Post IVA Work

There are a few jobs to do before taking to the road.

The gearbox gaiter was made from a CV joint rubber, but was too small to allow full movement of the gear stick, (the car had not been driven before IVA so I had not noticed this). This was cured by enlarging the hole and using a different gaiter with a wider base, actually from a Ford Ka.

Looks ok, also painted the steering wheel black to match the interior.

Andy had also told me that the steering shaft was rotating within the 'rod-end' type steering shaft bearing instead of the bearing rotating. Normally the raised splinds on the shaft would grip the inner bearing but this was not happening. I removed the steering shaft and knurled the shaft where the bearing would fit, this raised the diameter by about 0.3mm, just enough for a tight fit.

The bearing and shaft was refitted and further secured with 290 Loctite. The ball now rotates in the housing.

Another interesting comment from the IVA was the fog light control:

IVA 28 (4) states; ‘The rear fog lamp(s) must only illuminate when dipped beam, main beam or front fog lamps are lit (see alternatives in Notes 3 and 4)’.

Relevant part of Note 4 states; The rear fog lamp(s) may continue to operate until the position lamps are switched off, and the rear fog lamp(s) must then remain off until deliberately switched on again.

This is to prevent drivers from accidentally leaving their fog light on when not required.

My rear fog light is switched on via a momentary switch and latching relay which is fed from the headlight supply, so will only activate when the headlights are on. When the headlights are switched off, the fog light relay drops out and switches off the fog light; this remains off until deliberately switched on again, (if the headlights are on).

This arrangement meets the IVA requirement as stated, but if you want to switch the fog lights off when driving, this can only be done by briefly switching off the dip/main lights – not good if driving in the dark. What is needed is the facility to switch the fog light on and off when the headlights are on and also to automatically switch off and stay off if the headlights are turned off.

A device to do this is available, but if anyone wants a DIY solution without electronics, this does work:

I think some clarification has been issued to IVA testers, but be aware of what is expected before IVA.