firedawg225

I'm in the US military. I'm coming to RAF Mildenhall in May or so. My car is in The states right now as i'm in Japan. What do i need to do to my car to bring it over there?? I've read alot but is the MOT inspection as hard to pass as they say?? I have a 1992 Camaro. almost totally redone. a couple of things more under the car and the whole bottom of the car will be aftermarket. I mostly have Spohn stuff everywhere. if you what to know more about my car you can go to Firedawg225 383 Holley Stealth Ram Camaro. thanks for any help and hope to meet some of you.

si_camaro

If you're just visiting, as far as I know you'll only need international insurance and some "beam benders" to stop your headlights dazzling people on the wrong side of the road.

As you mentioned the MOT, I take it it's more permanent than that. The MOT isn't too bad at all, especially if you've looked after your car. The real issue these days is the SVA, or Single Vehicle Approval test. Check out SVA Testing for more information. Although I've never SVA'd a car, I hear it's stricter than the original Manufacturer's test to which Chevrolet had to conform when they built your car. My dad is building a Ford GT40 replica and he'll have to SVA the thing when it's done. He talks about the "ball test" which is where the tester has a 165mm diameter ball, and he pushes it against everything on the inside of the car. If something sharp touches the ball (for example, an instrument bezel) you fail. Also, steering wheels with nice looking holes cut in the stalks will fail, because you might trap your medallion and choke. Talk about Nanny State. Thankfully, unless things have changed, I think your car has to be newer than 1992 to be eligible for the test.

I found this information :

All vehicles built after 1 April 1981 must have a fog light, mounted at the rear of the vehicle, centered to the right hand side of the vehicle. Also, the light control switch must light up when the fog light is on and must be seen from the driver’s seat.

Parking lights must be white, not amber.

The headlights in the UK are angled differently than in the States because of driving on the other side of the road. It is suggested that the re-aiming of your lights be done when you arrive in the UK.

All vehicles built after 1 April 1986 must have a side repeater. A side repeater is a separate turn signal in the fender that can be seen from the driver side door. In most cases this means drilling holes in the fender of approximately 3/4 inch. Wraparound lights may substitute for the side repeater in some models.

All rear turn signals must flash amber, and must not adversely affect any other light (brake light, parking light). Very few American vehicles meet the standards for light requirements in the UK. The price for a light conversion costs from $185 - $250, depending on the vehicle.


By the way, I take it you've seen This Site? There's a section that says the MOT is £26.00, which means the information is about 10 years old. The MOT is now closer to £45.00.

firedawg225

thanks for the info. Has anyone done this resently?? I've seen american cars there and they still have amber lights??

I found that the same info but nothing definate. Can i see some pics of what has to be done so i can prepare before i get there. thanks for the info again.

si_camaro

Depending on where you get your car MOT'd, you'll probably have no problem with amber lights. The French have yellow headlamps, and they are legal in this country, so most testers will not fail you for this. When you replace your headlamps in this country, you can get new units with provisions for a small 5watt white bulb to operate as a sidelight. I've attached a picture of my car and it passed the MOT just like this (the white car)

The black car is my brother's old Camaro, and just next to the right hand exhaust tip is a rear fog lamp. They cost all of £5.00 and take an hour or so to wire up correctly. I used to have this arrangement, but I recently installed a red bulb in my right hand reverse lamp, and wired it to that instead. Makes for a more clean installation, and reverse lamps are not part of the MOT.

The third picture is of the illuminated switch required for the fog lamps (the red one)...I made the panel from an old casette box, but later removed it as i kept catching my leg on it.

firedawg225

thanks for the info again. I might PM you with more question as my time comes near to leave here and go there. thanks again

R1UK

Our country can be as officious as any other, no better , no worse, just easier if you know the rules first.

RMK

Mine passed it's MOT first time. I have a fog light fitted and a front plate shoved in the front window for the test then they are removed as soon as I get home.

A lot depends on the garage doing the MOT. Some will fail it no matter what just to get extra business for nothing, and then there are others who are more trustworthy.