DVLA targets engine changes

[John Wakefield]

This from the December Practical Classics mag.

"The DVLA is refusing to issue V5c registration documents to owners of re-engined classic cars (presumably also includes bikes) unless they can show the exchange engines history.
The move is understood to be one of a raft of measures designed to help prevent car & component theft by introducing an element of traceability into the system.
Classic car owners will now have to give details of the engines supplier, along with full details of the car that it came from. Failure to supply this information could render the re-engined car unusable on UK roads. This means an end to the installation of used engines which have sat around in garages for years, even if they are the same type. It also prevents enthusiasts re-engining their cars with a used engine of a different specification, make, type."

What about those shed finds where the engine has been changed years ago but new number not recorded on V5? The lesson here would be to ensure that before applying for a new V5c you ensure that the engine number is the same as recorded on the old one. Luckily most Greeves road & trials bikes have Villiers engines with rivited on engine serial number plates, blanks of which are available to be stamped up by owner!!!

[Andy Z]

This from the December Practical Classics mag.

"The DVLA is refusing to issue V5c registration documents to owners of re-engined classic cars (presumably also includes bikes) unless they can show the exchange engines history.
The move is understood to be one of a raft of measures designed to help prevent car & component theft by introducing an element of traceability into the system.
Classic car owners will now have to give details of the engines supplier, along with full details of the car that it came from. Failure to supply this information could render the re-engined car unusable on UK roads. This means an end to the installation of used engines which have sat around in garages for years, even if they are the same type. It also prevents enthusiasts re-engining their cars with a used engine of a different specification, make, type."

What about those shed finds where the engine has been changed years ago but new number not recorded on V5? The lesson here would be to ensure that before applying for a new V5c you ensure that the engine number is the same as recorded on the old one. Luckily most Greeves road & trials bikes have Villiers engines with rivited on engine serial number plates, blanks of which are available to be stamped up by owner!!!

I have already been scuppered by this new ruling. The DVLA want a reciept from the engine manufacturer and an engineer's report for the engine swap. Bit difficult since the manufacturer in question ceased to exist in 1939 (Rudge)!

I can understand the reasoning of this ruling, with kids fitting V8s in their Citroen Saxos, but vintage motorcycles? Its just going to encourage people to re-stamp their cases, or fit different plates if you have a Villiers engine.

[John Wakefield]

Engine swops

Sorry to here of your problem with your Rudge Andy, looks like you may have to pay for an engineers report.
There must be thousands of vehicles out there with a different engine number to that recorded on V5, years ago no one bothered & with cars many had recon engines fitted which never got changed in the log book. Apparently the engine number is not looked at during the MoT so it not likely to come to light in the normal course of things. I am sure many owners have never checked the numbers anyway, & on some car & commercial engines, recon units did not always have a number.

[Rob]

Yes, by a strange coincidence I was only reading today in the FBHVC newsletter about historic vehicle engine changes. The article said that the DVLA requires independent verification of engine capacity changes. The article suggests that this could be in the form of a suitably worded letter from the appropriate specialist club and dealt with via the local DVLA office.

I was certainly not aware of the need to come up with all this other nonsense. Good job Villiers engines don't have numbers! Bet there will be quite a few confused primary chaincase inners running around though!

It always used to be that the only thing that mattered was the frame number. I have always found the DVLA quite a reasonable lot to deal with once you get through to a sensible human! Perhaps they may come to an understanding for historic vehicles but on the other hand........??!!

In the meantime.......has anyone the email address of the Rudge factory??!!

Cheers,

Rob

[John Wakefield]

Rob
I noticed some crucial wording in your posting The article said that the DVLA requires independent verification of engine capacity changes.
So does this mean that this only applies to a change in engine size & a replacement of the same type & capacity just goes through as normal number change without hassle?
There could though be serious implications for those putting Triumph (& other engines) in Greeves frames for use on the road. These could require Single Vehicle Approval & end up being re registered on a Q plate. Looks like the club may be required to get involved with authentication of these.

[Rob]

Good point John, I had completely forgotten about Grumph's.

Looks like a job for Phil as he must be a qualified engineer on these by now!

[John Wakefield]

Rob
I have been onto Dave Hurley about engine changes & he says the FHVC are still on the case with the DVLA. But I dont think they will get any changes as regards larger or different make engines (ie 500 Triumph in Greeves) so looks as though the GRA may need an authenticating officer (more paperwork & expense) As far as Villiers engines are concerned I suggest that owners transfer existing inner chaincase to replacement engine!!!