Went on a little 'expedition' yesterday, to find the Norwich SVA centre. As I also had a few concerns about the way I'd done things on my car, I took a few photos and some bits and pieces with me, on the off-chance that I could talk to one of the inspectors.

I had to sit around for a while, until he'd finished testing a Yank 4x4, then he came in and gave me 5 minutes of his time - very professional and took the trouble to give me a proper answer.

He said that the main areas I was worried about were fine (front mudguard, grille material and brake hose fittings) but told me that I've got to sort out some protection around the top plates of my seatbelts - his words were "On an open car, everything outside of the passenger compartment is subject to the bodywork projection/sharp-edge tests". As my top fixings are on the roll-bar cross-piece, I couldn't argue! (they're also just behind my head, which is another reason for padding them).

So, all in all, he was very helpful and constructive - what a nice bloke!

I was also advised by their reception lady that they're booking into July now, and to get my application in, even if I decide not to get tested until end-July/August... Eek!



David

What was in contention then David the bracket on the cross bar or the bolts thru it.
I too have mounted my harness on the cross bar but just drilled a couple of holes and bolted thru it.

How did you get on with your bonnet using the strap method by the way, any luck ?
Cheers,
Bob

The issue was with the fastening plates attached to the end of the harness - the things the bolts go through. These are pieces of steel about 50mm x 60mm that have square-cut edges. If you have the type of harness that clips into a ring then you probably won't have the same issue. I can post a picture tonight if you need to see what I mean! Not quite finished yet, but I'll update my website when it's done.

If you've just drilled the bar and put a bolt through then you'll have problems - the first thing that the SVA man said when he looked at the photo was "Is there a support tube inside the roll bar?". They will be looking for something that prevents the roll bar collapsing when the bolt is tightened up properly. In my case, I machined some 30mm steel bar, drilled and tapped it, then welded it to the roll bar top and bottom - which he was happy with.

As for the bonnet, I used 'The Book' method in the end - I put a welding gas cylinder on a workmate and pushed the metal into shape. Quite a physical process - I had some muscle ache in unusual places afterwards! (ooer, missus).

cheers,

David

My harness is the same as yours then with the triangular doodah on the end of the webbing thought about that re the bolt crushing the tube so I'll weld a sleeve thru the tube (of course Ive painted it now) can you not use a plastic clip on cover to go over the metal piece in question same as they use on a regular seat belt tho.
Cheers,
Bob

Was thinking about some soft-ish plastic sleeve - I haven't seen any clip on covers... where would I find some?

David

Arent they the same as your regular seat belt ends which if you look normally have a clip on cover to cover the bolt head.
Cheers,
Bob

i agree totally about your comments about norwich staff.they were very fair and very helpful throughout my sva and retests. top marks to both testers and the lady in reception.