28 replies to this topic

[Silicon Skum]

OK, that whole other thread about banning V5 document sales, has left me a little confused over certain facts.

I noted a post about correctly informing the DVLA of a reshell in writing;

During the mad rush to get my mainstream cooper rebuilt, I don't "remember" informing the DVLA of the reshell.....Actually I was kind of under the impression I didn't need to inform them as it was a new "original spec" shell and no different than replacing all the body panels individually - thus no SVA / VIC etc, just an MOT. Did I get this very wrong?

Do I have a big problem that I need to act on very quickly - even though it still retains the original shell's VIN plate?? :'(


Also there was a point made about how the BMH shells are not available as MK 1 /2 etc, point being that this could be considered a problem as the DVLA stipulate that a new shell must be of "original specification", so a reshell of a Mk1 into a Mk3/4 body shell would not be considered original spec for the shell.

My question, or rather point, is that NON of the BMH shells are original spec, with the possible exception of the SPI / MPI shells. This is due to the fact the BMH does not have ALL the original tooling for the mini shell, just certain tools and the rest being the later / last Rover tooling.
As a result of this and other "cost" measures, ALL of the available mini shells from BMH use the same floor pan - the later MPI version, which is VERY different. Therefore NON of the BMH reshelled minis could be considered a legal reshell.... Surely this can't be correct?

Can somebody please clarify these matters, more so on the first question!

SS

[The Matt]

OK, that whole other thread about banning V5 document sales, has left me a little confused over certain facts.

I noted a post about correctly informing the DVLA of a reshell in writing;

During the mad rush to get my mainstream cooper rebuilt, I don't "remember" informing the DVLA of the reshell.....Actually I was kind of under the impression I didn't need to inform them as it was a new "original spec" shell and no different than replacing all the body panels individually - thus no SVA / VIC etc, just an MOT. Did I get this very wrong?

Do I have a big problem that I need to act on very quickly - even though it still retains the original shell's VIN plate?? :'(


Also there was a point made about how the BMH shells are not available as MK 1 /2 etc, point being that this could be considered a problem as the DVLA stipulate that a new shell must be of "original specification", so a reshell of a Mk1 into a Mk3/4 body shell would not be considered original spec for the shell.

My question, or rather point, is that NON of the BMH shells are original spec, with the possible exception of the SPI / MPI shells. This is due to the fact the BMH does not have ALL the original tooling for the mini shell, just certain tools and the rest being the later / last Rover tooling.
As a result of this and other "cost" measures, ALL of the available mini shells from BMH use the same floor pan - the later MPI version, which is VERY different. Therefore NON of the BMH reshelled minis could be considered a legal reshell.... Surely this can't be correct?

Can somebody please clarify these matters, more so on the first question!

SS

First things first, yes you do need to talk to the DVLA about your reshell situation, they will advise the correct procedure, which will probably involve VIC, SVA and issuing of a Q plate. When you say 'new original spec' was it a shell that had already been registered as another vehicle, if not, then you will need to provide them with a sales reciept (if it was actually a brand new replacement shell).

I think the point with the BMH shells not being OE spec is a dubios point, but the DVLA will accept that they are of a similar enough specification to qualify.

by the way, I commend you for approaching this the right way!

[Jammy]

I believe the DVLA will be ok with you using a new shell and retaining the original ID, as long as it was unregistered.

[Silicon Skum]

Yeah, sorry I forgot to mention it was brand new, bare metal, uregistered Heritage shell, have the certificate and ID number for the shell, sales reciept - I should be able to sort that out with BMH.

Hmmm....six months late informing the DVLA. OOPS!

So just give the DVLA a call, inform them that it's unregistered shell rebuilt using all the original running gear / engine and interior, and I should be OK with the original vehicle ID, then?

Cheers!

SS

[The Matt]

If it's a new shell, get onto the sellers, get a reciept for the shell, photocopy it, inform DVLA of work, get a bottle of alcoholic spirits, you're totally sorted!

[Silicon Skum]

If it's a new shell, get onto the sellers, get a reciept for the shell, photocopy it, inform DVLA of work, get a bottle of alcoholic spirits, you're totally sorted!

Sweet! I'll get that sorted out ASAP. Thinking back, I think the shell might have come from Mini spares... I'll have a dig through the paper work I got back with the car, it's prolly in that lot somewhere.

Thanx!

SS

[Guess-Works.com]

If it's a new replacement shell, you don't need to inform the DVLA, do you ? as it's considered an new replacement part..

ps what's different about the MPI floor plan to any other mk4/5/6 mini ? I've never looked that closely at an MPI so don't know.

[robson]

so my understanding of this confusing topic is that i could buy a new shell from a shop, ensure that it is new and unregistered, then transfer all parts from current car onto new shell, tell DVLA, keep original numbers then still have original numberplate? Or am i completely wrong? Not that i need to do this, just confused

[Pie]

im sure you have to keep a number of "original" items to keep it off a Q plate. But as mentioned above, ring the dvla and inquire, its the best thing to do.

[Guess-Works.com]

You confused... I think I'm starting to loose it...

Yes, you can use a new shell and swap ALL or a subset of the original components from the donor vehicle and retain the identity of the donor... If the donor has a valid MOT, you can then drive the vehicle on the road with no checks, inspections or contact with the DVLA or VOSA..

If it does not have an MOT, then you just take it for one, pass with flying colours and then drive on the road with no other checks, inspections or contacting the DVLA or VOSA...

If you Radically alter the vehicle, or dont have enough of the donor vehicle or use a second hand shell, it will need an ESVA or SVA test...

[pete]

so my understanding of this confusing topic is that i could buy a new shell from a shop, ensure that it is new and unregistered, then transfer all parts from current car onto new shell, tell DVLA, keep original numbers then still have original numberplate? Or am i completely wrong? Not that i need to do this, just confused

This is completely correct. The only thing dvla might do is ask you to take it for a vic check just to confirm that the shell is what you say it is. This isn't an mot or anyhting like that. It's just your local police or dvla checking vin numbers etc.

But then again, as Guessworks has said, I don't think you would even have to inform them if you are using a new like for like shell. Just keep the receipt in case anyone questions it in the future.

Pete

[THE ANORAK]

i posted this the other day.

it might help.

PS: a mainstream cooper is not a Mk1. are you confused on something ???

Edited by THE ANORAK, 22 January 2007 - 06:50 PM.

[Silicon Skum]

PS: a mainstream cooper is not a Mk1. are you confused on something ???

Me? No, it was two seperate, unrelated questions related to the other thread about V5 doc selling.

Yes, you can use a new shell and swap ALL or a subset of the original components from the donor vehicle and retain the identity of the donor... If the donor has a valid MOT, you can then drive the vehicle on the road with no checks, inspections or contact with the DVLA or VOSA..

OK, *NOW* I'm confused..... Do I need to inform the DVLA about this or not???? :'( I realy was under the impression that it was NOT required as it was no different to changing every single panel on the body (which does NOT require DVLA notification, as considered as "normal" repair work) as the rest of the car was reused- ie. only the panel work changed.

Think I might phone them up for claification on this matter, looks like I'm not the only one who is confused by this whole thing.
Would be a good idea to have this information as a sticky at the top of the forum.

Oh as for the floor pan, the MPI floor pan and boot floor differs from the earlier floor pan in a number of ways, the front foot wells area (dished bit under foot area) on both sides, is slightly smaller / narrower (pre-formed bulkhead plastic-backed foam sound deadening doesn't quite fit properly into this area), Strengthening ribs are slightly different (more and / or narrower...not sure which) and the placement for the pipe work (brakes, fuel) is also different, in my case I hade to use a nylon fuel pipe mounted with self tapppers / clamps, rather than the original copper type fuel pipe.

The boot floor has the larger opening for the MPI 3 fuel pipe setup, so requires the MPI type fuel pipe grommet, modified with one hole blocked off and one enlarged, or a plate made to cover the hole and drilled to accept the older fuel pipe and rubber grommet and tank breather pipe and grommet. I chose the latter.

SS

[THE ANORAK]

PS: a mainstream cooper is not a Mk1. are you confused on something ???

Me? No, it was two seperate, unrelated questions related to the other thread about V5 doc selling.


SS

oh yes, Ive read it properly now, sorry

read the first page of the leaflet in my previous link...click click... and it clearly states that all radically rebuilt vehicles need to be inspected by a DVLA local office, so yes, a re-shell must be reported.

Edited by THE ANORAK, 22 January 2007 - 08:46 PM.

[Phaeton]

For what it's worth & not to try to add confusion to the matter it all comes down to the VIN plate. You can renew as many panels as you want as long as the VIN plate stays on the orignal shell. Once you remove that & put it on another shell then the DVLA will want to know about it, because if you don't then you are essentially running round in a 'ringer'.

As long as you have used all the parts off the donor car then they should re-issue the same number plate.

But the best way to sort it out is to talk to them, they make the rules, we just jump through the hoops.

Alan...

Edited by Phaeton, 22 January 2007 - 08:35 PM.