Owning Classic Cars: MOT Preparation

From Classic Car Life

Introduction

For some owners of classic cars, MOT time is an annual worry but there is no reason why you shouldn’t be able to do some car restoration beforehand and get classic cars into the sort of shape that will allow them to pass the MOT. If you have done a long term car restoration, the classic car’s first MOT could be a big worry. A lot of the preparation required to get classic cars through the MOT is common sense and very simple, read on to find out more about how to prepare classic cars for the MOT.

MOT Preparation for Classic Cars

• To start with the simple bits check that the number plates on classic cars are not cracked, are unobstructed, have correct sized lettering and that they are the right style. Classic cars that were built before 1/1/1973 are allowed black and silver plates.

• The VIN plate on classic cars must be in place, readable and match with that on your logbook.

• The horn on classic cars should be fully working and emit an adequately loud sound. The wipers on classic must work and the blades must be in good condition. Classic car parts like this are often fairly easy to find if a replacement is needed.

• All lights on classic cars should work so make sure they do. If they don’t, check all the bulbs and then the earth connections to see if this is the problem (which it often is on classic cars). Classic car parts like this should be readily available if you require them.

• Door latches should work from both inside and outside of classic cars and the bonnet catch should be in good working condition.

• The body is probably the biggest worry that owners of classic cars have when it comes to MOT time. If you have just undergone a full car restoration, this probably won’t be a problem. But for other owners of classic cars, there should be no holes in bodywork; surface rust will probably be OK however. There should be no jagged edges and any contact points for suspension or steering should be in good condition with no signs or rust.

• On separate chassis classic cars, there should be no gaps between this and the bodywork, monocoque cars get their strength from the sills and these should be in excellent condition. The inner wings and bulkheads of classic cars need to rust free also.

• The brakes and clutch system should be in good condition in all classic cars. Check the fluid levels and check the entire system for leaks, binding brakes, slipping brakes and any signs that hoses are fouling the bodywork. You will need to locate the correct classic car parts to replace anything that is an issue.

• Emissions aren’t usually a problem for classic cars but leaking or rusty exhausts will be so change it if necessary with the appropriate classic car parts. Any signs of smoke when off choke will probably mean an MOT failure.

• Check the suspension and steering for any signs of damage. Any clunking or other untoward sounds are a sign you should do some car restoration. A bounce test on each corner should highlight any problems.

• Wheels and tyres should be in good condition. All the tyres on classic cars should have the minimum 1.6mm of tread and should show no signs of cuts or perishing. Tyres on classic cars should also be appropriate and fit for purpose, skinny cross ply tyres on powerful classic cars are obviously not the best choice.