The Cav Coupe Query

[Squig]

Discussing the 3-door cav as seen here with Emma, and she's queried, if this where to be done would it be safe...

Original post in this thread...

and the translation (badly from finnish) of the 3 door project...
here

And MOT details under relevant section, as per post in thread...

if it's structurally sound, I don't see why not... just make sure it looks like it should and if your in doubt ask your local mechanic/MOT station...

Method of inspection
"1. With the vehicle over a pit or on a raised hoist, check the vehicle structure for any fracture, damage or corrosion, not within the prescribed areas, which is likely to affect prejudicially the correct functioning of the braking system or the steering gear, or the seat belts."
Reason for rejection
"1. Any deliberate modification, excessive corrosion, damage, fracture or inadequate repair not within a prescribed area which adversely affects braking or steering by severely reducing the strength or continuity of a main load bearing structural member."
Body Security
Method of inspection
"2. Examine the following items for presence, security, fracture, distortion,
excessive wear or damage;
a. all fixings (eg brackets) securing the body and its supporting members to the chassis
b. all fixings (eg brackets) securing the body to a sub-frame or supporting members, and all securing bolts, rivets or welds for all the above
fixings.
3. Check the condition of the body and chassis in the vicinity of the mounting points-Body condition"
Reason for rejection
"2.
a. Excessive displacement of the body relative to the chassis which might lead to loss of control of the vehicle when driven
b. insecurity of the body or its supporting members to the chassis so that it is clear that there would be a danger to other road users.
3. Any deliberate modification, excessive corrosion, damage, cracks or inadequate repair of a load bearing body or chassis member which seriously affects its strength within 30 cm of the body mountings.
Body Condition"
Source MOT Tester Manual

personally I think moving the b-pillar by 12" wouldn't affect structural strength but Emma thinks an SVA would be required...
anyone help resolve this... cavyboi; might be worth keeping an eye on this

[Envoy CDX]

It would in my opinion have to be retested to ensure the work had been carried out correctly, and that it was indeed fit for the road.

You will be messing with the SRS systems in place such as side impact bars, crumple zones and the like to "redesign" the shell to be a coupe.

Not sure how well it would stand up should the worst happen and a truck / car smashed into the vehicle....

[Squig]

so SVA would be recommended but would it be a q plate?

[Gaz]

You'd think it would need an sva but it doesn't, my mates pickup didn't need one, he spent many an hour researching and on the phone with the vosa (i think).

It all boils down to the workmanship, when you cut a car up you will be really surprised how badly put together they are, its mostly spot welds, if done right its perfectly safe, to a given value of safe- cavs don't rate well on a ncap rating to start with.

[dave's.veccy]

Like when cutting a car up to convert to a pick-up, it looses some of it structral strength where as if you are just moving the B post back, other than moving the stress point back slightly it will still have its structral strength.

cars that have the roof lowered dont need an sva either iirc.

it would have to be either spot welded or done with a mig welder to be safe. I wouldnt trust an arc welder on something like this

[Squig]

Cool, now I've just got to convince Em that we REALLY a cav saloon that would be off the road for 6-12 mths!

[Turbodave]

Not sure what the DVLA would make of you reregisterring it... Doors = 5 Edit... Doors = 2. Might raise a few eyebrows down in Swansea. However it's doable in the UK as Ecosse did similar with a 306 sedan, they removed the four doors and pieced in the doors and rear quarters from 3 door instead. It looks fooking amazing, modified car of the decade without doubt.