Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

Guys I have had a look and could only find our old friend Steve WW who used to keep his old seat belts in when going for an MOT. Is it possible with the TTR FIA roll cage and (say) 4 point harnesses to get through an MOT or will they send you off to VOSA for a check of the mountings. I asked the guy at the MOT station yesterday when doing the Plus 2 about bringing my S4 FHC in for it's first MOT after restoration. He got all official and said he was not qualified to check seat belt modifications.

Any advice appreciated. I gave away my normal seat belt rear brackets, so non fitted to the rear turrets.

Mike

Find a Classic-friendly MOT test station ?

Never had a problem with MOT and Willan's 6 point harnesses. Just had to demonstrate once that they could be undone one handed. Also I have TTR roll bar and sill extensions and that has never caused a problem (The tester has an Jaguar E Type so maybe that helps). Ben

They won't know that anything's been changed if you don't tell 'em

Sounds like it's going to be on the road any minute now then Mike

Cheers
John

Never had a problem with MOT and Willan's 6 point harnesses. Just had to demonstrate once that they could be undone one handed. Also I have TTR roll bar and sill extensions and that has never caused a problem (The tester has an Jaguar E Type so maybe that helps). Ben

+1

I have the same set up & never had a problem (over several different MOT locations) or ever been questioned in any way.

Dave M.

Hmm interesting point, as I've just ordered a spydercars roll cage and side intrusion bars. Do MOT testers take a dim view of these or start asking too many questions about seat belt mounts, crumple rates etc? Is it better when doing a rebuild to build it up stock, get it registered and then install the roll bar and side intrusion bars later?

My previous elan had Willans 4 point harness anchored to the TTR roll cage always passed the MOT at different testing stations without a problem.
regards

Andy

Wow! Great response, thank guys. I will be going getting the harnesses in a week or so.
Yes, John quite near now.

I have realised it is time that I found a new MOT station. He has classics and I have taken cars there for over 18 years or so. I always remind him not to jack in the middle rear wish bone tube. Yesterday I was on the phone and when I looked it was jacked in the very place near the track adjusters (my nice "A" frames that I got from John Clegg).I know John made up some little MOT man warning labels. Good idea!
When I got it home I had a closer look. Nothing bent but he has broken one of the brazes were the adjuster goes into the tube.

I can tell you that I am not happy. Whilst not that hard to sort out, you would think that guys doing it every day would know better. I will be having a good chat with the new MOT place, I find, with an "A" frame in my hand. You feel a proper Nit telling them what you want but I felt a bigger one yesterday. I always stay with the car like an anxious Dad. God knows what happens when you leave you modern motor with one of the UK chains.

Anyway good new about the harnesses. Thank again.

Mike

Hello Mike,
I take my Elan for it`s MOT to the garage which services our two tin box cars.
He knows me of old and likes an easy life. Not knowing how to jack up the rear end, he didn`t bother.
He also did not know how to lift the headlamps for checking so didn`t. I had left the tonneau covering the passenger side, so after tugging on one seatbelt he suggested the other one would be allright.
The hand brake apparently just scraped through!!.
The car does look in good condition underneath with most parts clean and new.
I consider this attitude to his job rather careless. He still charged me full price for half a job and I fully recommend him. He is just what we need.
His work on the other cars is always spot on.
Eric in Burnley
1967 S3SE Type 45

Personally I prefer a good mechanic who does the job thoroughly and might spot something I hadn't seen or hadn't done right.

MOT is a relatively cheap independent test of my car.

Thanks Eric. My mate has put me onto a guy that does his. Bit further to drive but checks good and respects correct jacking points etc. Mike

Hi Mike,
sorry to hear about this...and I can't offer any help with your original question, but would recommend my old school mate Paul at FM Sportscars in Warrington for future MOT's, they mainly renovate MG's but will be familiar with need to be carefull where to place jack under elan. Give him a ring on 01925 241606 - they're just off Long Lane - A50 (north end of Warry.)
I've also got a new 4 point harness sitting around here if you wanted to check it out on your FHC?
My elan body is being painted at long last.
Dave

Thanks Dave,

I have been away.
I will give you a call. Good to hear you have got to the paint stage.

regards Mike