Safe Speed Forums

I have a rotton old Range Rover (shame really, If Leyland had bothererd to paint the bits you cant see it would still be just fine, despite being over 20 years old! (Mind, the same is true of ANY car made back in the 80's (or even the 70's)))

It is repairable (Its made of metal, nothing that a MIG and a bit of time cant fix! Not like nowadays!)

Now, I have other possibilities (The drivetrain could end up in an even older Landie. The V8 comes CW gas conversion and twin tanks. The idea of a "Do Everything" No tax, No insurance, (I have trade, marginal cost=0) LPG vehicle has a certain appeal )) but I could do with a pickup. Anybody have any idea what the rules are about cutting the body off behind the front seats, installing a bulkhead, and turning the back into a flatbed might be?

Failing that a "Mad Max"/Dakar mobile!

D

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"The road to a police state is paved with public safety legislation"

You'll more than likely have to submit the vehicle for an SVA test after the mods have been carried out.

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What makes you think I'm drunk officer, have I got a fat bird with me?

Have a look at http://www.mutant4x4.com/ and http://www.dakar4x4.me.uk/hibak/index.htm

AFAIK as the chassis is retained an IVA is not required just an MOT

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Driving fast is for a particular time and place, I can do it I just only do it occasionally because I am a gentleman.
- James May

Not sure it applies to "ANY" '80s car! The Alfa 164 was introduced in '88 and it was galvanised - mine certainly hasn't rotted through yet! (although it ain't far off now)!

Anyway, back to the matter in hand, you'll need to get hold of a copy of the DVLA's INF26 document - it's called something like "A guide to the registration of rebuilt, radically altered vehicles and kit cars". It tells you what you need to do if you mess about with the car. As a general rule, if you keep the "original and unmodified chassis or monocoque", you won't need an SVA test (It's now an IVA test, as of 01/05/09), which is similar to an SVA but tougher and more expensive.

I think that what you are proposing would sit fairly within their "radically altered" vehicle category. They use their old "points" system for that - so many points for keeping the chassis, axles, suspension, steering, engine and transmission. If you get more than a set number of points (and I imagine you'll keep all the above stuff) yu'll get to keep the old registration number and you won't have to do the dreaded IVA test.

You'll have to amend your vehicle description on the V5C though. I guess the number of seats will change and it will become a goods vehicle (category N1) rather than a passenger vehicle (M1).

Whatever you do, DVLA Local Offices are a law unto themselves, so be very careful to document EVERYTHING! Take loads of photos at every stage of the build with a copy of a current daily newspaper in the shot! Photograph all VIN plates, chassis numbers engine numbers. Keep every receipt for every last nut bolt and washer!

Wasn't it the electrics that finished off Alfas?

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Prepare to be Judged

And what's that supposed to mean?! OK, Just 'cause the only way I can turn my front foglights off is to pull the relay out...

It's a bit of everything to be honest. All Italian cars of the 70s and early 80s had an awful reputation for rust (Lancia still don't sell in the UK as a result), but they tried hard and for the last 20 years they've not been bad in that respect. I'll admit you see more 20 year old Beamers and Volvos about than Alfas, but I don't think they're QUITE as bad as common motoring folklore would have us believe. (Keeps the second hand values down for me though - so I shouldn't complain)!

I just got back from Netly Marsh Steam Fair... and I thought this might be of interest

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Speed limit sign radio interview. TV Snap Unhappy
“It has never been the rule in this country – I hope it never will be - that suspected criminal offences must automatically be the subject of prosecution” He added that there should be a prosecution: “wherever it appears that the offence or the circumstances of its commission is or are of such a character that a prosecution in respect thereof is required in the public interest”
This approach has been endorsed by Attorney General ever since 1951. CPS Code

Is it driven by steam

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When I see an adult on a bicycle, I do not despair for the future of the human race. H.G. Wells
When I see a youth in a motor car I do d.c.brown