2nd Hand Chassis

I have just brought a 1964 series 2a and the current chassis is completely rotten beyond repair, however i know where there is a good 2nd hand chassis but where do i stand with swapping the vin number or am i barking up the wrong tree and buy a new chassis which i cant really afford

Can you not use the 2nd hand chassis' identity?
I beleive that is the only way to do it legally.

Cheers

Jamie90 said:

I have just brought a 1964 series 2a and the current chassis is completely rotten beyond repair, however i know where there is a good 2nd hand chassis but where do i stand with swapping the vin number or am i barking up the wrong tree and buy a new chassis which i cant really afford

Click to expand...

ive done quite a few if the piece of chassis that has number stamped on is replaced ie new dumb iron its the same as your old one repaired as far as anyone else is concerned

Unfortunately there is no ID of the 2nd hand chassis

Both answers are correct but Jamesmartin's is the route i'd take. What ever you do don't grind off the old number and restamp it just screams ringer.
Sorry just seen your repost

In that case just get a recipt for purchase and you can use the chassis. MOT man can legally stamp chassis number to an unmarked chassis

Strictly speaking it is only legal to keep the original vehicle ID if the chassis is swapped for a new matching replacement.

That said many don't have a chassis stamp due to repairs.

my two penneth for what is worth

DVLA Retained Vehicle Identity for "Radically Modified vehicles"
Radically modified can just mean it had a few engines or gearboxes or chassis etc
Each relevant part changed has a value associated with it.

Each vehicle begins with a set value, each change subtracts from that value if DVLA are notified.
If your vehicle reaches you have to re register your vehicle.
DVLA uses a points system to decide what registration number to give a radically altered vehicle.

Keep the original registration number
Your vehicle must have 8 or more points from the table below if you want to keep the original registration number. 5 of these points must come from having the original or new and unmodified chassis, monocoque bodyshell or frame.

PartPoints
Chassis, monocoque bodyshell (body and chassis as one unit) or frame - original or new and unmodified (direct from manufacturer) 5
Suspension (front and back) - original 2
Axles (both) - original 2
Transmission - original 2
Steering assembly - original 2
Engine - original 1
Get a ‘Q’ registration number
You won’t be able to keep your vehicle’s original registration number if one of the following applies:

• it has fewer than 8 points
• it has a second-hand or altered chassis, monocoque bodyshell or frame
• there’s evidence that 2 vehicles have been welded together to form one (ie ‘cut and shut’)

Your vehicle must pass the relevant type approval test to get a ‘Q’ prefix registration number.

I used to rebuild and restore Triumphs and a few lost their road tax exemption because of this!!!

Plenty of INFO on DVLA website

You should be fine to swap the chassis you speak of, and and just notify dvla of the new chassis no, which you will of course have to generate, we normally use engine no and then first 3 letters of registration. Provided its ends up the log book, stamp away and you are all good.

You could always get a blank chassis plate to make a neat job, and stamp n rivet etc.
Plenty period blanks on the web just depends if you into that level of resto!
To be honest most people don't bother, especially with classics etc.

IME telling DVLA you've changed your chassis and supplying a different number just opens a massive can of worms, I did it with a bike about 8 years ago and ultimately lost my rights to the registration document and original reg, and ended up stripping the bike and selling for parts. Otherwise they want you to jump through hoops and/or have a q plate. DVLA staff don't understand what we see as a simple matter.
Best bet is buy a chassis with a vin stamped on that comes with a v5, and rebuild as that vehicle instead.
This new chassis could be nicked and to plod, chassis number ground off will result in you losing the vehicle.
As said though, if it's been 'repaired' with new dumb irons you're good to go, but just bear in mind that if that chassis is stolen, you've fueled a fire.

What ever you do DO NOT involve the dvla, you are opening a can of worms an will be busy in
a sea of paper work/stress and inspections. Do as James says as its tried & tested & you will enjoy
building it instead of wanting to burn it after you've involved them lot

Also, unless the chassis you're building onto is 99% solid or better, you will get to a stage of regretting not waiting til you can afford a new one, as I am now doing.

Why not get it shot blasted and galvanised before you do the swap?