A Question to Ponder!

Blair · #1 (**permalink**) 05-04-2007, 07:14 PM

Well the time has finally come. Next week the Cobra goes into the pits @ QLD tranport and hopefully I'll come out with a compliant, adr approved, registered Cobra.

However I still have one problem and I am want to know what you good people think. My Speedo gauge is in MPH! I did buy another Gauge the same size and brand in KMPH however when I opened it recently I found it was the wrong gauge and was in MPH again! Sending it back and getting my money back so all is good there (it was the wrong gauge in the right box). However I am still left with a MPH Speedo.

Idea 1) My MPH gauge is actually an electronic unit and I have actually calibrated it to read in KMPH. IE when I am doing 60 kms it reads 60 MPHs, when I am doing 100 kms it reads 100 MPHs and so on.

Could I just open up my gauge and put a sticker over the MPH that reads KMPH or would this be frowned on by QLD transport?

Idea 2) Isn't there those little computer things that tell you how many G's, 1/4 mile est and kms per hour? Could I use one of these as well as my Speedo. Or would this be like using a GPS Navman which may not be acceptable?

What do you fellas think?

400TT · #2 (**permalink**) 05-04-2007, 07:44 PM

For insurance just put kph sticker over the mph. That would be compliant in my books considering it's reading right.

I doubt they will even notice, they have that much other stuff to check.

If it's still the same it was a few years ago for our Cobra, it's basically one big roadworthy check:
Check all lights, wipers, horn, seatbelts, squirters(make sure it's full of water) etc.
Check steering, wheels bearings, joints etc for play.
Check brakes on rolling road test unit.
Drive over pit for under inspection, check for everything including using correct tensile bolts, nylocks etc where required.

You should be right. It's a lot harder to get half finished gel coat Cobra's through...they get a lot more picky if it doesn't look well finished off.

You will stand around most of the time talking to the cool pit guys about how great your Cobra looks. Just be nice and approachable.

I would also recommend not knowing too much, practice these answers if required "That's what the engineer said to do", "the manufacturer made/assembled/installed that bit".

Good luck.

Rebel1 · #3 (**permalink**) 05-04-2007, 09:55 PM

Blair, if you want to do the right job send the gauge to this mob in Brissy:

http://www.ottoinstruments.com.au/index.htm

They'll change the face so it is correct.

Cheers

Aussie Mike · #4 (**permalink**) 05-04-2007, 10:42 PM

Just put a KMH dymo label on the glass of the guage that obscures the MPH and that should be good enough. You could then re calibrate it later to read MPH if you wanted to.

Cheers

Rebel1 · #5 (**permalink**) 05-04-2007, 11:07 PM

Blair, considering where you are at I think you should leave little to chance.

You want it over the pits, approved, and registered.

I wouldn't leave anything for them to question.

Cheers and best of luck.

PCC · #6 (**permalink**) 05-05-2007, 02:31 AM

Just stick the sticker on and you should be right.

Hey, I'm used to MPH and didn't even notice the readout when I was looking at your dials.

Option 2 - Put your dial lights on and the Inspector will simply be amazed at the look!!! Best I've seen.

Blair · #7 (**permalink**) 05-05-2007, 02:47 AM

Thanks fellas, all the above ideas have been noted. I think Rebel's idea of actually getting it changed sounds the best. If it can be done in time is another matter.

Don't like the sound of doing everything else correctly only to be turned down for a stupid dial! But hey, like my Ford loving mate PCC says, as long as it looks good who cares if it is legal! I'll let Rebel1 explain that statement!

Rebel1 · #8 (**permalink**) 05-05-2007, 04:45 AM

You'll be lucky by next week Blair but give them a call. Most times they have replacement dials in stock.

Hope it works out for you.

Rob. Smith · #9 (**permalink**) 05-06-2007, 07:26 AM

NSW RTA (spellcheck says RAT ) requires a six digit odometer regardless of MPH or KPH...my 0 - 180 MPH reverse (anti clockwise ) speedo was rejected because it had only a five digit odometer not six. So I put in a datsun 200b speedo ( wound back to zero ) for the rego check .
Smithy.

400TT · #10 (**permalink**) 05-10-2007, 05:27 PM

Any updates from the inspection?

I've kept my fingers and toes crossed for you, but now seriously starting to cramp up.

WKB · #11 (**permalink**) 05-10-2007, 08:46 PM

Blair,
Leave nothing to their judgement and ensure everything is correct. I heard that there was a cobra at the Gold Coast this week that the DOT came up with 25 defects.
One defect was that the front of the car required a mesh grill.
Someone from the coast might be able to tell us more details.

Warren

Wazza · #12 (**permalink**) 05-10-2007, 11:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WKB

Blair,
Leave nothing to their judgement and ensure everything is correct. I heard that there was a cobra at the Gold Coast this week that the DOT came up with 25 defects.
One defect was that the front of the car required a mesh grill.
Someone from the coast might be able to tell us more details.

Warren

I Know....but must die with the secret.....and it was a bonnet scoop anyway....and it was not a NORMAL Cobra.....you could ask me all DAY...and I'll give a TONA answers...but you'd never guess!!

Wazza · #13 (**permalink**) 05-10-2007, 11:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wazza

I Know....but must die with the secret.....and it was a bonnet scoop anyway....and it was not a NORMAL Cobra.....you could ask me all DAY...and I'll give a TONA answers...but you'd never guess!!

My understanding was that there were a lot of very minor points, which were not going to effect the approval.
A different style of Cobra, that required a lot of extra boxes to be ticked, but all is well.
The bonnet scoop is way different to a normal Cobra, and I believe it needed some "temporary" mesh panel under the bonnet to stop children crawling down into the engine.........personally I think after one had been sacrificed..it would keep others away...problem solved!!