SVA/Roadster

[bbeech50]

I have jsut purchased a SWB Roadster (M). This vehicle has never been finished and is not registered. It is fitted with an 'O' series, so I imagine it is Ital based. I understand that I may have a severe problem getting this vehicle through SVA. Can anyone shed any light on this for me?

[cameronfurnival]

Re: SVA/Roadster

Hi Brod, I am building a YKC romero so have lots of information regardsin SVA handy - I may even have the guidelines as PDF - let me know if I can help with specifics or general.

[macdonald.dm]

Re: SVA/Roadster

Hi Brod.

I take it the V5 hasn't been changer to 'Marlin'? (Seems strange, but I have seen some uncompleted kits advertised which HAVE had their identities changed to it's 'future' form - I didn't know this could be done, but the adverts clearly stated it had).

In not, then - yes - it'll need an SVA pass. Quite a few mentions of this on the forum - try a search fusing 'SVA'.

It's certainly more hassle, but is not at all insurmountable. Mostly issues like no sharp edges on bodywork & windscreen frame, covers on any exposed suspension nuts/bolts, anti-burst door locks, seat-belt mounting heights, SVA-compliant mirrors, handles, lights, instruments, switches, etc., etc...

[bbeech50]

Re: SVA/Roadster

I am grateful for all of the replies posted. I have previously completed a search of the forum and that is what sparked my initial posting. Keep the information coming. What about glass? Can you explain '...covers...exposed suspension nuts and bolts...' Do you mean by this merely push-on plastic covers?

[macdonald.dm]

Re: SVA/Roadster

Hi Brod.

Astonishingly, yes - that seems to be all that's required! Some people have used wheel nut covers (I wouldn't have thought these would help much if you were run over by a Marlin at 50mph...)

I've just read (on another forum) that there have been recent changes to the SVA, and that Complete KITCAR magazine, May issue has an interesting article explaining the changes.

Yes, obviously the glass has to be 'kitemarked' or whatever, but this is standard stuff.

A lot of the SVA is pedantic stuff. Don't forget that some SVA bits can 'fall off' or be replaced afterwards if you like, although we all recognise that it's all about ensuring a certain degree of safety to both occupants and pedestrians.

I think I read on the Marlin forum that owners were going to 'pool' their SVA info together - I wonder how far this has got?

[bbeech50]

Re: SVA/Roadster

Donnie. Thanks. I am beginning to feel a little more reassured. I had even got to the point of considering buying another Marlin that had been pre-registerd andhad been 'resting', as you might say, and 're-building it' if you get my drift.

[macdonald.dm]

Re: SVA/Roadster

You've probably read this thread: http://www.marlinownersclub.com/forum.php?read=7427&cat=3#n7551

Gives a good idea of what they're looking for!

This brings up a point: what level of exhaust emissions will they be looking for? If it's current levels, then I think you may have a problem - is there any way of getting an 'O' series engine through?!

Don't read this as gospel tho' - check it out first.

[bbeech50]

Re: SVA/Roadster

Many thanks Donnie. I will give it a gander

[cameronfurnival]

Re: SVA/Roadster

The exhaust emissions proabably wont be aproblem - if you can say where the engine came from - it will be checked against a list of known engines and the figures taken from there - if its in good order there wont be a problem. If it was originally fitted with a cat - you will most likey need one - if its pre cat then it wont.

[macdonald.dm]

Re: SVA/Roadster

Ha ha - yes, I get your drift.

I have to say I believe I have 'suggested' this on another thread, I think as a possible 'solution' for a current Berli-builder...

Whilst we all - obviously - disapprove of 'cloning', cut 'n shuts, stealing identities, etc. etc., it does seem a bit unfair that a quality kit like the Marlin should risk never seeing the light of day simply because the build time happened to cross over the 1998 SVA threshold. The car is exactly the same as its pre-1998 sibling - hardly unsafe - and it strikes me as having the kit PURCHASE date as the SVA requirement cut-off date would be more fair. Ie: Any KIT sold after 1998 should be designed to comply with the then-current SVA regs.

It's almost like saying if you re-build your 1950's MG, for example, it has to meet current SVA standards. Almost...!

Or maybe I'm just biased.

[cdow]

Re: SVA/Roadster

My car is still registered as Morris Marina - I've been tempted to look for a 'tax exempt' Marina and then get the number plates muddled up ;-)

[bbeech50]

Re: SVA/Roadster

Chris. As a member of the legal profession I have to advise you that your proposal is...................laudible! I could be persuaded to do the same. I am not a great one for legislation just for the sake of it. However, when one considers the standard of build of some kit cars from the not too distant past, one can begin to understand that SVA, whilst far too stringent, has a part to play.

[Patrick]

Re: SVA/Roadster

Not sure how relevant this will be for your car, but I've got a some information on my site on things I had to do to get my Sportster though SVA:

http://www.msportster.co.uk/detail.asp?cat=20

http://www.msportster.co.uk/faq.asp?FAQ=12

With regard to emissions as has already been state they will test based on the engine not chassis. So if you have a 2002 registered car with a 1988 engine the engine gets tested according to the 1988 regs. What you may need to do is prove the age of the engine but that should be possible through the original manufacturer. I got a letter from BMW stating the date of manufacture for my engine, that and I also had the original V5.

Thanks,

Patrick

[phild]

Re: SVA/Roadster

I am a new member of the club after purchasing and unfinished kit a few years ago I have decided its about time to get it on the road its a marina roadster that needs to be put through SVA .
Attempts to get a laminated windscreen From aquila have been a disaster. the screens were so badly packed on both occasions that they were broken on arrival, one was folded over the postmans arm. I have been unable after many calls to get a reply from the above company. Can any one point me in the direction of a source with the right markings in the Devon/Cornwall area. I am also after door locks and read that a club member may have these available.
any pointers would be most helpfull.

Thanks
Phil Dorren

[listerjp2]

Re: SVA/Roadster

Hi everyone, I thought I would add my take on this. I made this list after reading the SVA booklet and speaking to Don at YKC. I hope it will help.
1) Brakes must be duel circuit
2) Steering column must be collapsible
3) You must round off all body panels by using filler especially under the wings
4) Windscreen surround must be rounded off with a grinder
5) Bumpers must be rounded off of find some that you can connect to the original bumpers.
6) The Dash and its switches/instruments must comply and not protrude.
7) You must fit demisters for the windscreen
8) Seat belts - you must either raise the shoulder mounts so that they are above your shoulder or alternatively lower the floor by around 50mm (Marlin use to supply this lowering kit for tall people.
9) Make sure your bonnet hinge is rounded off.
10) Bonnet locks - Use the SVA compliant ones.
11) Don't use the grease nipples on the door hinges.
12) Have the hood up when SVA so the lift the dots don't protrude of just don’t fit hood or tonnau
13) Make sure your door latches are the double type as per SVA rules.
14) You must fit reversing and rear fog lamps.
15) Make sure all bolts etc are covered with protectors especially at the front.
This is not exhaustive but are the main points I picked up. Adrian