Tazzzzman1

Hi,

Had my Retest at Beverley Yorkshire today at 1.00pm, got my MAC certificate at 1:15......YES!!!!!!!!

Now waiting for the BUI and registration, so all being well hope to make a few shows this year....

18 months of blood sweat and plenty of tears.....

Thanks to all you guys who helped me through the build, especially Longborder for the help on electrics....

Cant wait

cheers

Terry

Seen all the blurb about how competitive Frank pickles are so thought I 'd give it a go.

Just got my quote from them and am really pleased with the quote, so pleased I have now commenced the policy (in anticipation of the SVA retest being sucessful on Thursday!)

Adrian Flux quoted me £179

Frank Pickles £75!!!!!! For an extra £5 I could put the missus on. At least this will stop her moaning (all be it briefly) Haven't got the heart to tell her she won't be able to reach the pedals....£5 small price to pay!

Seems they have had a lot of enquiries recently due to the postings on the club website, so now club members get preferential rates...

Fingers crossed for Thursday.

cheers

Terry

Hi,

A warning for anyone feeling peckish for a KFC!

Went out for my youngest daughters birthday this evening and popped into the local KFC...

My wife got a very nasty surprise when she got halfway through a hot wing (see photo)

It was puss (green and yellow and stank!

I have made a formal complaint and am now waiting to hear. The only excuse I got was "must be a batch problem, at least its cooked okay!"and got the £3.75 refunded...

The wife has spent the rest of the evening feeling sick...

I will be sending photo's to local food standards and KFC customer services with my complaint.

If there is any solicitors amongst you guys, some advice on next steps would be appreciated.

Cheers

Terry

Hi,

Just need some clarification before I jump in feet first...

Failed my 1st SVA attempt a few weeks back, have sorted out all issues except the lower seat belt mountings being too far forward. Looked at what the examiner suggested, however where he asked me to fit the mountings is impossible as it would foul the rear suspension mounts.

I have looked at other ways of fitting them, which for the inner ones (near the tunnel) is no issue. Just re-drill 2 new points 3-4" further back. However the outer ones are a bit more troublesome as there is very little room.

My question is....Can I drill through the seat mounting brackets (4mm steel for Cobra seats) and mount the lower fixings on these. I would then run a 10mm aluminium bar across the width of the car which the rear seat mountings would fit into/ through (to strengthen this area.) Will this be okay for SVA???

Your thoughts on this...as ever....much appreciated.

Cheers

Terry

No need to panic, think they have a few server gremlins. Their subsiduary...kitparts direct are up and running normally.

cheers

Terry

Hi Terry

 

Is the centre nut a method of adjustment? if so he might want to see a lock nut on to prevent it all coming apart.

 

Also is the nut at the bottom of the pic. on the bolt enough, think you need three clear threds exposed above the nut if that makes sence.

 

Good luck with the retest by the way.

Hi Ian,

Yes the centre nut is used for adjustment, so I will add a locking nut and lenthen the two clamp bolts as suggested.

Has this sort of compensator been used by anyone else?

cheers

Terry

Hi,

Before I go into my re-test I want to make 100% sure that what I have done for my handbrake compensator is SVA okay. (SVA inspector wanted me to show/ demonstrate handbrake mechanism on my re-test)

I have manufactured 2 plates which swivel in the middle to give equal distribution to each rear brake when hand brake is appplied. The plates sandwich and clamp the cables also a small U bolt is fitted to fasten the loose end of the cables each side.

I could not use the standard " half moon fitting" as a compensator due to lack of room.

Amongst all you experts out there, some advice on this before I take the plunge would be appreciated.

Cheers

Terry

Confusing aint it!

He stated that the 2 figures should when added be the combined weight figure (not slightly more), Also stated that the car had failed as I had overstated the design weights. I tried to argue the point, however thought better of it when he said he would just alter the paper work when I go back for re-test.

Guess just another case of right hand not knowing what the left hand is doing!!

Hi,

Had an issue at SVA yesterday with design weights....I know I know this has been covered many times before...

I had researched and took advice from this site and Richard at GBS. Stated 500 for rear and 450 for front and combined of 950. This was deemed as inaccurate by the tester. After weighing mine came in at a miniscual 270kg front and 310kg rear (thats even with a fat bugger like me 100kg+ sat inside). Guess I must have put it on the Atkins during the build (un-intentionally).

Fortunately he is altering the paperwork for me on my re-test.

I thought it didn't matter what the markings were so long as the light was compliant - i.e. so long as it was the right colour, size and lense pattern then it passed. The markings E-marks and whatnot simply indicate that it has been tested by an official body and deemed to meet the regulations so the tester can simply asume it's right if it's got the marks and hasn't been messed with.

 

Iain

Yes, I thought so to. Guess the examiner had other idea's. Just a bit of a pain to have to do, but could have been worse...

Hi,

Just failed my 1st attempt at Beverley test centre.....

Nothing too serious, failed on the following:

Lower seat belt mounts incorrect position (too far forward, so need moving towards rear of seat which seems odd as I have used the usual 2B mounting positions)

Rear Fog light not approved type lense??? (Apparently the lens should have a "f" stamped on the lense to denote an approved light.)

Centre rear view mirror , too much vibration obscuring vison ( This was a doubt of mine from the outset as it was mounted on the bonnet, so I will now move to fit on the dash and be removable)

Front wheel studs not pulled fully into hub (I replaced originals with longer studs to allow for the spacers, however 2 of the studs are sitting 1-2mm non flush)

Spongy brake pedal (Not sure about this one as it passed all brake tests, probably just need bedding in)

Disappointed that I failed, however looking back, pretty pleased that nothing major was found and that the list is faily small for my 1st ever attempt. Hope to have these minor points addressed in the next few days so that I can get back in for the retest!

One other thing for anyone who has applied for SVA but not yet been approved...."DON'T PANIC" apparently VOSA are surprised at the lack of applications against what they anticipated and are now looking at moving the 28th Feb deadline (unofficially at the moment)

Good luck to anyone else going through this trauma....hope to be ready for the sunshine???

Hi,

Just about to put my 2B in for SVA on Tues. Have never been a big fan of the sliding pillar arrangement that is currently fitted so I have been considering a suspension change sometime in the not too distant future. Count me in, just don't tell the missus!

cheers

Terry

NICE ONE JUST SENT MINE BACK OF GOT A LETTER OFF PREVIOUS OWNER STATING HE WAS BUILDING IT FOR HIM SELF AND WHAT HE HAD DONE BUT NO PHOTOS, SO I GOT SOME OFF THE PC HOPE IT IS ENOUGH WHAT DO YOU THINK SIGNED DESPERATE NIGEL

Keep your fingers crossed!

The letter should swing it. I also resorted to lets say....web resorce for photo assistance.

My test date is fast looming (Next Tuesday).

Hope you get yours through as no much time now. If you have not heard anything from them within 4-5 days call them...

cheers

Terry

hi im in the same position,but got no photos , no receipts and the same letter can you tell me how you got on

thanks nigel

Hi Nigel,

I was lucky that I had reciepts and managed to get the previous builder to put pen to paper and write a letter stating he was an amateur as well as signing a few photo's (if you get stuck with photo's pm me, got a few idea's!)

I was lucky and got my test date through this week.

cheers

Terry

So what is actually required to prove Amateur Build Status ?

 

I have got the original V5 from the donor and the receipt from RH.

 

Have not done much on the build for lots of reasons but this year I intend on getting it done and possibly next year tested, all going well.

 

Any advise would be welcome.

Hi Paul,

If it's a straight forward build then I thinks it's pretty straight forward. You will need reciepts for major items, copy of the original V5 and plenty of photo's showing the build in different states, ideally with you in them.

How ever what I found was that if you take on the vehicle as a part build and declare this, then it is a lot more difficult. I had to get a signed letter/ declaration from the previous owner stating he was an amatuer builder, signed photo's from him, a statement from him on what he did on the build, a statment from me on what I did, major reciepts ~(signed as certified) and as many photo's as I could muster. This was also accompanied by numerous phone calls to VOSA to hurry things along.

Hope this helps and good luck...

cheers

Terry

Hi,

Got my SVA test date sent through this week for 24th Feb. This took a lot of chasing and about 3 weeks from application as they are really busy. The SVA guy did tell me though that even if some one has applied, and it has not actually been approved/ SVA date given by 28th February then the application will be cancelled and you will have to re-apply under the IVA rules and costs.

Good luck and keep chasing them, you may just get through in time!

cheers

Terry

Well done mate,

Got my test date toay for 24th Feb, so will be worrying until the big day.

Hopefully mine goes as smooth as yours!

cheers

Terry

UPDATE!!

After numerous emails and phone calls my perseverence has paid off

Spoke with a really pleasent guy at VOSA (the previous engineer dealing with my enquiry was on holiday) who checked my details and put me straight through to SVA office in Beverley.

I now have an SVA date of 24th Feb.

Crikey, thats a bit closer than expected, guess it less time to worry.

A few late nights coming up.

Moral to this is , keep making a pain of yourself. You will get there in the end! (Thats what the wife tells me anyway..)

Cheers

Terry

UPDATE!!

Hi,

Just got off the phone to the SVA man. Looks like things are moving forward slowly....

They have now agreed to the amatuer build status on the back of the previous owners letter (Thanks Nick! and the multitude of photo's I emailed (300 of the buggers) during the weekend.

However he still wants original reciepts for major items, which I have already supplied. I should hope to hear something end of the week if not to give them a call Monday.

The SVA guy did say that they were struggling to cope with current demand (as expected) and that any SVA applications not granted before 28th February will actually be cancelled!!! SO GET IN QUICK! unless you want to get stung £580 quid.....

I'll keep you posted as to outcome

Godd luck to the rest of you also in the same/ simailar boat!

cheers

Terry

Thats it now, every bit of info that I could muster!

Thank god the previous builder was understanding as he has even typed a letter to clarify the Initial build status.

VOSA won't be happy as I have probably just killed their email server with the 11Mb (on 3 seperate emails....) of photo's and supporting evidence. If this does not do it then I am at a total loss as to how to get them to agree to amateur build status.

Fingers crossed!!!

I'm determined to get my SVA application approved before 28th Feb and pay the new extortionate fees.

I'll keep you posted.

Cheers

Terry

I love a conspiracy theory, but there does seem to be a common theme with this happening to people who bought part-built kits from other people, rather than those who bought the kit brand new from GBS/ RHE. Unfortunately I'm in this category too

 

What did people declare on the amatuer build declaration? I ticked the 'part built by another person, completed by me' option.

Yep, I did the same. Ticked the part built by another person, Also included the bill of sale to me, reciepts from Robin Hood, certified letters, reciepts, photo's the lot! I'm now in the process of putting together war and peace to explain the cars build history. Hope this will now be sufficient? Fingers crossed..

Same trouble got letter from vosa yesterday not enough proof of amatuer build, i bought it part done from a guy down south 4 years ago cann't remeber his name never mind his contact details, sent 15 photo's none with me on them but then it is hard to be in the photo's when your taking them. Also maximum road speed that i declared wasn't deemed to be fast enough 95mph, surely the top ROAD speed is 70mph isn't it?, I will be hassling them on the phone on monday to get try and get this sorted.

Looking more and more like a ploy to delay applications and extort even more money out of us for when the rules change!!!

I only sent 5 photos with my application, I wasnt in any of them but I did make sure they were photos showing it being built in my garage, ie not close ups of parts of the car, to prove it was really built at home.

 

Didnt have any problems - at the SVA the guy asked if I had any other photos (he really wanted to see the outside seat belt mounts and how ell the chassis had been welded), I took a memory chip and a laptop and he ended up looking at loads of them just because he was interested rather than evidence

Hi Tony,

Done that also. 50-60% of the photo's are distant shots showing my very "small garage" and the car on the drive. Doesn't seem to have made much difference with them on this occassion.

Cheers

Terry

Oh dear,

 

I've just sent off an application today! 20+ photos (none of me) and the original RH receipt, but now I'm concerned

 

Let us know how you get on!

 

Joel.

I'll keep you posted as to how I get on. Good luck on your application. Just hope someone can help me get over this small obstacle!!!!

cheers

Terry

Hi,

Having a problem with VOSA!!!!

They have just rejected my application because of insufficient evidence of amateur build status. This is despite me sending them 30+ photos of the build and reciepts all signed and verified. Only 2 of the photo's had me or any one in them though...

They are also requesting photo's from the guy I originally bought the part built kit from (I have already got these and sent them with the application) and a letter from him stating what he did in the build.

Is this something that anyone else has come up against? If so, some advice/ help would be appreciated as I don't know what else I can supply them as proof.

Or is this a more sinister ploy to delay SVA applications til after 28th Feb????

cheers

Terry