HoggyN

I can see where you're coming from, to a point, but the powers that be would not feel the need for new rules if everyone stuck to the ones we have already. The SVA test was introduced in response to hords of poorly designed and poorly assembled kit cars that appeared on the roads during the boom in the 80's and early 90's. I worked in the kit car industry in the 80's and some of the cars that customers had built themselves were potential death traps - and the worst part was that they had absolutely no idea that they had done anything wrong. Surely, if someone posts up details of an unsafe motor on this list we owe it to the poster, his family, and other road users, to point out the error of his ways. At least that way he gets a chance to remedy the situation before there is another tragic incident and another coroner starts calling for tighter regulation on vehicle modifications.

And the proposed new legislation will stop that?

I think they may be considering adding a class for 'modified' vehicles to the SVA/IVA list. If true, this should get rid of the current ludicrous situation where the DVLA tell you that you need to apply to VOSA for an SVA test because you have a modified vehicle but VOSA tell you that you can't take the standard SVA test because they have no category for modifed vehicles.

OK - so I found the effing manual after I'd made the first post. My second point still stands though.

I came across this a while back. I posted it up on another forum but nobody was interested enough to comment. Heads in the sand - or old news maybe? Apparently they consulted over 3000 bodies and organisations link I don't think they try too hard to let the proletariat know what they are up to next. Which is particularly annoying if you have already started a project - only to have to give it up because, all of a sudden, the rules have changed If you think you may have wanted to respond to the consultation, you can't, it is now closed. Just what they have in mind is anyone's guess - but it won't be good.

If you want your say on the proposed legislation see here Supporting info here

As others have said, it is unlikely to make any difference to the number of uninsured drivers on the road. It will make life more complicated for currently law abiding car owners. I have several cars that have been off the road for years, I don't currently have to worry about SORNing them because thay have been off the road since before SORN was introduced. I suspect I will now have to SORN them to avoid a fine (even though they don't send SORN reminders). Those that think the police are too busy to enforce the new rules have overlooked the fact that it is the DVLA that will send the fines out to the registered owner - just like they do when you forget to renew a SORN. The police will not be involved. Another problem I can forsee is when you buy a new car before selling your old one. Many people just transfer their insurance over from their old car which they then just keep on the drive, taxed, until it is sold. Selling the old car will be a pain because, unless it is kept it insured, the tax disc will have to be handed in and SORN declared. That means that that any prospective buyer will no longer be able to legally take it for a test drive - even if he has 'driving other cars' benefits included on his own insurance. It's just more ill conceived legislation that makes criminals out of currently law abiding citizens. I agree with Lord Philips who said that the legal system is drowning under a ceaseless torrent of new legislation which is hard to justify. Linky

Don't do it! That ramp is intended for measuring axle articulation and NOT vehicle maintenance. Why not try making something like this... www.showroomevent.co.uk/rentramp/index.htm Or just dig a hole under your car

Pity you don't live in Australia... Linky

I've been poking about and come across some pictures of offset tie rods... I think they are/were US made. Has anyone seen any available over here?

Thanks, I've got a Defender swan neck and damper and I know I need Defender rods but not sure what make is best. Most of Paddocks stuff is perfectly good (for the money) but I've had other stuff where I wished I'd paid a bit more for better quality.

Are Paddock's heavy duty steering rods any good? If not is there a better choice? I've been looking at these

Some pictures on this thread... Link Although, in my opinion, one of those has so much cut out that the crossmember might as well have been removed altogether!

Is there some kind of database that shows where these VOSA checkpoints are located? If not, maybe there should be!

1998 But, originally, if you kept the original chassis frame and enough other original chassis components to get your 'points' score, a vehicle did not need to be SVA'd. The DVLA quietly snuck in the 'original and unmodified' condition at a later date (around 2000 IIRC). So, if you can prove that the mods were done before that condition was introduced you should be ok

I fitted Rocky Mountain parabolics with ProComp shocks and just used standard series brake hoses. I've had no problems. My main problem was that the shocks ran out of travel before the axle hit the bump stops - not good but easily fixed.

780 mm Hope that helps

This link may help you plan your route - although it is no substitute for local knowledge.

Good point - I should have said 'can be as valuable' Normally the project would have be deemed worthwhile before work begins. Unfortunately, unless one has an intimate knowledge of Land Rover front suspension, this might look like a goer and be worth further research. Nevertheless, a student can still gain a lot of valuable knowledge - even chasing a red herring. If I'm not mistaken, the reason that those Bronco guys get increased articulation is that the extra long radius arms have less angular movement than the standard arms therefore twist the axle less per degree of articulaton. You could get the same effect by lengthening standard RR hockey sticks. EDIT: Apologies. I see what you mean. You are talking about moving the rear mounts closer together to create a kind of 'torque tube' or 'A frame' type of suspension system. Which is more or less what I've been pondering over - moving the trailing end of the hockey sticks together to a single pivot together with replacing the panhard rod with a watts linkage. I think it should work but I suspect there are issues I haven't thought of - packaging etc. Anybody tried it?

It might be - but it's hard to tell without pictures!

From the pic it looks like an 86"to me - although the fully floating rear axle is possibly not original. The year would be 1953 - 1956 (or 1956 -1958 if it's an 88") The hard top may also be an addition because I think all Civil Defence 86's had an SXF prefix. The registration could have lapsed but the Series One Club should be able to help with getting it back. Here's a restored one (with original rear axle)

I think you mean a three link setup like this Absolutely, proving that something doesn't work is as valuable as proving that something does. If you publish your work it can save others loads of time and effort.

Maybe, but they like it, I like it, the IMechE like it, and the students learn a whole lot more that way

If I were marking the project I would be expecting to see a working scale model - as well as the CAD simulations.

Seeing as the seller comes from Cwmavon, Neath Port Talbot, the leek in the sunroof seems quite appropriate