Thank you for all your kind words.
So as promised the detail on my IVA.
So the test centre I choose was Southampton, after selecting this station I then found out it had a reputation for being very strict.
Overall, and hopefully not a bias view just because we passed, was that the Inspector wanted to help me past the test. He was keen to explain the reasoning for the various tests and also to listen to my rationale for the way we approached our build.
When I arrived he asked me a number of questions, had I read the IVA manual, and did I understand it? How long had my build taken? my job? and any issues I had encounter during the build. He also had copied of my build photos I had sent with my IVA application. I would recommend sending these as I think it sets the scene for them.
I answered all of these truthfully, and admitted to being quite nervous. Clearly, I wanted to pass but had reconciled myself to the fact that it was in my interest that a thorough test was carried out.
I was asked to remove the covers in my engine bay (above my EMU and Fuse box) which I was happy to do and the one of the covers on my centre console so the Inspector could see my brake lines. When ask I said yes and explained it would take a few minutes, and just took my time.
I was asked if the rear cover came off, I said yes and that I have pictures with me of the cover off. The Inspector looked at my photo's but did not ask me to remove the cover. He did look though the access opening I had made.
The inspector, checked my engine number and checked both the VIN chassis stamping and the ID plate matched. My engine number is very faint, so I would recommend taking photos during your build and enhancing these on a computer and taking them on the day (I forgot to do this).
Lighting, the inspector checked my Photon headlights and said they were for a Left Hand drive car. This was due to a slight step up in the flat beam pattern at the outside edge. Luckily, Trident had had his car tested at the same station a couple of weeks previously and they had passed the same lights. I explained this and the Inspector decided (after talking to one of the other Inspectors) to accept the light. However, if anyone else is using Photon headlights please be aware of this point. I think it was touch and go for me and maybe a different inspector would have a different view.
Also the leading edge of the photon lights looks to me as its touch and go on the 2.5mm radius.
My advice would be to fit alternative lights for anyone planning an IVA.He liked the rear number plate lights as the ends of these were rounded. Happy that my side repeaters (small motor bike ones) were on flexible mounts.
Front sidelights/indicators he measured these and confirmed they where just! within the 400mm requirements. They are combined units and he checked both the side and indicator measurement. It was the indicator distance he was most concerned with as this is the inner of the tow lights.
My car weighed in a 695kgs, brakes were no problem as all new.
Emissions, so first basis test failed! the inspector suggested i left the car running to get up to temperature as the cat would become more efficient when hot. We did this and managed a pass. Noise, no issues.
Speedo test ok approx 3 mph over recording on my speedo.
The dreaded ball for external projection test next. This is fairness was straight forward, he liked the use of nut covers (even where not needed), I had tried to cover all edges with trim. couple of tips on sizing here. Large 5mm wide knock on edge trim worked well with the harness belt holes in the seats. The smaller edge trim will just about go on the outside edge of the seat but its an effort to get it on due to the varying thickness of the seat itself. Think I would use a bigger size if doing again.
I used rubber U and circular trim on most other parts. I found so circular rubber trim at the kit car show for £2/m which worked really well on the arches. Bostick or super glue worked well. Bostick gives you the option of removing in the future.
My two side panels by the dash meant that he couldn't get assess at this points which I think he liked.
I kept the original steering wheel so no problem with that. I will change this out at a later stage.
Mirrors are IVA compliant pairs you can get from most suppliers, he mentioned the need for the interior mirror even though visibility is zero.
I've fitted all new ball joints and had my subframes blasted and coated which I think he took as an indication of a sound build.
So my only real issue was the low blake fluid reservoir warning light. Worked with the handbrake but when I depressed the float in the reservoir it didn't work.
He allowed me to move the car out from the test station and see if I could fix the problem. It was tracked down to two issues, 1 a broken sensor (its a little glass reed switch, that a magnet on the float operates). £5 for second hand one, this clips in/out. I had also managed to snip the white wire that goes back to the dash light. We got around this by running a new cable back to the handbrake wire. When this was done me came out and tested it and I explained the problem and solution. He was happy and then issued our certificate
All in all, an interesting day, and a very helpful inspector. Happy to answer any further questions.
