63 replies to this topic

[The Matt]

I'd like to add that I'm not on my high horse about it at all! I do think there are grey areas.

but I think the law is basically down to common sense.

I mean, if you were to use say, the front bulkhead, windscreen surround, A pillars, front door frames etc from the original vehicle, and then there were a mix of new panels (like floor panels, roof, rear seats, bootfloor, rear wings etc) then you used second hand front wings, doors, bootlid etc from the other car, then the original shell could possibly retain its ID.

But to claim that a car is 75% new when the 'core' of it isn't is another grey area (IMHO I think that the DVLA would not accept it as new at all) but I don't know enough about the subject.

It's all about what the DVLA interpret as being the 'shell really. Some cars have a proper chassis and can retain the ID with a shell swap (I can't really think of an example at the minute), minis don't fall into that category at all though.

[nosboy83]

It's all about what the DVLA interpret as being the 'shell really. Some cars have a proper chassis and can retain the ID with a shell swap (I can't really think of an example at the minute), minis don't fall into that category at all though.

doesn't the vw beetle have a chassis which the body shell is bolted to? Thats what you mean right where the entire body can be unbolted and removed from the chassis and a new one fitted?

[slyoldfox2001]

i understand what you are saying.
i am also pointing out that no-one really know the identity of thier own mini so my comment is purely to say that people MUST/SHOULD be honest.

Look at it another way. I have bought 75% new panels to mkae a shell and I am using 25% secondhand parts.

In terms of SVA and aging a car I reckon this would pass for being a new shell.

I like your point about how much of the shell you would need to keep the originality of the GT.


I still go back to Trigers broom !!!!
Is classed as original even though its had many different handles and heads.
Isnt this just like 99% of all minis on the road today

[Jammy]

I still go back to Trigers broom !!!!
Is classed as original even though its had many different handles and heads.
Isnt this just like 99% of all minis on the road today

Not really, it maybe more common, but I can't think of one mini I know that has had a reshell in this way.

At the end of the day, if you want clarification on the rules of reshelling, read the webpage on the DVLA website, or phone them yourself.

[Guess-Works.com]

And then there's the argument on how Z-cars manage to keep the original plate for their conversions... same rules apply for radically altered vehicles...

[The Matt]

doesn't the vw beetle have a chassis which the body shell is bolted to? Thats what you mean right where the entire body can be unbolted and removed from the chassis and a new one fitted?

I was actually thinking of me dad's old Reliant Scimitar (old steel chassis with GRP shell) but I don't even know if it applies to that? Not sure about the Beetle. I am making this even more confusing!

[midridge2]

a mini bodyshell excluding bonnet bootlid and doors is made up from around 100 seperate panels welded together so have you replaced 70+ panels? if not then the shell still has the bulk of the old original panels making it still the original shell so it should retain its original id.

triggers hammer has had many new heads and handels but your new shell still has many of the original panels, if triggers hammer had only had many new handels but the original head it would still be part the original hammer.

you say you are not out to deceave people by claiming the new shell you are going to use is the original, then why not use the new shells id??


when dvla brought out the rules about reshelling it was mainly to cover ringing and unit constuction cars etc but why should be minis be different, its illegal to you use another cars original id.





this is my opinion and will differ from others.

[Jammy]

And as far as I'm aware Trigger's broom was never registered with the DVLA...

[midridge2]

sorry guys, i was mixing it up with the old original roman hammer that i have, its had 23 new heads and 45 new handels but its still a old original roman hammer. lol

[slyoldfox2001]

i have just rang the customer services deparment at the dvla and after a 30 minute chat have initially confirmed that what i intend to do is perfectly legal as in their eyes i am not intending to change the overall appearance of the car.
ie - mini body on a beetle chassis and still calling it one or the other.

to be ultra safe i have to provide receipts and pictures of the new and secondhand panels used.
i must also provide evidence where possible of the origins of the secondhand panels.

however to be 100% certain i have to call the "vehicle standards and engineering division" tomorrow morning.

for future info - a mini shell means just the body - no doors, boot lid, and bonnet.

so wish me luck and i will update you all tomorrow.

[Geehawk]

Just make sure whatever they tell you is in writing, as I would not trust a DVLA 'expert' at the end of a phone to have any understanding of what a Mini is, let alone what constitutes reshelling one.

I dont think "but on the phone they said it was okay" will carry much weight if problems arise in the future.

[slyoldfox2001]

completely agree.
dont worry i will ask for them to put it in writing

[v8mini]

I would also question the structural integrity of a shell that had had 75 % of the panels replaced, especially if this is not done with any sort of professional body jig.

Ok panels might only be £1000 compared to £3200 for a complete shell (£2850 less doors, bonnet, boot), but the man hours to assemble this large 3d puzzle must add up. Also knowing the heritage shell is made on original jigs, sealed and anti corrosion protected as a unit must make the cost seem worth it.

[miniboo]

I dont think they do them sealed or with anti corrosion paint on anymore...but still charge the same price!!!

[v8mini]

according to their site they do, although no metion of sealer, but i'm sure they woulduse seam sealer
http://www.bmh-ltd.com/bodyshells.htm

These all steel bodies have been updated by the use of zinc coated steel in many rust prone areas. All bodies are electrophoretically primed. This process involves submerging the entire bodyshell in an electrically charged dip tank of special anodic etch primer. This process ensures superior corrosion resistance and is the same as that used by most major motor manufacturers.