427 replies to this topic

[theolodian]

Got most of the plan done today. Column is in perfectly straight now, and permanently. Cluster, column shrouds, steering wheel, and airbag all permanently installed now. The seatbelt reels are installed, so now the airbag controller is online and no warning lights in the cluster with the engine running. The seatbelt reels were a real pain to do. The seatbelts had retracted fully, and it was a PITA to get them extended again. We also installed the head unit. However, it turns out that the stereo that I got won't eject the CD that was left in it, motorized face is stuck. I took the alarm control unit out. I have been reading the IVA manual and if installed I would have to provide supporting paperwork, so easier left out for now. If I can get the VIN sorted, then I can install the dash 'permanently' for the IVA. Other than the VIN, next step is to get the rollbar cover installed, and the door seals. Then I can have the hardtop in place so that they don't put the windscreen too high. I am ordering the windscreen this week, will get it painted, and then installed by the 16th. The other little/big thing to do is to fix the coolant leaks. The front bleed screw shouldn't be a big deal, just a new gasket. Hopefully a second jubilee clip will stop the bottom of the O/S rad hose from dripping.

[theolodian]

Widscreen arrived and is at the paint shop. Speakers, iPod adpater, etc. arrived too. Not relevant to the core of the project, but still. Figured out what was wrong with the head unit, bezel was a little crooked. That is fixed now. Focusing on getting the door seals done so that the hard top can be mounted correctly and the windscreen put in the right place. The rollbar cover is ready to bolt down, just waiting to see if we try to tweak the rear clam any first. Going to VOSA Leighton Buzzard today to try to get a final grip on the VIN process and requirements for the manufacturer's plate. Hope to get that sorted next week unless I have to take the car to DVLA for some reason to get the VIN.

[theolodian]

Really useful trip to VOSA! The IVA shouldn't be a big deal. On the negative side: - Price has gone up from £200 to £450 for the test. ;( - Has to be stock ride height (can affect the airbag sensor supposedly) - I do need the VIN to book the IVA, but only about a month wait. On the positive side: - Retest only went up to £90, there were rumours it would be near the full test price. - Can drive to and from the test, don't even need number plates, even if it fails the test. - No vin plate required in the windscreen. - I can just X out the old VIN in the chassis and stamp the new one below it. - If I drive it down there with no roof then they don't have to test taking the roof on and off. The main issue that I was asking about is the manufacturer's plate. I need a manufacturer's plate that can not be removed without destroying it. That means that the metal plates are out. A sticker is fine, but it needs to be a tamper-proof sticker. Essentially, I just copy the original manufacturer's sticker in the driver's door opening, but with the new VIN. Fundamentally, if I sort out my receipts this weekend and get the VIN next week, then I should be able to get an IVA and be road legal around mid August.

[RobNA]

[techieboy]

Fundamentally, if I sort out my receipts this weekend and get the VIN next week, then I should be able to get an IVA and be road legal around mid August.

Great news. Fingers crossed the VIN arrives and you can get the test booked ASAP.

[theolodian]

Fundamentally, if I sort out my receipts this weekend and get the VIN next week, then I should be able to get an IVA and be road legal around mid August.

Great news. Fingers crossed the VIN arrives and you can get the test booked ASAP.

The main thing holding me up is finding the V5 for the original car, and the receipt for the new tub. They're in the same folder, if I could find it.

[theolodian]

I made a mess of the spare room today going through the wall of boxes. But I found it! The bag with the V5 for the original car, original sales invoice, invoice for the 'new' tub, spare key, owner's manual, and the faceplate for the VDO head unit (not that I care about that last bit). While looking for that I have put all of the receipts that I can find into one box. So I need to go through those, pick out the main ones, and then I will be able to put the paperwork together for the VIN. I plan to go have my brain run out of my ears in the DVLA office this week (then it is a pleasant surprise if things go easily instead of a nasty surprise if they don't). So, hopefully I will have a VIN by the end of the week! Once I have a VIN, technically this will be my second VX.

[theolodian]

I have a new VIN!!! Took all of 15 minutes at DVLA, and they only looked at my old V5 and my driver's license as proof of address. P.S. It will be 3 years for the first MOT after the IVA.

Edited by theolodian, 13 July 2010 - 01:59 PM.

[techieboy]

Brilliant news! Get your finger out and get the IVA booked now otherwise you'll keep delaying and it'll be December. So how does it work? Did you just make up a number or do they actually allocate something to it?

Edited by techieboy, 13 July 2010 - 02:26 PM.

[theolodian]

Brilliant news!

Get your finger out and get the IVA booked now otherwise you'll keep delaying and it'll be December.

So how does it work? Did you just make up a number or do they actually allocate something to it?

It was clear that I knew exactly what I wanted, so he took my name and address and went off and "whipped up a VIN number" (his words) and put it on a letter for me. I have 2 copies of the letter, one to keep and one to bring back for first registration with a declaration (me or a garage) that the number has been stamped into the chassis. The number starts with SAB which indicates that it is for a Q-plate.

I don't get anything more until after IVA and I do the first registration. However, it is enough for the IVA and in theory to get insurance.

[Zoobeef]

Do you get a choice in the Q plate? Can you make something so it looks more private or vx orientated?

[theolodian]

Do you get a choice in the Q plate? Can you make something so it looks more private or vx orientated?

Dunno. Don't do that part until the first registration. I do hope that I can do something, but they are really strict about that for new car registrations so I doubt it.

[theolodian]

Now it turns out that the paperwork nightmare that I was worried about for the VIN actually comes into play when trying to book an IVA. You don't just ring up and book a test. You have to send off a huge application with pictures and all sorts to 'apply' for approval to be tested. Doing research I already found out that my rear brake lines won't pass. I was really hoping that the greasy bits were over and I could take the car home soon. Speaking of greasy bits, I'm off to get some adhesive gunk remover and my stamp set for the VIN . . .

[theolodian]

Of course both local Halfrauds were out of stock of Sticky Stuff Remover. It turns out that you can get all of the goop off with Brake Cleaner amd a LOT of effort. As in almost 2 hours, after having spent an hour or more with a knife getting as much off as possible. So the windscreen support is now completely clean and touch-up paint applied, ready for the Windscreen. The fitters are booked for tomorrow, so that should be sorted. I am just going to lay the new door seal on the windscreen and fit the hardtop so that they get the top of the surround lined up correctly with the hardtop. I also got the heater duct installed. Really tight to feed it past the brake booster! Anyway, took the easy way out and notched the front where the heater box is pressed firmly against the chassis. Really good airflow, so that's a win! Front is pretty much done now. Need to replace the NS rad hose of course, stamp in the VIN, and then install the bonnet hinge but that should be it. Foglights and front Vee need to be installed on the front clam, but otherwise it is ready to go on.

[oakmere]

- I can just X out the old VIN in the chassis and stamp the new one below it. - If I drive it down there with no roof then they don't have to test taking the roof on and off. The main issue that I was asking about is the manufacturer's plate. I need a manufacturer's plate that can not be removed without destroying it. That means that the metal plates are out. A sticker is fine, but it needs to be a tamper-proof sticker. Essentially, I just copy the original manufacturer's sticker in the driver's door opening, but with the new I can supply a tamper proof label foc if you want? I work for a label manufacturer. Cheers oakmere

[oakmere]

- I can just X out the old VIN in the chassis and stamp the new one below it. - If I drive it down there with no roof then they don't have to test taking the roof on and off. The main issue that I was asking about is the manufacturer's plate. I need a manufacturer's plate that can not be removed without destroying it. That means that the metal plates are out. A sticker is fine, but it needs to be a tamper-proof sticker. Essentially, I just copy the original manufacturer's sticker in the driver's door opening, but with the new I can supply a tamper proof label foc if you want? I work for a label manufacturer. Cheers oakmere

[theolodian]

I can supply a tamper proof label foc if you want? I work for a label manufacturer.

Cheers oakmere

Oooh, you're a star! pm about to be sent.

[oakmere]

I can supply a tamper proof label foc if you want? I work for a label manufacturer.

Cheers oakmere

Oooh, you're a star! pm about to be sent.

I am out of the office until Monday I will pick up your pm then

Cheers Oakmere

[theolodian]

Windscreen is in.

[Duncan VXR]

Good stuff looking good