Hub Caps and Indicator Pods

Our Spare Wheel

A report of an initial failure of SVA posted on the Internet by Steve Richards, serves as a timely warning about the interpretation of the SVA regulations.   Steve built an 1800 Speed Sport using modular build parts supplied by Westfield, which makes the reason for failure more remarkable.   The first failure was the front indicator lamps were too close to the body or more precisely too far inboard from the widest part of the car, even though Westfield indicator pods were used.  This is where the interpretation issue arises. Westfield have a European approval measuring the outside of the indicator lens from the outside of the front if the vehicle. Southampton Vehicle Testing Centre interprets these regulations from the SVA manual as being measured from the widest part of the vehicle e.g. the rear wheel arches. Having set the precedent I’m sure this is a point that will need to be addressed when it comes to testing our car.   The second failure point concerned wheel hub covers. Steve used Rimstock, Team Dynamics Qualifier wheels with imitation hexagonal nuts as a central cover. (Similar to the photograph left.)  Apparently the regulation changes on 01 / Jan / 2000 cast doubts on their legality.   However the testers relented since the test was booked before the regulations came in to force.  The downside was they failed the same type of cover on the spare wheel, as a projection with a radius of less than the required 2.5 mm.  The indicator pods were extended by 35mm to ensure compliance; a new 'dished' wheel hub was fitted to the spare wheel. Steve had a couple of other points to fix, the fuel pipe was clipped to the air filter flange and an extension pipe was fitted to the fuel regulator. The car was submitted for a re-test, the SVA test was passed and the all-important certificate supplied.

 We will certainly watch the indicator positions and since we are using the same hub covers we will need to look at the regulations and possibly look at alternatives.

 Thanks to Steve for posting his experience on the Internet it will help all of us avoid similar pitfalls.

Our solution to the hub cover problem was to get a set of dished covers for all 5 wheels (see Photo left) from Micheldever Tyres at cost price of about £6.00 each.  Since we have covered all wheels we would expect no comment at SVA test.  WE will revert to the original hub covers after the test. (See Photo above left)

 We solved the indicator pod situation by manufacturing 2 x 30 mm spacers out of MDF. Contour them the same as the indicator pods and spray paint with green smooth Hammerite. (See photo above right) It looks lighter (under Flash light conditions)  in the photograph but was a pretty good colour match to the naked eye