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New build J15 on a Q plate?
theprisioner - 9/7/13 at 11:24 AM

Looks like they are allocating a Q plate, no matter what argument I used with the DVLA, the assessor insisted it was a new build with more than one major refurbished component. Engines and Gearbox are specifically defined as major components in their guide lines. I made him check with Swansea but he was entrenched in his opinion by this time, the answer came back the same. He offered me the option of changing to a new gearbox (wonderful!). I also used the argument that the Engine and Gearbox were one unit and the gearbox had no serial number. Even if I had taken a different tact like the Steering column, rear drive shafts were second hand and off the donor car then I doubt this would have changed his mind as the Chassis and suspension were new from Sylva Autokits. I doubt I can do anything now as they are processing my application as you read this.

This all sounds inconsistent to me but in the end I want to have the car on the road while the sun still shines!

ashg - 9/7/13 at 11:33 AM

Makes no difference at the end of the day as long as you can drive it (aka the main goal of building your own car!)

MikeRJ - 9/7/13 at 11:55 AM

quote:
Originally posted by theprisioner
I also used the argument that the Engine and Gearbox were one unit


I can see why that didn't fly since they are quite clearly two separate items, both physically and under the DVLAs own rules of major components.

I honestly don't understand the fuss about Q plates and kit cars, it's just a shiny plastic plate with a number on it, it makes no difference to how the car drives.

[Edited on 9/7/13 by MikeRJ]

olimarler - 9/7/13 at 12:21 PM

I'm proud to wear a Q plate

To me I see a car with Q plate it means 'I made this!'

Oli

monkeyarms - 9/7/13 at 12:31 PM

Did you apply for a new build or age related plate?

Makes me realise how fortunate i was with Passiing IVA 1st time, no DVLA inspection number plates within a week!

Also doesnt a Q at MOT time have the advantage of "visual inpection only" ?

[Edited on 9/7/13 by monkeyarms]

theduck - 9/7/13 at 03:02 PM

IMO it got what it should. You should have either built from new parts or gone for an age related plate from a donor.

Plus side as above, no problems with emissions come MOT time

loggyboy - 9/7/13 at 03:28 PM

Its always been the same, you are allowed 1 reconditioned part, BECs often fall short when the engine and gearbox is one part. But for a CEC, there is no ambiguity, one of either - Engine or Gearbox or steering assembly or axles or suspension.

Jenko - 9/7/13 at 04:15 PM

I always used to laugh at MOT time with my Q plate Westie.....So many posts on forums about emissions, and I never used to worry.

Certianly wouldn't bother me...it doesn't age the car either.....Only real downside as far as I can tell is you can put a private plate o the car.

PJ.

theprisioner - 11/7/13 at 11:48 AM

I just received my tax disc, along with a letter of apology from the man at DVLA that I spoke to on Tuesday.

".....if a new monocoque body shell or chassis from a specialist kit manufacturer and 2 major components from a donor vehicle are used, your build meets this criterion so I have allocated an age related mark based on the donor vehicles age."

It is my experience of life that rarely people change there views like this and the chap should be commended. Usually it's a case of "don't confuse me with the facts I have made up my mind" but in this case I commend the DVLA man in Edinburgh.

I think we are now both correct as a Q plate is a licence to pollute the planet as stated in this thread. What was the point of meeting stringent emission standard at the VOSA IVA test if they are not to be maintained. This seams a triumph of common sense for all concerned.

ashg - 11/7/13 at 12:35 PM

glad you got the outcome you wanted.