Do you have to have a steering lock fitted for sva. I would like to fit a dash mounted ignition switch to tidy up the column area.

You will need to have an anti theft device fitted.

You dont have to have a steering lock to pass the SVA only an anti theft device.

That anti theft device can be the steering lock but could be an immobiliser (electronic) insted.

Fail points for the anti theft device are

1 if its not fitted.
2 a if its inoperative
b if it operates on the braking system
c if it incorporates a mechanical part that operates on a system used to control the vehicle that
i can be activated while the engine is running
ii allows the engine to be started before the device is deactivated
iii the activation of it is not a seperate function from that of stopping the engine

Personally I'm keeping my steering lock until after SVA to comply with this part of the test. I will also probably deactivate my starter button as I'm not sure whether it will engage the starter motor with the steering lock on. I'll have to investigate that one.

After SVA I'm clearing my column like you, and fitting a shroud and mounting the ignition key on the dash to make it look better

I built an imobiliser into the loom and added a relay with a self latching circuit ,so it couldnt be operated with the engine running, also have a starter button with no problems at SVA.
Paul.

i have nothing on my column at all. All stalks, switches, locks etc removed. Mac#1 modified my ally steering lock housing so i could retain the upper bearing. Im on with fitting toad immobiliser right now. Ive checked all of this with SVA and they say they cant see any problems.

Darren

That,s what I would like to do also, the only concern I have is where to put the dip switch so as it's easily accessible. What do you propose to do?

Mick

I'm using an Opel Manta column, and keeping the steering lock.

It doesn't look bad and the manta only has one stalk to control everything and it is a nice skinny metal one not a horrid big plastic thing.

Ive used a bank of 7 savage switches. look very cool but not cheap. lights are 3 different switches wired such that main beam cant operate without side lights and high beam is independant so that i can flash people.

(Notice i said flash people and not flash AT people - that would not be pretty!).