warning lights+ other things

[lukemachin]

Hi, I'm new to the forum and hope I have the right place here.
I have downloaded a couple of SVA drafts with little success and was hoping that a kit car owner/builder might be able to help me.

I am in the process of restoring a 1976 fiat 124 spider, it's an import and lhd. First of all what aspects of the SVA would be applicable, if any for a car of this age/origin?

The dash is horrible so I am going to make my own. I have added some spots to the front and also have some interior lights that I would like to control from toggle switches on the dash. I am aware that I need warning lights for spots, low/high beam etc. and that they have to be wired into the side lights. I have also acquired some quite nice 70s RED warning lights. My question is, do warning lights have to legally be any specific colour i.e. high beam = blue, indicators = green, etc.? or is this just a practice that has developed?

Many thanks in advance, luke

[hal 1]

Be careful where you put the toggle switches, SVA could fail depending where they are, take a look inside a new MINI and see their set up you'll see
how the switches will protect you from injury if the worst happens.
regarding warning lights, according to my manual indicators etc have to have 'tell tale' light device fitted doesn't say what colours are needed, although sticking to standard would probably go down well at SVA testing place.

[grahambell]

Not sure if/how SVA would be applicable to a car of this age. Presumably it's never been registered in the UK?

Might be worth asking the classic car mags as they're bound to know about this type of thing.

[lukemachin]

Thank you both, I will have another look.
Cheers, luke

[Avocet]

Do you have any proof of the Fiat's age? (e.g. Italian registration document or something for HM Customs & Excise?) If you can prove to the DVLA's satisfaction that it's over 25 years old, you can rebuild it with period parts and, subjct to authentification from an appropriate "enthusiasts' club" the DVLA will just give you a number plate of another 1976 car that has been scrapped and no SVA will be involved.

If the car is even remotely complete, I'd be inclined to UK-register it now, before you start messing about with the dash. If it's an import over 10 years old, it won't need an SVA for this - just an MOT. Once it's registered, you can do what you like with the switchgear as long as it complies with the Construction and Use Regulations.

[lukemachin]

Hi, it's quite an interesting situation concerning registration. I have two spiders one has been uk registered for some years, the other is a more recent import that has not been registered. Both have rust in different places so I am going to combine bits from the two. It's a unibody so there is very little chassis to speak of but I do have both vin plates. I have the documentation for both (1975/6) so no problems there. I will have to get in touch with the dvla see what they say.

I've had a look at that mini dash, looks pretty stupid to my mind. Assuming it is possible to use period parts does anyone know what the law is on lucas style push/pull switches? Do they have to be beneath a certain height or anything? Their not as sharp as toggle switches but I am sure they would do plenty of damage if you hit one at 60mph.

Thanks to everyone, Luke

[hal 1]

the MINI dash looks stupid to me also but I was just illustrating the point that the makers have had to do the job like that to pass the regs, I personally would do like I'm sure other people do and pass the test first (If neccesary ) and alter things later to how you want

[Avocet]

Be VERY careful about discussing combining 2 cars with the DVLA - you will, most likely, get a "Q" plate and have to do SVA!!!!!

If you're sure the VIN isn't stamped anywhere cunning on the bodyshell and is confined to the VIN plate, I'd just swap plates and have done with it (of course, I never said that!)

The switch question shouldn't come into it if you don't have to do SVA. If you do, 9.5mm is the maximum allowable amount of projection but the way it is measured isn't straightforward. You'd be safe at less than 9mm but above that you MIGHT be OK in certain areas.