How can I find out what I have here?

[Indy500]

I've bought a 1996 ex RAF exhibition vehicle and as you would imagine, it has been re-registered once out of service and I am finding it extremely difficult to locate parts I need. Typing in the numberplate brings up no records at all on the major parts websites.

How can I find out what this van is properly? A lot of sites allow you to scroll down makes and models but I haven't got a clue! I need to know definitive engine, gearbox details, oil details etc. I need a speedo cable and an exhaust skin and a coolant bottle, various side lights, but most importantly, a clutch cable. I don't want to order things and then have to send them back. That kind of thing bakes my head

Problem 2
On the sticker inside the cab, it says
Citroen Relay model 1800
2.5TD
Axles 3
The VIN (I can post this if it helps)
3500kg
5100kg
1-1850kg
2-2120kg
Axle 2 1300
Axle 3 1300
A23623
70KW @3700RPM

But the van is 3800 kilos with absolutely nothing in it but air. I think it was downplated to allow more RAF recruits to drive it on a standard licence and I believe, when new, it simply MUST have been plated heavier. Even without a driver, it's overweight and certainly not legal. It sits on the drive like a big empty shed.

I want to know all about this vehicle as I am eventually going to travel in it extensively. How can I find out what it was weighted at originally? I can then approach the DVSA to put it back again.

The MOT also calls it a Chrysler Box Van 3 axle.

The whole thing is a mismatch of information and I am lost. And nearly cryin' with frustration.

Can anyone help? I need this empty shed on the road. Thank you.

[white exec]

Hello, and welcome to the forum.
An interesting acquisition!
If you can post the vehicle's VIN number (which will appear masked on the forum), we can access the build details from the original factory spec.
Should make interesting reading.

[Indy500]

You absolute lighthouse in the dark!!

VIN VF7**************[VIN obfuscated, can be read by forum staff]
CHASSIS 000CBU6SRAB3

[GiveMeABreak]

You have a RELAY MEDIUM CHASSIS CAB TYPE 18 2.5 D (DJ5T) Manual gearbox 5 and the vehicle was actually built on 12 April 1995.

The Admin Team can provide you with the PSA part numbers for parts, but this will require a min £10 donation as PSA charge for this information now from March 2020. That will cover you for up to 2 years of parts info requests and any parts diagrams you need (where available). See below for details:

A response to your question by a forum admin will require detailed vehicle information that requires you to have made a current contribution to the Forum.

Donate Further Information

[Indy500]

That's brilliant! Thank you! Can I donate in a different way yo paypal? Had a VERY bad experience with them. Big grin!!

[GiveMeABreak]

It is our preferred method to be honest, as it's very quick and simple and automatically updates your profile status at the same time so the team can see you are a Donor. If you can do that via PP it would save a lot of hassle. If not, please let me know and I'll have to arrange for a colleague to look at alternatives for you which may take a while to sort.

[white exec]

This is the totality of factory spec info, very brief - maybe because a Utility Vehicle (Relay).
No further info under most of the headings.
Hope helpful, anyway.

?Click to enlarge

[Indy500]

Above and beyond guys! I will make a donation as it has lowered my stress levels somewhat. I just need to find it's original weight now. Perhaps it was 3500kg as it is 'a medium chassis'. I wonder how svtech have built this body heavier but it still has 3500kg on the sticker? I have some investigating to do.
The link to donate doesn't work now? Please post another so I can sort it out.
Thank you again, I am sure I will be back to ask dippy questions soon.

[Gibbo2286]

It was supplied and plated as a "chassis cab" so that's where the weight came from, the bodywork added later accounts for the extra weight but doesn't change the original spec and legal requirements, it still has to comply with the maximum gross weight rules...……………………………..I think. the extra bodywork counts as 'load'

[bobins]

I'd agree with what Gibbo says, but do check to see if there's a second, and more recent, VIN plate anywhere i.e. in the rear bodywork area, as this could supercede the original VIN plate if the vehicle was uprated in the conversion process. Looking at the maximum axle loads permitted, it looks like you've not got much leeway to add any sort of load if the vehicle does, indeed, weigh 3800kgs 'unladen'. I presume you've had it properaly weighed at a weighbridge ? Was it a 'whole vehicle' weighing, or an individual axle load weighing ?

[Indy500]

It has an svtech sticker on it, but no other plates or stickers. I am going to have to get it up-plated by DVSA. It clearly doesn't comply with the sticker. The VIN on the sticker matches the engine plate. It was weighed as a whole vehicle, not individual axles. Looks like I am going to have to upgrade the suspension and possibly the braking system. I will get there. Eventually. Thank you lads! Made this girlie very happy.

[bobins]

If you make any contact with DVSA, I'd strongly suggest it's all done by email or letter and not by phone as you'll want a record of any (mis)information they supply.

It can be a bit of a minefield when trying to interpret and change VIN plate classifications, so don't start the process unless you've thoroughly researched it. It might be worth an email to SVTech to get them to confirm what is going on with your VIN plate and weights.

As an aside - have a read of this thread about one persons issues with 'wrong' weight classifications - it can shed light upon what you're up against........
http://forums.outandaboutlive.co.uk/for ... ion/46425/

[white exec]

I'm sure others here know plating better than I do, but I'd guess that chassis cabs leave the factory suitably plated for what they are, and, if passed to a coachworks for addition of bodywork, then the vehicle would need additional plating to cover it. Might not apply to bulk builds (eg standard buses), but would to one-offs/specials.

Good advice to do everything with DVSA in writing.

[bobins]

Yep, a chassis-cab can leave a factory with one VIN plate weight rating, then be upgraded at the vehicle converters (bigger/better brakes, axles and suspension) and have a second VIN plate added that overrides the 'factory' VIN plate.

[GiveMeABreak]

The link to donate doesn't work now? Please post another so I can sort it out.

It's working fine. Just scroll to the bottom centre of the page and press the donate button.

Once this is sorted I can provide you with the weights data.