the same aperture as the door?"

That's an intresting point you have Simon. Just might put that in an email just for curiosity to see what Mark at Vosa has to say.

Like your idea of thought Bruce.

Simon,

You got me thinking of your filler location and access. The IVA states this;

Fuel tank filling points must not be located in the passenger compartment, luggage compartment or within an engine compartment.

And l bet you don't always shut the passenger door when you fill-up either. So surely this is the same scenario and according to IVA this would be a fail. Being you can fill-up with the door open or closed...

Or am l on my own, thinking this way??

Sent Vosa a response email Monday but not heard anything back, maybe gave them something to think about before replying ??