I don’t understand what’s to protect mot wise What is the worst that can happen? As far as genuine VW buses are concerned at a wild guess there is probably about 6 in uk anyway An I shouldn’t drink too much Gin
Ok so all the exemptions on offer to us outside the Imperial Mayoralty of London save £300 ish a year... MOT plus tax. If you are happy with spending £2k plus on an engine upgrade then £300 extra a year wont hurt either.. I wouldnt make exemptions a big factor in choosing Scooby. However as my bus does 68mph happily on a 1641 and only slows down on big hills, a Scooby is not my personal choice. And when the engine breaks it is a doddle to fix and easy to buy spares. Woe betide anybody buying major spares for a Scooby without keeping a record of the donor vehicle VIN.
I'm not that fussed about having to take mine for an MOT, the local garage always does it, its less than half a mile away. Last time I took it in it failed on the wipers not working (loose wire), when I brought it back all the mechanics wanted to have a look at the Subaru install as the MOT tester had told everyone what a pucker job it was.
This will amuse you Moons . As well as being a keen admirer of classic VW busses . I also have interests in classic commercials , one of which is a 1967 Foden artic unit . Now in the commercial vehicle scene there also exists a IT's not been done original attitude . Whether it is down to not painting it in the colours and the sign writing of the original owners from new ...lots have issues . Some give me stick for turning my tractor unit into a winch unit for putting pressure on trees ensuring they fall the right way , they will say IT should be pulling a trailer . There is one company from the seventies called Oliver Hart that used to make good out of three different makes of truck ...Leyland cab Foden back axle and chassis off a Scammell . There is a haulage company from Stoke on Trent called R G Basset ..or Basset roadways ,a company that has being going since horse and cart days . There lorries that you see on the rally shows are usually artics from the sixties and seventies ...and are very much admired ...and very collectable . But all of them are cut downs from six or eight wheelers , from when the big weight change acceptance came in . Finally on one occasion i came across a discussion between several wagon freaks at a show all grouped around a nice turned out i969 foden artic unit . They all left saying Wellll it's not an original Basset roadway truck because it wasn't a cut down . Nothing is fully original, and you can never please everyone ...because we are all different .....a bit like our vehicles
My insurance went up by about £15 when I had my Scooby conversion 3 or 4 years ago. No issues with the DVLA though. If I was told I didn't need an MOT anymore I would would still get it MOT'd every year.
Just notifying DVLA that you have changed engine capacity is no good. If you go scuby you actually should have apply to register your vehicle again: https://www.gov.uk/vehicle-registration/radically-altered-vehicles Radically altered vehicles Your vehicle must comply with the road vehicles regulations if you use it on the road. Radically altered vehicles are vehicles that have been altered from their original specification, but aren’t kit conversions. How to register You must follow all the instructions for registering a new vehicle. You’ll need to include the following with your application: form V627/1 - ‘Built up vehicle inspection report’ evidence of type approval, if necessary the vehicle registration certificate official receipts for any parts used photographs of the vehicle Contact DVLA if you’re not sure about what you need to provide.
These are the new MOT rules... 2. Car parts tested in the MOT These are some of the important parts of your car that will be checked in the MOT. Parts checked in the MOT 2.1 Body, vehicle structure and general items These will be inspected to check that: they’re free from excessive corrosion or damage in specific areas there are no sharp edges likely to cause injury 2.2 Towbars Towbars will be inspected for: secureness condition inappropriate repairs or modification The MOT tester will also check that: the 13 pin electrical socket is working correctly the speedometer is in good working order the engine mountings are secure 2.3 Fuel system The fuel system will be inspected to check that: there are no leaks the pipes and hoses are secure and in a good condition the fuel cap fastens and seals securely You should make sure that the key is available as the fuel cap will need to be opened. 2.4 Exhaust emissions The vehicle will be inspected, depending on the age and fuel type of the vehicle, to check that it meets the rules for exhaust emissions. Diesel vehicles The MOT tester will refuse to test your vehicle if they think that the smoke test may damage your engine. You should tell them at the start of the MOT if you think this may happen. To reduce the possibility of damage and increase the chances of passing, you should: keep your vehicle maintained at all times have the camshaft drive belt replaced at the recommended intervals go for the MOT with a fully warmed up engine - it will produce less smoke and is safer to test not tamper with the governor settings 2.5 Exhaust system The exhaust system will be inspected to check that: it’s secure and complete a catalyst isn’t missing where one was fitted as standard it’s without serious leaks and not too noisy 2.6 Seatbelts The vehicle will be inspected to check that: the mandatory seatbelts are in place they are suitable for the vehicle they are in a good condition they work properly they are attached securely The malfunction indicator lamps (MILs) or dashboard warning lights will be checked for the: air bags seatbelt pretensioners (which remove the slack from a seatbelt in the event of a collision) seatbelt load limiters (which release a small amount of belt when it’s too tight) 2.7 Seats These will be inspected to check that: the driver’s seat can be adjusted all seats are securely fitted and that seat backs can be fixed in the upright position 2.8 Doors These will be inspected to check that: the latch is secure in the closed position the front doors open from inside and outside the vehicle the rear doors open from outside the vehicle hinges and catches are secure and in a good condition 2.9 Mirrors The vehicle will be inspected to check for the minimum number of mirrors, their condition and security. Indirect vision devices will also inspected. 2.10 Load security The vehicle will be inspected to check that the boot or tailgate can be closed properly. 2.11 Brakes These will be inspected to check: their condition, including inappropriate repairs or modifications their operation and performance (the efficiency test) - the wheels and trims aren’t removed as part of the test the anti-lock braking system (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC) (where fitted) The MILs or dashboard warning lights will also be checked for the ABS, ESC, electronic park brake and brake fluid warning lights. 2.12 Tyres and wheels These will be inspected to check for: condition security tyre size and type tread depth Spare wheels and tyres are not inspected. Vehicles first used on or after 1 January 2012 will be checked to make sure the tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) MIL is working. 2.13 Registration plates These will be inspected to check for: condition secure attachment colour characters correctly formed and spaced 2.14 Lights These will be inspected to check: their condition operation, including high intensity discharge (HID) and light emitting diode (LED) the headlamps for cleaning, self levelling and security headlamp aim main beam warning light working 2.15 Bonnet This will be inspected to check that it closes securely. 2.16 Wipers and washers These will be inspected to check that they work properly so the driver has a clear view of the road. 2.17 Windscreen The windscreen will be inspected to check for: condition the driver’s view of the road 2.18 Horn This will be inspected to check: that it works properly it’s suitable for the vehicle 2.19 Steering and suspension These will be inspected to check: their condition steering oil level they work correctly for inappropriate repairs or modification including corrosion to power steering pipes or hoses that the steering lock mechanism works properly The MILs or dashboard warning lights will also be checked for the electronic power steering and steering lock. 2.20 Vehicle identification number (VIN) The VIN will be on vehicles first used on or after 1 August 1980. Your car will be inspected to check that a single VIN is displayed, except on multistage build vehicles (eg van conversion, BMW, Alpina etc). 2.21 Electrical Visible electrical wiring and the battery will be checked. 3. More information The MOT inspection manual tells you: everything that’s tested how the MOT tester will check it the reasons things can be failed
You are assuming the meaning in this context of 'Radically altered' - I can't find a government definition. It seems to me that the fact that the engine change is a 1 point issue on the scale would suggest that it is not considered as 'radical' here. These regs are aimed at kit cars.
Also if you would have followed the rules with the engine swap - even if you would have retain your reg / status you would have to pass emissions test as applicable to your engine age ie: 2001 emissions test so you may need that cat anyway
you are wrong again, it clearly state its not for kit cars (in fact this is clear definition: "Radically altered vehicles are vehicles that have been altered from their original specification, but aren’t kit conversions.") . if you do engine swap and follow the rules you can retain the reg as you said its only 1 point, but if there are other modifications you may just as well loose it. (for millionth time...)
I am a person that likes things original. I have had no desire ever to convert any of my aircooled to scooby. If I did I think it would be a very acceptable swap and well within the laws governing change.
Reading the regs it looks like a substantial chassis alteration could rob you of 5 points but if an IVA test is not triggered by the MOT system (my brother is an MOT QAI for Renault) presumably you would have to submit your vehicle for a test or wishing it to be registered after A NOVA. It's not clear how a currently road legal and type approved vehicle would become subject to this legislation.
Good debate. Mines a1700 with a 2 litre unit fitted as thats all that was availble at the time. No hassle with changing that with dvla. Is my vehicle radically changed?
