The New Zealand Car Construction Manual

The NZ Car Construction Manual is developed by the Low Volume Vehicle Technical Association Inc, and is incorporated by reference into the LVV Standards, which are in turn incorporated by reference in the NZ Land Transport Rules. It’s available here in either hard-copy, electronic format or individual downloadable chapters (electronic only).
For a full list of all amendments, click here.

Hard-copy, supplied in sturdy ring-binder

NZ Car Construction Manual (Printed hard-copy)

This is a printed hard-copy version of the NZ Car Construction Manual and includes all sections and chapters in a ring-binder.
Pages: 529 | Current version: 1st Amendment – November 2010 with updated Chapter 9 Engine & Drivetrain, Chapter 5 Chassis Modification & Construction, Chapter 10 Fuel Systems, and Terms and Definitions (2nd Amendment, July 2021)
FREE NZ-WIDE COURIER FOR A LIMITED TIME | Price includes 15% GST

Electronic – complete manual – Downloadable PDF file

NZ Car Construction Manual (Complete Electronic Download)

This is a full downloadable version of the NZ Car Construction Manual which includes all sections and chapters in one single, searchable electronic file.
Pages: 541 | Current version: – November 2021 Current version Includes all ammendments
FREE DOWNLOAD

Electronic – individual chapters – Downloadable PDF files

Chapter 1 - Low Volume Vehicle System

This chapter provides you with the basic history and principles of the low volume vehicle certification system in New Zealand.
Pages: 14 | Current version: 1st Amendment – November 2010
FREE Electronic Download

Chapter 2 - About this Manual

This chapter provides some useful information that will help you to use this manual, and to get through the LVV certification process with the least amount of stress possible.
Pages: 12 | Current version: 1st Amendment – November 2010
FREE Electronic Download

Chapter 3 - Authority Card Process

This chapter contains information and application forms for NZ Hot Rod Association, Motorsport NZ, and NZ Drag Racing Association LVV Authority Cards.
Pages: 29 | Current version: 1st Amendment – November 2010
Free download

Chapter 4 - Build Approval Process

This chapter provides all relevant details and application forms for build, design and concept approvals used in the build approval process.
Pages: 37 | Current version: 1st Amendment – November 2010
FREE Electronic Download

Chapter 5 - Chassis Modification & Construction

This chapter covers the design, modification and construction of all common chassis types.
Pages: 37 | Current version: 2nd Amendment – July 2021
Free download

Chapter 6 - Suspension Systems

This chapter covers the modification, construction and installation and of all commonly available suspension systems.
Pages: 68 | Current version: 1st Amendment – November 2010
Free download

Chapter 7 - Steering Systems

This chapter covers component selection, compatibility, geometry, and column collapsibility in the event of a collision.
Pages: 41 | Current version: 1st Amendment – November 2010
Free download

Chapter 8 - Braking Systems

This chapter covers all aspects of efficient, reliable, and durable braking systems in low volume vehicles.
Pages: 31 | Current version: 1st Amendment – November 2010
Free download

Chapter 9 - Engine & Drive-train

This chapter covers installation, attachment, noise, vibration and harshness reduction, along with long-term vehicle reliability. Pages: 32 | Current version: 2nd Amendment – July 2021
Free download

Chapter 10 - Fuel Systems

This chapter covers fuel tanks, tank location, attachment, venting, spillage and leakage dispersal, along with hoses, pipes and fittings.
Pages: 18 | Current version: 2nd Amendment – July 2021
Free download

Chapter 11 - Emission Systems

This chapter will be introduced as an update in the future. Refer to LVV Standard 90-20 (Exhaust Noise Emissions), and LVV Standard 90-10 (Exhaust Gas Emissions) both freely available from www.lvvta.org.nz.
Pages: 6 | Current version: 1st Amendment – November 2010
FREE Electronic Download

Chapter 13 - Body Modification & Construction

This chapter covers aspects of includes frontal impact, door retention systems, and external projections requirements.
Pages: 23 | Current version: 1st Amendment – November 2010
Free download

Chapter 14 - Seats, Seatbelts, & Anchorages

This chapter covers seats and seatbelts, and their attachment to the vehicle structure.
Pages: 68 | Current version: 1st Amendment – November 2010
Free download

Chapter 15 - Glazing & Vision

This chapter covers glazing types, rear view mirrors, engine hood protrusions, and washing and wiping systems.
Pages: 26 | Current version: 1st Amendment – November 2010
Free download

Chapter 16 - Interior Equipment

This chapter covers a vehicle’s interior surfaces, fittings, and controls which can have an effect on occupants in the event of an accident.
Pages: 21 | Current version: 1st Amendment – November 2010
FREE Electronic Download

Chapter 17 - Lighting Equipment

This chapter covers all lamps that are added, substituted, or modified, and their installation on a low volume vehicle.
Pages: 44 | Current version: 1st Amendment – November 2010
Free download

Chapter 18 - Attachment Systems

This chapter covers all fastening systems, including welding requirements, non-destructive testing requirements, and all fastener requirements.
Pages: 19 | Current version: 1st Amendment – November 2010
Free download

Chapter 19 - Vehicle Operation

This chapter covers vehicle operation, to ensure that it is stable, safe, and user-friendly enough that any competent driver could get in it and drive it safely.
Pages: 18 | Current version: 1st Amendment – November 2010
Free download

Introduction

This chapter provides some background into the early beginnings of the Low Volume Vehicle system in New Zealand.
Pages: 8 | Current version: 1st Amendment – November 2010
Free download

Acknowledgements

This section acknowledges the many people involved in the initial and ongoing development of the NZ Car Construction Manual.
Pages: 8 | Current version: 1st Amendment – November 2010
FREE Electronic Download

About the Author

This section provides some background on the Author of the NZ Car Construction Manual, Tony Johnson.
Pages: 6 | Current version: 1st Amendment – November 2010
FREE Electronic Download

Terms and Definitions

This section provides a list of Terms and Definitions relevant to the NZ Car Construction Manual.
Pages: 6 | Current version: 1st Amendment – November 2010
FREE Electronic Download