Anyone done the convertible conversion?

[tysonn]

My question is really about how to go about informing the DVLA about the change of body type once this has been done.I know the V5 has provision for this before it is sent to Swansea but I'm a bit wary of doing so in case this results in them giving the car a "Q" reg or requiring it to go somewhere for scrutiny.Also this obviously will affect insuring the car.If I fail to inform them of the change its giving them an opportunity to invalidate the insurance.I have Googled this but came up with so many conflicting results I thought possibly someone on here actually has experience of this and can advise?Thee are plenty of places selling the kit so I assume its being done regularly.
TIA
Mick

[bmcecosse]

I think you are right to worry...... highly likely they will want an expensive vehicle inspection, and indeed possibility of a Q - which would then mean paying road tax on it..... Personally, I would tell the insurance folks and 'forget' to tell DVLA.....

[chickenjohn]

You'd be much better off buying a convertible if you want one, rather than buying a saloon and converting it. Or, if you'd like a converted saloon, buy one! They do come up for sale and as the DVLA issues, expensive BIVA test, q plate etc and tax forever more did not exist in the past the car will keep its reg and historic tax status.

A converted saloon should be priced about half way between the equivalent condition saloon and convertible.

[tysonn]

Thanks for the replies.Nothing definitive though.Maybe someone who has already done it will reply.I remember in the nineties I fit a convertible rear tub to a Triumph Vitesse saloon and merely changed the details in the logbook and sent it to Swansea.All came back amended without problem.That was 20 years ago though and may have all changed.If I dont get a response on here after the weekend I'll phone them and get the the facts.

[faversham999]

on log book Body type cross our saloon and write convertible sign log book then send it to DVLA

[tysonn]

Thats what I did with my Vitesse 20 years ago.Are you saying from experience that this works without problem?

[bmcecosse]

20 years ago anything was fine -today -I think you will be caught. If phoning DVLA for advice - don't give your name !

[tysonn]

Well you saying "I think you will be caught" implies that in your opinion there is some sort of skullduggery in converting your car?Unless you know for a fact that its not simply a matter of altering the body type on the v5 and sending it off then youre comments arent really relevant (with respect).
The last respondent that said its simply a matter of changing the logbook hasnt replied either.I only asked if anyone on here had actually been through the process and could therefore give meaningful advice.

[C6Dave]

My car is a 2007 conversion and is not on a 'Q'' plate, it's on one related to the cars age, but the V5 annotates the number as 'Not Transferable'

[bmcecosse]

It's NOT just a question of changing the details in the V5C !! You have to hack the roof off the car, and hopefully add lots of strengthening - and in today's world that means you have modified the car to the point where it requires an expensive inspection, far more stringent than an MOT (which it may of course fail...) and it may very well be given a Q registration.. I've given my advice on the matter - but DVLA really ARE tightening up on all this now, when just a few years ago it was fine.

[tysonn]

Well yes of course its not simply a matter of altering the v5.It goes without question that only a fool would just chop the roof off and drive off into the sunset.However the strengthening alterations are straightforward and very easily done by a competent welder.In fact the shell can be made stronger than the factory made them by using thicker materials for the necessary areas.The panels available from suppliers are quite thin but good to use as patterns.
C6 Dave are you saying that before DVLA were notified of the conversion that the reg was transferable and they gave it the age related one?Could the car have possibly had a non transferable plate before the conversion?I have had several classics that were off the radar when DVLA went computerised and thus lost their transferable status.

[tysonn]

Think I'll give Charles Ware a ring Monday.They seem to have converted plenty so must know the facts.They have plenty of conversions for sale around the £10-11000 mark.

[LouiseM]

See leaflet INF26 from the DVLA: http://www.dft.gov.uk/dvla/forms/onlineleaflets.aspx
A vehicle that has been substantially rebuilt or radically altered from the manufacturers original spec will require a test, and will possibly be issued with a Q plate, but I can’t see how a converted Minor saloon will fall into that category. The chassis is strengthened rather than altered, and a convertible Minor was an original manufacturers specification.

Tysonn - If you are an MMOC member contact Rob Thomasson, the technical tips guy, for advice. Alternatively contact a company that converts Minor saloons into convertibles as they will know the correct procedures. There is a lot of information on internet forums regarding Q plates and BIVA tests, some of which appears to be 'scare mongering' rather than fact based, so best to get the information direct from someone who actually knows.

Edit: Your message was posted whilst I was composing mine - post back to let us know the outcome

[tysonn]

Thanks for that.This is what I mentioned in my OP.Advice from someone who actually knows the FACTS rather than speculation and guesswork.I can phone Charles Ware to say I'm thinking about buying one and need to know the situation as far as DVLA are concerned.The last thing I would want is to lose the cars reg: as its three digits and three numbers and valued at £2000(please no flaming,I wouldnt dream of selling on a classics reg: number).

[LouiseM]

The last thing I would want is to lose the cars reg: as its three digits and three numbers and valued at £2000(please no flaming,I wouldnt dream of selling on a classics reg: number).

Probably just as well that you aren't planning on selling the number as you might find that it isn't worth the amount you've been quoted. There seem to be a lot of companies out there who issue over inflated quotes in order to get people to sign up with them to sell the plate but unless the reg spells out a name or word it's unlikely to reach anywhere near the amount offered.

[bmcecosse]

The reg number will be worth no-where near that amount..... But good luck with it. Personally - I can't see the attraction of a 'convertible' Minor.

[twincamman]

Try contacting Kev Rooney (aceadvice on here) as he's forgotten more about the legal side of thing like this than most of us will ever learn!

[tysonn]

To bmcecosse.Its a good job the manufacturer saw the attraction of making a convertible Minor.How can you say you cant see any point?Are you saying all convertible cars are "pointless" or just the Morris version?I think thats a ridiculous statement to make.Also I can't remember mentioning taking advice from anyone?You "advised" me to be careful what I said if I called DVLA,do you mean that advice?You also make the sweeping statement that the reg. number will be worth nowhere near that amount.Do you know my reg number?Are you also saying that some people arent prepared to pay ridiculous amounts of money for number plates.
If you go back to the original post I asked if anyone that had experience of dealing with DVLA in this matter would be so kind as to pass on their experiences.Several people in that situation have done so or given constructive advice.All you have done is make sarcastic and possibly in your opinion witty comments that havent helped in any way.What you "think" would happen or should happen etc are exactly that,what YOU think.I am typing this response unnecessarily as I actually have a life to be getting on with and know that you wont be able to prevent yourself from making some "witty" reply.
Cheers

[bmcecosse]

Just advising you to be careful when dealing with DVLA on the matter. And it's my personal opinion that I can't see the point of a convertible Minor. I do have a proper open top car to run around in when the sun shines........ A question such as yours is always going to draw 'discussion' - that's what a Forum is for! And yes - I believe Reg Numbers are often hugely overvalued. I've wished you luck with your project - do let us know how it goes....

[tysonn]

Luckily 75000 people thought the convertible was worth making.Will let you all know how it goes with the DVLA.