museumman
|
| posted on 16/12/15 at 12:38 PM |
|
|
to chop or not to chop that is the sequel
I want to modify my Mercedes w124 estate into a pick up by creating a cab partition cab back window etc welding the back doors removing the rest of
the roof fit a simple reinforcing frame with roll hoop picking up the rear suspension mounts tidy up any sharp edges but keeping everything else as
nature and mercedes intended because its all very well engineered and very very strong.
I presume that I am changing class from passenger car to light commercial and modifying a unitary body there is no separate chassis unfortunately am I
right in my presumptions I have spoken to my insurers "motor trade" they just need one of their engineers to look at it when finished.I
cant see anything in IVA paperwork covering this is there anyone at VOSA who could give an opinion before I wield the angle grinder.
|
|
|
|
|
nick205
|
| posted on 16/12/15 at 02:48 PM |
|
|
I've considered such a conversion, but the issue I see is that the roof adds quite a bit of stiffness to the monocoque construction. Chopping a
good section away will greatly change the vehicle's structure and IMHO make it dangerous if crashed.
Easier to buy a pickup and enjoy it I'd guess.
|
|
|
JoelP
|
| posted on 16/12/15 at 10:31 PM |
|
|
I can't see how you can avoid the IVA. It's clearly a radical change to the chassis.
Beware! Bourettes is binfectious.
|
|
|
cliftyhanger
|
| posted on 17/12/15 at 07:35 AM |
|
|
When you change class DVLA may well get all excited.
And the other thing worth considering is that you may get away with it. However, if things go wrong ie accident, it is only then the
police/vosa/insurers etc get VERY interested.
It would be interesting if you could get an engineer to sign the changes off as being "safe" and meeting the requirements. Hope they have
good indemnity insurance!
|
|
|
cliftyhanger
|
| posted on 17/12/15 at 07:38 AM |
|
|
quote:
Q) Why does cutting into a monococque affect the vehicle identity if it retains the same shape /profile as before.
A) Cutting is considered to be modifying the vehicle from its original specification. Any modification to the chassis/monocoque body is considered to
render the vehicle no longer original specification or of original identity.
see
http://www.the-ace.org.uk/chassis-and-monocoque-modification/
|
|
|
museumman
|
| posted on 17/12/15 at 10:45 AM |
|
|
Thank you everybody for your helpful replies and your time as usual this forum although obviously primarily for builders of locost type vehicles it is
the go to place for any vehicle building and modifying questions you guys have always answered no matter how off piste my questions have been big
thanks for that.Especially that link cliftyhanger completely brilliant I am following up that information definitely question answered THANKS!!!!!!
|
|
|
nick205
|
| posted on 17/12/15 at 10:54 AM |
|
|
Just buy one and be happy 
|
|
|
museumman
|
| posted on 17/12/15 at 12:52 PM |
|
|
Hi nick that would be too easy and why have a boring old cast iron V8 boat anchor when you can have a 500+ horse power 24 valve turbo diesel
I have a 205 with a 300hp dynoed 2 litre in it has a standard gearbox at the moment so have to be a bit careful keeps spitting diff bits out saving up
for 6 speed and lsd "NOTE TO SANTA"!!!!!!
just found this on ACE website so it is possible
http://www.the-ace.org.uk/biva-pickup-problems/
|
|
|
