UK IVA Test Station Choice

I am now in the process of prepping and spraying the bodywork of my RCR GT40 so am on the home run to completion and IVA testing here in the UK. I am based in North Essex and would interested to hear if Forum members have had particularly good experiences with IVA Test Stations in the South and East of England. It seems to me that to deal with a tester that's familiar with our cars would be a huge benefit. I'm not looking for short cuts just want to deal with a sensible and consistent IVA outfit. I'm reconciled with the possibility of an initial fail and then working through the failed items. What I want to avoid is a second test throwing up new failed items! Maybe I should engage a specialist to inspect and orchestrate the testing? Any advice would be welcome.
Cheers Roger Allen
 
Hi Roger,

Have you thought of waiting until it passes IVA before painting in case any bodywork modifications are needed.

Maybe to far South for you, Southern GT have got their cars and numerous other manufactures cars through the IVA test in Southampton. They do however have a reputation on for being one of the toughest testers.
 
Hi Roger,
I would support the view expressed by Nick. I would contact either Mick at Southern GT or Andy at Toranado as they have both put many cars through IVA and these days there fewer centres that will do the IVA and they are becoming very nit-picky and are not consistent when it comes to re-tests. Of course Mick and Andy will charge you for their services ..... but you've come this far and these guys have a great deal of knowledge and experience. Good luck and we all look forward to hearing you are ready for some exciting motoring in 2016.
 
Hi Roger,
I used the Norwich test centre and they were helpful and fair and it is definitely something you can do yourself. Have a look at my build log (Norfolk Tornado) for more info.
I'm currently helping Tony Browne build his KVA and the car will also be IVA'd at Norwich.
I'm probably only an hour away, so if you want to look over it one evening/weekend let me know.
Rgds,
Andy
 
Hi Guys,
Thank you very much for your replies. Sounds like Norwich could win geographically as it's much easier to get to and I guess with Lotus in the area they may be used to sportscars! Andy, thanks for your invitation and I'll be in touch when I am a bit nearer completion. I'll give the IVA a call to assess current lead times.
Cheers Roger
 

Ian Anderson

Lifetime Supporter
Roger

No recent experience but Paul Walton and I went through Mitcham for the SVA process

Paul sailed through
Mine was condemned in first minute and pulled to pieces criticised and testers final comment was they should not let those cars on the road

So it all depends on the tester along with the center!

Ian
 
Hi Guys,
I've just got my RCR through IVA at the second attempt at Edmonton which is my closest station. Failed initially on noise, handbrake, side repeater position, one caliper touching lower w/b on full lock (I'd moved the track rod to nearer hole after finding steering effort quite acceptable) and VIN plate on the wrong side.
The DVLA have been exceptionally helpful and fair. My best advice above all else regulatory is to maintain the best possible build standards. The DVLA pics of best and worst practice which are on their website shows what they expect in graphic detail.
My spec is standard RCR with a few important tweaks. I'm in touch with Fran Hall and he can advise any tweaks that are relevant to his current spec. Mine is nearly 10 years old! Yes it took a while and retirement from Mountune to complete the task but it's a hobby!!
Many thanks for the advice and thought starters provided by all you very capable people on this forum.
Now to get it registered and shaken down in time for Classic Le Mans in July.
Cheers
Roger Allen
 
Hi Roger,
Well done and congratulations on getting it through the test. Have you lost the smug grin off your face from doing it yourself yet!
Look forward to seeing the car next month at CLM
Regards,
Andy
 
Thanks Guys,
I'm still grinning!
The good experience with the DVLA Swansea continues because I got my new registration number today, that's only 48 hours after application.
For information:
- if you have passed IVA they don't need the VIN number letter authorised by an MOT station
- for us RCR owners who have imported a kit from the USA we just supply form V267 self completed. Invoices and photos need to be supplied - I sent Kit (including the shipping docs), gearbox and engine invoices plus a spreadsheet list of all the other invoices. Then just six photos of key stages of build with an offer of more if they needed them.
- All the blank documents come with your VIN number letter apart from V267 which can downloaded off the DVLA website.
Cheers
Roger
 
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