Martin Brown's SVA experience.
Cliff Law explains...
Which Kit did a report covering the entire build of an H4 over 5 issues from October 1998 - February 1999. The fourth article (Jan 99) covers the SVA and generally getting the H4 on the road. Quantum will supply you with examples of how to fill the various forms in. I found them very useful.
Here's how I got through the paperwork. There's plenty of advice around on the various aspects so I won't go into detail, but to minimise the time you need to get everything in the right sequence. I kept copies of certificates etc. As it happens I didn't need them but...
Get the donor registered in your name early on in the process. This will take several weeks to come through.
If you intend to change the engine re-register the car again with the new engine number. This should help you if you intend to seek an age related plate.
Book the SVA by completing and sending off form SVA1 to the Vehicle Inspectorate at Swansea. Waiting times are variable so contact them well before and ask. Your chosen test station will contact you with an appointment date.
Arrange insurance if you intend to drive the vehicle to the test station.
The test station will issue you with a MAC certificate. Send:
The original MAC
Form V55/5
Registration document
V627/1 Built Up Vehicle Inspection Report
to your local Vehicle Registration Office.
You will then need to obtain Road Tax in the usual way. For this you will need to produce your insurance document and perhaps an MOT. The latest advice is that if a car has passed an SVA it doesn't need an MOT for three years but check this out. Martin's note: I understand this is only the case if the car is built entirely from new parts, otherwise it needs an MOT every year (including the first year).
The MOT can be done in conjunction with the SVA however I chose to do it separately.
Things that seem to be an issue include:
Mirrors: They should spring back if hit. Martin's note: Not quite. They should fold in towards the body - Metro mirrors are fine.
Seat height: Seat belts should lead level or down from the fixing to the back of the seat.
Loose cables: Sort them out before the test. It's easy to do and creates the right impression.
Glass markings: Ask for a copy of the appropriate letters from Quantum and have them available for the test.