Information needed regarding Hybrid

I have a 1965 Series 2a on a shortened 1971 Range Rover Classic Chassis, all running gear is Range Rover, with LT77 gearbox and 2.25 petrol engine, Bulkhead and body is all 2a.

I have all paperwork from the 80's SVA test and Docs for both vehicle's used.

What I would like to know is, could I fit a 300tdi onto LT77 gearbox and keep the C Suffix Registration?

IMO you shouldn't be on the c reg anyway, but whatever the rr was (h,j) as the chassis is the vehicle.

If the only thing original is the bodywork You may have problems keeping it on anything but a Q reg.

Bobsticle said:

If the only thing original is the bodywork You may have problems keeping it on anything but a Q reg.

Click to expand...

Before a certain date the rules are different ...

I think judging by the paperwork I have that at some point the C Suffix has been added as an age related plate as it says the original reg was put on retention and given the C suffix, original reg was three letters and 110 as the numbers with no Suffix letter, Vehicle first Registered 1/1/1977 (DECL/D MANUF 1965) reg is none transferable, I wouldn't mind if they decided it had to be on a Q plate as my Phoenix Trike was on a Q too but at some point in the future I would like to get the 2a back on a 65 chassis and running gear.

It seems the C suffix was added in 2007, I have a number plate Autherisation Certificate.

Vehicle Inspection looks like it was carried out in 86 when it was put on Range Rover chassis.

Can I put a 300tdi/di in her or am I better to keep 2286cc petrol engine?

Yes you can but before you do you may want to ask yourself carefully what type of vehicle you want. In fairness it's cheaper to buy a Range Rover or defender than do all this work to trick people into thinking you have a series.
I'm assuming one of the most important factors is having a more useable vehicle whilst remaining tax exempt?

Going by the points system if you put a Tdi in it needs q-plating otherwise what you currently own is a whatever year Range Rover with series 2 bodywork and as a result should be taxed and insured as a Range Rover with all modifications declared.

If you fit a Tdi you'll need to cut about the chassis again making it a q plate.

Sva was introduced in 98, I think so you shouldn't have that from the 80s.
The chassis has been changed so much it counts as a radically altered vehicle and so the points system applies. No hope of passing that! So it would be a q plate.

But If it can proved that it was converted prior to 95 (I believe) then you should be alright. The engine is the least of your worries so put inwhatever you can get.
More info

http://www.glencoyne.co.uk/vosalaw.htm

I am happy with her the way she is just now as I have a new cylinder head from Turners for the original engine, I just thought about putting in the 300tdi for ecconamy, last time I drove her before the orriginal head gave up she was good enough and the new head from Turners is ported with hardened valve seats so might have a little more power, as I say, some time in the futre I want to put her back to original leaf sprung 2a chassis.

This Series has had 2 owners in 30 years.

Any ideas why she was built in 1965 but not registered till 1977?

She may be ex military hence being registered 12 years late ,look for the military reg on the vin plate it will be something like 15 HG 39 (not that reg but two numbers followed by two letters then two numbers)
If you find this you may be able to find her military history if you pay a small fee

On closer inspection of the Vehicle inspection certificate it seems it was inspected and passed in 06 not 86 as I first thought, then in 07 it was given the C suffix plate, I will have a look at the vin plate when I get home from work.

Are you going to use a new or second-hand chassis?

I would only replace the existing chassis with an original galvenised 2a chassis, I had a quick look on the bulkhead last night for the vin plate but could not find it as it was too dark, it is not where my other 2a vin plate is anyway, I will have another look after work tonight