Windscreen glass IVA - newbie

[woodsmith]

Hi, I'm new here but have been reading up on builds and the SVA/IVA changes.

I haven't built anything for a long time, the last thing being a 6x6 Land Rover mini Scammell Explorer truck and a racing MGB. Both were in the days when an MOT were all that were needed.

I am currently considering a scratch build for an electric car using possibly MGB front axle, a transverse gearbox and suspension from a front wheel drive or mid engine vehicle (MR2?) to take the electric motor, tubular space frame and plywood body giving a 1+1 seating plan and an underslung battery pack between front and rear axles.
I am thinking of something that looks a little like a cross between a Seven and an Apache gunship cockpit.

It is all in the research stage at the moment to see what donor parts may be useful and how many hoops I need to jump through. If I find it overly complex or fiddly then I will just do an EV conversion to a small car.

Something I came across reading the IVA stuff is the windscreen.
Because of the 1+1 seating pattern I would need a narrow screen that is E marked. I figured on the rear door glass from a Land Rover Series or Defender. Right sort of width and height and has optional tint and heating element.

Now the question is would this glass be acceptable for IVA? If it is I would want to have the tint but I don't know how to make sure it is 70%.
Also could I get away with the heating element as a screen demister or would the wires be too visible to be allowable?

Thanks in advance for any tips and pointers as I need them. Things have moved a long way since the last time I got my hands greasy.

[Chris Cussen]

You can get the latest IVA manual from http://www.transportoffice.gov.uk/cr...ionmanuals.htm

Looks like ALL windows have to have a E-Mark on them. How about building it without windows. Saves on needing a hater for the test, then retro-fit them after IVA?

[woodsmith]

Thanks Chris.

Yeah I read about the E mark requirement and decided that I wouldn't be able to use any old bit of safety or laminated glass. I figured that a replacement glass for the Land Rover back door would be E marked but I will need to check on that detail.

If I build this vehicle then I really want it to be completely correct from the off set as I don't want to find myself on the wrong side of a later inspection due to some other failing or an over zealous traffic cop. This is why I am am considering a scratch build and still keeping my eyes open for a simple conversion at the same time. At least with a conversion it is easy, legal and safe.

But we don't always want easy though...that would be boring.

[limpabit]

I could not find anything in the manual that says you need to fit a windscreen. If you don't you dont need to fit heater etc.

I would phone up the local IVA centre and ask an examiner. There are usually quite helpful.

[Chris Cussen]

No, you don't have to have a windscreen. And if you haven't then you don't need a heater or washer jets or wipers.
(though washer jets and no screen could be fun)