MOT Query

[heliosuk]

I have a 1909 Gladiator which has just been rebuilt. It has wooden wheels with steel tyres.

 

It needs a tax exempt disc but to get it needs an MOT. local station is unwilling to test it, so what do I do?

[Conniff]

Take it to the local cabinet maker.

 

I can see why as they probably don't know how to classify it or what they need to look for.

 

Would a mechanic even know what a woodworm hole looks like.

 

Cars before 1900 had pneumatic tyres so how come yours doesn't?

I have seen Gladiators from earlier years with pneumatic, are yours standard fit.

 

Sorry I can't help in any other way, perhaps a ministry testing center could help or an email to Vosa might bring the answer.

[rickyd]

Doesn't a Gladiator need a certificate of airworthiness rather than an MOT, or am I showing my age?

 

(for younger members google Gloster Aircraft Company) ;-)

[heliosuk]

You're right conniff. On reflection it did have Dunlop Cords on it. The one next to it had steel tyres. It was some 25 years ago. You're both not far from what happened. When booking the test the garage called the area Inspectorate who actually thought it was an aircraft and the garage was winding them up. Eventually they came back with a test which suggested getting a carpenter to inspect the wooden spoked wheels but other than that to make sure it could stop, had a rear relector and two lights on the front and didn't seem dangerous. Tapley meter readings were horrendous!

 

Gearbox packed up 10 miles outside of Brighton

[GhostDebt]

Not really relevant to the question but a bit of historical info which I am sure you already know.

Brighton-Early : Gladiator

Also this might be of interest.

www.dft.gov.uk/dvla/forms/~/media/pdf/leaflets/inf26.ashx

Regards

[danielr]

if local garage refuses then how about a council MOT centre?

[nigel_bytes]

Mot testers on this forum should help you.

MOT Testing Forums

[heliosuk]

Errrrrrr peeps. This was posted as a bit of fun. Was a real life situation 25 years ago. Read the thread!!

 

Also see previous MOT related posts.

 

As the OP, it's now closed but hopefully it supports the theory all is not what it seems. Please don't post anymore, the car is now in a private museum and celebrated its 100 birthday this year.

 

END of the POST!!!

[slick132]

Hi Helio,

 

Tell you what, if you post a photo of it, I'll close the thread after that.

 

Deal, or No Deal.

[nigel_bytes]

Must be this one

[heliosuk]

Wasn't as technically advanced Nigel. Bits I had to do were on the engine. When it was sent to us ( private collection) it would not run. Valve springs were shot. Couldn't find a dealer for replacements!!!

 

Spent days/weeks trying to find suitable replacements travelling the country. Ended up having them made!!

 

Engine lasted.

 

Will search for a pic to close this down but it does sort of say the MOT is no mans land.......... opps will probably kick something off here!!!

 

Was a very interesting car though when I look at the stuff I deal with on a daily basis. In automotive terms things havent changed that much from the basic physics.

[nigel_bytes]

Nearest one i can find , and a nice looking car

Gladiator Type Grand Prix (1906) - Motorbase

 

[JimmySpangle]

Anyone got a match?

[heliosuk]

Very good Jimmy

How do you insert pictures?

[nigel_bytes]

Upload to ,

Image hosting, free photo sharing & video sharing at Photobucket

then use image code to post

Free to join

[heliosuk]

Doesn't seem to work.

[heliosuk]

 

It looked not to disimilar to this one from 1903.

Very interesting to work on!

[slick132]

Brilliant Helio.

 

What a beautiful car !!

[kowalski72]

There are certain criteria where an MOT station can refuse to test a car, and being very old and/or unusual aren't one of them!

 

This is from the testers manual...

 

 

This manual does not include the reasons for refusing to test a vehicle in the Reasons for rejection Columns. VTSs may only test those classes and types of vehicle that they are authorised to test and which are of a size and weight that can be accomodated by the authorised equipment.

If any of the following reasons apply,, the test should not be carried out, the vehicle presenter informed and any fee paid for the test must be returned. It is therefore advised that 'refusal' items are checked before starting the test.

 

If the vehicle presenter requires written confirmation of why the test cannot be carried out, the test should be registered using the VTS Device. a VT30 should be issued clearly showing the reason(s) why the test could not be carried out. the test should then be abandoned.

 

If reason to refuse 1. applies, issue a hand written VT30 containing as many of the vehicle details as possible. a copy of the VT30 should be retained by the VTS.

 

The reasons for refusing to carry out the test are:

 

a. the log book/registration certificate or other evidence of the date of first use is not produced if the information therein, is necessary for the test to be carried out.

 

Note: Normally this evidence is only necessary if the vehicle has a "cherished" registration mark or if the registration mark's year letter does not make clear the standard that should be applied- for instance regarding the requirement for post 1st August 1986 vehicles to be fitted with direction indicators.

 

b. the vehicle or any part or equipment on the vehicle is so dirty that examination is unreasonably difficult:

 

c. the vehicle is not fit to be driven when necessary to complete the test because of a lack of fuel or oilor any other reason.

 

d. the NT considers insecurety of a load or other items would prevent a proper test being carried out unless the load is secured or removed;

 

e. the VTS asks for the test fee to be paid in advance and this is not done;

 

f. The vehicle emits substantial quantitiews of avoidable smoke

 

g. a proper examination cannot be carried out because any cover or other device designed to be readily opened cannot be readily opened, e.g. a seat is locked down and lifting is required in order to inspect the structure of the machine;

 

h. the condition of the vehicle is such that. in the opinion of the NT a proper examination would involve a danger of injury to any person or damage to the vehicle or other property.

 

i. The vehicle has neither registration mark nor VIN/Chassis No/Frame No. by which it can be identified, or that all such identifications are illegible or use letters and numbers not normally used in the English Language.

 

In addition to this an NT must decline to test any vehicle that is not of a class they are authorised to test of such a size, weight or configuration it cannot be property or safely tested on the approved facilities or a vehicle that has the frame stamped either "not for road use", or words to that effect.

 

 

If, despite due care initially, it becomes apparent during a test that the test cannot be completed for any of the above reasons, you must fail the vehicle because the test could not be satisfactorily completed.

 

Any re-examination and fee must be in line with normal policy (see Fees and Appeals Poster) treating the component which could not be examined as a failure item.

 

[heliosuk]

None of the above applies/ed in the case above. It was a museum piece!

 

Thanks for the reply though. Interestingly, the garage I first started in used to get a lot of farmers landrovers in where I had to clean them before the testers would even look at them.

 

Cleaning the vehicle....1 hour. Being sent to clear the drains...........priceless!!!

[kowalski72]

LOL, I was a tester in the North of Scotland at the last foot and mouth outbreak. We were'nt allowed to test anything that was in the least bit dirty! That was about 99.9% of cars on the road...