Modifying Classics - What's allowed?

[chazzmanbm]

Hi Folks,

I have an idea for a project and was wondering what is allowed by UK law.  I want to start with an old car (1970s), build a full custom chassis and suspension, to my own specification and modify the body to suit.  Ideally, the engine will be a smallish displacement turbocharged V8 to produce the sound and power I am after.  The end result will be an externally similar car (albeit with wider track and longer wheelbase) to the original with much larger wheels and subtle, modern upgrades.  To achieve the look I am going for, I will have to widen and lengthen the original body to meet the dimensions I am after.  It's a complete re-engineering of an old classic but it's been a dream of mine for many years and I want to make it a reality.

So legally, would I be allowed to do this?  What would be the bureaucratic challenges ahead and what rules and regulations would I need to follow?

Thanks for the info.

Regards.
Chazz.

[crockpot]

All of what you list is allowed, but as far as the DVLA goes it will be a new car and so will have to go through and pass a BIVA test. You then register it as new.
The manual for M1 class vehicles can be down loaded here www.gov.uk/government/publications/iva-manual-for-vehicle-category-m1

Don't be put off by the size of the manual. Not all will apply to your build. Take it section at a time and understand what is required. The biggest issue will be glass, if you cannot get a windscreen to E 43r specification you are pretty much stuck. Flat glass is not so bad as it can be made or cut from available flat screens.
You also need to be able to get a dating letter for the engine. If you can't then you are stuck again (some makers will not provide them).

There's plenty of knowledge on here, just ask!

[chazzmanbm]

Crockpot, thanks for answering my question. I'll have a read through the manual and see what's what. The project has been taking up way too much valuable mental space for way too long so it's time to get building.

[scimjim]

Check out www.locostbuilders.co.uk - a bit quiet these days in terms of builds but full of people that have nearly all built their chassis from scratch and a great resource for IVA questions.

[georgeb]

Also check out the blackpopracing thread on his retro-BIVA experience. And anything by kapri.

Demystifies stuff a bit.

[legend]

biggest problem is the glass, It has to be E marked, so stick to original dimensions for the windows or you'd be trying to match the form with modern glass from different cars.

[blackpopracing]

It does not have to be E marked, AS marking is also acceptable as well.

[legend]

ahhh thanks for the clarification, but widening a shell would be a nightmare if you included the glass.

[kapri]

The Dummies Guide to BIVA translates the 300+ pages of the manual into 12 pages of English Also contains details of how to plan for the registration you want , hints , tips, sources and real world examples of passed cars. Available for a £20 donation to my chosen charity.

[legend]

I think I'll be buying that