34 replies to this topic

[Madmax]

so theres no physical difference apart from the shape/type of mounting of the trunnions on the rear, but if the front doesnt have the same mounts then i'll need a new front subframe? i have one of each front type (pre 76 and post 76)

could i get away with swapping the trunnions for the right ones? or are the mounts to the frame/radius arms different?

[Dan]

That's the bit I'm not sure about. Get the newer larger trunnions and try it I suppose, it should fit in theory.

[Madmax]

ill have a look at them and see how they go together

[Alex1380]

wouldn't you be better buying a lateish 998 which is running pop the engine out drop your's in and change over the interiors and keep the new 998 subframes front and rear and just add in your bits.

[Madmax]

it works out more expensive that way, believe it or not

new shell - 150-200quid (friends discount)
no labour charges (apart from alot of pints down the pub)
between us we have enough spares to build it up

good idea though alex

[Boab]

Just a suggestion, but what about this as you said you wanted to keep the clubby look

Click

[Guess-Works.com]

Just being Devils Advocate. But has anyone contested the fact that you will require an SVA test if you reshell the mini., and if it passes will get a "Q" plate.

The only way you can legitimately reshell any vehicle and retain the originality is by the purchase of a new shell ( un-registered ).



Registering Rebuilt, Radically Altered Vehicles and Kit Cars

A.    Vehicles that have been rebuilt using a mix of new/used parts.
In order to retain the original registration mark:

Cars and Car-Derived Vans must use:

The original unmodified chassis or unaltered bodyshell (i.e. body and chassis as one unit - monocoque); or

A new chassis or monocoque bodyshell of the same specification as the original supported by evidence from the dealer/manufacturer (e.g. receipt) 

And two other major components from the original vehicle  - see list below

Suspension (front & back)
Axles (both)
Transmission
Steering Assembly
Engine
 
If a second-hand chassis/monocoque bodyshell is used, the vehicle must pass a ESVA/SVA test after which a "Q" prefix registration number will be allocated.

N.B Vehicle Identification Check

From 7th April 2003, all cars and some tricycles (e.g. Robin Reliant) that are written off by an insurance company or declared scrapped by their owners due to accident damage will have to be notified to DVLA.
VIC has been introduced to deter criminals from disguising stolen cars with the identity of written off or scrapped ones. The check is designed to help confirm that the vehicle being returned to the road has been repaired following accident damage and has not been stolen.

PDF summary of the SVA 245kb ( not the full doc )

[Jammy]

But that suggest you only have to do that if you get a second hand one?! So it seems if you were to get a brand new heritage shell I'm guessing you would be fine?!

[Jordie]

a shell with no ID aka a brand new shell is fine.

[Madmax]

im considering all the legalitys about it, but it shall be sorted, thankyou for the information

[TimS]

take out the chasis number... ta dar u have a new unregistered shell...and as for the old shell, stamp it on b4 u scrap it

[Guess-Works.com]

and you think they have not thought of that..... the VIN is also etched into the metal, one place which I know is common is in the rain channel on the scuttle.

[Madmax]

hmm will have a look around see what i can see

[TimS]

yup which my car doesnt have due to flip front! theres no way they can identify the shell if you know where its stamped although illegal so i do not advise doing it :tongue:

[Dan]

That's the problem Flappy, it's not 'them' that needs to identify it, it's you. If anyone ever raises the issue they will ask you for proof that the shell used was new and original specification. If you don't have a receipt they WILL take away your registration right then and there and demand that you go for an SVA test. And if the registration says Mini Clubman and your car isnt one, and you get even a halfway awake MOT tester he is going to notice something isn't right.