Into battle with the DVLA - this won't be pretty or simple

OK, I have two significant changes to make to my vehicles.

These are in addition to the changes to all of my registered vehicles which I have to make now we've moved house.

Those are the simple changes.

The complex changes are to the Corrado and even more seriously, the Golf.

The Corrado has a replacement engine, which is the same size and fuel type.  I've sent in the V5Cdocument, with the new engine number on it and a letter attached, which says, the engine came out of the Toledo I owned and scrapped and was last registered at my old address.  I've not got any documentation covering the engine fitment, as I did it myself.  We'll see what happens on that score.

The Golf I've gone in at the administration level in the DVLA.  I completed what I thought was the right enquiry form on their website and submitted it.

Here's the text from the form:

I am about to update the registered address for the vehicle listed above.

As part of this I need to also update the engine number and capacity (change from 1781 to 1984cc).

Further to this work, which I completed myself on the vehicle there is a change regarding which I need advice.

The Golf is 4WD.  The biggest limitation on the standard car is the restrictive exhaust downpipe.  This is due to the space limitations in the area behind the engine and in the transmission tunnel.

To get around this problem I fabricated a much less restrictive replacement downpipe.  The compromise to making this modification is that I needed to cut out a section of the bulkhead and transmission tunnel.  As an experienced welder I then trimmered around the area I had cut away with plate steel and fabricated a box to clear the new exhaust.  The replacement steel was of heavier gauge than the original and the box was seam welded on to the trimmers, which were seam welded into the monocoque.

This change is a relatively small modification to the shell of the car, but in a key structural area.  I am happy that I have not lost any of the structural integrity of the shell from this modification.  Later this year I plan to fit a full rollcage to the vehicle, as it is used on racetracks as well as on the road.  This will further stiffen the shell.

As an experienced and competent welder and vehicle modifier I have satisfied myself this modification is sound.  I now need to know what steps (if any) the DVLA require me to complete to ensure my vehicle remains legal.

I have attached a photo of the inside of the vehicle, which shows the modification. Please feel free to contact me by phone, should you need to discuss this situation further.

regards

TC

I got a message back from them today (quick turnaround there).  It brushes off the big change and hits on the engine change.  Here it is:

Thank you for your email received on 11/2/10. Your email reference number is 244563.

Firstly with regard to the changes made to your vehicle you will need to contact the Agency given below.

The Department for Transport
Transport Technology and Standards Division (TTS) 4
Great Minster House
76 Marsham Street
London
SW1P 4DR

Public Enquiry Telephone Number 0207 944 8300
fax: 0207 676 2166
email: tts.enquiries@dft.gsi.gov.uk

With regard to your change of address, unfortunately it is not possible to notify a change of address via the website or email, as a signature is required.

For the vehicle record to be changed and for a new Registration Certificate (V5C) to be sent to you, please fill in the appropriate changes section on your Registration Document V5/Registration Certificate V5C and send it to DVLA. Notes on the document/certificate explain how to use it and where to send it.

If you also need to tax the vehicle, you can do this at the Post Office® using the V5C. The Post Office® will then return the certificate to DVLA for you.

If, however, you do not have a V5/V5C, you can apply for one by filling in a form V62. The V62 form is available at the Post Office®, DVLA Local Office or to download from our website listed below. Please be aware that there is a charge of £25 for a V5C, unless you are in possession of a V5/V5C or the green V5/2 or V5C/2 "new keeper supplement". You should have a new certificate within 20 working days of our receiving your application.

If the V5/V5C is not available and you are the registered keeper on DVLA records, you can apply to tax your vehicle at any DVLA Local Office using forms V62 and V10, notifying the changes on the V62. You can find the address for your nearest DVLA Local Office by telephoning 0300 123 1277 (you will be asked to give a post code) or at www.direct.gov.uk/dvlalocal You will also need to provide original evidence of the changes, i.e.

• change of address supporting documents such as a recent gas, electric or telephone bill
• change of name marriage certificate, confirmation by deed poll

You should receive your updated V5C within 20 working days.

Do not reply to this email. If you wish to contact us again about this response then please use our Reply Form or copy and paste the following URL in to your browser:

https://emaildvla.direct.gov.uk/emaildvla/cegemail/directgov/en/reply_form_vehicles.html

When filling in the form the email reference number 244563 will be required.

Regards

J G

Blah blah blah - form letter mostly.  I especially like the bit that says DO NOT reply to this email.  There will be no coherent or ongoing discussion, thank you.

So, I clearly need to contact the TTS.  I've pulled the email address and stuck an enquiry in to them.  Here it is (you may notice some similarities - we can all use form letters):


Hi,

From a regular web enquiry I have been asked to contact your department.

I am about to update the registered address for a Golf Syncro

As part of this I need to update the engine number and capacity (change from 1781 to 1984cc).

Further to this work, which I completed myself there is a change regarding which I need advice.

The Golf is 4WD.  The biggest limitation on the standard car is the restrictive exhaust downpipe.  This is due to the space limitations in the area behind the engine and in the transmission tunnel.

To get around this problem I fabricated a much less restrictive replacement downpipe.  The compromise in making this modification is that I needed to cut out a section of the bulkhead and transmission tunnel.  As an experienced welder and fabricator I then trimmered around the area I had cut away with plate steel and fabricated a box to clear the new exhaust.  The replacement steel was of heavier gauge than the original and the box was seam welded on to the trimmers, which were seam welded into the monocoque.

This change is a relatively small modification to the shell of the car, but in a key structural area.  I am happy that I have not lost any of the structural integrity of the shell from this modification.  Later this year I plan to fit a full rollcage to the vehicle, as it is used on racetracks as well as on the road.  This will add to the rigidity of the shell further.

As an experienced and competent welder and vehicle modifier I have satisfied myself this modification is sound.  I now need to know what steps (if any) the DVLA require me to complete to ensure my vehicle remains legal.

I have attached a photo of the inside of the footwell of the vehicle, which shows the modification. Please feel free to contact me by phone, should you need to discuss this situation further.  I have plenty of other photo documentation of the work completed, if you need to see this.

regards

So, let's see what comes back from this department of the DVLA.  I'm expecting to wind up going through several hoops of administration before I get to someone who has sufficient nouse to actually respond intelligently.  More news as it unwrinkles....