Getting US Import ready for road - what needs doing?

[georgeyv]

Hi all,

Had a good scan through the tech articles and couldn't find what I was after (didn't manage all 146 pages though, so if it's been covered before please point me in the right direction!)

I'm taking delivery of a 71 Deluxe tin top in a couple of weeks and need to get it UK ready - It's been sat for alot of years so plans are to renew fuel and brake lines, check over all the running gear and joints, electrics and get it roadworthy for the MOT

However - I'm not sure what needs changing to make it UK road legal, I know the lights aren't going to be right but to what extent? I have a RHD late bay project that's going to the great scrapyard in the sky at some point so can remove some parts from that, also have a brand new pair of Mk1 golf headlights that I can make use of.

Will I need to modify the rear lights/wiring for the UK mot? What other jobs are a must?

Thanks.

 

[*Sam*]

Pretty sure I followed the below for my rear lights.
Parts required were
Wire
Spade connectors
Green bulbs
Twin filament bulbs
http://www.busandcamper.com/67-13w-rear-light-rewire-for-euro-lights.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

You also need to move the side light wires to the head lights.

 

[georgeyv]

Thanks that's a great start - is it only the lights that are an issue for the UK MOT?

I'll have to have a pop at the wiring, probably the first time I've ever had to add in rather than just repair stuff!

 

[*Sam*]

Yep the lights are the only thing you have to change the MOT regs.

If it's been sat for ages and from a hot part of the USA you will probably find it needs the following replacing some of which for the MOT
Wheel cylinders
Brake shoes/pads
All ball joints and rubbers
Steering damper
All suspension dampers
Cv boots
Steering coupling
A just steering box
Window seals
I'm sure there will be more

 

[*Sam*]

Forgot add new bulb holders for rear lights. And the reason for green bulbs is that I wanted to keep the red lenses.

 

[georgeyv]

Where did the green bulbs come from? I'd much rather keep it as stock as possible.

It's hopefully going to take me a couple of months to work through all the mechanicals, there's nothing on that list I will need specialist kit for, hopefully just some dry evenings and elbow grease!

 

[georgeyv]

Would it be possible to run orange bulbs in the reverse lights and use them as indicators? Does that require more wiring? Looking at keeping the bills as close to £0.00 as I can!

 

[georgeyv]

Also, I have a brand new set of Mk1 golf headlights in the garage - are they useable?

 

[*Sam*]

I think I used Mk1 gold head lights.
You will soon know as it's about how many mounting lugs they have.
You could do that but I wanted to keep my revers light. The bulbs came from eBay I believe only a few £ but the bulb holders are a few £.