Subsequent to the test, I have been doing a few small jobs.  I have:

• replaced the IVA steering wheel (took a big pull to remove the temporary one because of the tight fit of the bush on the dash. I ended up pulling the IVA steering wheel out with a ratchet luggage strap I found in Aldi, which I wrapped around the roll bar)
• stuck some Velcro under the driver’s side floor mat to stop it shunting forward as I climb in which could be dangerous if it interferes with the pedals [I subsequently found that the mat had still moved despite the velcro so upgraded the fixing to some heavy-duty picture hanging strips. Four of these strips seems to be holding the mat well]
• fitted some ‘Eccles’ mirror brackets along with SPA convex mirrors
• tightened up some of the coolant hose clamps (I noticed a small puddle under the car after my trip for the IVA – I guess the vibration will have the effect of loosening some of these)

The final paperwork challenge

Ian at Krazy Horse offered to do the paperwork to apply for my license plate and log book (the ‘V5C’ as it is known). I had initially thought I could easily do this myself but when he explained what was involved, I quickly realised this is easier to leave to those who do this on a regular basis.

The process is rather antiquated needing hard copy documents and a cheque (as I don’t have a chequebook, I opted to do a postal order). No option for credit card payment. There are several forms to submit and various supporting documents that you need to get from the factory.

The list that Ian gave me was as follows:

• IVA Certificate
• UK Invoice
• Certificate of Newness
• A V959 which states that I have checked who you are, I would need to ask Bron what you would need to send as proof.
• V55/4
• V627/1 – Built up vehicle report
• Copies of Invoices from Caterham for the engine and axle
• Cheque for £255 (first reg fee and first year road fund)
• I put in a cover letter too!

In the end it took about 4 weeks for the paperwork to come through. Miraculously, when Ian called DVLA to chase up they had ‘just finished the processing’ just as he called (how many times have you heard that one?).

They were able to provide the registration number over the phone and in a matter of hours, I had the plates in my hand (thanks again Ian) and with a quick call to the insurer, I was on the road. As luck would have it, the weather was perfect. Yipee!

In terms of hours, it actually took longer to get the registration (4 weeks @ 37.5 hrs per week) than it took to assemble the car (120 hours)!

It was a bumpy ride initially but when I checked the tyre pressures I realised that they were rock-hard (for the IVA I presume). Now they are set at the recommended pressures, the ride is much more comfortable.

First Few Months>>