SVA (from Replicas)
Posted: Tue Jul 13, 2004 9:30 pm
[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
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
