I have read most of the thread on Rods and Sods but not all of it as I haven't had chance yet but it seems to make the same points over and over again.
And I also agree with what you are saying.
I know its impossible to modify cars in many EU states hence why the guys building kit cars ship them here to get them registered and then import them back again to get around the rules. I have been through SVA (pre IVA) with my kit car a few years ago so understand the points system and also understand the SVA/IVA system quite well, certainly more so than those people who have never been through it.
At present I don't believe there is any discussion to change the IVA/SVA system as it stands within the UK. Certainly no talk of it changing for bikes and kit cars. My understanding was the whole issue revolved around the definition of a historic vehicle. The IVA already requires that chassis/monocoque modifications require a test, and always has done since it's introduction which you seem to have said as well. So there are probably a lot of rods floating around that should have been tested already, if they had been built with passing the test in mind then there would be no issues. For most people whose modifications stop at changing the engine and transmission in a rod will not require any tests at all.
I understand the issue about glass and I can see why there is resistance to the wider set of rules they are trying to bring in, the kit car industry was the same when SVA was introduced.
My understanding is the whole issue surrounds the definition of what an historic vehicle is and people are worried about their heavily modified 34 Ford no longer being historic. If many of the heavily modified rods had been for an IVA/SVA as they should have been then they would no longer technically be an historic vehicle anyway, which is probably why so many people don't take them when they should.
I am no good at making my point on internet forums, I am not agreeing with the proposals. It would be nice to have some more clarification on what the proposals actually are as most of the threads you linked to stopped running in May this year. The same happened when the SVA was introduced, lots of scaremongering about you will never be able to build or modify your own cars any more. The industry made a lot of noise about it and it was toned down. We need to do the same again to stop anything changing.
Like I said I don't make my point very well on the forums, so I will stop now.
Quite a lot of discussion on this topic on a lot of motoring forums as well. Just ab quick google turns up loads.
Quote from here:
http://alpine.forumup.com/post-4909-alpine.html
Quote:
I decided that I might as well use my grand title and call up the FBHVC. The phone was answered by their Secretary, Rosie Pugh. She was very happy to discuss these matters and welcomes any club's input.
She says that most of the press reports are wrong or exagerated. For example, the statement attributed to Lord Montagu about exempting pre-1960 cars from MoTs has no basis in fact.
The FIVA definition has been around for 4 years and is not a threat in practice (I agree it could be in the wrong hands). It exists for two reasons - to define the cars which are given concessions of any kind, and to at the same time eliminate 'East European deathtraps' (e.g. 1985 Ladas) from any such concessions.
She says that the EU is, in general, better disposed to old cars than this country. Yes, there are issues with LEZs, but otherwise..
She says the 1500 mile (or any other) limit is fantasy. No plan or proposal.
We discussed the 'reconstructed classic' issue. The DVLA intends to re-work leaflet INF 26, but consultations have not yet begun. These will have to sort out many issues such as the 25 year limit for components - spark plugs? pistons? etc. Rosie says they mean big bits - block, gearbox etc. In the meantime, the actual rules have not changed. It is on this issue I think the SAOC might accept Rosie's invitation to contribute. We do not want the situation where an Alpine with a block from a 1966 Sceptre (and hence its engine number) is not considered genuine (despite the fact that the block has the same age and part number and source as the Alpine). I have written an article on this topic in the imminent Feb Horn.
Finally, I asked an open question; what SHOULD we worry about most? She suggested ethanol fuel. At 10% (E10) this is certainly incompatible with motorcycle fibreglass tanks, and it is also incompatible with some seals and other materials. It also seems that carburettors may need adjustmment for good running - this isn't clear though.
So, unless Rosie and FBHVC are over-complacent (but they are much closer to the DVLA, government, FIVA and the EU than you or I), things are not too bad, other than the threat of E10. And don't believe all that you read in the press.
I will consider something to put to our Committee for possible submission to the FBHVC.
I would actively oppose any regulations limiting the use of any vehicles for whatever reason as they play too much of a part in my life, but there are a lot of things being bandied about as fact both by forums and ACE without any real clarity.
Have a read of this
http://www.theminiforum.co.uk/forums/in ... pic=188688
ACE are replying but giving very vague answers to direct questions.
I think the situation needs some clarification as the chatter on forums is causing confusion and arguments that shouldnt be happening.
_________________
My '80 progress thread - hugger orange!
Now with LQ9 power - forged pistons, LS2 rods, 236/242, .621/.612, flowed and milled 317 heads. MS3X
4L80e, 12 bolt, 4.11, Moroso brute strength posi, steel shafts.
Subframe connectors, g-braces, solid body bushes, carbon hood and front bumper, custom door cards, Autometer gauges.