Rebody 250 California build thread for dummies

[Pond]

According to @Jezza I need to get an MOT before changing the name on the V5, as the DVLA won't change the V5 without a valid MOT. Or that's how I understand it.
There shouldn't be any problems with an MOT as it is now as it has everything needed to be tested. Famous last words!

I want to buy a new reg plate but I can't get that assigned without an MOT, either!

 

[Pond]

Was all the stress worth it now.

Still no. I definitely wouldn't do it again. I just am not cut-out for this type of thing.

Anyway I'm not finished yet, still a good few things to do.

 

[Duncodin]

According to @Jezza I need to get an MOT before changing the name on the V5, as the DVLA won't change the V5 without a valid MOT. Or that's how I understand it.
There shouldn't be any problems with an MOT as it is now as it has everything needed to be tested. Famous last words!

I want to buy a new reg plate but I can't get that assigned without an MOT, either!

But it won't pass an MOT because it's a z3 and the airbags don't work.

 

[Duncodin]

But it won't pass an MOT because it's a z3 and the airbags don't work.

I can't remember the form number that needs to be filled in but I have read it a few times and I don't remember ever seeing it mention an MOT being a requirment. The form can contain parts from many donor cars. They don't all need MOTs.

I'd ring dvla and ask.

 

[Pond]

But it won't pass an MOT because it's a z3 and the airbags don't work.

The airbag light works and goes off after 5 seconds! That is all they can test. You obviously can't 'test' an airbag as it's a one use only kinda gig.

 

[Jezza]

If the car has a functioning airbag light then it will pass the MOT. The tester cannot test the airbag, the only thing they can check is that the airbag light operates correctly and there are no errors shown. This is the irony of MOT testing.

 

[Duncodin]

If the car has a functioning airbag light then it will pass the MOT. The tester cannot test the airbag, the only thing they can check is that the airbag light operates correctly and there are no errors shown. This is the irony of MOT testing.

I know he can't test the airbag but he can see that the airbag is missing. But will be great for Pond if it's that simple.

 

[Jezza]

It's form V627X1. I completed mine with the change of details, plus photos, receipts etc and sent it off. I got a letter back saying the car needs to have a valid MOT before they can process the change. So I got the MOT and sent a copy in, and t days later the changes were made and I got the new V5.

 

[Jezza]

I know he can't test the airbag but he can see that the airbag is missing. But will be great for Pond if it's that simple.

It is that simple. I've done it that way twice.

 

[Synclare]

Well your tenacity and perseverance got you there in the end, I have to say it looks a million dollars.
My only worry would be the MoT man clambering in with his size 10 hoofs and kicking your door panels or worse still marking the sill paint

 

[Pond]

I know he can't test the airbag but he can see that the airbag is missing. But will be great for Pond if it's that simple.

No he can't. I can say there is one behind the glovebox and a miniature one behind the horn button. They can't and won't rip your car apart looking for stuff.
They will know there are no airbags, or course, but the ONLY test they have to do is that the light goes out to say there are faults in the airbag/ srs system. Which mine does.

 

[Pond]

My only worry would be the MoT man clambering in with his size 10 hoofs and kicking your door panels or worse still marking the sill paint

I know my MOT people quite well luckily, as I am thinking the same things.
I am planning to be there and 'help' him with the MOT. For a start he won't know how to get the wheels off.
And if he does work it out, I don't want him whacking my shiny spinners with a 30 ounce ball peen hammer.
I also need to explain that the car has brand new discs and pads which have never been used so I don't want him 'bedding them in' on his rollers.
I also need him to fit a water temperature sensor while the car is on the ramp.

 

[Pond]

This is the irony of MOT testing.

It is all a bit silly, as when you change the name on the V5 it doesn't change anything except the name. It is still a Z3 underneath which 'should' have working airbags.
How can an MOT tester test a car as a "fred bloggs special" when there will only be one of those? There is no homologation required, so there is no history of what the car is (except historical that it was a Z3), therefore no information how to test it.

If the EU had their way, we wouldn't be allowed to do this to cars. So, for now, we should be grateful that the UK isn't too overbearing on the laws relating to changing cars. I don't see it lasting TBH.

Then there is the other issue.....there must be hundreds of thousands of cars driving around with no airbags, no ABS, no safety at all just because they were made before this stuff was fitted. They are still allowed on UK roads. If I choose to drive a car without airbags I should be able to, as I could easily if I bought an older one.

 

[Duncodin]

I know my MOT people quite well luckily, as I am thinking the same things.
I am planning to be there and 'help' him with the MOT. For a start he won't know how to get the wheels off.
And if he does work it out, I don't want him whacking my shiny spinners with a 30 ounce ball peen hammer.
I also need to explain that the car has brand new discs and pads which have never been used so I don't want him 'bedding them in' on his rollers.
I also need him to fit a water temperature sensor while the car is on the ramp.

He doesn't take the wheels off.

 

[Pond]

Great news Andy. I knew you'd get there in the end. Can't see the photos though. Can now. Looks fantastic!! Well done!

I have you to thank for this. Without your 'mentoring', patience and listening to my constant moaning, I would have bailed out a long time ago.
As you well know, I tried to bail out last year, but your encouragement (and lack of anyone wanting to take it on) made me see it through.

So to @Jezza a big thank you.

 

[Zephyr]

Great looking car. It deserves a nice sunny day to be photographed and then put on the car of the month.
I am very lucky I did not start my project as I would never reach this perfection and would always be miserable.

 

[Jezza]

I have you to thank for this. Without your 'mentoring', patience and listening to my constant moaning, I would have bailed out a long time ago.
As you well know, I tried to bail out last year, but your encouragement (and lack of anyone wanting to take it on) made me see it through.

So to @Jezza a big thank you.

You're very welcome

 

[Jezza]

You're very welcome

It just shows that it is possible to polish a turd!

 

[Pond]

It just shows that it is possible to polish a turd!

The polish is expensive, though.

 

[mikeyH]

Great job, lovely looking car, wish it was mine. Well done to you