Yes,but what I was talking about,was from before the days of the SVA test !! If I remember correctly,the SVA test was only introduced in '04....

The current situation re the use of second hand shells is pure politics !! There was a right old furore,in the kit car world,where it looked like all the kit car manufacturers would be put out of business by these bloody stupid rules !! Luckily,after a lot of hoo ha,they got a concession,which was incorporated into the regulations.

If you read the item,that you took from the DVLA website,it sort of contradicts itself !! Some of the 'salvage shells' are very little damaged anyway. It was only the insurers going over the top (as per usual),which put these shells out there in the first place.

Think about it......... Why are cars written off ?? Because the insurers price all replacement parts at retail and calculate labour at the top rate,too!! Why is it,that small workshops can repair these cars properly and safely and still make a profit on them ?? Because they don't charge astronomical rates and where possible repair bent bodywork or use 'used' parts ! Even some of the insurance companies are now condoning the use of used parts,but they don't want you 'freelancing'.They want to control the whole system....bloody hypocrites!!

Where do you think all the salvage vehicles come from ?? From the Insurers,of course ! So they are very well aware of what goes on........ Like I said,they are just playing politics,now !