Does anyone know if there is any truth in this regarding the "Dax Bumper"?

http://www.locostbuilders.co.uk/%7Emk9r/November_2002.htm

yup

the sva test uses a cone (IIRC) which contcats the nudge bar first and therfore cannot touch any other component of the suspension: this way only the nudge bar has to meet to minimum radius spec.

that being said - you know what the guys at SVA can be like - they will probably 'interpret' the rules as they see fit on the day!

I have heard exactly the same stories before, how plausable it is i dont know

Yeah I've heard that before, pretty sure it's true. Then again it might be more effort making and fitting a front bumper than it would be to just cover the suspension up!

Pete

Edit: Actually, looking at that photo I'm not so convinced. I was under the impression the radius rule was basically there incase someone manages to get their head in your front suspension, but to me it looks like there's enough room around that bumper to get a head in. I think it could be down to interpretation by the SVA inspector. Mine didn't really seem bothered, just kinda looked at it and said it was fine. He made a half arsed attempt to wave the domed tool in the vague direction of a couple of bolts but I think that was more to make it look like he was doing something to be honest!

[Edited on 24/1/05 by scoobyis2cool]

I believe that this is true - but I believe that now the SVA inspector may test the strength of the 'bumper'. It has to resist a certain amount of pressure, and the figure of 20kg comes to mind. The aim of the bumper is to keep people out of the gubbins, so they want to be sure that it can do the job.
I thought about doing this mod, but decided that it was just too much work, and there was less effort in sorting the nuts and edges of the suspension.
All the above based on heresay and stories overheard, so do your own checking!

David

I think it's more aimed at knee level . Unless you hit a street luge rider. I can't see how it would allow you to mount headlights lower as he says. They still have a minimum height requirement.

I asked the same questions on the Dax stand at Exeter and they claimed the car in the picture went through SVA no problem. I spoke to the SVA centre in Bristol and they confirmed that as long as the bar was of the correct radius and securly fastened that it would be classed as the outer edge of the bodywork when approaching it with the cone making the parts behind it i.e the suspension exempt from testing. This is the route I'm going to take if the SVA test is still valid in 2010.

looks to be an idea that might work

Be careful, if you've got a nose that doesn't cover that top part of the chassis that sticks out, Mr SVA can still contact it with his cone!! (oooh errr)

Marcus