62 replies to this topic

[mab01uk]

This may be of interest to many on TMF as it now appears if you drill a hole in your Mini it will make the previous registration invalid and that its identity must be voided. The DVLA stated that, "The car requires an IVA and if successful will then be issued a Q-plate".

 

Problem concerns an electric Mini conversion being permanently taken off the road because the owner drilled holes in the boot as part of the electrification.
This new application of the DVLA rules, if extrapolated or not, will cause all sorts of problems for classic car owners, not just electric ones.

 

The reason given for this was that a hole had been cut in the monocoque, in the boot lid behind the hinged number plate of a 1960 Mk1 Mini converted to electric power.

Following a request for clarification the owner pointed out that the boot lid was not part of the 'monocoque', they conceded this point, but now said the problem was that holes had been drilled in the boot.The owner offered to weld up the holes, but this was not acceptable as they said nothing can reverse such a 'radical modification' like drilled holes. Reversal, however it is done, will not reverse their decision. An IVA test is needed....

 

So this is where the case has currently concluded. The car has no legal future other than to be scrapped for parts, although even this is difficult as one is obliged to surrender the V5 to the ATF (Authorised Treatment Facility) while retaining the yellow section. Difficult when they have refused to give it back.

 

The full story has been posted on the Mk1 forum in link below.

It is in the 'General Chat' section so I don't think non-members need to register to read the thread.:-

http://mk1-forum.net...php?f=5&t=35189

Edited by mab01uk, 29 August 2022 - 08:32 AM.

[Steve220]

That's some jobsworth at the DVLA not comprehending what's been told to them, nor their understanding of engineering. They're only one poorly maintained website away from being like the DMV.

[nicklouse]

Oops think of all those rally cars that now need to have an IVA.

[Maccmike8]

Punishment for converting a mk1 to electric.

Jesting aside, what a joke. What if the entire boot floor is replaced?

If that still needs IVA then so will every car that goes through a body shop.

[vx220]

What about a lot of cars that owners have added an amplifier or active subwoofer to?

This isn't just someone getting it wrong, they're also digging their heels in and are unable to admit their mistake!

That's just bad parenting!

[bpirie1000]

So space frame minis are , according to dvla..... not minis...

Even though the look like minis, can drive like minis, feel like minis, have mini parts on them, have mini doors and boots..


Aye dvla... cracking decision....

Edited by bpirie1000, 29 August 2022 - 11:36 AM.

[Ethel]

https://www.press.bm...ure?language=en

[vx220]

So apcae frame minis are , according to dvla..... not minis...

Even though the look like minis, can drive like minis, feel like minis, have mini parts on them, have mini doors and boots..


Aye dvla... cracking decision....

That's been a thing for a long time!

[PoolGuy]

This will almost certainly get overturned, nothing to get worried about imo. Good clickbait though.

[DeadSquare]

What about the law that said that you had to drill two holes to retrofit windscreen washers ?

[stuart bowes]

Not that anyone wants this to be the outcome, but just to point out I've scrapped cars before without using the V5 or retaining the yellow slip, etc

 

on two occasions (one actually scrapped, one just given to someone who said they were probably going to scrap it) I just wrote a letter to the DVLA informing them that it was scrapped and the registration should no longer be in use.  I got replies back both times thanking me for letting them know and nothing has ever come of it

 

back to the issue at hand though, and as was mentioned numerous times on the MK1 forum linked previously, it seems the best thing is to basically not tell the DVLA anything about modifications.  maybe minimal stuff, a like for like engine swap, or a colour change (to stop you getting a tug from the old bill) but draw the line there.  a 998 to a 1.3 isn't really a substantial enough change to worry about, maybe if you turbo it or put a totally different engine in, but for gods sake don't mention modifying the bulkhead or chassis.. just keep schtum if you can

Edited by stuart bowes, 29 August 2022 - 11:16 AM.

[panky]

I guess rust holes are fine then

Edited by panky, 29 August 2022 - 11:09 AM.

[stuart bowes]

I guess rust holes are fine then

 

rust was always part of the original BL design

[sonscar]

Roughly works like this?pick a fight and stand back.We have big lawyers and money,so fight us.You may even win in which case we will concede defeat and there is now a clear(er) line drawn in the sand.Or something like that.
Is there pictures of this hole?Are there more substantial changes that are not publicised.Was he trying to get a previously dormant registration resurrected?More to this I think.Steve..
Dinitrol used to offer a chart showing where to drill holes and supplied bungs to close them with(other rustproofers did the same)SVA territory?

[DeadSquare]

I wonder if plastic body panels are considered part of the structural integrity of the vehicle, if so, almost every modern vehicle fitted with a tow-bar will also be unable to wire a trailer plug.