That's a very good question. At the moment there apppears to be a random 1 in 10 inspection as a first hurdle. With rebodies you advise them of what you've done and they then send a V627/1 asking for more info photos etc. If you have enough proof this should be where it ends. You'll then get back a logbook that should record the info in the notes section and also the change of body appearance.

The last bit is the issue as they seem to have little grasp of their own rules and often this is returned with incorrect details still. So don't just presume whatever the put is correct make SURE it is.

Anyway ,if they are not satisfied with info on the V627/1 it may proceed to input from an V765 owners club and maybe even go down to an inspection by DSVA ( ex VOSA)

 

Done this recently, they like a photo of the car or rolling chassis before build starts and all round photo's of the finished car with the number plates attached ( you keep the original number). A letter from the MOT station confirming that the body has been replaced by a fibreglass sedan body for example. In my case I had also changed the engine and gearbox type and CC so I had this included in the letter.

Send everything recorded delivery and expect approx. 4 to 6 weeks to get paperwork back. Include a contact number they may call showing an unknown number. Did not get called for inspection.

Cheers

Rich

 

Yeah, they do want pics of the finished vehicle with the plates on. I didn't get called for inspection, but had a long drawn out saga, with returned application for extra information that I had already given them in the first place, They ask for a contact number, but in my experience they don't bother calling, they would rather send the whole application back. they did send the registration fee back though saying it doesn't apply to a rebody.

 

:yeahthat:

I actually called them, as it seemed to be going the wrong way, but everything is now all good.

 

I have looked on the dvla V627/1 form for a re body and i cannot see were you put the new model name that you have called it.I can see make model colour mileage tax class year of manufacture currently taxed.Now is this the info of the donor chassis or do you fill that bit in with the new name,make,model what you called it.Thanks

 

There is currently some confusion around this . A rebody could fall under 2 classes, Radically Altered Vehicle and Kit Altered . What they appear to be insisting on is the makers name remaining but that you can change the model and body style . Changes should also be mentioned in the Special Notes section on page one of the V5C along the lines of " built from parts some of which may not be new.

They are using the Radically Altered class for most rebodys but it is actually Kit Altered . The kit ( of parts added) is meant to be new but we (ACE) have letters to the effect that secondhand bodies are acceptable.

The difference is supposedly that in Kit Altered the body appearance will change totally from original ( hence the need to rename ) whereas the Radically Altered is still identifiable as per original ( roughly) . Whilst it is a misinterpretation on DVLAs part they are refusing to acknowledge the fact. SO, 'we've' done what is requested and the fact they have been notified WILL reflect on the V5C.

Radically altered https://www.gov.uk/vehicle-registration/radically-altered-vehicles

Kit Conversion https://www.gov.uk/vehicle-registration/kitconverted-vehicles

--- New Post Merged As Per 5 Day Bump Rule ---

Within the definition of Kit Conversion you will find the wording

"Get an age-related registration number

You can apply for an age-related number if you can prove you've used 2 original major parts along with:

a new monocoque bodyshell, chassis or frame from a specialist kit manufacturer
an altered chassis, monocoque bodyshell or frame from the original vehicle

The registration number will be based on the age of the original vehicle.

Your vehicle must pass the relevant type approval test to get an age-related registration number."

This is INCORRECT , any vehicle using a secondhand ALTERED chassis/ monococque will immediately get a Q NOT an age related . We (ACE) have pointed this out repeatedly to DVLA Policy but they refuse to acknowledge that the wording should be " UNaltered" not altered

 

Kev so if i use a modern chassis off a pick up say a 2002 reg , complete with running gear and engine so no added bits or anythink cut off the chassis then drop a old truck body on it .Can you use the donor chassis reg number what forms will be needed , will it be a kit car or a radically altered as the body will be old not new.I also thought you cannot use the makers name you have to make your own up.Im confused

 

You require V627/1 to notify the of changes and ask for name / body style change. Rebodied vehicle retains its original chassis vin and reg number .They are currently viewing it as Radically Altered Vehicle ( as using old body) if using new body they regard it as Kit Conversion .That isn't correct but it IS how they are doing it currently . Outcome is almost the same the manufacturer identity remains the sae on RAV but not on KC.

 

Hello Kev

Quick question if you don't mind, If you are using a Beetle pan can you alter the actual floor pans as long as the back bone remains intact ? also can you narrow the rear torsion housings or is that considered to be part of the pan

Cheers Pete

 

Hi Pete :tup: It used to be that the identity lay purely in the backbone but they have changed their definition so the floorpans must remain though aftermarket replacements are acceptable without affecting identity. No idea re the narrowing of the housings though VOSA advice to us was that that any mounts, including body outriggers ,fuel tank supports, etc must remain IF they would be in place on a replacement OEM chassis / floorpan/ monocoque .


The latest members of DVLA Policy are not so forthcoming as previously and will only answer "We don't answer hypothetical questions"...yet they can tell you AFTER you've done it that you are not allowed?!!

 

Thanks Kev, that helps a lot basically as I interpret it I can fit any aftermarket pan as long as it loosely resembles the original and is specified for that job

Cheers Pete

 

Just to clarify my first post, obviously my Pop isn't a rebody, but it was such a pain trying to change it from a saloon to a pickup, there was talk of it going for a test, but I argued the case that it had a seperate chassis and didn't require a test...

This went backwards and forwards for a few months until I finally got the proper paperwork.

 

Kapri - Hi Kev,

I know you were involved in getting the original Sammio Spyder to qualify as a "re-body".

I recently tried to get the DVLA to confirm my build would also not be classed as a kit car and therefore avoid IVA.

I was told to provide lots of details about the build and "before" & "after" photos and here is my "case" that I send off last week.
( Obviously I have blurred out the personal information. )

This includes:
- V5C
- V894 Reply Slip
- V627/1 Built up vehicle report
- 8 pages of additional information & photos
- 8 invoices covering donor car and parts for my "replacement body shell".

My argument is that I have a "full house" of 14 DVLA points in order to remain the reg. no. of my donor and keep the "Make" as Triumph.

So I am just looking to change the "Model" from Spitfire 1500.

I'll keep you posted about how I get on.

Cheers, Paul.

PS
Another builder just sent the forms in a few weeks ago and got a revised V5C without the need to supply any photos or have any inspection, so if really does seem to be pot luck at the moment.

 

yes, I worked with Gary ,his DVLA LO and VOSA tech to clarify exactly what was required re mounting of the body . Some of it seemed nit picky but if that's what has to be done to get the correct result then so be it.

Thanks Paul, nice to see some more real life info. Shouldn't be a problem with what you've supplied but should come under Kit Conversions . Be interesting to see the outcome :tup:

 

Quick Update...

The Good News - The DVLA wrote back to say my V5C change application had been accepted.

The Bad News - They want the vehicle taxed to complete the registration process.

So I have written back pointing out that the car is currently SORN and not in a position to be taxed at this time.

I am really hoping to avoid a classic "Catch 22" situation:
- The insurance company wants the V5C to be changed before they will provide cover.
- The DVLA say they will not change the V5C without valid tax paid.
- But I cant get the tax without the insurance that requires a changed V5C !!

At least I have started the paperwork process early, so I hope to resolve this eventually. :roll:

I'll keep you posted with any further updates, Paul.

 

Most specialist insurance companies are aware, to a degree, or what is required to register a 'special' and will provide cover on a chassis number alone to enable completion of DVLA paperwork. Just completed assistance to another rebody and tax NOT required on that one ( DVLA left hand / right hand syndrome again :shake: )

 

DVLA will make the change on the insurance documents showing the original description and reg number you can then get the insurance changed when DVLA return the modified V5C.

 

I don't know if this is the right place for this but , I'm looking at making a body kit for the mx5 , it's a bolt on front 'clam shell' and an over layer rear end , this changes the whole look of the car ,but retains all the standard welded panels ..
What would it be classed as ?

 

You have the freedom to call it what you like as long as you do not use an existing brand of car maker.

 

Hi mate , I'm still working on my bellytank :lol: !!

It was more the registration , as in do I need to reregister it , or is it just classed as a body kit ...

 

i reckon its a heavily modified but still within the 8 points, im sure there was a thread here about mx5 kits

 

Kit Conversion ( as opposed to Kit Car ) rules I'd guess as the appearance will change.

 

Cheers guys ..

 

Re-body Update:
Back in Oct. 2014 (Post #16 in this thread), I was told I could not have a revised V5C without valid tax.

It turns out that initial DVLA advice was incorrect, as this requirement is actually for "first" registrations.
( E.g. Q plates, or a new "age related" plate based on a major component of the build. )

With 14 DVLA points, I was entitled to keep my original registration, so my car could remain on SORN without tax.

Instead, I was asked to simply sign a declaration that the "conversion" work was complete.

At this point I spoke to the DVLA to double check their definition of the word "conversion" was the same as Google's.

The process of changing from one form to another.

This was another key part of the story, as for a "first" registration, the car must be 100% road worthy.

But if you are keeping the original registration, just the conversion work needs to be done to obtain a revised V5C.

Even unfinished, I could confirm that the old Spitfire "form" was no longer there and a new "form" (body shell) was.

I had to return the first revised V5C I was sent due to a "typo" & then there was a technical problem with the correction.

However, this is a section from the new V5C which arrived today.
( I've scrubbed the date of first registration off the photo. )

Notes:
- The original Model name of "Spitfire 1500" has been removed completely and is now blank.
- The Make has been modified from "Triumph" to "Triumph Swordfish".
- No inspection of the changes I have made was required (Post #14 shows what I did supply).
- I believe the maximum number of characters you can use in the Make line is 20.

With all the "to-ing and fro-ing" I have no real idea which set of DVLA rules I was actually judged against :roll:

Similarly, I couldn't tell you if I actually had to keep Triumph in the new Make name either.

As I am now aware of a BMW Z3 panel replacement kit with a V5C Make of "Z300S BARCHETTA", with no mention of BMW.

Either way, thanks to Kapri & everyone who has chipped in with info to this thread and other re-body threads.

Whilst I have still got a long way to go to finish the build, I am very happy that all the paperwork is now in order.

I would also definitely recommend trying to get any V5C change required sorted out as soon as possible.

Cheers, Paul.

 

If you can keep the original name who's going to be the first to register a Vauxhall Disden?... :incheek:

Congratulations on getting the registration done. I like how that's shaping up.

<edit> Give it a couple of days and then check on the DVLA site that it's still SORNed. It's not unknown for the SORN status to disappear when changes are made.

 

Current rebody titling seems to be retaining original Make but changing model to reflect new appearance. Always make sure they've put it in Special Notes on the front page as well. Should read along the lines of "built from parts some of which may not be new" .

With a BIVA based vehicle it requires a non copyright name so you CAN'T retain the original manufacturers name.