How I can pass the NCT with this?

SuprSi · 24-08-2010 2:23pm #1

A few months ago a 40-foot truck reversed into the passenger door of my car, causing the following damage;

The driver eventually accepted liability and is going to pay the damages. Now, this is an old VW Polo, with nearly 90k miles on the clock. The NCT is due in April and I'm not in a position to afford a new car at the moment, so I was wondering what I'd need to do to make this damage passable?

I've read through some of the NCT manual and it mentions the driver window being operational but doesn't mention anything about the passenger side window being operational (which it isn't since the crash), it mentions that areas within 100mm of key areas such as locks and handles should be free from damage and rust (I need to measure these but I think I'm ok) and that fittings on bodywork must not be loose.

It goes on to say that any damage that might make the car more dangerous to either the passengers or pedestrians will fail the test.

As you can see, the plastic door protector has come loose but if I could get that reattached it should be and I think the damage isn't bad enough to cause any problems to either the passengers or pedestrians.

Do you think I could pass with a bit of DIY?

Alun · 24-08-2010 2:27pm

I don't see the problem ... the other driver is going to pay for the damages, and the NCT isn't until April. Plenty of time to get it fixed properly.

SuprSi · 24-08-2010 2:33pm

It's more a case of me not wanting to bother getting it fixed as it's an old car anyway and putting the money aside to save for a better car. If I can get away with passing the NCT and saving the money, happy days.

Cookie_Monster · 24-08-2010 2:41pm

NCT due last april or next. If next leave it if you think you'll have the new car by then

kingbrumak · 24-08-2010 2:43pm

Not trying to be a smart-ass here, but have you tried taking the inside panel off the door and pushing out some of the damage?

SuprSi · 24-08-2010 2:51pm

The NCT is next April but I still won't be ready to buy what I want by then. And kingbrumak, that's not being a smart-arse, that's being helpful as I wasn't sure if that was something I'd be able to do. I'm not bothered about the aesthetics of the car and as long as I'm not doing anybody any harm and can pass the NCT.

kildare.17hmr · 24-08-2010 2:54pm

it should pass ok once its not sharp or sticking out

kingbrumak · 24-08-2010 2:54pm

You may be surprised at how much you may be able to push out from the inside. If all comes to all you could get a hammer and a block of wood and bang some of it out that way! Look at it this way, you can't make it any worse!

Apologies to anyone reading this who is actually a skilled body work professional :rolleyes:

corktina · 24-08-2010 3:00pm

pick up a door in a scrappy for next to nothing , the colour doesnt matter so it only needs bolting on

How I can pass the NCT with this?

Comments