SVA Test

[catswhiskers]

Well, time to own up. I took the car for its SVA test this morning. What's the new term. Not failure but 'deferred success'. ;)
Failed on two points. Speedo calibration (my fault) and bias pedal box not double/triple/super duper locked off. :(
Basically, apart from stuffing a bit of padding in a couple of edges of the dashboard and clipping a few wires up, everything seemed to be going great. Checked the speedo with the 'chase car' en route and all seemed correct. Unfortunately, it looks as if I'd set the magnetic pulse sensor a bit close to the bolt heads and by the time we got to the speedo calibration check, the sensor had self destructed. :eek: Looks like it hit a bolt and ripped the innerds out. Bugger.
Apart from that, I'm using a 'Tilton' bias pedal box but have not fitted the adjuster. I simply set the balance 'somewhere near in my opinion' and locked it up with the locknuts fitted. Unfortunately, this does not satisfy the 'book' and if you are not using an adjuster knob, then the balance bar has to have additional locknuts fitted that are also drilled and fitted with 'rollpins or split dowels'. One for everyone to note there. ;)
The rest of the test went generally well, brakes were OK, noise 99/100Db so squeezed a pass on that, mirrors OK, emissions very low, no problems with the '2,5mm rad' anywhere although a couple of places were on the minimum limit.
Outcome, fit a new speedo sensor and pedal box lock nuts (many thanks for those Sando) ring the test centre day before and they will re-check those two items for me without waiting in a queue.
Good on ya Watnall. If all goes according to plan, I should be back down there on Wednesday PM for my certificate.
Big thanks to everyone whose helped along the way but especially to John Davidson. Top man. :D

Mick

[Chris J]

Well done Mick

'Sounds like you're just about there?!

You must have set a record that won't easily be bettered?

I've heard about Phil Bishop's fast build, but I think that was pre SVA, if that makes a difference?

[catswhiskers]

Thanks for that Chris. To be honest, if I hadn't f*****d up on the speedo sensor, I reckon we could have got a pass on the day. Sando very kindly went shopping for some locknuts and pins for me and returned with them in plenty of time to fit. But, as a re-visit was inevitable. I decided to fit them at home rather than struggle there.
Do my best to get a result this week though. I'll post a few pics soon for reference.

Mick

[CorseChris]

Mick,

Shame it was so close but not fixable on the day...soon sorted though.

When do we see the car then!!! Time for another gathering somewhere folks? How about a midlands meet somewhere?

[catswhiskers]

Yes Chris, hopefully sorted this week. I was very nervous about the noise test too. Knowing yours was around the 98/99Db I didnt think I had a chance. I'd already prepared the wire wool bundles ready to 'insert' into the silencer inlets but didnt need them after all. As you found, Andy was very helpful during the test and also helped to move the axle weights around a bit. For everyones reference, Corse with V6 Alfa unit fitted. I submitted front axle weight of 550kg and rear axle weight of 650kg. After the car was weighed, he said that I only had about 1kg spare on the rear axle so changed the front to 500kg (well safe) and put the rear up to 700kg still keeping the overall weight the same but giving me 50kg allowance for luggage, tools etc. Very helpful I thought.
Regarding seeing the car, well assuming I get the pass this week, I have to get in touch with Nottingham taxation office to start the paperwork trail in motion. I'm also on holiday for a week from 10th to 18th so I would hope to be on the road by the end of the month :D
Give me a day or two and I'll get a few pictures posted now the car is 'almost' fully liveried. :rolleyes:
I'll also see about an article for the newsletter to include the build story Part 2 (although nobody has read Part 1 yet) and the SVA experience. :)

Mick

[catswhiskers]

Well, all went according to plan for a change. New sensor arrived this morning and was quicly bolted on and calibrated. Popped down to the SVA test centre to see when Andy could fit me in for a re-test and he, very obligingly said 3pm. :)
Once the car was on the speedo calibration rollers, he just took it through the range and commented that it was spot on. I did see that at 70mph, the speedo was reading 72mph so that was that. Oh yes, I fitted the locknuts to the pedal box balance bar and a cursory glance by Andy revealed that all was well.
:D Must see if I can get down to the DVLA office in Nottingham this Friday to clear the final hurdle.
Now the fun can begin. ;)
More details to follow when my feet are back on the ground.

[CorseChris]

Well done Mick. Can't you cancel that holiday??? Getting in the way of car-related fun, honestly!

[SUSIT]

Fantastic Mick :) :) :)

[Chris J]

W E H E Y !!

Well done Mick.

[catswhiskers]

Cancel the holiday? Somehow, I dont think I'll get that one by Christine. No, seriously, just a 'chill out' week in Norfolk before I pick up the pieces again. I mean, I have windows to fit, livery to finish,etc. There will always be something to do as I'm sure you all know. Must say though, its been a very entertaining 8 months.
I wonder how a 'his and hers' Stratos would go down? :rolleyes: Chequered Flag livery perhaps? ;)
I really do need a holiday.

Thanks again everyone but it aint over yet. As I say, the fun can now begin.

Mick

[Swamprat33]

Congrats Mick.

The car looks better every time we se pics of it.

8 months is a truly fantastic achievement.
Hope to see you soon.

Tim

[catswhiskers]

Mick,

When do we see the car then!!! Time for another gathering somewhere folks? How about a midlands meet somewhere?

Well I suppose a good time to meet up would be at the Donington show in October. Anyone planning to go??
Failing that, I could probably suggest a selection of alternative venues for a get together.

Mick

[strat fan]

Well done Mick. Car looks good now its all together, I like the paint scheme. Hope to see you on the roads around here soon.
I just missed you as I was on my way for a retest at 2-30pm today but had a puncture at Burnt stump, had to abort & be rescued instead.

[Bernard]

Mick
Congratulations !!!
We should have a Notts Run soon then ??
Cheers
Bernie

[catswhiskers]

Hi Craig,
Shame we missed each other. I was there at 3pm but left at about 3.40pm. I'll get to see you soon no doubt.
Bernard, I hope to get the DVLA paperwork moving tomorrow before I go on holiday. I'll post when the registration is through. Not long I hope. :D

Mick

[Sando]

Well done Mick, won't be long now. Give me a ring if you need to chat about any of the forms. I'll dig out any info I've got. Chris probably remembers the score better than me though!

Donni sounds good. Hopefully I'll be sticking the 24v in by then though so I might need to scrounge a lift...Berni? :)

Rob

[Media]

Well Mick were both nearly at the finish line with a re-test for my car due next Tuesday. The photos look spot on, looking forward to meeting up after the registration to compare our builds, and get out on to the track for some time tests maybe at Donnington.

Geraint

[catswhiskers]

Hi Geraint,
It would be a great opportunity to get together at Donnington and swap stories, compare notes etc. Best of luck with the re-test next Tuesday. I hope it goes as smoothly as mine did. :)
Just sent you a pm.

Mick

[CorseChris]

Good luck Ger.

Donny looks like it might be getting busy...I'll probably be attending if I can.

I'll second Rob's offer Mick - call if you think I may be able to help with the VRO stuff.

[catswhiskers]

Thanks for that Chris. I'm going in to the DVLA office tomorrow to see what lies ahead. :eek: I may well be on to you and Rob from then.
I'll let you know either way. :)

Mick

[catswhiskers]

Well I dont know if it's my boyish good looks, my irresistable charm or the fact that all the help I've got from you guys just prepared me very well. Guess what, F906MRA actually hit the streets this afternoon. :D :D
The DVLA were very helpful. All paperwork in order. Only question was would you like 6 months or 12 months road tax. :rolleyes: No inspection necessary, no problem with the age related plate.
I think I should just go and get a lottery ticket. :D

:D :D Honestly guys, dont know what you were all messing about at. :D :D

One very happy bunny off on his holidays (not in the Strat though)

Mick

[CorseChris]

Well done that man!!!!

It looks as if the Nottingham VRO have a very relaxed attitude to all this stuff. The Worcester office, while very friendly and helpful, did insist on an inspection. Not a problem, but it did cause a delay. I hear other offices can be downright troublesome.....

[Sando]

Well done Mick. :)
Haven't got a clue how you managed to do it, but I bet you don't hang about on the return journey from Norfolk!
Come down for a play.
Rob

[Swamprat33]

Congrats Mick. What was the exact total time from ordering to screwing on the plates?

Cant see it will be beaten.

Hope to meet up real soon after your break.

Tim

[Media]

Finally passed my SVA re-test yesterday. Thanks to Lyndon and Gerry who supported me on the day, and to everyone else for all there support during my three year build. This was my first ever build and during that time I have learnt a lot about the car and its characteristics, and most probably have a lot to learn again regarding setup and the driving experience on the narrow roads of west Wales. Next stop DVLA!

A final tip to all those about to take your Stratos to SVA. I nearly failed on calibration of my speedo on the rolling road test. You need to deflate your tyres to the smallest diameter as you possibly can. My final tyre pressure was 10psi which reduced the diameter, and reduced the reading on the speedo. Thanks to Lyndon for borrowing his low profile tyres.

Geraint

[CorseChris]

Congratulations Ger.

My Corse loved the roads in North and West Wales :))

[Bernard]

Congratulations !.............now the development starts !!!!
What is your colour scheme and do we see any photo's
Bernard

[SUSIT]

Well done Ger, hope you have many miles of happy motoring.
Ps any pics?

Stephen

[Bernard]

Sorry Mick ........missed your earlier post .... well done to you too.... can't wait for the first Notts outing...........Cheers
Bernard

[Swamprat33]

Well done to you as well Geraint.
Just a thought - how far out will your speedo be when using the correct tyres at 'normal' pressures?

Tim

[Chris J]

Congrats., Geraint.

Whilst we're on the 'changes to car to get it through the test on the day' subject...

If a car can pass with no side windows, when it's obvious that the car isn't going to be used without side windows, could it pass with no windscreen?

Quite a few cars will be tested without screens, Lotus seven types, NGs, C type Jags reps. etc.

[Media]

I will try and send some pictures of the Olio Fiat colour scheme soon.
The Pirelli tyres will most probably be out by about 3-4mph.
The tester did not even look at the side screens only the front and rear and they were ok.

Thanks for the support

Geraint

[Sando]

Well Done Geraint. Look forward to seeing it in the flesh.

With regards to the speedo I'd agree, You can read bang on or over for the SVA (= Small rolling diameter) but you mustn't read under. With my post SVA 345's and standard Speedo it's about 3-4mph out on the low side at lower speeds but seems to get better the faster you go :) ...............

yes, just don't drive slow! :eek:

Well done
Rob

[SUSIT]

:D Just spend megabucks on a stack digital that you can recalabrate for any size of wheel tyre compo you cheapskates :D :D

[CorseChris]

....or buy a push-bike 'computer' and rig up some sort of illumination for it. SVA firendly apparently and all for no more than £15.

[catswhiskers]

Hello boys, I'm back. And thanks for the text Geraint.
I'll catch up with you all soon but I have some side windows to fit as you know. :D Update soon with more pictures.
Looks like Donington is definitely on my agenda. Anyone else? :)

Mick

[catswhiskers]

Congrats Mick. What was the exact total time from ordering to screwing on the plates?

Tim

Well Tim, the timescale was as follows.
Ordered the kit and sent Lionel away with my deposit on September 15th 2004, Various parts arrived in the following weeks (radiator, wheel upright castings etc.) but the chassis, body and other 'significant' bits were delivered on 8th December 2004.
Car passed SVA on 7th September and had number plates fitted on 9th September.
So you could say that the 'project' actually took 51 weeks. :)
However, the 'actual build' took 39 weeks. :D
Mind you, if we're honest with ourselves, are these things ever finished? :rolleyes:

Mick (sorry, Fabrizio) :D

[chris.richard]

That record will stand for a while!

[catswhiskers]

[QUOTE=Chris J

Whilst we're on the 'changes to car to get it through the test on the day' subject...

If a car can pass with no side windows, when it's obvious that the car isn't going to be used without side windows, could it pass with no windscreen?[/QUOTE]

Well, I should point out that my car went through the SVA without a rear window. Well, more accurately, I had a 24mm laminated, double glazed unit made up for the rear window but, knowing it wouldn't pass the SVA test (no E marks) I simply carpeted over the window inside the car and covered the engine side with heat reflective aluminium sheet. This way, it looked like a solid bulkhead. Provided the door mirrors cover the rear visibility test, and they did, just, then the rear window is uncovered at home afterwards.
Not sure how you would stand without a windscreen though. I was under the impression that the windscreen actually contributed to the strength and rigidity of the shell.

Mick