CHP inspection and CA BAR?

Dangerous Doug · #1 (**permalink**) 04-20-2009, 08:08 PM

Where is the best place in the South SF Bay Area for a CHP inspection?

Also, where do you recommend going for the CA BAR inspection?

Got my 289 FIA suspension lowered to where I want it, and I get the suspension aligned this week.

Getting closer.

Absolutely LOVE my ERA 289 FIA. What a car!

DD

Got the Bug · #2 (**permalink**) 04-20-2009, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dangerous Doug

Where is the best place in the South SF Bay Area for a CHP inspection?

Also, where do you recommend going for the CA BAR inspection?

Got my 289 FIA suspension lowered to where I want it, and I get the suspension aligned this week.

Getting closer.

Absolutely LOVE my ERA 289 FIA. What a car!

DD

Doug,

CHP in San Jose on Junction Ave (I believe Officer Rasconi (sp?) is the key guy, but he's been training other people). I would highly recommend Evergreen College for the BAR. If I'm not working, I'll go with you.

CHP first, then the BAR.

Great to hear your getting your car dialed in. Where are you going to get your car aligned?

Dangerous Doug · #3 (**permalink**) 04-20-2009, 09:02 PM

Mountain View, Custom Alignment? It was one of the two recommended places I found here on clubcobra.

DD

Dangerous Doug · #4 (**permalink**) 04-20-2009, 09:03 PM

By the way, you riding shotgun on the trip to the BAR sounds good. I'll see when I can get an appointment.

Yep, CHP first, then BAR.

DD

PANAVIA · #5 (**permalink**) 04-21-2009, 12:06 AM

yup-ditto what GTB-doug said.

make appointments!

Dangerous Doug · #6 (**permalink**) 04-21-2009, 08:50 AM

What's the contact info for Evergreen College BAR?

DD

Got the Bug · #7 (**permalink**) 04-21-2009, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dangerous Doug

What's the contact info for Evergreen College BAR?

DD

(800) 952-5210. They'll ask you what BAR facility you want to visit. I think they'll also ask you for your SB100 number and other details when you make your appt.

http://www.smogcheck.ca.gov/70_SiteW...ContactUs.html

RodKnock · #8 (**permalink**) 04-21-2009, 09:53 AM

It's best to make an afternoon appointment for a quiet experience. The morning appointment will be crazy.

MFE III · #9 (**permalink**) 04-21-2009, 11:08 AM

Doug, if the BAR facility you want to go to is not far away, you may want to drop by and talk to them about where they place your Smog exempt sticker before your appointment. I know some guys that before they knew it, the BAR attendant slapped it on right in the middle of the firewall. Other BAR stations will work with you on placing it in a less conspicuous place.
It also depends on their mood, whether they are car guys, whether they're fighting with the wife, etc, etc, etc.

RodKnock · #10 (**permalink**) 04-21-2009, 11:22 AM

The BAR guys at Evergreen would have slapped the sticker virtually anywhere that I asked them too. They asked me where I wanted to place the sticker. Maybe I caught them on a good day, I don't know, but I was literally watching them like they were holding up and placing a painting on my wall.

"A little to left, no, no, a little to the right, yes, now up a little, now back over to the right a little..."

Dangerous Doug · #11 (**permalink**) 04-21-2009, 11:41 AM

That's a pretty funny image.

I imagine him thinking, "Dude, it's just a friggin' sticker..."

DD

Thanks for the tips, guys. CHP inspection on Tuesday next week. I'll call the BAR and set something for Evergreen.

Doug

eschaider · #12 (**permalink**) 04-21-2009, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dangerous Doug

Mountain View, Custom Alignment? It was one of the two recommended places I found here on clubcobra.

DD

Doug,

While the Mountain View facility still does them, the guy who was the Mr. Wizard guy opened up his own operation down in Gilroy. The name of the place is Performance Art. Their website is http://www.performanceartonline.com/

They are having a Chamber of Commerce open house on the 30th and it will give you an opportunity to see their diggs and talk to the people - oh yeah there is wine and munchies. If you go be sure to talk to Kevin he knows Cobra suspension and alignment inside out.

A side benefit for you is they are decidedly closer to you than Mountain View.

Ed

Dangerous Doug · #13 (**permalink**) 04-21-2009, 02:00 PM

Hhmmm, crusing home via hwy 129 along the river and then 1 up the coast...

...sound enticing. I left a message at Performance Art. If they call me back in time with good pricing I may go through the trouble of switching appointments.

DD

SF_SN888KE · #14 (**permalink**) 04-21-2009, 04:31 PM

Saw all you guys at Santa Clara on Jan 2. Congrats all!
ref Shell Valley Daytona #27
Went to SF CHP today for my VIN, took 5 minutes! Officer Dwyer was great .. show me the vin, OK done.

Went down the block to get Brake and Light ...
FAILED Brake Inspection - big hassle trying to get specs for Ford 9" stuff and Wilwood Dynalite front. Long story short, rear discs were not within min specs!$%#@!

(only 1400 miles on car!) Changing to Mustang Cobra rear kit anyway ... What did I learn? Bring lots of docs for brake system with all the specs (hopefully on your reciepts) so they don't have to look it up, especially if it's aftermarket stuff or off a donor car. ... Or they can pull off your wheels and look at the rotors and ... $$$??? (but that's too easy ..) $60 but no charge for retest.
Passed light inspection after adjustment. $60
Total time: 2 1/2 hours.
Have appointment for BAR at Skyline College on Friday. Looks like they are not back logged in San Bruno or San Jose.
Will get another brake inspection after I change to Mustang Cobra rear brakes

Good news is that I drove down to Monterey this weekend with the rebuilt motor. The TKO 500 OD and 3:50 rears gave me over 20 MPG

Anyone know about registration fees after May 15th? What kind of increase?

LudicrousSpeed · #15 (**permalink**) 04-21-2009, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SF_SN888KE

Anyone know about registration fees after May 15th? What kind of increase?

I believe the VLF (Vehicle Licensing Fee) will double. I was on the CA DMV site the other day looking at the Tax Trauma I'm about to sustain.

For a 40k car was about $300, soon to double to about $600, if I'm reading it right.

Got the Bug · #16 (**permalink**) 04-21-2009, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LudicrousSpeed

I believe the VLF (Vehicle Licensing Fee) will double. I was on the CA DMV site the other day looking at the Tax Trauma I'm about to sustain.

For a 40k car was about $300, soon to double to about $600, if I'm reading it right.

Unfortunately, that sounds about right.

My registration is due in June and my registration fees jumped by $200.

On the bright side (if there is one) you'll be able to drive your car year round.

RodKnock · #17 (**permalink**) 04-21-2009, 06:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Got the Bug

Unfortunately, that sounds about right.

My registration is due in June and my registration fees jumped by $200.

On the bright side (if there is one) you'll be able to drive your car year round.

Not that it will make you feel any better, but I believe that some or all of your registration fees are considered personal property taxes and can be listed as itemized deductions on your income tax return.

However, I'm in no way a tax expert, so please consult with your tax advisor.

Dangerous Doug · #18 (**permalink**) 04-21-2009, 07:56 PM

Talked to Kevin at Performance Art. Seems to know his stuff. Hadn't ever heard of ERA (gasp!). Appointment on Wednesday.

Next Tuesday is CHP.

DD

SF_SN888KE · #19 (**permalink**) 04-21-2009, 07:59 PM

Ouch, looks like Vehicle License Fees go from .65% to 1.15% when fees are due on or after May 19. So I have to get my Brake inspection and BAR completed ASAP ... or get another Temp Op Permit, again and again and again ....

eschaider · #20 (**permalink**) 04-22-2009, 01:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dangerous Doug

Talked to Kevin at Performance Art. Seems to know his stuff. Hadn't ever heard of ERA (gasp!). Appointment on Wednesday.

Next Tuesday is CHP.

DD

Doug,

He knows his alignment and suspension stuff cold. When it comes to Cobra manufacturers he doesn't pay that much attention. To him it's a Cobra. I know you will be real happy and he is easy to work with.

Enjoy the drive home it will be fun.

Ed