Here is an Helpful hints on how to pass the IVA

You are required to ensure that there are no edges (contactable with a 100mm diameter sphere - you can make your own easily with some pvc pipe, pu adhesive and a metal semi-sphere from a craft shop / ebay) that are less than 2.5mm in radius. This includes edges of wishbones and any accessible nuts and bolts. Below is an example of nut covers and edge trim. You can use rubber tube such as heater hose or petrol pipe to cover nuts. There is an exempt zone around the steering wheel but even the bottom outside edge of the side panel could be called into question, take a file to your IVA test. The edges of the pedal assembly are easier to cover with a triangle of plastic sheet cable tied to the chassis. Use an off cut from the PVC side panel perhaps.

In addition to a chassis VIN plate you must also have a plate with the manufacturers name on it plus the VIN number. The manufacturer’s plate must be made of a durable material, must be indelibly marked with the manufacturer’s name and must be securely attached to a part of the vehicle that will not be replaced through normal use.

A plate engraved at your local cobbler will be fine, 2 rivets on the dash board chassis tube is all that is required but ensure the manufacturers name (MEV LTD) is on a separate line to the VIN.

You are not required to have an MOT for three years once you have passed the IVA regardless of the fact that you will be issued with a plate of the same year as the donor (age related plate) or have a cherished number. If you do have a number on a retention certificate it can be put on the Exocet when you register it rather than paying to change it after.

'You do not need an MOT in order to register your vehicle, its age is classed as the date you built it.'

• Book a morning appointment to allow you time to modify any fail points.
• Take tools, rubber trim, rubber hose, P clips, cable ties, self-tap screws, PU adhesive, etc etc.
• Get the emissions, headlight alignment & tracking checked at a local garage before the test. If the garage is close enough & the mechanic is friendly enough they may drive the car to the garage & back for you on trade-plates.
• Check brake flex hoses do not contact anything on full lock both ways and do not pull tight at any point. Secure handbrake cables and check when the handbrake is pulled hard that it does not reach the end of its travel.
• Any minor exhaust leak may cause an emissions test fail. Check hazards work with key out.
• Check fog light only works with dip/main beam on. If you wire the rear fog to come on with the side lights then you will need a self-cancelling switch or a warning buzzer.
• Check key for petrol cap cannot be removed when un-locked and is attached to ignition key, or tether the cap with say a bath plug chain and a couple of self-tap screws.

• Ensure fog light is on offside or centre and it is 90 degrees to the road. Make sure there is a specified fluid label on or near the brake reservoir area.
• Obvious one, check the horn and all lights including back lights to instruments.
• If you plan on fitting fly screens, it’s a good idea to fit them after the test to save having to worry about complying with screen requirements.
• Make sure you have a dash mounted mirror, permanently fixed, if visibility is impaired from it then fit a near side mirror too.

• E mark on seat belts required, check for frays to webbing and that they lock properly. Ensure your column locks with the key removed.
• CAT required unless you can prove the engine number and V5 are from a pre Aug 92 car. Take the receipt for any fuel pipe used to prove it is suitable unless it is clearly marked. Ensure you have a properly fixed interior mirror even if you can't see much from it.
• You will need mirrors on extended arms to ensure the rear wings do not obstruct view. Side repeaters need to be seen from 5 degrees out at the rear right down to the floor.
• Front lights need to be seen at 20 degrees to the opposite side they are mounted, right down to the floor. This applies to headlights below 750mm, yours will be lower than this.
• You will need a IVA compliant yellow sticker on or near the brake booster indicating the grade of fluid to be used. If you have replaced the hoses with silicone, you may need to add a non-return valve to the vacuum hose between the brake booster & inlet manifold.

Under Section 22 of Schedule 2 of the Vehicle Excise Registration Act

22(1)A vehicle is an exempt vehicle when it is being used solely for the purpose of— (a)submitting it (by previous arrangement for a specified time on a specified date) for a compulsory test. You do need insurance however which can be based on your VIN until you receive a reg number. It feels odd, but you are not allowed to display a numberplate (not the donor plate, or one you may have on retention) until the car is registered. If you have plates fitted, tape them up when you drive to & from the test center.

It is a good idea to drive to the test if you are confident that it will get you there. Before doing so you need to be absolutely sure that it is not going to overheat due to air locks or fail due to an alternator belt slipping. You will not get a refund on your test fee. On the other hand it is a great way to bed in new brake pads, and ensure it is hot in readiness for the pipe up your exhaust.

The other problem being that if you drive the Exocet you will have a limited amount of space for tools and any other items you may wish to take in case minor alterations are required. A mate with a boot full of bits and bobs can always be handy. In extreme cases you can use the other car to nip to Halfords if you need to make a quick purchase. Remember there is always time to carry out minors to get the ticket on the day.

The examiners are a friendly bunch and are not there to find fault, if they do spot an error in your build the chances are that you may be able to correct it and win or be grateful that he has spotted a safety issue that could bite you later. Even the best at this should have their work checked by a qualified experience second set of eyes. At the end of the day a pass means a safe car that you will no doubt drive like one you have stolen!

Imagine what it would be like without IVA testing, anyone with anything tearing around, not good.

Best to send a copy of V5 and build pictures to prove it is an “amateur build”. Often confused q's are:

• 3a enter; MEV VIN not the donor vehicle identification number.
• 3b enter; driver’s side under bonnet.
• 3c tick box A and include an amateur declaration form.
• 4a enter; MEV MEVSTER/Exocet.
• 4b enter; current date.
• 4c tick; NO.
• 4d tick; NO.
• 4e tick; NO.
• 4f enter; sports car.
• 4g enter; engine number on your V5
• 4h enter; On engine block, they might find it.
• 4j tick; manual or auto.
• 4k enter; 2.
• 4m enter; as appropriate. 4n tick; non turbo.
• 4p tick; NO. Unless you have retained ABS.
• 4q NA
• 4r tick; petrol.
• 4s 1600 or 1800cc.
• 4t enter; 4, in line.
• 4u enter; 115 BHP @ 6500 rpm. Or 132 BHP if 1.8 engine.
• 4v enter; 110 mph.
• 4w axle 1 500 axle 2 500 gross 1000 train NA
• 4x tick; NO.

Go to part 9. And don't forget to include copy V5, build pics, amateur built declaration form (download from www.gov.uk/vehicleapproval ) and a cheque.

Once you have an IAC (individual approval certificate) in your hand you can then apply to register your car. You will more than likely be issued with an age related plate. This will be of the same year as your donor but not the same number.

Applications to register your vehicle should be sent to KIT AND REBUILDS TEAM; DVSA; Swansea; SA99 1ZZ.

Documentation required for registration: - *V55/5 *V5C (if donor vehicle is used) *ID(Photocopies are acceptable) *1st Registration Fee (Check applicable rate) *Fee for road tax *MOT (if applicable) *IVA/SVA/MSVA Certificate *Receipts for any new or second hand parts. *V627/1 ‘Built up Vehicle Inspection Report’ to be completed before inspection.

You do not need an MOT for the first 3 years as age is classed as when it was completed. You will need a receipt from the kit supplier that states “new and unused” and the VIN.

IMPORTANT: Keep copies of everything you send.

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Once you have submitted your registration form and payment it may take 2 weeks for a registration document to arrive, keep chasing them if it does not arrive, they often lose applications or some of the documents you have submitted.

Then comes the very proud moment.

A drive in a car that you built yourself, fully understand and feel confident with as it is now legal and fully Government approved. Take it easy until you get used to it, these are great cars to drive and handle extremely well but they are quick and it is always best to bring it on as you become more experienced. Enjoy your Exocet, you deserve it, we look forward to seeing you and your creation at one the MEV meetings soon.