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Extracts from the manual 'For emissions purposes only you should treat the following as first used before 1 August 1975: kit cars and amateur-built vehicles first used before 1 August 1998 *bleep*el rotary-engined vehicles first used before 1 August 1987 Q plated vehicles' and 'Kit cars Kit cars and amateur-built vehicles first used on or after 1 August 1998 must have either Single Vehicle Approval (SVA) or Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA). You must test kit cars or amateur built vehicles to the limits in the vehicle’s registration document (V5c). If the V5c does not show any limits, you must test it to the limits of the engine fitted at the time of the SVA or IVA test.' So it reads to me that Firstly pre IVA/SVA for emissions only are treated as first used before 1975 (which I think is visible smoke only) Secondly IVA?SVA vehicles either the limits on the log book or if none, the limits of the engine fitted at the IVA?SVA

I don't know this for certain but when I took mine for test the 'system' appeared to tell the tester what to do. It is a fairly new MOT setup as the garage was taken over by a new owner and he had to update all the equipment from the stuff used by the previous owner (apparently the old MOT equipment was permitted but only as long as the old owner continued the business) The new equipment is all linked directly to DVLA for brake tests and emissions. So when the car is logged on, he still has to select the option for emissions, but when he selects my vehicle the computer only asks him to rev and then respond whether or not there was any visible smoke (think it was at revs not at tickover). Mine is also 1984 but built before IVA/SVA so I think that the manual confirms that it is visible smoke only.

The emissions rule is fairly clear, my 1985 Exmo is visual only, as is any kit first used before 1 August 1998. Here is the link MOT emission testing for kit cars (rhocar.org) Malcolm

I write my reg on the ticket and take a photo of it in place just in case, but have never had a problem Malcolm

I've just seen this on another forum. It was posted by an MOT tester... The upgrading of existing halogen headlamps with HID bulbs has been a MOT fail for a few years now. However upgrading with LED bulbs was OK. Not anymore! From 11/01/2021 the MOT rules have been updated to make the fitment of LED bulbs ( in existing halogen units) a fail. I attach the new rule for clarity. 4. Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment 4.1.4 Headlamps - Compliance with requirements - Changed sentence from 'Existing halogen headlamp units should not be converted to be used with HID bulbs. If such a conversion has been done, you must fail the headlamp.' to 'Existing halogen headlamp units should not be converted to be used with high intensity discharge (HID) or light emitting diode (LED) bulbs. If such a conversion has been done, you must fail the headlamp.'

Sorry, should have signed properly... Malcolm

is it at x=4 and y=3 which is where the two lines will cross? (think that the other graph goes from x=10, y=9 diagonally down to x=1, y=0)

That's why I said that I'm a bit wary of doing it, but having had a seriously stuck plate in the past I now do use the stick but for intermittent periods. Malcolm

I have a stick which is the right length to wedge between the seat base and the pedal to keep it depressed. Always a bit wary of leaving the pedal depressed for too long, but it does stop it sticking... Malcolm

First thing I'd suggest is to get everything warm/hot. I have sometimes found that once warmed through the plate releases on it's own if you leave the clutch pedal depressed overnight. Could then try running in gear on axle stands with the pedal depressed and applying the brakes, but that didn't work for me. (even with a hot engine) I did have to get the vehicle towed along, clutch depressed but in gear, weight in the back, until it freed after about 100 yards. (after that episode I vowed never to let it happen again, and although it's never been so bad since, I have had to resort to 'First thing I'd suggest...') Good luck Malcolm

I had the same problem when I needed to replace the Sierra master cylinder on my 1985 reg Exmo. They appeared not to exist. Similar Sierra ones were available but would have required re plumbing the brake lines to suit the configuration of the brake pipes. In the end I sourced a seal kit and replaced the seals and it's been OK since I'm not sure whether I can locate the details, but if I can I will let you know Hope you find a solution Malcolm

Think that we may be mixing two separate (but linked) exemptions. For road tax exemption it's 40 years. For MOT exemption it's also 40 years, but provided the car hasn't been substantially modified in the last 30 years. There is a specific reference to kit cars in the guidance. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/670431/vehicles-of-historical-interest-substantial-change-guidance.pdf Might be wrong but that's how I think it works..... Malcolm

On our local planning authority pages there is an 'Interactive planning map' where you can enter a postcode or address and then tick individual boxes to show any current planning applications, old applications, green belt areas, tree preservation orders and lots of other things that I don't understand (S106 etc) Anyway if there is a similar map on the site of your planning authority it might help. (By the way I knew it was there but it took me a while to find it as the navigation isn't too clear) Malcolm

Bit more expensive to buy new, but these appear to be decent units https://www.t7design.co.uk/products/heating/heaters.html (bought one to replace the old smiths heater in my TR3) Malcolm

"Kit cars and amateur built vehicles first used on or after 1 August 1998 are required to obtain either Single Vehicle Approval (SVA) or Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) and should be tested to the limits stated on the vehicles registration document (V5c). Where no limits are stated on the registration document, normal limits must be applied relative to the vehicles date of first use." I don't think that the regs apply to when the donor was first used but to when the kit was first used, otherwise the above quote from the full manual (section 8 ) would be meaningless,

GDPR has been seen as a big problem in a lot of car clubs, but this example illustrates why it is so important. Although the file is now deleted, no one knows who might have accessed it and downloaded it, once it's been in the public domain the club loses complete control of the data. The link to the ICO page is very helpful and no doubt the committee will review the matter in accordance with the guidelines and decide urgently whether it needs to be reported. (Sorry, almost a duplicate of the post above...)

Bob, Thanks for organising the raffle. It did indeed keep us interested and entertained (and thanks twice over because my prize arrived this morning!) Thanks again Malcolm

Like you I always thought of Banner as a premium brand, but my experience has been mixed. A new Banner on the RH performed poorly and I took it back to their import base in Rugeley to have it tested and was told that it was OK. So I checked all the connections and the starter but there was no improvement until eventually it failed and was replaced by another brand with an immediate improvement. A Banner battery on my Subaru lasted just longer than the warranty, but one on the old Landrover lasted well, so mixed experience, but I wouldn't buy Banner in preference to any other brand anymore. Malcolm

No 945 Thanks Malcolm

Malcolm No 945

945 is mine

Thanks for that I get it now!

I'm afraid that I still don't get it. Why then does 4.10 say '4.10 Kit cars and reconstructed classic cars undergoing IVA will not be required to meet WLTP, given that at present they are not required to meet NEDC or the latest EU standards. Instead they are tested to age-appropriate MOT standards, on the basis of the date of manufacture or first use of the engine.'

I didn't think that IVA was an issue. 4.10 on the first post seems to say that IVA won't be affected. However MOT will be if the changes come into force. The whole document is here https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/678209/road-vehicles-improving-air-quality-and-safety.pdf

Thanks for that, (well maybe thanks cos you cost me £40!!)