Tuning classic cars: everything you need to know about it!

What Tuning measures can with a vintage car H-plates be performed? Can classic cars be tuned? Is the H mark also given to tuned classic cars? We have summarized the answers to these and many other questions, which are based on the guidelines of the TÜV, for you.

Tuning classic cars

Can tuned oldtimers H-plates to get? Vehicle tuning was particularly important in the 1980s and 1990s really trendy and the tuning scene was booming. A few decades later, these vehicles are again in the focus of interested parties. In addition, a large number of accessories are currently still available for this type of vehicle. But with that the tuning is legal, have all installed parts meet the specifications of StVZO suffice and over valid Test certificates, such as a General operating permit or a Teilegutachten feature. But tuned vehicles can do the coveted thing at all H-plates or H season license plate receive?

Contemporary tuning is the key word

Basically, the H mark d is usedem preservation and maintenance of vehicle-technical cultural assets. Because of this, are only minimal Modifications to the vehicles are permitted, which are regulated in a separate guideline for the assessment of classic cars. It is crucial that the modifications are contemporary. But what does contemporary mean? If modifications to the vehicle are included in the first 10 years not only after the new registration is also possible were, but also several times carried out then such modifications can also later be made.

Invoices or old catalogs with images, which can be presented to the examiner, serve as proof. Nevertheless, an expert should always be consulted before the exam in order to avoid any disappointment. Further information can be found in our article on the topic contemporary tuning. What modifications are possible? We clarify:

• Können Disc brakes be retrofitted?
  

  Auch Disc brakes can be retrofitted as this becomes a increased driving safety to lead. It is important, however, that such brakes were either optionally available in the series or, alternatively, a contemporary test certificate is available. It is crucial that the originality of the vehicle is retained.
  

• What alternatives Engines are permitted for an H mark?
  

  According to TÜV, there are only motors from the series of the respective vehicle type or a at least 30 years old engine from the same manufacturer permitted. A new engine is also permitted if this identical in construction is from the same manufacturer or has the same displacement and the same performance. Therefore, for example, a Jaguar XK with engines from the XK range be equipped, whereas a Mercedes Pagode 230 SL to 280 SL not with the twin camshaft motors installed in later models may be retrofitted.
  
  Motors from other manufacturers are only permitted if they can be proven more than 20 years ago were installed. All other changes to the engine should be clarified in advance with a classic TÜV expert. In any case, you have to Carburetor and intake tract always be original, unless it is the same construction or a contemporary renovation. A catalyst can be used within the regulations retrofitted .
  

• What about retrofits on the Electrics and the Lighting?

  According to TÜV are a modern car Radio, a modification of the Wiring harness, a remodeling from 6 to 12 volts or additional headlights that comply with the regulations no problem. The conversion of lighting parts, such as retrofitting to rectangular headlights on the Beetle or to Manta taillights on the Mercedes, are only permitted if they are contemporary.
  

• Can the Suspension a classic car with H license plate?
  

  A classic car with an H license plate set a link from your homepage to Fewo-von-Privat.de have an original chassis. This may only be set higher or lower if this was offered earlier. Therefore, for example, there are adjustable axles on the front axle of a VW Beetle inadmissible. For all changes to the chassis, only Original springs or original spare parts should be used.
  
  A legal option is, for example: tougher shock absorbers if they are of the same size like the originals feature. Since sports suspensions were especially fashionable in the 1980s and 1990s, chassis parts are also used in vintage cars from current production admitted when they are over comparable properties and a test certificate feature. Due to the Ten year rule however, are modern coilovers with adjustable Tension, compression and air suspension are excluded.
  

• How can she interior decoration of a classic car?
  

  The way food is interior decoration a classic car must remain true to the original. Hence, a beetle can not can be retrofitted with fittings from other vehicle manufacturers. However, one of the fittings is permitted younger Beetle model. The same principle applies to the seats. Here, too, are the seats of a younger model are permitted, but seats from other manufacturers verbotenunless it is proven to be contemporary accessories. A conversion to leather or another type of fabric is possible if it is the original look not changed. A seat cover made of zebra fur would therefore not be permitted.
  

• What about the conversions Body or Extensions made of GfK on the classic car?

  Only if the classic car has the original frame he gets the H mark. Replicas or replicas make not permissible. Also conversions like from the Limousine to convertible make not allowedexcept they are at least 20 years old or were part of the manufacturer's official offer. Therefore, for example, a conversion from a Mercedes W 111 Coupe into a convertible would be possible, a conversion from a Mercedes W 114 Coupe into a convertible jedoch nicht.
  
  The TÜV also accepts a change to one for vehicles with a separate frame body typical of the timeif this was made not so long ago. Therefore, a Rolls-Royce hearse could be converted into an open tourer. Fiberglass fenders or other GRP parts are only permitted if the True to the original optics of the vehicle is preserved and the parts no load-bearing function to have. A complete body or several connected parts made of GRP are therefore not permitted.
  

• Is a Stainless steel exhaust system approved on classic cars?

  In principle, all modifications to the classic car are only allowed with contemporary accessories. According to TÜV, they are true to the original Exhaust replicas also in stainless steel look allowed. Third-party exhaust systems are only permitted if they are visually similar to the original and do not cause any disadvantages in terms of noise, exhaust emissions or performance. A catalytic converter can also be retrofitted, as this reduces vehicle emissions.
  

• Can a Power Steering be retrofitted?
  

  The TÜV allows that Reproduction of original steering wheels, but a wood look is only allowed if it is original or faithfully was recreated. All replicas must always have the original dimensions feature. On Moto-Lita wooden steering wheel would be therefore , whereas contemporary sports or special steering wheels are allowed if they were offered ex works or can be proven to date from that period. A Power Steering can only be retrofitted if this was also offered in the vehicle series. Power steering too from another model from the same manufacturer is permitted if it meets all the requirements of the StVZO and the original design of the steering gear is retained.
  

• What Tires or wheels are allowed?
  

  Both are on oldtimers contemporary accessory rims as well as most conversions approved by the factory allowed. However, the tire size may not exceed two sizes larger than the original. Also conversions that can be proven more than 20 years ago have been carried out or conversions that were provided in the vehicle manufacturer's wheel catalog, are allowed. In addition, a conversion of Diagonal to radial tires allowed. Different tire sizes front and rear are only allowed if they were provided ex works, appear in the wheel catalog or be mentioned in contemporary test reports. Because of this, contemporary Accessory wheels with a valid test certificate to be assembled. Also replicas old accessory wheels are allowed if they correspond to the original dimensions and have a test certificate.
  

Which tuning accessories are allowed on the classic car?

According to TÜV contemporary accessories not a problem if it corresponds to the regulations of the StVZO, such as a Sun visor. Proof of origin and age is always an advantage. Before making changes to a classic, you should definitely contact a test center.

Of course that had not been the case.

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