TooTallMike

Not to mention the reduction in emissions between a petrol engine doing 1mpg and a diesel doing 13mpg! - MG

Not just heavy locomotives but also recovery vehicles. Are they to be included in this? If a vehicle ceases to be a VHI by virtue of being substantially modified, it has to fit into one of the other existing vehicle classes. That class is not recorded on the V5 so how does one go about claiming it? If you tick 'yes' on a form that asks whether the vehicle has been substantially modified they will ask for proof of MoT. How do you then state it is in an exempt class? - MG

...under which circumstances how many points is it then? Edit: answered my own question - points are irrelevant if over 15% increase means it us substantially altered. If a hypothetical truck with a 'radically altered' engine became testable, would it mean it could then carry load and tow a laden trailer? MG MG

I think this type of ban stems from the fear that countries such as Germany, Japan and so on have, that their history may repeat itself if not kept under tight check. This is something that we (by which I mean British people) will never truly understand as we do not carry that fear in our national psyche. - MG

If they do adopt the 8-point system, an engine change is only one point lost. As far as I understand it, that means no change to the vehicle's test-exempt status. That is if they use the 8-point system. In a more general sense I don't understand why 'they' think modified vehicles of a certain age should be subjected to testing and yet not un-modified ones? If anything, one might suggest that someone who owns a modified vehicle may have a more than usual interest in its engineering and thus may well be maintaining it to a better level than someone who has simply bought something and runs it with little interest in what goes on underneath. - MG

Do you have to hit it? We have a Chinese hydraulic one which only cost £28 delivered and has survived well thus far. They're even cheaper now: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/10-Ton-Hydraulic-Crimper-Crimping-Tool-Wire-Battery-Cable-Lug-Terminal-9-Dies-/322502047411?epid=1375226585&hash=item4b169eb6b3:g:LWEAAOSwT-FZCFV2 Edit: just saw what andym's link was! - MG

We've just been caught up in this as we're currently looking to send some old truck parts out which will contain the dreaded 'A'. I just cannot understand what they are hoping to achieve with this as Australia (like all other countries) is full of old vehicles containing it. I understand the safety concern in the case of sub-standard Chinese drywall but surely some common sense is required when deciding where to enforce the rules? - MG

Hi Paul, No it was a different truck so don't worry. We established it was the distributor at fault with an unidentified earthing issue. Replaced the distributor and it was fine after that. - MG

I think that's a wise approach - MG

Hi, Out of interest do you have a source for that? As far as I understand the law a fire engine or ambulance can only be registered as such if it is used exclusively for that role. Similarly, a fully functioning classic fire engine carrying water is still just a laden lorry in private hands. As such it would require plating and testing, class C driving license, private HGV tax, and of course suitable insurance. The moment any vehicle is laden any age-related exemptions evaporate. Whether you believe water counts as 'load' is up to you :-) - MG

Hi, I've only seen these on French Ben Hur trailers so they may have been especially made. However some Citroen light trucks used similar. Google Citroen U23. - MG

I use gaffa tape to seal small holes. For bigger ones you can make a hardboard or metal plate and secure it down with either the mounting screws from what ever you removed, or gaffa tape if it's something like a filler neck. Chase out any threaded holes afterwards with a tap. - MG

The only nasty is having to turn the engine a 10th of a turn or whatever it is, and then getting the bl**dy shims out. Long nosed pliers will be your friend. Also you'll probably have to remove them all from each location and prise them apart as they tend to corrode together. Not the nicest job on a WLF. - MG

Hi, It's all in the TM but basically you remove equal numbers of shims from each location as the clutch starts to wear and then adjust the linkage to bring the biting point back to where you want it. By removing shims you are effectively just closing up the gaps each side of the friction plate. If you can't get hold of a manual drop me a line and I'll scan the relevant pages for you. Regards - MG

Hi, I used POR15 about 9 years ago on a MUTT fuel tank. The vehicle was sold on and then was recently bought back by a friend. The tank is as clean now as the day I did the job. You have to thoroughly degrease the inside of the tank so that it can adhere properly. I now use this treatment on all fuel tanks I remove as a matter of course. The inconvenience of having to remove a fuel tank to repair it at a later date makes it a no-brainer for me. I believe any issues with the treatment peeling off are due to poor preparation rather than any issues with the product itself. As already mentioned, you cannot save the left-overs because it cures, so the best thing to do is have a load of degreased Jerry cans and other containers standing by to be treated using the excess. Frosts seems to be the cheapest place to buy POR15. There are other cheaper products on the market but I would spend the extra and get the best. - MG

Do be very careful making that statement to anyone in a uniform - if it is laden it should be tested. Your test exemption is specifically because it is used unladen and towing an unladen trailer. Passengers are not load. Generally it is understood that you can transport personal kit, food, camping gear etc but as far as I know this has never been tested in court. - MG

Sorry but they have already found a new home. - MG

For sale a pair of wheels with very poor 10.50 x 16 tyres. These were recently removed from a farm trailer so there is nothing more of whatever they came from. Price: a drink Please be aware these are extremely heavy (2-man lift each). I can load them for you. Located Copthorne, nr. Gatwick Mike 07747 772838

When we heard the subject was coming up we all expected the usual sensationalising and condemnation that is his speciality. I was expecting to hear a debate on whether armour should be freely sold to the general public etc. We were pleasantly surprised when it was a positive article, with a slight sense of his bemusement that anyone should want to pursue this hobby! I think the chap looking for the Diesel CVRT gearbox may be regretting not doing his research before purchasing! - MG

Agreed with Nick about swivel pin preload. To assess this, jack up the front of the truck and disconnect the drag link and both ends of the track rod. Then swivel the wheels back and forth to see how freely they move. - MG

Hi, At the risk of pointing out the obvious do remember you need to be insured to drive within the docks both sides and on/off the ferry. In the UK the Road Traffic Act will apply within the docks although the vehicle doesn't need to be registered as it's not on the public roads. It can safely be assumed the equivalent will apply in Holland. Regarding NOVA it is only necessary to declare within 14 days of the import so no immediate rush. Is it actually Dutch registered? If so then no problem to drive it home in the UK as long as your insurers know its status. If it's not registered or the registration has expired then best to have it loaded home. Regards - MG

When will you next be down there? We're only a few miles down the road! - MG

Thank you, That would be very kind and of course we'd be more than happy to recompense as required. Do you know how soon you'll be doing it? Regards - Mike

Hi folks, We need to repair a rusty vent surround and drain on a WC open cab cowl. It looks like a horrible thing to try and replicate so I wondered whether there are any 'cheat' methods? I was thinking of slitting a section of tube or box of the correct size in half and letting it in but the corners will be a challenge... Indeed, does anyone know of any repair sections available? I've looked in all the usual places but to no avail. - MG

I buy all my number plates on Ebay and I have never been asked for a V5. That's at least four or five sets in the last 2 years. - MG