So it begins ...

[boxhead]

My opinion onpy, but I suspect you will be fitting front lights with a chrome dress rim?
If so then the backs may look out of place without the chrome?
Also the ADR one reminds me of a trailer light?
Can you get a lens that is half red and half clear? so you can use a colored bulb?

[Gav]

I have used the Lucas 542's and found no suitable replacement lens with an amber top or lower half.
I have wired mine to flash the appropriate brake light much like they would have in the states in years gone by.
Engineering will require E marked lamps with a separate indicator.

[Rob. Smith]

like the rest of us...go with the round ones...Landrover and MG have ADR approved lenses.

[jcraigau]

I bought a set of 6 (4 indicators and 2 brake lights) out of the UK.
Original L691 and L794 with the chrome bezels for AU$135 delivered.
They were 75 pounds plus 4 pounds delivery, that took around a week.
Very happy with them and they look great!

[Jethrow]

So I have had a few questions regarding compliancing for this vehicle, and some seem to centre on the beam and torsion testing requirements.

I decided to look into this and found a document from the Department of Transport and Regional Services (DOTARS) called the National Code of Practice for Light Vehicle Construction, Section LH Body and Chassis.

Under code LH5, there is a section called Beaming and Torsional Tests, and it states:

ICV's or kit cars utilising a modified production vehicle chassis, a newly constructed chassis or a specifically designed chassis do NOT need to undergo beaming and torsional testing to determine their relevant stiffness.

It does go on to say that the kit car manufacturer shall remain responsible for the design of the chassis and its inherent structural strength and thus safety.

And more words about recommended advice etc.

But anyway, the test is not required.

But now the caveat. I think the consulting engineer, if he is viewing an untested car can request the test be done before he is willing to sign it off. Unless he can satisfy himself, by inspection that it is not necessary.

Also I think in QLD, the rulemakers have forced this test on the locals regardless of the code.

So, for here in WA, if my engineer is happy to sign off my chassis, then the test is not required. And I think given FFR's history of some 7000 kits delivered, this should not be a problem.

Besides, have a look at it - I think this chassis looks 'just right' (even if the roll bar is on the wrong side)



PS I should add that I know there is at least one FFR Roadster registered already in Australia, because it is currently for sale right now via eBay. That's gotta be a plus as well.

[boxhead]

I think alot will depend on what your engineer and or local authorities want.
Example is the 540 I am assembling, in NT you apply for an "approval in principal" before starting your build.
The authorities rang the 540 owner about a week ago (I filled in approval paperwork and posted before heading out for my trip) and asked him if he had a torsional and beaming test.

So in the end it may still be required.

But in saying that, I think with the amount of cars FFR have built then they may exempt the requirement for test.

[Merv and Sharon]

When in doubt I always called my engineer and asked him. He was extremely helpful. That way I was sure that a choice or variation was to his satisfaction.

[Beejay]

I think the car on ebay is titled as a 1966 model.

If so, it probably has not had to go through any compliance as an ICV.

There is probably others in Oz that could be passed though.

Ben

[Rob. Smith]

With my RMC chassis the thing didn't need a beaming and tortion test because the manufacturer supplied the relevant test results...What I'm getting at is the registering body will require some sort of beaming and torsion info on the chassis. Factory five should have some data.

[Jethrow]

It was built in 2007, and is registered currently in NSW as a LHD. Direct from the seller.

Originally Posted by Beejay

I think the car on ebay is titled as a 1966 model.

[Beejay]

Fair enough!

Ben

[Tenrocca]

I did ask the seller about it and it is titled as a 65.

Either way I dont think torsion and beaming testing is a big a deal as everyone thinks. Didnt I see someone in here make up a rig to do it? Apart from having that test already done and not having a relatively simple (I would think at the bare chassis stage) LHD to RHD conversion I reckon the USA kits are a very attractive option.

[Zedn]

I was quoted $1800 for the B&T test.

There is a clubby company who hire out the jig to do it for much less than it would cost to make. It is very basic to make, but you need about 10 dial gauges that are calibrated and also the weights to load it up.

[albanycobra]

I have built a few torsion testing machines over the years and tested a lot of cars. This is one is still in service. The rig set up is straight out of the NCOP.

[Jethrow]

OMG the waiting .....

The wait between ordering a kit and getting it is starting to drive me nuts! I am using the time trying to get ready, shed organise etc, but still, it would be cooler to have a box marked cobra sitting in the drive.

[boxhead]

You would have a 3 - 4 month wait wouldnt you?

I know when I ordered my CR the wait was about 3 months, but you have to add O/S shipping for yours.

Did you get an idea on time frame?

[Jethrow]

yep - 3-4 months is about right. Around 2 months to ship, then on the water after that. FFR normally ship in about 1 month, but for international they allow 2 months to really minimise any back orders.