Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[UKdave2002]

I’m taking VOSA to task!
VOSA (The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency) amongst other things govern the MOT test in the UK.

The reason for my challenge is more a point of principle, rather than practical, and relates to the notion that vehicles should be tested to a specification that relates to the year they were manufactured and supplied to the UK rather than a more modern standard.

Here’s my beef;

My 1939 Morris 8 Series E is fitted with 2 head lamps , both of which light up on main beam, but on dip the near side has a mechanical reflector which tilts down and the off side head lamp goes out leaving the pilot bulb illuminated. (Which is in the same unit as the headlamp). This is how Morris churned them out of the factory until 1947.

The VOSA MOT regs state that the above system is satisfactory on vehicles made up until 1931, I’m not sure when this regulation came into place, but my Morris passed MOT’s up until 2002 the inspector view was that “as it was original manufacturers specification for the UK, it could pass).

Chatting to my local (Classic friendly) garage in Nantwich about the Morris they confirmed that if it were MOT’d today it would fail. I suspect they don’t have the flexibility to apply discretion that they used to, and the VOSA “police” are over all the testing stations these days.

I realise some of you may be thinking that in fact having 2 dip beam head lamps is not such a bad idea !! Well to be honest if I planned to use it at night much I would convert it, although its 6V 24 watt main beam never blinds anyone anyway!.

It’s the fact that a regulation has been introduced that is forcing a non standard modification, take this to its extreme and we could all have to achieve a certain emissions level in the future or have to have split brake systems etc.

I’ve just emailed VOSA and will keep you posted with their response.

Dave

[Uncle Joe]

Good for you UK!

I was so surprised to read that you need to MoT your Morris at all. THe rules here are far stricter on some points, which really is hard for me to swallow sometimes, but as regards one thing, they are far easier. Notably, cars over 50 years old dont need to be MoT:d! What happened to EU standardisation?

There are even special rules for 6 volt cars....

UJ

[Penman]

Hi
Certainly Dip and Switch was fitted to my 1934 Austin Ten, we had it in '59 through to the early '60s.

I wonder if others have had this problem on cars dated later than 1930.

I remember there was conversion available back in the '60s which involved sculpted lenses and double filament bulbs, but presumably another solenoid fitted reflector would also do the job, so that externally it would still appear to be original.

[UKdave2002]

Lucas marketed a kit that upgraded the Series E lamps. The original lamps are quite unusual in that they are oval and rake back in to the wing, very modern for the day not unlike the BMW Mini!

The Lucas conversion enabled you to fit the more standard 7" units, but do nothing for the look of the car (in my opinion!)

Here is the original;


And with the Lucas mod;


Do you see what I mean?

I could do a mod that maintained the original look, but for this car I want to rebuild to original spec, with all the original features, and I don't want some bureaucrat telling me I have to alter a piece of pre war history!

Going to get off my soap box now to look at the aftermarket electronic ignition system that UJ & Stuchamp have recomended for the Stag!!
Dave

[Rick]

Is it worth trying another MOT place, just in case they are not quite so hung up on the letter of the regs?

R
_________________
Rick - Admin
Home:https://www.oldclassiccar.co.uk
Videos:https://www.youtube.com/user/oldclassiccarRJ/videos
OCC & classic car merchandise (Austin, Ford ++):
https://www.redbubble.com/people/OldClassicCar/shop

[UKdave2002]

Hi Rick

I’m sure I could get my local garage to turn a blind eye, but its not the garage I have issue with and to be honest there are repercussions for the individual who signs the MOT certificate if caught, it’s the fact that if we don’t contest the decisions authorities are making, more and more legislation will creep in that could challenge our interest.
So whilst my objection may seem trivial and petty to some, it will at least get some visibility with VOSA and you never know maybe even a result!

Dave

[62rebel]

curious as to the ability to change MOT stations; when we had annual safety inspections it was easy to go to a different station BUT the fail document went with you... so the nect station would know EXACTLY why you were there. so.... i would remove the fail sticker and go as if it had not been inspected at all (which, i believe, a great many people did) and crossed my fingers that this time it would pass. sometimes it worked...

[pigtin]

When I restored my 32 Austin ten in 1985 I converted it to 12v and fitted lucas sealed beam units, the dipswitch on the steering column operated a relay which dipped the lights. In those days I used to use the car at night so this was nescessary. These days I just have pre-focus units with the beam set on permanent dip and never have any problem with the test, except finding the money to pay for it.

Don.

[chimpchoker]

......... Any updates yet Dave??

Alan

[UKdave2002]

Apparently my enquiry has been passed to the VOSA "Private Scheme Management Team" who ever they are, does anyone know?.

That was a month ago so I'll chase them up today.

Dave

[Job-Rated]

I'd be interested to hear what they say.
My truck is fitted with American style rear stop/turn signals & grey-tinted laminated glass all round.
She'll be going in for her MOT as soon as she is finished, so no doubt I'll find out then if I'm in the clear.