Designa chassis

The scores on the doors:

------------------------ Chassis/Body Shell/Monocoque 5 Points Suspension 2 Points Axles 2 Points Transmission 2 Points Steering 2 Points Engine 1 Point

The blurb:

---------- "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 ESVA/SVA/MSVA certificate will be required to register the vehicle and a 'Q' prefix registration number will be allocated."

So, our hypothetical Series vehicle with a coil sprung chassis fitted will only retain 3 points even if fitted with the original engine and gearbox - 5 Points short!

The chassis will be changed - no points retained The suspension will change (leaf to coil) - no points retained The axles will be changed - no points retained The steering will be changed - no points retained

Whether modifying an existing axle to take coils would retain the points could be debated - but the quote above: "substantially altered from their original specification" would imply not.

Richard

But why would the steering be changed ? you would only be modifying the axle to accommodate the springs and possibly shockers hence my guess at 5 point still not enough either way though

The Steering would be changed since it is completely different on leaf and coil vehicles. To fit the original system it would have to be heavily modified and therefore no longer standard. If you had a new chassis made with provision for the new steering it would not be a relacement - a sublte difference, but government depts. are not noted for subtltey..... again, the key phrase is "substantially altered from their original specification".

Richard

you're right I was thinking of the steering set up on the axle I forgot about the chassis mounted parts

Why not go for using the Range Rover reg number / chassis number that way you have got the points :-

You are using the chassis 5 points also the axles 2 points and suspension 2 points the steering 2 points engine possible to use a different one transmition possible to use a different one

Total 11 points

Is this not right I think it is but please let me know as I am about to start something similar.

You need to think " I am changing the body and not I am changing the chassis !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rich

You're absolutely right - but the main reason for people doing it the other way round is to get a tax free coil sprung motor.

Richard

Hmm. The coil sprung 88 i know uses a series steering box and all the series linkages down to (and including) the drop arm that comes out of the relay in the front chassis x-member. At this point it uses a custom made linkage that goes down to the axle. The original series one wasnt quite long enough (it would fit but made getting the wheels pointing and moving right kinda hard!).

It attaches to standard RR axles (as far as i know).

You could say that the axle changes would come under the 'axle' points on the DVLA list.

The actual steering bits inside the vehicle (the box, both drop arms and a couple of linkages) are the original series bits. You could claim that this meant that you had not changed the steering.

The only bit that is somewhat in the middle is the lengthened linkage between the 2.

Why not go for using the Range Rover reg number / chassis number that way you have got the points :-

You are using the chassis 5 points also the axles 2 points and suspension 2 points the steering 2 points engine possible to use a different one transmition possible to use a different one

Total 11 points

Is this not right I think it is but please let me know as I am about to start something similar.

You need to think " I am changing the body and not I am changing the chassis"

Rich

I have a guy come in for MOT with a 1963 series2 V8, 5 speed g/box,coil sprung, disc brakes all round, defender front end and Series 3 dash and still claims to be tax exempt

What you need is what I have got last Christmas and that is a 1972 Range Rover so I can do that and keep the reg doc

Rich