[Robin427]

I'm sorry to say that I failed my SVA at Mitcham today.

Very nice tester, name of Ian. Was quite thorough but not particularly picky (except on one of my fail points, which, had it been the only one, I might've argued through).

Failed on:

Reflectors too low - my draft copy of the manual says "250mm". His manual says "350"... I checked. Bugger! Not a difficult thing to fix, so I'll put some tiny ones on in between the rear lights as there is no minimum size requirement

Foglight not vertical enough... probably because I'd jacked the suspension up to get the front indicators high enough. Couldn't easily fix it there and then because the bracket was all taped/siliconed up

I had put the wrong weights for the braking on my sheet, like an idiot. The actual weights were about 480kg per axle (I had put 500) but with passengers and load in, it would've been pushed over the tonne. They account 150kg for passengers. Brakes were fine anyway.

Lastly, and most difficult to fix, the steering did not self centre. I have spoken briefly to GD about this and apparently the steering does start off pretty stiff but loosens up later on. I think I will have to jack the front of the car up and sit there going from lock to lock for hours on end. Andy is away from GD at the moment, so I will discuss the best course of action with him.



All in all, a bit disappointing, but he said it was no reflection on me, so yah boo sucks to you all. He thought the car was, and I quote:

"One of the best I've seen"

I bet he says that to all the guys... he seemed to like the chassis, though and all my other bits and bobs were OK.

One interesting note. I had covered up my boot handle with rubber and some end caps. He tugged at it a bit and said it "wasn't perfect" but was prepared to pass the car with it like that. When it was obvious I'd failed, I took the rubber and everything off, exposing the handle in all it's naked glory...

"Yeah, I'd be happy with that" he said...