Marlin Roadster Registration Advice

[sparker1994]

Good afternoon everyone!

New to the forum, and to marlin's!
Just purchased a roadster that has no registration, no documents no history... I know... A challenge!

I could really use some advice on the required steps to getting this on the road (I know it's going to take a while!). There's alot to do to as it's a rolling chassis at the moment.

I think it's a short wheel base Triumph front, Maria rear. (Please correct me if I'm wrong!)

I would really appreciate some information from the wealth of knowledge built up within the owners club, including any similar projects that may be a good guideline!

But firstly...
Where can I find the chassis number?
What would be required (modifications) to get this this registered!

Thank you very much in advance for any support!!!

Sam

[stevejgreen]

Re: Marlin Roadster Registration Advice

A very recent thread titled Triumph Roadster details where you should find the chassis number.
Marina Rear axle is a Banjo type with a solid axle from side to side, a Triumph rear drive has a centrally mounted diff, bolted to the chassis with short drive shafts with two UJ’s driving each rear wheel.

if you have any info at all on the donor vehicles it would be a good start, along with the date of purchase of the chassis/kit.

Good luck.

[sparker1994]

Re: Marlin Roadster Registration Advice

Hello thanks for the reply!
I have read though that post, but can't find the number.... I guess I could be hidden under a few layers of paint!

Would it be ok if someone posted a photo showing the location of the number (blurr/hide the number itself for security!) so I can strip the paint off and hunt it down!? Would save alot of time if I had a reference photo to strip the right area!

Thanks for the info, in that case I definitely have the marina rear and triumph front!

I'm affraid I have no information on the date of the car/kit as the history has been lost... From what I got from the previous owner it was never registered/finished. Then sold on a number of times in which he was going to turn it into a Hill climb car but never started (that was 2 years ago) I then got hold of it 2 weeks ago.

So pretty much have to start from scratch with this one. If I can find a chassis number would if be possible to find more about it? I.e. purchase date ect?

With it being a hybrid what age range does that make it?

Cheers for the replies!
Will post some photos when I'm next at it!

[b_caswell]

Re: Marlin Roadster Registration Advice

marina mk2 number.jpg

If the chassis is as you say Triumph front and Marina rear it is a hybrid and the kit chassis number is on a small plate on the left front chassis rail.

Problem is this the kit number and if the car has never been registered it will need to pass a IVA (Individual Vehicle Approval) not say its impossible but your kit was produced before these regulations were even existed.

[sparker1994]

Re: Marlin Roadster Registration Advice

Hi b_caswell,

Thank yo for the image! What is clear is mines does not have the same front chassis design as that... I was told by my friend that it a triumph front end (I wouldn't know how to identify! :S) I will take a photo of the same area, as now I'm not sure if it is Triumph... Apologies this is good learning for me!! 😀 And thank you for the help!

As for the IVA I thought as much! When it comes to IVA would it be retrospective of its age (or age of last roadster made by Marlin if I can't find the date) or would it have to conform to the latest regs?

Will post photo in next couple hours!

[b_caswell]

Re: Marlin Roadster Registration Advice

That is a Marina shot but the plate should be in a similar position.

Im afraid it will have to conform to the latest regs.

[sparker1994]

Re: Marlin Roadster Registration Advice

OK!

So here are some photo's of the marlin.
From some of the brilliant information gathered by members I have determined that this is a Triumph, Mariana hybrid.
I cant see a chassis number in this area.. I'm probably being stupid but any hint/ideas? could it be behind the black suspension mount?

As for the IVA, ill just have to modify until suitable for acceptance!

[stevejgreen]

Re: Marlin Roadster Registration Advice

I would read through the regulations, then read them through again, even the bits you think are irrelevant, then, read them through again.

Lots of issues to address mostly around safety, remembering that the Marlin was designed before seatbelts were mandatory.
The Roadster cockpit is well below shoulder level and the top mount of the seatbelt shoulder strap, must be above shoulder height.
An inspector is likely to want to be assured that all the anchor points are sufficiently rigid, that could include looking at design/stress calculations and specific weld specifications, possibly including proper ultrasonic weld inspection, after all, it will be a one off special.

[b_caswell]

Re: Marlin Roadster Registration Advice

A previous owner has welded those box brackets and U bolts to the car right where the number tag should be
if it has been kept you should be able to see it on the side of the main rail where the box bracket is.

I fear it probably got dressed off when the welding happened.

Notes for Vosa IVA with old Marlin roadster kits

As Steve says

The first thing to do is some serious homework on what is involved and how much time and money is available.

“Kit car” magazine did produce a useful condensed booklet covering the main points of IVA but not sure if this is still available, however the VOSA IVA manual is available online.

The link is to this is < https://www.gov.uk/vehicle-approval/...proval-manuals> ..... and kit cars come under the category M1.

Have a scroll through before trying to read it fully then refer to these notes from me that are more Marlin specific. Can’t guarantee that I have covered every issue but I have done my best.

Section...06.....Door latches..... The design of the Roadster door is such that you will need to source special double latched locks but they are available from kit accessory suppliers.

12 ....Interior fittings dashboard etc.... You will need to ensure cockpit edges and dash have a radius edge to prevent injury.

14.... Steering wheel and column.......You will need to have an approved type steering wheel and study the design of the column assembly to comply.

16.... Exterior projection....The leading edges of the front wings and suspension plus the windscreen frame and other sharp edges will need to have a radius or be protected.

19 and 31.... Seat belt anchorages will need to have recognised threaded ferules welded in to take correct grade of bolts and the shoulder height from the seat to the top mount will involve either a very thin seat squab or lowering the floor (quite a straight forward procedure) to get the measurement required. Plus the later add on seat belt tower to mount the bracket (There is a drawing for this (in technical tips) that would involve some simple engineering).

45....... Windscreen ....... will need to have the required markings It is possible to get specialist windscreen companies to cut a flat laminate screen to pattern but I am not sure if they can save the marking or re-etch the new screen to comply.( You would need to approach your local vehicle glass company)
There is an opinion that you can present the car with the screen and wipers missing but as on the Roadster the frame is integral with the chassis I am not sure if they would accept that. It would be a bit drastic but I suppose you could cut off the screen frame carefully to weld back on later.



You would be advised to take plenty of pictures of each specific stage of the build feature and produce a portfolio of the build to present along with the car. This also helps with assembly points that get hidden by later work as well as proving the home build status.


Not sure where you’re nearest IVA testing station is but it may be worth going along to see if you can have a chat with one of the inspectors.

[David]

Re: Marlin Roadster Registration Advice

I don't know if anyone agrees, but the pictures sure do make it look like that car has been on the road at some point. Look at the underside of the cockpit floors, that's road grime surely?

If we can identify the car, and any reg mark it had, that may make Sam's life a whole lots easier.

[lil_red_roadster]

Re: Marlin Roadster Registration Advice

Is that a registration plate I can see...propped against the tunnel side...possibly _OV 110A...worth checking with DVLA perhaps..?
A-suffix is 1963 so might be consistent with a Herald donor...
mystery_reg.jpg

[sparker1994]

Re: Marlin Roadster Registration Advice

Hi All,

So, b_caswell, thank you for the information and the link. There is a hell of a lot of stuff to comply with BUT nothing is impossible right!!??
I have read through a good chunk of the IVA manual for the seat belt anchorage, steering column etc... I'm going to have to make a CAD model of the car to wrap my head around a suitable framework for introducing triangular members for seat belt anchor points. And will need to source a suitable steering column safety device or impact deflection work around, I'm sure it can be done!
Has anyone converted to power steering before??

The car did come with a windscreen that is stamped and cut to size so that a bonus!! (providing it actually fits!!)

What is a pain in the bum is the potential loss of the VIN plate... I will take a closer look behind that welded section when I'm next at the vehicle, but my gut feeling is that you are right. It's probably been dressed off during prep work of the additional bracket. (as mentioned someone had intentions of making it a kill climb car so probably didn't care about retaining the number...) will update when i know!
In case it is missing I would have to apply for a new VIN right??

Hi David!
I have a feeling the car has had an 'interesting' history in which i mean I think its been on the road as something else... It does look like its been on the road at some point but I have very limited info... and with a potential lost chassis number i have a feeling i wont find anymore history...

lil_red_roadster, Hi!
Yes you are correct, I forgot to mention that
the reg plates were in the pile of stuff that came with it but they are registered to a 63 plate Ford Anglia (ADV 110A)
The car also came with (i think) a 1.3 ford engine (needs work if its going to be used, don't think ill use it), Ford wing mirrors, and a Ford steering wheel (manky). I have a suspicion whoever, may have had intentions of trying to register is as a ford!!??
Are these plate going to be of any use to me of should i throw them? (considering i have no V5 either.)

Cheers!

[jon_wilkinson]

Re: Marlin Roadster Registration Advice

That Ford Anglia reference triggered a memory. See this thread https://www.marlinownersclub.com/for...ghlight=anglia and in particular DC's post. Same car? If so hopefully DC can help out with history.

[dcunn]

Re: Marlin Roadster Registration Advice

Hi Sam. Ben Caswell and I have looked several times at pictures of this car as it has come up for sale at least four times in 2015/16/17 - there was an old thread on here about it at the time

Initially the seller was using the Anglia plates/ engine/ rear axle as part of the deal - latterly not, as a Mazda MX5 donor was then mentioned !

We are pretty sure that the car was on the road as JM(W?)P 39(X?)(K?) and sorry, no we don't know the chassis number !

The only pic we have of the car was when it was up for sale as a 1986 car in Which Kit mag advert August 1990 with an Alfa Romeo engine/box.

I cannot enhance the pic enough to read the reg.

Sorry but I'm away from my computer until Thursday evening(18th) but I shall log on then to see what else you have managed to find out.......and if you email me at home I can send you the old "for sale" pics

Rgds Dave Cunnington MOC Archivist


PS Totally a long shot, but maybe you could talk to "Which Kit" mag people and see what has happened to their archives...then maybe get a good copy of that pic and then talk to DVLA

[boustrophedon]

Re: Marlin Roadster Registration Advice

As regards seat belt mounts, my last car had a rear roll bar which doubled as one of the roof supports and had the upper seat belt mounts welded to it. Still seems like a good design to me.