19-07-2021, 11:15 AM
(This post was last modified: 19-07-2021, 11:18 AM by Hedd_Jones.)
I've had a number of friends do this recently.
Some have had no problems, some have had to provide additional info rather than just the completed form on the V5.
They've all managed to do it.
Some advice:-
1. Section 1 of your V5C states you MUST notify changes. You fill in this section and send off to the address noted. Personally as users of Historic Vehicles I believe we should follow all current rules so as not to put the use of historical vehicles in the UK at risk. We have far more freedoms than our European brethren. Long may this continue.
2. Take Photos of the 'car' displaying the registration number in its form as per the DVLA V5C you are attempting to change. Even if its a rusty wreck. Keep them safe. The DVLA may request them. The bit about displaying the registration number is key (it may well sound stupid - but that's how it is, they believe as it is theoretically impossible to buy number plates without entitlement, having them gives some {but not full} assurance of validity).
3. Make sure the car is 'substantially complete' in its new form, and as above displaying its registration number. Before applying for the body change. DVLA often want photos and can insist on inspection. They are not going to change the details if the car exists only as a kit of parts. Nor should they. Keep the car in one piece while this application is processed.
4. Get receipts for the 'car' as was. Get a receipt for the new 'body'. Even if you built it. Handwritten receipts are 100% acceptable. Hell, get a receipt from the scrap man for the old body if you can.
5. Get your ducks lined up 1, is the Vin number noted in the V5C actually applicable to the car? That is check. Austins are quite often registered under their Chassis number, but also quite often the Car Number (I think we would all agree that either is fine, given Austins only quoted the Car Number). If you or a previous owner has junked the body (which carries the Car Number Plate), you might find the number stamped in the chassis bears no relation to that on the V5C (you might find this in anycase). At this point to the DVLA in effect you neither have a V5C for your chassis, nor do you have entitlement to the number on the V5C - because there is no matching car for the VIN. So the V5C gets cancelled, and your going to have to go Age related for the chassis. Big avoidable disaster.
6. Ducks lines up 2. If the engine number doesn't match, sort this first, ideally with the car still in one piece in its original form. Send the same section of the form (Section 1) with a covering letter stating the engine is identical to that already fitted, provide a receipt for the purchase of the engine. Theoretically you don't need to send the receipt as the FBHVC sorted this years ago, but the odd application gets stopped still. So why not just send one in?. Keep the car in its original form while this is processed if you can.
7. Don't expect to be able to register the rolling chassis you've got or bought as a 'Tourer' or 'Sports', if it has Saloon on the V5C. I believe the rules should allow you to do it, but your going to be missing a good bit of the info the DVLA often ask for. This might not be how it used to be, nor should it be how it is, but nevertheless this is certainly how the DVLA currently play it. You might get it through no problem. Just don't expect a positive result.
8. My experience is once DVLA have made a decision, the only recourse you have is via the FBHVC or your MP. They rarely speak directly to the Authorized Clubs, who actually have no need to get involved in this process. I don't doubt that the FBHVC would get a Authorized Club involved however for specialist advice. After all, they need to check what your telling them is correct (or not).
9. I too have heard anecdotal evidence of V5c's being withdrawn when the DVLA find inconsistencies. The Hot Rodders usually bear the brunt of it (wonder why!). This doesn't mean that the Historic Vehicle movement is immune - Ask anyone with involvement with Bugatti's.
Some have had no problems, some have had to provide additional info rather than just the completed form on the V5.
They've all managed to do it.
Some advice:-
1. Section 1 of your V5C states you MUST notify changes. You fill in this section and send off to the address noted. Personally as users of Historic Vehicles I believe we should follow all current rules so as not to put the use of historical vehicles in the UK at risk. We have far more freedoms than our European brethren. Long may this continue.
2. Take Photos of the 'car' displaying the registration number in its form as per the DVLA V5C you are attempting to change. Even if its a rusty wreck. Keep them safe. The DVLA may request them. The bit about displaying the registration number is key (it may well sound stupid - but that's how it is, they believe as it is theoretically impossible to buy number plates without entitlement, having them gives some {but not full} assurance of validity).
3. Make sure the car is 'substantially complete' in its new form, and as above displaying its registration number. Before applying for the body change. DVLA often want photos and can insist on inspection. They are not going to change the details if the car exists only as a kit of parts. Nor should they. Keep the car in one piece while this application is processed.
4. Get receipts for the 'car' as was. Get a receipt for the new 'body'. Even if you built it. Handwritten receipts are 100% acceptable. Hell, get a receipt from the scrap man for the old body if you can.
5. Get your ducks lined up 1, is the Vin number noted in the V5C actually applicable to the car? That is check. Austins are quite often registered under their Chassis number, but also quite often the Car Number (I think we would all agree that either is fine, given Austins only quoted the Car Number). If you or a previous owner has junked the body (which carries the Car Number Plate), you might find the number stamped in the chassis bears no relation to that on the V5C (you might find this in anycase). At this point to the DVLA in effect you neither have a V5C for your chassis, nor do you have entitlement to the number on the V5C - because there is no matching car for the VIN. So the V5C gets cancelled, and your going to have to go Age related for the chassis. Big avoidable disaster.
6. Ducks lines up 2. If the engine number doesn't match, sort this first, ideally with the car still in one piece in its original form. Send the same section of the form (Section 1) with a covering letter stating the engine is identical to that already fitted, provide a receipt for the purchase of the engine. Theoretically you don't need to send the receipt as the FBHVC sorted this years ago, but the odd application gets stopped still. So why not just send one in?. Keep the car in its original form while this is processed if you can.
7. Don't expect to be able to register the rolling chassis you've got or bought as a 'Tourer' or 'Sports', if it has Saloon on the V5C. I believe the rules should allow you to do it, but your going to be missing a good bit of the info the DVLA often ask for. This might not be how it used to be, nor should it be how it is, but nevertheless this is certainly how the DVLA currently play it. You might get it through no problem. Just don't expect a positive result.
8. My experience is once DVLA have made a decision, the only recourse you have is via the FBHVC or your MP. They rarely speak directly to the Authorized Clubs, who actually have no need to get involved in this process. I don't doubt that the FBHVC would get a Authorized Club involved however for specialist advice. After all, they need to check what your telling them is correct (or not).
9. I too have heard anecdotal evidence of V5c's being withdrawn when the DVLA find inconsistencies. The Hot Rodders usually bear the brunt of it (wonder why!). This doesn't mean that the Historic Vehicle movement is immune - Ask anyone with involvement with Bugatti's.