State inspections - lessons learned

[neil30076]

So, while out of town in Newport News, VA - moving my daughter to her new job/ house, I decided to see if her car ( this is a 84 Euro that i defederalised, removed the add on side markers, rewired the rear red fog light, etc. ) would pass the VA inspection tests they are supposed to do - check lights, fluids, brakes, wheel bearings, etc, etc and was confident that it would pass - so in I went.
In front of me was a 4 - 5 yr old Expedition, and the inspector proceeded to put it on the lift, remove a wheel, check bearing play, brake wear, etc. I started to feel doomed - he took about 25 minutes on the SUV, and failed it for some minor issue!
I was next, the test guy had trouble getting behind the wheel, finally he got in, got it started, and pulled into the inspection bay. He got out and came back to me, and asked about the car - where had it come from - I told him California to South Carolina to VA.
He asked if it had a BAR plate, I said it did, and he checked it out, and checked lights, directionals, headlight aim, etc..
Then back to his desk, filled out some paper work, and stuck a PASSED sticker on the windshield!
10 minutes max - and my daughter drove it back home.
Not sure what the 'punch line' is - but i have one every happy daughter!

[Mrmerlin]

thats a nice looking car your daughter has. Its a great feeling to pass muster with the inspector.

I would put some bolt on bolt on spacers on the rear to kick out the wheels,
looks like you could add an inch or so

[neil30076]

Thanks Stan. That was my $1100 rescue here in San Diego about 18 months ago - yes, maybe a set of 1 inch spacers for her christmas present :-)

[MPDano]

Great story Neil!

[Landseer]

Nice work in persuasion.


My daughter is down that way, too, with a Euro-fendered 84.

Sorry we didn't get together here. If you ever need me to look at the car for any reason on your behalf, give the word.

[neil30076]

Thanks Chris - if she needs any work you will be the first contact.
I'll be back at Christmas - so maybe a chance to meet up then.
Is your daughter anywhere close to 17 in Newport Beach? I think I saw a 928 under a cover off the side down there, to late to check - on my way to apt.

[Danglerb]

Thats a beautiful car, must sound like a million bucks, and the inspector is going to dream about it for months.

[Landseer]

The word "California" invokes respect in inspectors (outside of said state)

IIRC, this one didn't even have a California sticker on it!

Neil probably gave him an ex-military, still-connected look, too.

[Pete R]

(respectfully).. I bet Neils daughter is attractive too. just saying, a slight distraction of the tech can't hurt when inspecting a 30 year old car

[neil30076]

Originally Posted by Pete R

(respectfully).. I bet Neils daughter is attractive too. just saying, a slight distraction of the tech can't hurt when inspecting a 30 year old car

Danglerb - yes, it has a mean sound, and really reverberated in the test bay!
Chris - correct - this car did not pass CA emissions before I shipped it out to her, - it had a South Carolina plate on it, and the old CA plate strategically placed on the floor for the inspector to see.
Pete - yes, my 26 yr old daughter driving it in maybe had something to do with it :-)

[riber.bentsen]

Your daughter is cruisin' in a 310 hp Euro bruiser...

Respect!

[neil30076]

Originally Posted by riber.bentsen

Your daughter is cruisin' in a 310 hp Euro bruiser...

Respect!

And in a state where there is a radar trap or state patrol on just about every piece of open road - I just drove the car while I was there for 2 weeks, and had a hard time keeping it legal!

[dcrasta]

Ya Watch out in VA, or MD, or DC for that matter. The Police are broke and out for easy tickets.

Cudos on a nice Porsche. I get the impression that when the inspectors see a old car as well sorted as that one they tend to anticipate everything is in order, where a car that is 5-6 years old can be very neglected by the time the inspector gets to it.

Again, congrats ! [Oh and radar detectors are illegal in VA and they have a 'detector-detector' if you have it powered on they will know. (dont ask lol)]

[JE928sx4]

Thank God I live in Virginia. Once the 86 hit 25yrs, no more emissions tests ever.

[Rupesy]

In my area of NY, inspection for 25 years and older is basically headlights, turn signal, clearance and horn.....and $10.

[MPDano]

Originally Posted by Rupesy

In my area of NY, inspection for 25 years and older is basically headlights, turn signal, clearance and horn.....and $10.

Sucks to be us Californians

[rjm65]

Originally Posted by MPDano

Sucks to be us Californians

We need to bring back SB42, the 30 year rolling window law that exempted cars older than 30 years from needing to be smogged in California.

[MPDano]

Originally Posted by rjm65

We need to bring back SB42, the 30 year rolling window law that exempted cars older than 30 years from needing to be smogged in California.

Yup, that would make my 81 Euro EXEMPT this year. Stupid Governator jacked that up