Couple of questions: do these mods need certing?

[jestahead]

Hi folks. I have a 91 Honda Prelude and am considering removing the back seat (as a 2+2 coupe it's totally useless to seat anyone other than perhaps a double leg amputee) and putting my subwoofers there instead, in a box with some kind of bracket-like device that would attach to the original seat mounts, holding it secure. This way I can still use the boot and the speakers are in the cabin so sound quality should be better. Would I need a cert for this?

The other thing I'm unsure about is lazy eye conversions. Something like this. In short it involves replacing the OE headlamp with aftermarket driving lamps to facilitate a new, lower opening point for the pop-up headlamp assembly. Would this need a cert or would I just need to ensure that the lamps used meet all applicable requirements and are up to WOF standards in terms of adjustment?

Cheers.

[Dan]

The answers are in the Threshold Document (www.lvvta.org.nz/documents/suplementary_information/LVVTA_LVV_Cert_Threshold.pdf)

Lights don't need certification on their own, they just need to meet WoF standard. If you're getting other items certified then the light modifications will get noted on the paperwork.

Regarding seat removal, LVV certification is not required where the only modification is the removal of seats and/or seatbelts. You should remove every part of all seatbelts or it may cause issues at WoF time. If it's a permanent change you should get the details altered in NZTA's records by taking the car to a TSDA (VTNZ, VINZ or AA) to get it noted as a 2 seater. Your insurance company may also want to know.

The addition of speakers doesn't require certification either, as long as you aren't cutting out any structural material. The box should be secured well enough to withstand 20 times its own weight in case of a frontal impact. Using the old rear seatbelt mounts is a good idea, perhaps with a steel strap over the box.

[nzrice]

Found this very helpful. Thanks