SVA (from Replicas)

[shambly]

[Sorry, didn't want to discuss Chesil's business in the public forum]

I finished a Chesil last year (August) and had Chesil handle the registration for me - It did not go through SVA.

Chesil's local VRO is processing their re-registration applications, due to familiarity with their kits, without requiring each car to go through an SVA test. Chesil register a car every couple of weeks, so this is a routine regular process involving the local police (inspection) and VRO (paperwork). The DVLA are aware of what Chesil are doing.

Technically of course, the chassis is modified, though I believe there may be some argument that VW tested shortened chassis at the height of the buggy boom (when the only additional strength was provided by the buggy body; unlike a speedster kit with its hefty steel sub-frame).

So technically each car should be going through SVA. My impression from Chesil was that even they feel that their current mechanism will come to the end soon, and that they will need to SVA each car.

My advice to current builders depends on when you plan to get the car to the stage it can be re-registered (needs a valid MoT), and if you are building a Chesil.

If its within 6 months assume that you won't need SVA and pay Chesil the £50+vat for them to handle the process for you at their local office - Note that this will require your vehicle to be at their site for a couple of weeks.

If your finish date is later than that, I would plan for SVA.

Note that SVA means rear fog light, side repeaters, hood catch covers, using Chesil's spring-back mirrors (if your mirrors are outside the plan of your vehicle), adding brake fluid warning light, collapsable steering wheel boss, non-slotted steering wheel, paying attention to fuel and electrical wiring support, and a few other items.

SVA shouldn't be a big deal - Chesil put cars through where customers want a brand new registration issued so they should be up-to-date with what is required by inspectors at present (they seem to be constantly updating interpretations).

As I see it the only down-side to SVA (other than the hastle factor) are the side-repeaters and ugly steering wheel - but of course you can always SVA before you paint to remove the repeaters, and replace the wheel later.... (selling on to someone for their test....)

Hope this is helpful.

Simon

[Bootsy]

Simon, thank you for taking the time to type a comprehensive answer as I know this is a question that is raised very often.

I agree this is the best place in the Members Only section.

Once again, many thanks and I hope this helps everybody who is building a rep at the moment.

If you ever want to see one done to a very high standard make sure you check out Simon's at a show, its a very cool car.

[JonR]

Very useful. Thanks Simon.

Only problem is, I can't see mine being finished within 6 months.

Side repeaters

[impmad2000]

Thanks for that

[Gone in 60 seconds]

Thanks Shambly

Must I felt a cold sweat at the idea of side repeater additional lighting, collapsible mirrors

Hardly what I have in mind..My car is a Martin and Walker, but think I m going to talk to Chesil anyway and see if teh service is otherwise available..My car is certainly going to be complete in 6 months now..!

[Gone in 60 seconds]

Thanks Shambly

Must I felt a cold sweat at the idea of side repeater additional lighting, collapsible mirrors

Hardly what I have in mind..My car is a Martin and Walker, but think I m going to talk to Chesil anyway and see if teh service is otherwise available..My car is certainly going to be complete in 6 months now..!

[Bootsy]

[quote="Gone in 60 seconds"]Thanks Shambly
I m going to talk to Chesil anyway and see if teh service is otherwise available.quote]

Likewise, speak to Barry Martin as they have registered a good few in their time.

[shambly]

Ok,

The 7 page article from Which Kit August 1998 can be found at http://www.hambly.org.uk/sva as jpeg images.

You'll also find the draft SVA manual from March 2004 which was up on the DVLA website for a while for review.

Hope people find this useful.

Simon

(If you go there looking for it in the future and it isn't there email me and i'll send the files to you - I may run out of diskspace at my host and have to delete this information.....)

[stevesprite]

I recently wrote to my local DVLA office about registering my speedster replica. They have sent a V55/5 form and told me to return it along with an MOT certificate, valid insurance and two photos of the car.

Has anyone on this forum had experience of filling out the V55/5, It looks a bit complicated. Any help would be much apreciated.

regards

Steve

[Old-Bugga]

Who is expecting to be going for SVA in the near future?

I know Bhau just put his through.

I think I'm next.

Wondering who else is close to the finish line?

One thing that has got me really worried is:-

My car is based on a pre 73 chassis which I deliberately sourced as it would be tax exempt. I have the V5 and the chassis and engine numbers all tie up.

From what I understand, once you get your SVA, you then send you SVA and V55 forms away to your local DVLA office. Now.....it seems to verge into grey areas now as I'm told it's at the local offices discretion what happens next, either:-

a) They let it keep its existing plate and tax exempt status or
b) give it a drreaded Q Plate
c) give it an age related plate but have it liable for annual tax because it is classed as being registered from when you passed your SVA test.

I'd say the chances of B or C happening are higher than A, which would be my preferred choice.

Anybody know any different?

In the meantime, some more interesting reading here:-

http://www.colinusher.info/Robin%20Hood/sva.html

[Old-Bugga]

http://www.totalkitcar.com/tkc_article_125.php

More bedtime reading!