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Unusual question re the SVA test
mr henderson - 1/3/09 at 08:09 PM

As some of you may have noticed, I have a little business which helps people get their kit cars finished.

I have had an enquiry from someone (not on this forum) who wants me to present their built car for an SVA test, as he works away from home a lot, and won't be able to be there himself.

I don't mind doing this, but does anyone think there will be any problem with me

a) not being able to drive it (as it will be too small for me to get into, being as I am quite tall)

b) not being the owner/builder

TIA

John

Pdlewis - 1/3/09 at 08:12 PM

there is a section on the form where a person can be nominated to take it to the test for you. Dont know about the driving bit

INDY BIRD - 1/3/09 at 08:13 PM

Hi

i do believe the sva form has a section to put details of the presenter on and owner seperatley,

cant see and issue as manufacturers present cars on behalf of the owner same thing really

cheers

dinosaurjuice - 1/3/09 at 08:16 PM

the manual clearly states the presenter must operate controls as requested.

mr henderson - 1/3/09 at 08:31 PM

quote:
Originally posted by dinosaurjuice
the manual clearly states the presenter must operate controls as requested.


Hmm, could be a problem then.

cloudy - 1/3/09 at 08:32 PM

You'll need to be able to get into it

James

tomprescott - 1/3/09 at 09:06 PM

Wouldn't have thought there would be a problem as you would be the presenter, so for operating the controls it may be you just have to squeeze into it - or take a wag that will fit?

smart51 - 1/3/09 at 09:18 PM

Speak to your local friendly SVA centre and ask if you can take a normal sized person along with you to operate the controls. I'm sure they wouldn't mind 2 people going through the test with the car, a driver and a mechanic.

On the other hand, how small is the car? The tester will want to drive it for self centring.

omega 24 v6 - 1/3/09 at 10:10 PM

Problem could be that your also a "professional builder" if your charging for your services and presenting cars in the future you could have a problem. this would fall into the same category as westfield presenting cars for customers.
The aforementioned "you must work the controls" WILL be a problem if you cannot do it as Mr SVA will not be able to do both jobs at the same time.

mr henderson - 1/3/09 at 10:24 PM

quote:
Originally posted by omega 24 v6
Problem could be that your also a "professional builder" if your charging for your services and presenting cars in the future you could have a problem. this would fall into the same category as westfield presenting cars for customers.
The aforementioned "you must work the controls" WILL be a problem if you cannot do it as Mr SVA will not be able to do both jobs at the same time.


Although I am a professional builder I should be able to prove that I didn't build this particular car. In fact, I am concentrating the business very much on finishing as opposed to actually building, so am hoping to avoid 'pro builder' issues

I realize I will have to take someone else along if I can't get in it, it's not so much that the car is particularly small, it's me being tall and long of leg

John

omega 24 v6 - 1/3/09 at 10:40 PM

Good luck mate. I hope you don't get an anally retentive tester.
Interesting theory you've got though, about finishing, rather than building. Some may see it as the same thing. As long as you can prove you didn't build it you should be fine but if your presenting a lot that could change. If it's a one off cause the guy can't manage i'm sure it'll be fine.

mr henderson - 2/3/09 at 08:10 AM

quote:
Originally posted by omega 24 v6
Good luck mate. I hope you don't get an anally retentive tester.
Interesting theory you've got though, about finishing, rather than building. Some may see it as the same thing. As long as you can prove you didn't build it you should be fine but if your presenting a lot that could change. If it's a one off cause the guy can't manage i'm sure it'll be fine.


It's not a theory, it's niche marketing. I think it would be nice to do complete builds on Caterhams and Ultimas, but in practice there isn't much of that kind of work around.

What there is plenty of is people who have been building for instance a Robin Hood, have got most of the bits in but are now stuck with the wiring and other of the more tricky finishing operations.

In any case, I won't normally be doing much 'presenting' as the owner themselves would do that (with me in attendance, with trailer, if they wish). This particular query is a one-off. I would be there more as a transporter and presenter rather than a builder. If it turns out that the actual builder doesn't have decent documentary proof that he built it then I may well let that job go.

John

02GF74 - 2/3/09 at 11:02 AM

just to hijack the thread, how can anyone prove they did or did not build theur car?

Unless they have a video camera running showing them doing the build? and even then, they could hire a look a-like.