How Can some Street Rods get full NSW Rego?

[Baz]

The majority of you know the problems I am having with my Engineer and the RTA in trying to get my Cobra registered in NSW. Well this really rubbed the salt into the wound today when I attended a local Hot Rod Show and Swap Meet this morning.

There were a large number of 1930 Ford Buckets on show, all on Club Hot Rod Rego, but there were also a large number of coupes and sedans from the same era bearing full NSW Street Rego.

The majority of these latter vehicles had massive blowers sitting on top of 500 c.i. big blocks and fed by a brace of double pumper holley carbys which towered high above the top of the bonnet line. The braking and steering systems on these monsters appeared quite deficient compared to the amount of horsepower these motors would develop and were considerably inferior to what I have fitted to my Cobra.

The RTA have obviously granted these vehicles full NSW Street Registration which permits them to be driven legally on our road systems at any time without restrictions while my Cobra, which is a far safer vehicle has to sit in the garage under its car cover. Am I missing something here?

I realise that the ASRF has gained Hot Rods many exemptions and I accept the fact that the cars on Club Hot Rod Rego have to comply with certain aspects of their Code of Conduct, but shouldn't the cars on full Street Rego have to comply with the same requirements of the ADR's as we, the average ICV builders have to abide by, putting up with the continuous 'moving goal posts' every few weeks?


Baz

[boxhead]

The hot rods are not classed as ICV.

They are supposed to have an original part somewhere (although I think even that line has been blurred).
Most normaly used an original frame, or even cross member.
But I think they are now succesfully arguing that these are now too hard to find, or damaged/rusted that repro ones are better.
I have said all along we should be joining these guys and trying to get our Cobra's through the same way.
But I also realise that a Cobra like yours or mine Baz has a totaly differing chassis compared to a genuine Cobra, so a car like Kirkham, FFR, Era, possably new CR (the ones with round chassis rails) might be better suited?

And I agree it doesnt seem fair, but the HotRod guys got together and did something about it, so far apart from the small group that was put together, all that Cobra guys have done is sulk.

Is this group still together and still trying to change things? Has anyone been keeping up to date with them? Has anyone offered to assist?
I know I havent, but I am a little further away than most of you.

[Zedn]

And I agree it doesnt seem fair, but the HotRod guys got together and did something about it, so far apart from the small group that was put together, all that Cobra guys have done is sulk.

Couldnt agree more. The attitude of cobra owners is "it will sort it itself out and if it doesnt who cares my car will be worth more". Currently there are clubby people working on a number of approaches to save ICVs in NSW and what are the cobra people doing? Is the NSW cobra club doing anything?

Do people actually understand that cobras can not be registered in NSW at the moment regardless of make or engineer because of what the RTA wants? Everyone has this attitude of they will give an exemption like the crash testing. Well no they wont just give an exemption.

Its not as easy for hot rods as everyone thinks. In NSW if you want full rego for a hot rod it is done as an ICV. If you want club rego then it is done through the ASRF to their code.

The cars that Baz has seen would not have look anything like that when first registered and run the risk of being defected everytime they drive. Its no different to a cobra with live side pipes.

Big superchargers sticking out of the bonnet and major mods after rego are a big contributor to the current NSW nightmare and im sure it wont be long until it spreads to other states.

[Baz]

I am researching what is required in NSW for 'Club Rego' of Cobras. I don't want to go down that track as I want fulll Street Registration, but if that appears unlikely, as will be borne out by my next RTA inspection, whenever that may be, I will be judged by the decision that flows from that inspection.

I will be sending of a letter to the President of the NSW Cobra Club shortly to investigate and implement the 'Club Rego' system for Cobra owner's in this State who, because of the RTA policies, are unable to get their cars approved for for Street Rego.

This is especially relevant for those who are in the process of building their cars and who will be caught up with the latest traconian and dictatorial amendments that we will have to face in the future like the VSCSS and VSB14.

Does anyone out there know how the Green Slip Insurance system applies to vehicles with 'Club Rego?'


Baz

[jcraigau]

I would have thought there would have been a huge difference between factory vehicles and ICVs.

Yes, I know none of the hotrods would come within a bulls roar of passing todays ADRs - which the Cobra's must comply with, although a let stringent list via ICV compromises - but only are required to pass the "rules of the day" for the production car that they once were.

It's a shame that NSW RTA has taken the stance they have, but maybe the way around it at this stage is to go for club rego and continue the fight for full rego. At least you can enjoy your pride and joy on the mean streets of Sydney.

[Baz]

I have just finished researching Club Rego for cars in NSW and I think my previous idea is snookered. There are only 11 different types of vehicle that qualify for Club Rego in NSW. These are:-

Historic Vehicles - Car, Truck, bus, motor cycle and plant over 30 years old.

Street Rod -

Purpose built Vehicle - Golf Buggy & vehicles of a similar type.

Lawn Mowers - over 250 kgs.

2-3 wheel agricultural bike operated for forming purposes.

All terrain vehicle operated for farming purposes.

Plant operated for farming purposes.

All terrain vehicle.

Oversnow vehicle (Skidoo, snow plough, snow groomer).

Recreational 2 - 3 wheel motor cycles with engine capacity greater than 300ml used on Stockton beach.

All terrain vehicles used on Stockton beach.

But there is still hope. I am thinking of installing a set of blades and pulleys under the car and trying to get it through as a lawn mower over 250 kgs or putting a bloody great big blade on the front and see if I can get it through as a Snow Plough, or how about a nice little rack on the back for my clubs and try for a golf buggy.

Looks like I will just have to persevere and keep trying for full Street Rego.

Apparently, Green Slip Insurance automatically comes with the Club Rego. It is far cheaper than full rego, but you need a Pink Slip - $35, Yearly Rego Fee $55 plus a one off Plate Fee of $33.


Back to the Think Tank.


Baz

[boxhead]

Baz, for club rego, talk to teh relevant authorities, use a phone, not a letter.
As when I rang regarding this in the NT, they would accept the Cobra as it represents a vehicle over 30 years of age.
Only hiccup you may have (and this is due to the process in NSW) is that you will most likely require a VIN to gain a roadworthy. (Your car may have a chassis number that was stamped in by your supplier - they may accept this)
But again, talk to the authorities, or even beter, check which clubs in your area run the club plate scheme,some clubs will have requirements, ie must be a member for x period of time etc, but they should be able to supply you the answers, as the club plate scheme is run by the club.

[Rebel1]

Baz, dare I say it but this issue has been canvassed extensively in the past. I refer to past posts regarding the issue.

Essentially when John Staszynski stepped down as President CCC Australia the whole thing fell to pieces.

John wanted the various state clubs to lobby their state authorities to create a new "type" of vehicle for rego purposes and remove the cobras (and GT40's/Daytonas) from the ICV classification.

Initial discussions with State Authorities were encouraging but to go further it required the State branches of Cobra Club to start being pro-active to give weight to the proposal.

This didn't happen and it all fell to pieces.

I still have the original email from John dated 05/07/2006 regarding this issue.

[Gav]

How cool would a cobra be as a golf buggy???

All you need Baz is a hook for your sand bucket and some form of restraint for keeping your bag in place.
Job done, Club rego organised.

[Baz]

Originally Posted by Rebel1

Baz, dare I say it but this issue has been canvassed extensively in the past. I refer to past posts regarding the issue.

Essentially when John Staszynski stepped down as President CCC Australia the whole thing fell to pieces.

John wanted the various state clubs to lobby their state authorities to create a new "type" of vehicle for rego purposes and remove the cobras (and GT40's/Daytonas) from the ICV classification.

Initial discussions with State Authorities were encouraging but to go further it required the State branches of Cobra Club to start being pro-active to give weight to the proposal.

This didn't happen and it all fell to pieces.

I still have the original email from John dated 05/07/2006 regarding this issue.

Yes Les,

I spoke to John by phone and also at the Cobra Nats a few years ago. He's pretty pissed off with the non action by the various Australian Cobra Clubs throughout the country.

Dave,

I will give your idea some attention if it becomes necessary. Another road I'm going down at the moment is with some members of the Oz Clubbies website. Can't say too much at this point, but I will post details vide PM's when a strategic plan has been formulated.


Baz

[Zedn]

Baz,

You may be aware the RTA are planning workgroups to develop guidelines. Clubs and manufacturers should be bashing down the RTA doors to be a part of this.

[Beejay]

Baz,

I understand that you are frustrated, but your efforts need to concentrate on what needs to be done to get your Cobra approved, not worrying about what hot rods can get away with.

Ben

[OZCOBRA]

Baz ,

Imagine the buzz of actually being the 1st ICV done in NSW in nearly 2 years .... A famous quote from the now departed AFL Champion Teddy Whitten ..."Stick it right up'em!!!!"

Hope all goes we'll over the coming months!!

OZ

[AC-460]

A lot of rods are using a chassis from other donors such as mitsibishi L300 they are then registered as an a L 300 with a mile of engineered modifications to go with it......

[Philm]

Zedn,
I understand that no cobras have been registered, have any ICVs passed in the last 2 years?

Do people actually understand that cobras can not be registered in NSW at the moment regardless of make or engineer because of what the RTA wants? Everyone has this attitude of they will give an exemption like the crash testing. Well no they wont just give an exemption.

Have the RTA offered any statement or any communication about this?

Phil

[beauies]

Call me naive but how is everybody 100% positive that no cobras have been passed?

Baz's Non compliance report items seem like they would be able to be rectified not without a little hard work and time.

[Rebel1]

Baz, I am aware you had spoken to John and I am also aware of Johns disgust at the lack of state support. What John predicted back then is sadly what appears to be happening.

Herewith a exert from Johns initial email dated 05/07/2006:

I have set out a framework on how this group can operate using the recourses of the Cobra Car Club branches in all states except NT and Tasmania where none exist. The clubs have a mandate to lobby on behalf of their members. These members are also interested in replica cars other than just cobras, i.e. GT 40, Daytona replicas etc.

Name. Replica Car Lobby Group.

Aim. To establish a coordinated common purpose lobby group in every state and territory of Aust.

Purpose. To create a "Replica" category within the state registration systems and move our replica cobras etc into that category instead of the Individually constructed Vehicle (ICV) category they currently hold.

Why?. The ICV,s we build are subject to different requirements in different states. However they all class them as ICV, a one off construction and one individuals efforts. This means that different requirements can be imposed on similar vehicles within the same state if desired. For example, in SA I have negotiated an exemption from meeting emission requirements for an ICV fitted with a carburettor 427 yet was rejected on an exemption for a fuel injected 5 litre because it was fitted with eight throttle bodies. There are such options as club rego in some states but not a national basis.
Something that is available on a national basis is the Street Rod category. These cars are NOT ICV s even if they are all different and individually constructed by the owner/builder and engineered by a contracted engineer. No the state ministers in their wisdom have decreed that a special Street Rod set of rules be created to manage the building and registration of these cars.

This is only part of the email but reflects his endeavors to get something going.

To me, the lack of support from the states was deplorable for two reasons. First reason was John was our National president and deserved, at least, some respect for his position.

Second John had identified a future problem. Why did the states give nothing but lip service to his attempts to make it easier to register a "replica" ?.

I have my opinions but they remain strictly mine.

[Tenrocca]

Perhaps we should all get together for a bbq to discuss:

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/AC-Cobra-BBQ-...item1c19f5fe18



This may be the closest youll get to registering a cobra soon......

[beauies]

Drats No NSW rego otherwise i would tack a front end on to it there is my cobra RTA problem solved.

[OZCOBRA]

Well it would meet the specific PURPOSE built ..SC427 BBQ CART..........Golf buggy what's the difference???

Ah so that is where the DRB rear end was flopped from!!!