Land Rover refused registration

[Aaron IIA]

I went to transfer to my name and register my '49 today for the first time. I had all the forms filled in and the relevant paper work, but it was refused. They said that according to their comoputer, I had the wrong engine number. As my chasis and engine numbers only differ by 31 units, I tried to explain to them that I definately had the correct engine number. They then said that they did not know what I meant by being only 31 units out, they had to be same. I assume they mean the same as what their computer was telling them. I told them that if it was a different number to what I had provided them then it was probably registered using a casting number and that I really did have the correct number. This was of no use, as all they said was "INSPECTION". These are not normally needed in South Australia, as if the vehicle has been registered here before (this one has) then only paperwork is required. The Inspection centre is the other side of town, and only open weekdays. Not very convenient. I have heard that if you are in the country, that you can get it inspected at a police station, and hence on a weekend. I will have to try this. Now I have to pay for an un-registered vehicle permit to get it to the inspection. All because the previous owner registered it using the wrong number. I suppose that I could try to register it again using a casting number, but which one?
Aaron.

[Lotz-A-Landies]

I went to transfer to my name and register my '49 today for the first time. I had all the forms filled in and the relevant paper work, but it was refused. They said that according to their computer, I had the wrong engine number. ...
... All because the previous owner registered it using the wrong number. I suppose that I could try to register it again using a casting number, but which one?
Aaron.

Bad luck Aaron, what a hassle.

If South Australia is anything like NSW you may find that it is an unfortunate consequence of computers having a long memory. In NSW the on-line records go back to 1991 before they have to do a paper chase. It is likely that they have a record of your vehicle and the PO failed to notify a change of number.

What I can say is that 30 units out is a very close match and after 1948 they are usually much further apart.

In NSW we often have to produce a receipt for the engine (some farmer somewhere) and do it as a new registration with change of engine.

Diana

[RonMcGr]

The easiest way?

Agree with the idiots!
That way you are on the road with no hassles.

Later down the track, go back in and tell them there was a mistake on the engine number and see if they will change it!
If not give up

[Aaron IIA]

The easiest way?

Agree with the idiots!
That way you are on the road with no hassles.

Later down the track, go back in and tell them there was a mistake on the engine number and see if they will change it!
If not give up

I have thought about doing this, but they won't tell me what number it is currently listed as. I must tell them the correct number, or they won't let me register it without an inspection. I could go there with all the numbers that I find on the engine, and try them all. I found out later last night that a friend of mine has befriended his local car dealership. They have an authorised inspection agent who works for them, to check the new cars. This means that it might not have to go for a real inspection. Will see how we go. Still a hassle though, when I know that I have the correct engine number.
Aaron.

[series1buff]

Aaron

Thats bad luck of the worst kind ... Reading the AOMC website ( ass. of motoring clubs here in Vic.) , the RTA here are really hard now . There have been a few scams and corrupt activity happening regarding registrations .. The result is .. a few bad eggs have stuffed it all up for the majority honest citizens .

They are now demanding proof of previous registration . You need an old number plate or windsceen sticker ..or documents proving when the car was imported . They will accept a copy of the card record from the old records held by the AOMC ( the AOMC obtained most of the cards dating back to 1920's from the RTA ) . For a exhorbitant fee the AOMC will do a search on your engine number . BUT, this is a useless process if your car has had a engine swap ( my case ) and you don't know the original engine number ....the cards are sorted by make . With so many S1 Land Rovers with Holden engines or S2 motors fitted , farm conversions etc... its a nightmare . You can fill out a statuatory declaration detailing what you know and what work you have done ..but they demand receipts for everything e.g., replacement engines. And they may even want receipts for the engine fitting labour cost !

The best advice is: DON'T argue with them .. just go along and be sooooo polite and explain everything nicely ...You may feel like punching the guy behind the counter sometimes , but he's doing what he's been told by his boss .

Mike

[dennisS1]

One simple way is to put it on club plate, depending on club you may need an OK ticket, then after 12 months you are the last reg. owner and all numbers match, mind you if I was in SA I would leave it on club plats.
If the car is original and you take it to a tester over 35 you will be right with 1 wipper, no indicators etc
Dennis

[ellard]

mind you if I was in SA I would leave it on club plats.

I agree Dennis it is a much easier way of doing it.

All the best

Wayne

[Bigbjorn]

What is their problem? Don't the bureaucrats understand that engines get changed? Surely all that should happen is that the numbers actually on the vehicle get recorded? If the numbers do not refer to an encumbered or stolen vehicle then registration should be straightforward.

[Aaron IIA]

I am putting it onto club historic registration (South Australia). I will just have to take it in for an inspection. It will be an identity inspection, so in theory they are only allowed to check numbers, and not look at/defect anything else. As mentioned before, I may have a way of getting a new car dealer to inspect it. No government officials.
Aaron.

[isuzurover]

That's a bugger. How about writing down all the numbers you can find on the engine, then going in and playing dumb ("I don't know which number is the engine number, but it should be one of these...").

When a mate of mine registered his Series 1, the person doing the paperwork at Qld Transport typed the WRONG engine number in and they put 6 cylinder instead of 4 (rego is based on cylinders in QLD). He didn't notice, and he had to go back about 3 or 4 times before everything was fixed.