Swapping Chassis number onto rebuild - DVLA advice

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payydg

Well-Known Member
Posts
3,903
Location
Aberdeenshire
This is the advice from DVLA regarding chassis replacement and rebuild. I will probably have this done and will let you know the outcome.


" It may help if I explain that if your vehicle requires an inspection, DVLA will contact you directly confirming this and giving you further details.

Before a vehicle is used or kept on the public road it must be properly taxed and registered. When a vehicle is first registered, the DVLA allocates a registration number which has to be properly displayed and this remains with the vehicle until it is broken up, destroyed, permanently exported or transferred to another vehicle in what is known as a "cherished transfer."

Sometimes, however, a vehicle needs to be rebuilt and this can call the identity of the vehicle into question. Is it the original which has simply been repaired or have so many new or different parts been used in the rebuilding process that the original vehicle has been effectively broken up?

In allocating a registration number to a rebuilt vehicle, the Agency's main interest is to establish whether or not the vehicle is newly constructed with no previously registered identity (in the present form). Vehicles, which have been substantially rebuilt, need to be examined prior to registration.

Vehicles that have been rebuilt using a mix of new/used parts.

In order to retain the original registration number:

Cars and Car-Derived Vans must use:

The original unmodified chassis or unaltered bodyshell (i.e. body and chassis as one unit monocoque); or

A new chassis or monocoque bodyshell of the same specification as the original supported by evidence from the dealer/manufacturer (e.g. receipt) and two other major components from the original vehicle as listed below.
• suspension (front & back)
• axles (both)
• transmission
• steering assembly
• engine

If a second-hand chassis/monocoque bodyshell is used, the vehicle must pass a Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA)/Single Vehicle Approval (SVA) test after which a "Q" prefix registration number will be allocated.

From 7th April 2003, all cars and some tricycles (e.g. Robin Reliant) that are written off by an insurance company or declared scrapped by their owners due to accident damage will have to be notified to DVLA.

For further information on VIC or vehicle approval contact the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA):

Telephone number 0300 123 9000

website www.vosa.gov.uk

Motorcycles must use an unmodified frame (original or new) and two other major components from the original vehicle as listed below:

• forks
• wheels
• engine/gearbox

If a second-hand frame is used the vehicle must pass a Motorcycle Single Vehicle Approval (MSVA) test after which a 'Q' prefix registration number will be allocated.

Radically Altered Vehicles

This covers vehicles which are substantially altered from their original specification, but which are not kit conversions.

In these cases the vehicle components used from the original vehicle will be given a numerical value and, in order to retain the original registration mark the vehicle must score eight or more points.

If less than eight points are scored or a second-hand or modified chassis or altered monocoque bodyshell is used an IVA/SVA/MSVA certificate will be required to register the vehicle and a 'Q' prefix registration number will be allocated.

The following values will be allocated to the major components used:

Chassis/body shell (body and chassis as one unit - monocoque)* (original or new) = 5

Suspension = 2
Axles = 2
Transmission = 2
Steering Assembly = 2
Engine = 1

*Direct replacement from the manufactures

Where there is evidence that two vehicles have been welded together to form one (i.e. 'Cut and Shut') a 'Q' number will be allocated. IVA/SVA/MSVA will be required.

Vehicle Identification Number

This is a legal requirement for all vehicles used on the public highway to carry a Vehicle Identity Number (VIN). This may be lost when a vehicle is substantially rebuilt, particularly in the case of kit vehicles where the chassis/bodyshell may not have been stamped by the manufacturer. In such circumstances DVLA will allocate a replacement VIN.

DVLA will issue an authorisation letter and registration will not take effect until the Agency receives confirmation that the vehicle has been stamped with the correct identity.

Registration of Vehicles without Identity

The following procedures must be followed when making application for the registration and first licensing of a vehicle without identity

• you should send your application to DVLA Swansea SA99 1BE
• you should send a copy of your driving licence as proof of identity and address
• you should send official receipts from identifiable suppliers for the components used in a rebuild. The authenticity of receipts may be checked.
• all vehicles without identity (VIN and registration number) will require inspection and be referred to the police

These arrangements have been introduced in an effort to combat vehicle crime. Applicants who rebuild vehicles and can prove the origins of the components need not be concerned. However, if the police believe a vehicle to be stolen DVLA will refuse to register and it may be impounded.

Prospective purchasers of vehicles without identity are advised to exercise caution. If a vehicle is suspected of being stolen both it and the money paid for it may be lost. Advice for prospective purchasers of vehicles (The car buyers Guide) is available from Crime Prevention Officers.

Kit Cars

Where all the parts of a vehicle are supplied new by the manufacturer. Subject to the provision of satisfactory receipts and a Certificate of Newness these vehicles will be registered under a current registration number.

Kit cars which been built using not more than one reconditioned component will also be registered under a current number. This is subject to the provision of satisfactory evidence that the component has been reconditioned to an "as new" standard. An IVA/SVA/MSVA test will be required.

Kit Conversions

This is where a kit of new parts is added to an existing vehicle or old parts are added to a kit comprising a manufactured body/chassis/monocoque bodyshell. The general appearance of the vehicle will change and result in a revised description on the registration document/Certificate.

A vehicle will retain its donor registration mark if either the original unmodified chassis or unaltered monocoque bodyshell and two other major components are used.

If a new monocoque bodyshell or chassis from a specialist kit manufacturer is used (or an altered chassis/bodyshell from an existing vehicle) together with two major components from a donor vehicle, an age related mark will be assigned. The mark will be based on the age of the donor vehicle. An IVA/SVA/MSVA test will be required to register the vehicle.

Where there are insufficient parts from a donor vehicle or in cases where the original registration mark is unknown, an IVA/SVA/MSVA certificate will be required to register the vehicle and a 'Q' prefix registration number will be allocated."
 
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