Guys,

I would welcome some guidance on this.

It seems everyone has problems with the various branches of "authority" we have to deal with to get a Locost on the road.

I am going to write to them all before doing any of the legal stuff and ask for written clarification of the process.

If they all give the same answers then we might have a definitive list.

If they contradict each other I am going to complain via the relevant complaints procedure to see if I can get written clarification of the registration process from them. (From experience civil service complaints procdeures are usually quite effective at sorting things out.)

I plan to ask DVLA swansea and my two local registration offices (Portsmouth/Bournemouth equidistant from me) and the Vehicle inspectorate.
Anyone else?

Is this a wise move and what would change in my 1st draft below:

"xxx address XXX
15.09.03

Dear Sir,
I am writing to you to ask if you could please explain the correct procedure for registering a self built “Locost” sports car. I have built the vehicle from a set of chassis plans and a single donor vehicle providing all the mechanical parts.

I have read numerous DVLA/ Ministry of Transport/ Vehicle inspectorate publications and am thoroughly confused as to how to proceed.

I would be grateful if you could confirm, in writing, the steps I need to take in order to correctly register this vehicle for road use.

The details are as follows:

New Items
Chassis – Built by myself (amateur) from new steel tube from a set of plans in the Haynes book “Build your own sports car for £250”

Reconditioned Items from my donor vehicle: (all reconditioned by myself )

Engine & Ancillaries
Gearbox
Rear Axle inc. differential
Rear wheel Hubs,
Rear Drum Brakes
Front Wheel Hubs
Front Disc Brakes
Steering Column
Steering Rack
Steering Wheel

Donor Details:

Ford Escort Mk1
Registration Mark: GEO xxxN
Date of registration 07/01/1975
Chassis Number:BBATPGxxxxx
Engine Number: xxxengine no.xxx

Items requiring a response from yourselves:

(None of these elements has been undertaken, I await xxx DVLA/ VI/ Mnnistry xxxx guidance)

1.Chassis Number – How to obtain? – Who to contact?
2. SVA – How to obtain – Which centre can I use?
3. MOT – Obtain before SVA?
4. Registration Documents – What documents will DVLA require? Which local office?
5. Registration Fees – How much does this cost?
6. Road Fund Licence documents - When to obtain RFL? How to obtain with no V5?

7. Please could you explain the order in which these tasks should be undertaken and which documents to complete this complicated registration process in the correct manner.

8. I believe that using a single mechanical donor and new self built chassis I am entitled to an “age related” registration mark. Please can you confirm this?

9. Which vehicle class does an amateur built vehicle made from a new self built chassis and a single mechanical donor fall into?

I look forward to hearing from you in the near future.

Thank you in advance for your assistance with this matter.

Yours Sincerely,

Mr xxx my name xxx"


Thanks guys

ATB

Dave

Sounds like a great idea to me. Looking forward to the responses already! With everything in writing at least they can't deny what they've previously told you - I imagine they'll try and wriggle out of something if they can anyway, even if you have it in writing!

Personally I think I would be inclined to just use whichever offices give you the replies that work best for you and use them to register the car.

I would think you would get a reaction along the lines of purchase and consult the SVA Manual. OR. You could stir up a definition you do not want from a desk bound jockey at Swansea!

Most of the regional offices and SVA stations are autonomous. The individual examiner / vehicle inspector can decide individual cases. They are your first contact point, I would avoid Swansea.

I had an inspector from Sheffield office come out to view my car, he was most helpful, having built a Westfield himself.
He finally decided that I would have the original donor registration mark and asked me what I wanted it registered as. I didn't quite get this and said 'Locost', he said 'are you sure', turns out that I could call it anything I liked. Missed that one, should have called it a 'Robs7'

I believe they sometimes now require you to present the car to your local office for a chassis VIN number.

Just don't expect any sidestepping of the rules but maybe a small bending?

Good luck, maybe a definitive answer might be beneficial.

Cheers for the input chaps,

Go - I def. plan to use the most favourable office dont worry bout that

Rob - I see your point - be wary, but if i'm not mistaken they ARE likely to give confused and conflicting answers which I can then take to a complaints procedure for clarification.

If one place does say something positive & helpful I'll use them.

In the civil service once you've commited something to paper your boss will gladly beat you round the head with it when a punter complains!



I'm just fed up with the rumour and conflicting advice they dole out to us lot on here and want it sorted in writing b4 I start.

PS whats the SVA book got to do with registration? I do have one and it details the requirements of the car not the legal documents and forms side of things.

I couldnt't find any info in there that answers any of my questions. Although the SVA sequence of events might be in there I admit. (mental note to look and edit if nesc.)

Any questions I should add to the letter?

Cheers chaps

Dave

Great letter mate, i'd do the edit thingy you said and get it fired off quick time, the replys will make some interesting reading!