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Beach Buggy Help Zone => Beach Buggy General Help => Topic started by: Zip Buggy on October 31, 2016, 01:30:06 PM

Title: Number plates and horns
Post by: Zip Buggy on October 31, 2016, 01:30:06 PM
Made myself chuckle with that subject line  :)

Now that I've had my V5 back with "Historic Vehicle" on it, it's time to get some black and siiver number plates. My initial thought was to go for the standard pressed type plates with raised digits. Then I thought I might like the acrylic style with reflective style digits. What do you guys think?

Next the horn! The standard horn is a bit weedy and I've always fancied one of those "AROOGAH" klaxons - is this a no no in the community?  ;D
Title: Re: Number plates and horns
Post by: Dave DND on October 31, 2016, 02:55:36 PM
My personal opinion is that acrylic plates look far too modern, and if you are going for black and silver then why not do it properly with some metal pressed ones - they are about the same price anyway.

As far as horns go, like exhausts, they can never be loud enough - especially come Swanage Carnival time   ;-)up
Title: Re: Number plates and horns
Post by: Doon L001 on October 31, 2016, 03:03:40 PM
I'm with Dave. Metal plates really look the part compared to the plastic ones.

Aroogah horns, yup I have one of them, and the standard one, and a Dukes of Hazard, and animal noise and siren box.  >:(
Acceptable? Who cares, it's your car

Horns all on a rotary switch as musicals are not allowed for MOT but the other 2 are fine.
Dave
Title: Re: Number plates and horns
Post by: Pondlife on October 31, 2016, 03:07:01 PM
A Klaxon horn is fine for an MOT ????  :D
Title: Re: Number plates and horns
Post by: Zip Buggy on October 31, 2016, 04:09:00 PM
Many thanks as always guys. You're all right on the plates - you must be cos that's what my mrs said  ;-)up
And for the Aroogah, that's on my Xmas pressie list!
Title: Re: Number plates and horns
Post by: Doon L001 on October 31, 2016, 04:24:59 PM
Quote from: Pondlife on October 31, 2016, 03:07:01 PM
A Klaxon horn is fine for an MOT ????  :D

My MOT bloke says its OK (at the moment) but left the original available in case of future changes, after all there was a time when musicals were legal.
Could always use the Hudge route and put a manual bulb hooter somewhere for the MOT

Dave
Title: Re: Number plates and horns
Post by: Zip Buggy on October 31, 2016, 04:27:40 PM
Quote from: Doon L001 on October 31, 2016, 04:24:59 PM
Quote from: Pondlife on October 31, 2016, 03:07:01 PM
A Klaxon horn is fine for an MOT ????  :D

My MOT bloke says its OK (at the moment) but left the original available in case of future changes, after all there was a time when musicals were legal.
Could always use the Hudge route and put a manual bulb hooter somewhere for the MOT

Dave

Think I'll mount it next to the weedy horn and move the wires over. If the MOT bloke says I have to, I'll just put the wires back for half an hour :)
Title: Re: Number plates and horns
Post by: snoopy on October 31, 2016, 04:36:45 PM
You could just fit a 2 position on switch under the dash so you can swap from one to the other and still use the single horn switch.
Title: Re: Number plates and horns
Post by: Zip Buggy on October 31, 2016, 04:47:54 PM
Quote from: snoopy on October 31, 2016, 04:36:45 PM
You could just fit a 2 position on switch under the dash so you can swap from one to the other and still use the single horn switch.

Sounds like a plan :)
Title: Re: Number plates and horns
Post by: Chad on October 31, 2016, 04:50:08 PM
I have the weedy horn on steering wheel centre, then hidden button under the dash for the Arrogaaa horn  :D
Title: Re: Number plates and horns
Post by: apmaman on October 31, 2016, 09:29:05 PM
I have the arhoooga and the normal one wire up at the same time, and I just swap over the lives come MOT time so it has a normal horn for about 20 minutes  ;D
Title: Re: Number plates and horns
Post by: HUDGE BUGGY on November 01, 2016, 07:07:58 PM
Quote from: Doon L001 on October 31, 2016, 04:24:59 PM
Quote from: Pondlife on October 31, 2016, 03:07:01 PM
A Klaxon horn is fine for an MOT ????  :D

Could always use the Hudge route and put a manual bulb hooter somewhere for the MOT


(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c348/Hudgebuggy1/s-l1600_zpsbyifct2v.jpg) (http://s30.photobucket.com/user/Hudgebuggy1/media/s-l1600_zpsbyifct2v.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Number plates and horns
Post by: Zip Buggy on November 01, 2016, 07:11:09 PM
Quote from: HUDGE BUGGY on November 01, 2016, 07:07:58 PM
Quote from: Doon L001 on October 31, 2016, 04:24:59 PM
Quote from: Pondlife on October 31, 2016, 03:07:01 PM
A Klaxon horn is fine for an MOT ????  :D

Could always use the Hudge route and put a manual bulb hooter somewhere for the MOT


(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c348/Hudgebuggy1/s-l1600_zpsbyifct2v.jpg) (http://s30.photobucket.com/user/Hudgebuggy1/media/s-l1600_zpsbyifct2v.jpg.html)
;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Number plates and horns
Post by: Doon L001 on November 01, 2016, 07:33:55 PM
Dont laugh Mark, that is what he has bolted to the screen upright
Title: Re: Number plates and horns
Post by: Zip Buggy on November 01, 2016, 07:56:01 PM
Quote from: Doon L001 on November 01, 2016, 07:33:55 PM
Dont laugh Mark, that is what he has bolted to the screen upright

Even better! I have one in the garage and I'm sorely tempted  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Number plates and horns
Post by: Doon L001 on November 01, 2016, 08:27:55 PM
At least the wiring is easy
Title: Re: Number plates and horns
Post by: Zip Buggy on November 01, 2016, 09:16:53 PM
Quote from: Doon L001 on November 01, 2016, 08:27:55 PM
At least the wiring is easy

Bit of coat-hanger wire twisted round the roll cage to hold it on? :)
Title: Re: Number plates and horns
Post by: HUDGE BUGGY on November 02, 2016, 07:38:12 AM
Quote from: Mark Darby on November 01, 2016, 09:16:53 PM
Quote from: Doon L001 on November 01, 2016, 08:27:55 PM
At least the wiring is easy

Bit of coat-hanger wire twisted round the roll cage to hold it on? :)

Wire is over rated,  It's held on with a cable tie
Title: Re: Number plates and horns
Post by: Zip Buggy on November 02, 2016, 08:24:30 AM
Quote from: HUDGE BUGGY on November 02, 2016, 07:38:12 AM
Quote from: Mark Darby on November 01, 2016, 09:16:53 PM
Quote from: Doon L001 on November 01, 2016, 08:27:55 PM
At least the wiring is easy

Bit of coat-hanger wire twisted round the roll cage to hold it on? :)

Wire is over rated,  It's held on with a cable tie

See, I knew there was a reason why this forum is the best; all these fantastic tips.
Title: Re: Number plates and horns
Post by: Manxdavid on November 02, 2016, 11:09:33 AM
Just to clarify the law (the police here in Wales have a 'thing' about number plates) just because a vehicle is classed as 'historic' for road tax purposes doesn't necessarily mean you can legally fit black and silver plates. The cut-off date is still vehicles manufactured before 1st Jan '73. BTW it has been legal to fit reflective plates since '68 so they're still 'period correct' on a lot of buggies.

The cut off for fitment of musical or 'non continuous note' horns is 1st Aug '73. ;-)up
Title: Re: Number plates and horns
Post by: Zip Buggy on November 02, 2016, 12:19:29 PM
Quote from: Manxdavid on November 02, 2016, 11:09:33 AM
Just to clarify the law (the police here in Wales have a 'thing' about number plates) just because a vehicle is classed as 'historic' for road tax purposes doesn't necessarily mean you can legally fit black and silver plates. The cut-off date is still vehicles manufactured before 1st Jan '73. BTW it has been legal to fit reflective plates since '68 so they're still 'period correct' on a lot of buggies.

The cut off for fitment of musical or 'non continuous note' horns is 1st Aug '73. ;-)up

Hi David. I just telephoned DVLA to confirm. They told me that if you have a historic vehicle, you may use black and silver number plates. The rule for plates is a rolling 40 years, the same as historic vehicles; i.e. currently pre 1st jan 1976. I mentioned what you said and he said the local welsh police probably haven't updated their records for 3 years  ;D
Title: Re: Number plates and horns
Post by: Zip Buggy on November 02, 2016, 01:16:52 PM
Quote from: Mark Darby on November 02, 2016, 12:19:29 PM
Quote from: Manxdavid on November 02, 2016, 11:09:33 AM
Just to clarify the law (the police here in Wales have a 'thing' about number plates) just because a vehicle is classed as 'historic' for road tax purposes doesn't necessarily mean you can legally fit black and silver plates. The cut-off date is still vehicles manufactured before 1st Jan '73. BTW it has been legal to fit reflective plates since '68 so they're still 'period correct' on a lot of buggies.

The cut off for fitment of musical or 'non continuous note' horns is 1st Aug '73. ;-)up

Hi David. I just telephoned DVLA to confirm. They told me that if you have a historic vehicle, you may use black and silver number plates. The rule for plates is a rolling 40 years, the same as historic vehicles; i.e. currently pre 1st jan 1976. I mentioned what you said and he said the local welsh police probably haven't updated their records for 3 years  ;D

On a serious note (Sorry David, didn't mean to be flippant). I have confirmed with both the DVLA and South Wales Traffic Police now, the 40 year rolling threshold applies to both Historic Vehicles and Black & Silver number plates.
Title: Re: Number plates and horns
Post by: Manxdavid on November 02, 2016, 01:49:48 PM
Quote from: Mark Darby on November 02, 2016, 01:16:52 PM
Quote from: Mark Darby on November 02, 2016, 12:19:29 PM
Quote from: Manxdavid on November 02, 2016, 11:09:33 AM
Just to clarify the law (the police here in Wales have a 'thing' about number plates) just because a vehicle is classed as 'historic' for road tax purposes doesn't necessarily mean you can legally fit black and silver plates. The cut-off date is still vehicles manufactured before 1st Jan '73. BTW it has been legal to fit reflective plates since '68 so they're still 'period correct' on a lot of buggies.

The cut off for fitment of musical or 'non continuous note' horns is 1st Aug '73. ;-)up

Hi David. I just telephoned DVLA to confirm. They told me that if you have a historic vehicle, you may use black and silver number plates. The rule for plates is a rolling 40 years, the same as historic vehicles; i.e. currently pre 1st jan 1976. I mentioned what you said and he said the local welsh police probably haven't updated their records for 3 years  ;D

On a serious note (Sorry David, didn't mean to be flippant). I have confirmed with both the DVLA and South Wales Traffic Police now, the 40 year rolling threshold applies to both Historic Vehicles and Black & Silver number plates.

Thanks for that. I've just informed our local MOT station and one of our local plod who also drives a very fast self-turbo'd Volvo and a Caterham, neither knew anything about the change.

Title: Re: Number plates and horns
Post by: snoopy on November 02, 2016, 06:23:46 PM
As usual DVLA statements that are not 100% correct for number plate legality you need to go by the mot manual where it still states 73 as David says,  but then the mot may be relaxed on historic vehicles with no reference to standards and no test.
Title: Re: Number plates and horns
Post by: Manxdavid on November 02, 2016, 08:42:47 PM
When did  the DVLA have anything to do overriding construction and use regulations anyway and why didn't they think to advise the MOT authorities?  Muppets! ;D
Title: Re: Number plates and horns
Post by: deonpt on November 03, 2016, 02:16:47 PM
Slightly off topic but how did you get your V5 back to "Historic Vehicle"?
What was it before?
Cheers
De
Title: Re: Number plates and horns
Post by: Zip Buggy on November 03, 2016, 02:44:18 PM
Quote from: deonpt on November 03, 2016, 02:16:47 PM
Slightly off topic but how did you get your V5 back to "Historic Vehicle"?
What was it before?
Cheers
De

I took it to the Post Office and they then send it to DVLA to have it changed to "Historic Vehicle". Obviously there is nothing to pay for road tax as it is free for Historic Vehicles and you are "Taxed" from the day you give the V5 to the P.O. It took about 3 weeks for the amended V5 to come back via post.
Title: Re: Number plates and horns
Post by: Zip Buggy on November 03, 2016, 04:48:10 PM
Back to the Black & Silver number plate issue. ManxDavid is absolutely right - the MoT standards say that the vehicle must be pre 1st Jan 1973. I asked my MoT guy who confirmed this and suggested I keep my yellow and white plates for the annual test as he would have to fail it if I had Black & silver plates (mine is March '74 on an M plate. So legally up to L plate (<1st Jan '73) is ok and late L or M onwards is not ok).

Daft as the DVLA and police are fine with all historic vehicles having Black & silver plates.

My next call is to DVSA (used to be called VOSA) as they set the standards for MoT's. Unfortunately they bugger off early and there is no answer. Will try again tomorrow.
Title: Re: Number plates and horns
Post by: apmaman on November 03, 2016, 06:17:28 PM
MOT put yellow plates on, come home take them off put black ones on.
Title: Re: Number plates and horns
Post by: Manxdavid on November 03, 2016, 06:44:04 PM
Am I the only person on here who actually LIKES white and yellow plates? I like the way they brighten the car up, black plates look dull in comparison imho... ;-)up(http://i457.photobucket.com/albums/qq299/manxdavid/IMG-20130711-00199_zps4e814e93.jpg)
Title: Re: Number plates and horns
Post by: Zip Buggy on November 03, 2016, 07:09:31 PM
Quote from: Manxdavid on November 03, 2016, 06:44:04 PM
Am I the only person on here who actually LIKES white and yellow plates? I like the way they brighten the car up, black plates look dull in comparison imho... ;-)up(http://i457.photobucket.com/albums/qq299/manxdavid/IMG-20130711-00199_zps4e814e93.jpg)

You make a good point David  :). I think it depends on the colour of your car; I know Myles likes them too as his buggy has white and yellow on the body work. For my part, my buggy is black with silver metalflake which is why I'm keen to change to black & silver number plates.
Title: Re: Number plates and horns
Post by: Zip Buggy on November 04, 2016, 02:32:08 PM
Well the story gets more interesting on plates. Just spoke to DVSA (VOSA). Tel ~ for reference is 0300 123 9000 (Opt 2, opt 3).
He tells me that he is aware of the misalignment and that DVLA changed the rules to the rolling 40 years for historic vehicles without consulting them and that "talks" are ongoing. I mentioned that the MoT standard is the only one not allowing Black & Silver plates on vehicles between Jan 73 and Jan 76. He said get the MoT station to call him and he'd put them right - i.e. tell him to allow black & silver plates for MoT. Hopefully that's that one sorted, although I doubt it somehow  ::)
Title: Re: Number plates and horns
Post by: Manxdavid on November 04, 2016, 04:00:00 PM
I still don't understand why the choice of an optional number plate style is being linked to its  taxation class, especially as it'll potentially make the vehicle more dangerous, ie harder to see in the dark. :-\
Title: Re: Number plates and horns
Post by: Zip Buggy on November 04, 2016, 05:05:58 PM
Quote from: Manxdavid on November 04, 2016, 04:00:00 PM
I still don't understand why the choice of an optional number plate style is being linked to its  taxation class, especially as it'll potentially make the vehicle more dangerous, ie harder to see in the dark. :-\

But you'd have your lights on! True the plate might not be as visible but not sure I'm worried about that.
Title: Re: Number plates and horns
Post by: Peter on November 04, 2016, 06:00:46 PM
Quoteespecially as it'll potentially make the vehicle more dangerous, ie harder to see in the dark

I hope I'm not putting my foot in it again, but I don't think I have read anything this deep in my life,
I was going to say some more but dont think I will...  :)

I run black background number plates and have no trouble at all seeing my bug in the dark whether its
lights are on or not, which is quite handy because I've been known to forget where it is...

Peter  ;-)up

Title: Re: Number plates and horns
Post by: Manxdavid on November 04, 2016, 07:53:44 PM
Quote from: Peter on November 04, 2016, 06:00:46 PMI don't think I have read anything this deep in my life

I'll lend you some of my old prog rock LPs if you like...now Yes really came up with some deep lyrics... ;D

Seriously I'm not for or against any of this, just really puzzled... :-\
Title: Re: Number plates and horns
Post by: Peter on November 04, 2016, 08:03:34 PM
Oooh thanks David  ;-)up Nice one.

I am puzzled too, and I guess if you have a black car, black number plates and its parked in the dark then it may get hit, Hey Ho  :)

I hope your Manx is running well still
Title: Re: Number plates and horns
Post by: mad4slalom on November 04, 2016, 08:32:45 PM
Quote from: Peter on November 04, 2016, 08:03:34 PM
Oooh thanks David  ;-)up Nice one.

I am puzzled too, and I guess if you have a black car, black number plates and its parked in the dark then it may get hit, Hey Ho  :)

I hope your Manx is running well still
hmm, about to mot my 73 manta ray, have put yellow and white plates on but prefer the classic look of silver and black plates so are we ok pre 76 or best play safe?
Title: Re: Number plates and horns
Post by: Zip Buggy on November 04, 2016, 08:36:00 PM
Quote from: mad4slalom on November 04, 2016, 08:32:45 PM
Quote from: Peter on November 04, 2016, 08:03:34 PM
Oooh thanks David  ;-)up Nice one.

I am puzzled too, and I guess if you have a black car, black number plates and its parked in the dark then it may get hit, Hey Ho  :)

I hope your Manx is running well still
hmm, about to mot my 73 manta ray, have put yellow and white plates on but prefer the classic look of silver and black plates so are we ok pre 76 or best play safe?

From what the guy at DVSA told me today, if your MoT guy doesn't like the black and silver, you should ask him to call them and he'll put them right. Worth doing in advance just in case.
Title: Re: Number plates and horns
Post by: Manxdavid on November 04, 2016, 09:13:39 PM
So could a '75 vehicle that's still taxed as PLG, not been swaped to Historic tax run with black and silver plates?
Title: Re: Number plates and horns
Post by: Zip Buggy on November 04, 2016, 09:55:27 PM
Quote from: Manxdavid on November 04, 2016, 09:13:39 PM
So could a '75 vehicle that's still taxed as PLG, not been swaped to Historic tax run with black and silver plates?

Apparently not if I have understood them right.
Title: Re: Number plates and horns
Post by: Zip Buggy on November 04, 2016, 09:59:13 PM
Although who knows? It seems that with the lack of communication between DVLA and DSVA nobody seems to know what the rules are for 73 to 75 vehicles  :-\