Registering a radically altered vehicle (HybridZ)

Russ

Russ

Club Member
Seeing as there are lots of HybridZs coming on the scene which I'm interested in, I was wondering how they'd fair with tax exemption and even the dreaded Q plate.

This is the Gov website on the matter

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/BuyingAndSellingAVehicle/RegisteringAVehicle/DG_10014199

I have a '73 240, and I had planned (read dreamed) a '72 hybrid oneday, but what's the point if it's too modified to be classes as a classic anyway?

Here's how it works...

Registering a radically altered vehicle

The registration of radically altered vehicles covers vehicles which are substantially altered from their original specification, but which are not kit conversions. In these cases the vehicle components used from the original vehicle will be given a numerical value in order to retain the original registration mark.

Allocating a vehicle registration mark

The vehicle must score eight or more points to retain the original registration mark. If less than eight points are scored or a second-hand or modified chassis or altered monocoque bodyshell is used, an enhanced single vehicle approval (ESVA), single vehicle approval (SVA) or motorcycle single vehicle approval (MSVA) certificate will be required to register the vehicle. A 'Q' prefix registration number will be allocated.

Scoring components

The following values will be allocated to the major components used:
  • chassis or body shell (body and chassis as one unit - monocoque ie direct replacement from the manufacturer) (original or new) = 5 points
  • suspension = 2 points
  • axles = 2 points
  • transmission = 2 points
  • steering assembly = 2 points
  • engine = 1 point

Where there is evidence that two vehicles have been welded together to form one (ie 'cut and shut') a 'Q' mark will be allocated. ESVA, SVA or MSVA will be required.
Click to expand...



So for instance, I build a 240 with
  • Original shell (with mild mods that should be fine) - 5 points
  • Trick tubular adjustable suspension - 0 points
  • Modified axles (CV and designed for more power) - 0 points
  • Transmission (New gearbox of course, lightened prop) - 0 points
  • Steering assembly- 2 points
  • RB Engine - 0 points
So I've got 7 points and now I'm (legally) Q plated with an SVA test as well. Do yours transmission include the prop as well as the gearbox?? Does adding power steering to the steering assembly change it?

It's all a bit grey, who decides on this? The MOT station? Who'd ever know? Are you supposed to fess up to your local DVLA office?

What a nightmare, is it like this abroad? :)
 
Russ said:
Who'd ever know?
Click to expand...

No-one, unless you tell them.:D

Assuming the car is already registered and has already been issued free road tax previously, I don't think you need to divulge anything.

I doubt the MOT station will care, or even know. Heck, at my last MOT the guy had to use info on a 200sx from his brake weight chart as that was the closest he could find.

Besides, you're not aware of these rules. You've never read that web page before. Nor has anyone here. In fact, this thread is just a figment of your imagination!;)
 
This only applies to requests for a registration mark to be allocated.......

Where there is an existing registration certificate surely you simply notify them you have changed the engine ...... no problem.

Should you change the suspension etc it will not matter because you are not applying to register a vehicle .......
 
The trouble is claiming ignorance is no defence, same as car insurance "I didn't know I had 500bhp before I crashed", you'd still be uninsured if you hadn't informed them.

I know your friendly MOT station will be happy, it's just I wonder where you'd get tripped up? Otherwise you could just modify a car until every part had been changed apart from the vin and still claim it was the original car.

Bloody government :)
 
I would have thought as long as you inform your insurance company like I have of the modifications then you are legal.
 
Well, I've recently tested my insurance policy by making a claim, and was nervous to be honest. I have declared the engine swap and brake upgrade etc. etc. but I was worried they could have said 'You didn't say you had an aftermarket intercooler' or 'is that steering wheel original'. luckily they were fine, and are going to pay out.
 
Glad it worked out for you 240z :)

I'm more concerned about changing so much of the car that it loses it's original soul and you end up with Q plates.

I guess no one should ever find out, but then there are plenty of busy body do gooders and jealous people around as well :-/
 
The phrase engineers report springs to mind never had one done but remember the days when u would put a 1600 into an 1100 escort and so on, and u wouldnt tell the insurance broker because he wanted the report and a much larger premium, i once told my insurer that i had put a set of wolfies shod with 205/70/14 bf goodrich on my mk1 escort i told him that it made the car safer but he said that means it can go round corners quicker so he promptly put another 75 quid on that was 26 years ago though, so ill leave it up to u guys how u answer the proposal form at question "any modifications or allterations":conf2: :conf2: :conf2: :unsure:
 
I always thought this system was more on radically altering its original specification not on the actual original components being reused. so
  • Original shell (with mild mods that should be fine) - 5 points
  • Trick tubular adjustable suspension - 2 points as long as your using McPherson struts up front and Chapman struts rear does not matter if there adjustable.
  • Modified axles (CV and designed for more power) - 2 points as your still using a single axle and not converting it to 4 wheel drive.
  • Transmission (New gearbox of course, lightened prop) - 2 points as your still only rear wheel drive.
  • Steering assembly- 2 points
  • RB Engine - 0 points who cares if you loose a point here.
However I could be wrong :cool:
 
I much prefer your approach to the points Darren and it seems much more sensible :)

I guess it's down to one persons interpretation vs. another. I wonder if you had a bad accident where an insurance accessor came along, and despite you claiming your mods if it were in his/her eyes "radically altered" would that matter?

Too big a grey area, if I ever get chance I'll ring the DVLA to see what it's all about and possible pitfalls. I think the biggest worry is say some idiot said "Q plate" or whatever (however that may happen) it's pretty much irreversable and you couldn't appeal I doubt.

Hmm
 
The answer is to register a "standard" vehicle to get the plate (or buy and use an identity) then swap components on the already registered car. The allocation of a "Q" plate is only done at time of registration NOT at time of modification.

If the vehicle reg exists and you modify it heavily the reg still exists....
 
I agree with ZHead. Your vehicle should already have a registration mark. Keep your V5 up to date, i.e. register the 'carcass' in your name and keep the sorn up each year. All you need to do is notify engine change or colour change with DVLA. On the Great Day so long as the MOT man's happy you're off.

Your biggest problem with any form of modification is your insurance com pany
 
Sounds good to me :)

Guess you can't just use an identity, pretty sure they'll wanna see the whole car to get a registration?

So the key is register your vehicle tax exempt before you mod it? Or I guess they don't even want to see it to do that anyway.
 
I'm pretty sure they didn't 'see' my car to get it registered, they just needed all the documentation
 
Might be worth an ask to MantaV8 or one of the other V8 bods on the 300 board as most are different engines and transmissions than standard.

I only thought a Q plate applied if the car lost its original identity, ie no vin and chasis details, and no plausable excuse for not having them, but also nothing provable to say its stolen etc.
 
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