17 replies to this topic

[JP Detailing]

Hi guys,

 

I just purchased a 1970 Mini, the previous owner had started to make it into a 60's Cooper look-a-like, but I would like to take it back to resemble a simple early MK3 (as its only a year different anyway).

 

The early MK3's had the ignition switch in the centre panel and mine is on the steering column with a Wheel Lock.

 

If I remove this, obviously it's less theif-proof so I would have to notify my insurance company, but are there any laws surrounding this?

 

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

Thanks. Jack

Edited by JP Detailing, 24 July 2017 - 11:43 AM.

[nicklouse]

no requirements. but you may have insurance fun.

[Ethel]

A steering lock, or something equivalent, is a requirement but I'm not sure when it was introduced.

 

(found a bit online suggesting 2001)

[Northernpower]

Steering locks became compulsory for vehicle manufacture from January 1st 1970 and compulsory for all new vehicle's sold from January 1st 1971.

[nicklouse]

but that is only for new cars. there is nothing about user removing it.

 

but as it is an anti theft device you will need to inform your insurance agent.

[Northernpower]

but that is only for new cars. there is nothing about user removing it.

 

but as it is an anti theft device you will need to inform your insurance agent.

I was partway through typing my post when I accidentally sent it. What I was going on to say was the initial fitting of the lock was a voluntary agreement by the motor manufacturers for all four wheel motor vehicles. What it provided was a standard and individual Governments undertook not to introduce a higher standard. The reason behind fitting the lock was purely to reduce theft and this is taken into account by insurers.

 

Once this was agreed the standard was incorporated into the then ECE regulations. In 1973 it was issued as a European Community Directive (74/61/EEC) and therefore became from that date on a legislative requirement,  if removed, the vehicle cannot lawfully be insured, therefore, it cannot be used on the public highway.

[JP Detailing]

 

but that is only for new cars. there is nothing about user removing it.

 

but as it is an anti theft device you will need to inform your insurance agent.

I was partway through typing my post when I accidentally sent it. What I was going on to say was the initial fitting of the lock was a voluntary agreement by the motor manufacturers for all four wheel motor vehicles. What it provided was a standard and individual Governments undertook not to introduce a higher standard. The reason behind fitting the lock was purely to reduce theft and this is taken into account by insurers.

 

Once this was agreed the standard was incorporated into the then ECE regulations. In 1973 it was issued as a European Community Directive (74/61/EEC) and therefore became from that date on a legislative requirement,  if removed, the vehicle cannot lawfully be insured, therefore, it cannot be used on the public highway.

 

Excellent, thanks for clearing this up. This is exactly the sort of info I was looking for. So i better leave it be I guess (annoyingly). I really dislike those flat buttons on the centre dash, I guess I could still swap them for the flippy switches? Although it would be taking a step away from originality.

[Northernpower]

 

 

but that is only for new cars. there is nothing about user removing it.

 

but as it is an anti theft device you will need to inform your insurance agent.

I was partway through typing my post when I accidentally sent it. What I was going on to say was the initial fitting of the lock was a voluntary agreement by the motor manufacturers for all four wheel motor vehicles. What it provided was a standard and individual Governments undertook not to introduce a higher standard. The reason behind fitting the lock was purely to reduce theft and this is taken into account by insurers.

 

Once this was agreed the standard was incorporated into the then ECE regulations. In 1973 it was issued as a European Community Directive (74/61/EEC) and therefore became from that date on a legislative requirement,  if removed, the vehicle cannot lawfully be insured, therefore, it cannot be used on the public highway.

 

Excellent, thanks for clearing this up. This is exactly the sort of info I was looking for. So i better leave it be I guess (annoyingly). I really dislike those flat buttons on the centre dash, I guess I could still swap them for the flippy switches? Although it would be taking a step away from originality.

 

I'm not saying nor advising you can remove it but, if you read my post you'll see the legislation applies to vehicles registered after the date of the directive.

[JP Detailing]

I think to be safe its probs best to leave it even though mine pre dates it. Could cause insurance issues anyway. Thanks

[nicklouse]

dont think we have actually got to the crux of the issue.

 

we will be fine removing the steering lock from any classic Mini as it is not part of the MOT for cars older than 2001. (but please talk to your insurance).

 

for cars newer than 2001 you can also remove it BUT you must fit another form of Immobiliser that works on the engine/transmission or (i forget but it is in the testers book).

[THE ANORAK]

There is no steering lock on my 2003 smart car ???

 

not fitted as part of the spec and the key is in the middle of the two seats !!

 

explain that then

[Mervyn]

Because you have a reverse gear lockout on Smarts instead

Merv

[Northernpower]

There is no steering lock on my 2003 smart car ???

 

not fitted as part of the spec and the key is in the middle of the two seats !!

 

explain that then

Because it's been amended over the years to take into account the advance of technology and to give the manufacturers some degree of flexibilty.  I was answering the OP's original post relating to his 1970 registered Mini.   

 

74/61/EEC was repealed some time ago but was not back dated to cover the period of its implementation.

[Ethel]

Saab's used to have a gearbox lock too, as I recall. In all honesty how effective are mechanical locks - though a key switch alone is next to useless.

[Trissy B]

I've got a 1971 mini with no steering lock...