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#1 DVLA process USA import
Posted: Tue Nov 15, 2016 8:02 pm
by Nomisblue01
Hi All.
Thought I would pose the question here.
So when buying a USA import I have the USA title document and NOVA certificate.
Question?
Do I need to get the car MOT'd before I apply to DVLA on the V55/5 form. Or can i apply to get it on the system before MOT as needs a little work.
I have also seen mention of a Heritage certificate to back up the VIN number etc..is this required?
and finally need to change the back-lights lenses to red and orange and change the fronts so they dip the correct why.
For the fronts as sealed unit assume just need to buy new sealed units.
Seen lots of threads but they date back a bit, so just checking for the latest position.
thx in advance

#2 !
Posted: Wed Nov 16, 2016 7:22 pm
by cactusman
For the MOT the lights must dip the correct way and you cannot have red flashing indicators at the back so unless you change them you won't pass the MOT. So you will need to attend to these before presenting for an MOT. Not so sure about the DVLA bit but there are recent threads I seem to recall. Having the heritage certificate helps but there was a recent thread about issues someone else had. They got someone from the JDC (I think) to certify their car as being "correct" in order to get past the DVLA administratium. Be worth searching about here as I know there is info somewhere...
There are also threads about insurance....getting car insurance without a reg no has also caused issues. If you are driving the car to the MOT you must pre-book the appointment so if you are stopped on the way you can prove to the police you are off to the MOT and not out for a jolly!
Hopefully others more au fait with the procedure will soo post a definitive reply
Good luck...
#3 Re: DVLA process USA import
Posted: Wed Nov 16, 2016 8:43 pm
by neil4444
Yes, you do need an MOT before you can register the car.
It is advisable to send the heritage certificate along with the application plus as much supporting info as you can (I included photos of body number, engine no., chassis plate, etc). Some applications seem to pass through the process relatively easily & some have needed club (JDC) intervention. My view is you need to give them all the relevant info first time, thus minimising any reason for them sending it back to you with queries. Plus follow their rules re supplying original docs & not copies.
Re comment above on insurance, I had an issue with insurance but only that the insurer wouldn't issue a certificate until the MOT was passed & car was registered. They would only issue a 1 day covernote for the MOT, but that was okay as fortunately passed first time !
HTH,
#4 Re: DVLA process USA import
Posted: Thu Nov 17, 2016 5:15 pm
by Nomisblue01
thx both,
spoke with DVLA and ordered correct form. Also got the lights on order plus heritage certificate etc...will post back here when all done.
Insurance was OK actually, put it on a multi car policy, just need to confirm/ agree car value with them and get them the reg. Have a four week window.
May postpone that until summer so can get the minor fettling done first.
Now to hunt for a good garage in Gloucestershire.
#5 Re: DVLA process USA import
Posted: Thu Nov 17, 2016 6:59 pm
by Simonpfhc
Hi,
Would be interested to know what the "correct form" you refer to is. Could you share the form number?
Thanks.
#6 Re: DVLA process USA import
Posted: Thu Nov 17, 2016 9:24 pm
by Nomisblue01
Hi Simon
Form V55/5 is to actually register the vehicle. You have to request the pack, as not a download from the DVLA site.
Form V355/5 can be downloaded and gives guidance to filling in V55/5.
Regards
Simon
#7 Re: DVLA process USA import
Posted: Fri Nov 18, 2016 6:56 am
by Simonpfhc
Thanks Simon.
Planning on getting mine registered in the Summer so starting to gather info.
Cheers.
#8 Re: DVLA process USA import
Posted: Fri Nov 18, 2016 7:19 am
by Nomisblue01
Simon.
Think will be the same timeline for me.
A little work required first on my S3 2+2.
Just ordered manuals and maintenance books. Couple of wires not plugged in under the bonnet want to see what they do before I blow a fuse or two.
First job bleed brakes. So can stop :-)
But sounds awesome even when standing still.
regards
Simon
#9 Re: DVLA process USA import
Posted: Fri Nov 18, 2016 10:01 am
by Simonpfhc
You've got a little less to do than me then!
Before you try anything etectrical, it is essential you have a wiring diagram. There should be one in the manual you're getting, but you can also download one from this forum.
Good luck with it.
Cheers.
#10 Re: !
Posted: Fri Nov 18, 2016 2:09 pm
by christopher storey
cactusman wrote:Not so sure about the DVLA bit but there are recent threads I seem to recall. Having the heritage certificate helps but there was a recent thread about issues someone else had. They got someone from the JDC (I think) to certify their car as being "correct" in order to get past the DVLA
It was Keith Vincent of the Jaguar Enthusiasts' Club who does this
Sadly, Petronel Payne of the JDC who also did it died about 2 months ago
#11 Re: DVLA process USA import
Posted: Wed Nov 23, 2016 10:36 am
by Nomisblue01
Hi All. if all happy will give a running commentary on the process as it evolves.
So:
Now have the following documents:
Nova
Canada log book
Heritage Certificate (arrived very quickly) :-)
DVLA form V55/5 to complete, it looks simple enough
Application guide V355/5 to complete V55/5
Next process on hold until I get an MOT.
regards
#12 Re: DVLA process USA import
Posted: Wed Nov 23, 2016 11:04 am
by MarekH
New UK spec sealed beams are about £13 each plus vat from a Land Rover aftermarket parts supplier and no doubt far more expensive from a Jaguar supplier.
If you have all-red US spec lenses on the back, then these will need to be changed for red/orange lenses. If the indicators are top over bottom then these lenses are available from the usuals, but if you have side by side indicators and stop lights, then you'll either have to invest in BOTH new lenses and chrome housings (as Lucas never made a side by side orange and red lens for the rear) or purchase something like the custom lenses similar to those on my car. See
http://www.jag-lovers.org/snaps/snap_vi ... 1426448414
kind regards
Marek
#13 Re: DVLA process USA import
Posted: Wed Nov 23, 2016 8:56 pm
by Nomisblue01
Hi Marek.
Rear lenses came with car, fronts just arrived, also two brake fluid bottles with caps and bits and bobs. So first job bleed the brakes and change lights and lenses this week-end.
Also tagged all wires that lead to nowhere. For example choke cable :-) just flapping in the wind under the bonnet.
Found a good garage locally so can visit her as she gets fettled.
Oh and changing seat-belts as well worn. spotted a mod by claytonclassics, so can install inertia seat-belts using existing fixing points.
http://claytonclassics.co.uk/parts-upgr ... -seatbelts
Update to follow.
regards
#14 Re: DVLA process USA import
Posted: Thu Nov 24, 2016 4:02 pm
by Nomisblue01
Hi Marek
Can you PM me your number
thx
#15 Re: DVLA process USA import
Posted: Sun Jul 09, 2017 2:43 pm
by Nomisblue01
Hi All
Well took longer than I thought. MOT and vehicle reg all done.
Main issue was the rear brakes IRS etc.. but while she was up in the air, new exhaust, radiator pump and radiator, new tyres.
Oh and some tin worm :-(
Aircon bits removed, so she should be lighter.
Replaced plugs and leads plus carb fettle.
So hopefully out on the road next week :-)
Then during winter convert to RHD. Any advice of best solution to steering rack, have seen some conversion options plus replace with modern version. Thoughts welcome.
regards
#16 Re: DVLA process USA import
Posted: Sun Jul 09, 2017 9:45 pm
by Hugo
My Series II US spec had power steering, but I found a high-ratio RHD manual rack somewhere on eBay for a modest price and have an electric power-steering column ready to go with it. What with all the power steering pipes, pump & reservoir, plus a whole mass of air-con stuff, I have removed a huge pile of bits from the car and created a lot of space under the bonnet.
#17 Re: DVLA process USA import
Posted: Wed Jan 17, 2018 3:47 pm
by dooley1414
Hi all I'm trying to register my 1971 E Type 2+2 V12.... and I have heard a chap called Keith Vincent is invaluable to help you do this I am wondering if anybody has his JEC email address so I could have a word with him to see if he can help me wiyh a few issues Im having.... Many Thanks In Advance....
Des....
I'd like my E-Type on the road before May!

#18 Re: DVLA process USA import
Posted: Wed Jan 17, 2018 4:03 pm
by christopher storey
#19 Re: DVLA process USA import
Posted: Wed Jan 17, 2018 4:16 pm
by dooley1414
Many Many Thanks.