CT Inspections

[Commodore]

My friend has a '64 Thunderbolt 427 clone he transports around to different tracks in an enclosed tralier. He said he would help if I needed to go to Weathersfield. He has shown intrest in getting a Cobra so if Weathersfield is on the horizion we both will learn a few things or two. Hope the registration prossess doesn't scare him away.

[Commodore]

Thanks Don,
Just bought Paul Wheelers very tasty FE 427 FFR Cobra. As much as I wanted to visit the Weathersfield DMV (not!), Pauls car was already register in CT. End of problem. Don't know if you know Paul (he's in Ellington near you)? Super guy that knows how to build a car! Now his next car is going to be a..........................?

[REDSC400]

Commodore:
Welcome to the ranks of CT Cobra Owners....
There is a core group of 5 of us here in the Southern CT area that regularly get out and cruise. (see some of the recent pics of our serpents in my gallery taken on January 1st of 2005). Sadly we have not been out on the roads since then as the weather and road conditions suck.

We have 2 ERAs, 2 FFRs and 1 Superformance in the bunch.

When you get your car and the weather breaks, you are invited to join us in our jaunts. Most of us ride with our significant "others" in the scream seat. They act as speed governors and human coffee cup holders.

Last year, the first outing we all attended was the WPLR car show in West Haven, CT which draws 100's of cars and pretty much kicks off the year. I do not have the date for that event yet. We also regularly go to some of the larger cruise nights and just take some nice rides in our beautiful state.

Cheers....

[Tom P]

I would like to thank all the members for there advise. My appointment is May 3, 2005 at 8:00am. I am giving it my best shot. I made an 1:00 pm appointment for an emission test on the same day. It's all or nothing. Thanks again, Tom

[capfel]

Art,

and 1 Everett-Morrison

Tom,

My Cobra was purchased from someone that already had it registered as a 1995 Composite in CT. I didn't need to have it inspected.

My only problem with DMV was that I wanted to keep the previous owners vanity plates and had to go to Wethersfied as the Waterbury DMV wanted me to "turn in" the AC 427 plates and re-apply. No way.

I passed the CT Emissions test 2 weeks ago. "Composite" should automatically call for the TSI test (2 speed idle) even if it is a 2005 "Composite". My carb is a 650 cfm Edelbrock with PCV on my mild 428 FE.

I was advised that if it had an 850 cfm Holley it would have failed.

Although the inspection requires Heat Shields, I don't think anyone leaves them on the car. There should be many in garages in CT.

Chuck

[Joe Govoni]

Just received my new registration for my Cobra which i registered in 2003. Was very concerned I might have to go thru emission's before I could renew, but now i have until 7/07. At least by then all the question's about a Composite should be settled. Not sure my 351 with a very mild cam will pass. Did not want to do any engine work yet.
Joe

[Joe Trotta]

Tom I just finished the reg. process in wethersfield call If I can help. 860.364.0152 or o792 Joe Trotta

[cobracobra]

Hey Joe would you mind if you post your experience with registering your cobra with the rest of us? thanks...Mike

[Joe Govoni]

Cobra Cobra I will post a complete report later this week.
Let's just say it was a nightmare to get it registered.

At one point I was ready to go POSTAL

Joe

[Joe Trotta]

Ct. registration at wethersfield was no problem on a Midstsates
cobra built by midstates with 390 and 5 speed. My problem was the process. (this car is registered as 2005 composite cobra. ) I stood in my first line at 10:30 and got my plates at 5:30 The inspection was the best part the lines coud make you a serial killer by the end of the day.
I regestered as a 2005 not antique for fear of an insurance investagator ,if there was a death, walking from me because they insured a 1967 ford roadster not a new cobra kit car. That is scarry.
Just plan a whole day, bring a book, wear sneakers, and leave your anger home.
Bob kallio at midstates did a great job and delivered a hot, beautiful and well built car in 3.5 months from Nebraska to me.
The inspection process was the easiest part.

[Bob In Ct]

Joe:
We have 5 Cobras over here in the Milford, West Haven, Stratford area. Join us for a ride one of these days. 2ERAs, 2FFs and 1SPF.

Bob

[TALW]

I went thru the Wethersfield ordeal on October 8th & 9th of 2004. I brought the car on a Jerdan flatbed. The inspection was a breeze except for the brand spanking new inspector. He had me take the car back home on the flatbed and return the next day because I did not have a shift pattern on the nob of my shifter. I was going to tell him that I knew how to shift the car, but I thought that would be too much for him to absorb at that time. That day the lines were short and fast and the whole thing took about an hour. You need to have your paper work squared away, heat shields(I also put sound dampeners in the pipes), no oil leaks, headlights, turn signals, parking and brake lights all functioning properly, seat belts, emergency brake adjusted tight enough to stall the car, the dreaded shift pattern, and the ability to be completely enthralled by the vast knowledge of the inspector. (All inspectors, DMV, building, etc. are chosen from people who were picked on and ridiculed in high school if in fact they achieved that lofty goal, so their ego has to be stroked accordingly) All in all it was better than I expected and bolting the plates on and driving away will be locked in my memory forever.

[Don]

Just a reminder to read and adhere to 100% the DMV publication R-157 which has all the regulations regarding Composite/Kit Cars.

While not substantiated, " an unknown source ", questions are being asked how the front license plate will be mounted if the vehicle does not have a bracket ?

[Joe Trotta]

Bob in Ct.
I live up here next to Limerock Race Track. On Labor Day weekend the track puts on the vintage festival with racing on Saturday and Monday and a car show on Sunday. That show is dominated by the shelby club (who welcomes all hot fords including cobras and kits. This year John and Rich at Shell Valley/Midstates are talking about getting a showing of Cobras. Shell Valley/ Midstates has been talking about a vendor booth and hosting a get together for all make Cobras. The track will give us a designated area for our cars to park in pit area and we will be on the track on Sunday next to the Shelby Club. If we have a good enough showing we can get a few parade/slightly hot laps during one of the race days. How do we ce about 25 Cobras together for fun, some beer, and good racing. Camping is free all weekend, starting Friday?

[Bob In Ct]

Joe:
Sounds good!

I was racing at LRP last weekend with Skip Barber. Came in second on Friday, wrecked on Saturday (not my mistake). Results are at www.formuladodge.com . I may race again in July. Come on over I can get you a couple of hot laps in a Viper.

Bob

[Joe Trotta]

Bob in Ct.: Sounds great I'd love to do some hot laps. Stay in touch. Silver cobra with black stripes. I have a pass in and drop in on lots of weekends for a drive through.

Do you think we can get 25 cobras together. The LRP events manager has offered discounts for our group but we need 25. The Upstate NY group had about 50 cobras in Lake George last year (July) and our looking for 100 this year. We in New England should be able to scratch up 25.
Shell Valley want's to get involved.
Have you ever been to the vintage weekend before?

[Joe Govoni]

Hi Bob
Thanks for the invite. Will try to connect with you guys this summer.
Just when i feel comfortable with the car after a full year of no problems I'm sure you have seen my new post. What bothers me is not the problem, but why it happens.
joeg

[Fattyd]

Hello Everyone:

I am a new poster to CC and figured I'd use this forum to introduce myself (couldn't find the specific intro forum). I've been a CT resident my whole life and always dreamed of owning a Cobra (or at least since I saw Gumball Rally about 15 years ago). For me, no car other than a Cobra would just ever do. I've been a CC member for a little while now and have thoroughly enjoyed the insight, passion and fun that goes into all your posts. I am hoping I can contribute and you'll welcome me in as a member and friend.

My Car:
After years of calls, car shows and continuous checks on sites like CobraCountry, I finally found (and had the where-with-all) to purchase my own Cobra. My snake is a 2 yr old Superformance #SPF1694, Royal Blue with Antique White stripes outfitted with a Roush 402R motor. I had it trailered in from where the previous owner lived in Chicago. By the way, although it got here fine, be weary of the "interesting" characters Autobahn Transport uses. Not the nice yellow rigs they show on their site. Regardless, 3 weeks after delivery, my heart still skips a beat everytime I see her in the garage.

Now for the "fun" part...

My Dilema:
Now I figured that because the car was titled in Chicago, IL as a '65, allot of the CT registration/titling issues would be avoided, BOY WAS I WRONG!! I too had my share of the Wethersfield DMV experience. My situation was almost identical to Don's in that I to had a legally transfered title from another State and figured, Vin Verification, No problem, I'm on my way, right. Ha Ha Ha.

Cut to the chase, got VERY versed in R-157, car was solid, had my reciepts (days of calling Dynamic, Roush, etc.) figured BRING IT ON!!. Well my friends they failed me on 3 things:

1. Said my rear tail lights and front parking lights had to say "DOT" or "SAE" on them. Should I fight this because in the R-157 it does say that only the 2 front headlamps need to say that? I don't even know if I can get those other lenses to say that.

2. Noise. Now they said the car read a 75db. Damn close. Any advise on this would be appreciated.

3. This one hurts. Said that the edge of the side pipe(s) did not pass beyond the edge of the doors. Top edge no, but bottom edge yes. Anyone got a long set of SPF sidepipes?

I my estimation gentlemen, you've all been so right. VERY few people pass the first time and I swear they are just looking for something to fail you. Also, alot of items in the regs can be subjective. They were trying to make me put an exterior door handle on the drivers side until I had him read further into the reg. "This car wasn't made to have exterior door handles" I firmly commented. Then he said I should install an "air-activated" automatic door opening button as a secondary means of exit. Love that one!!

Sorry for rambling on here folks, just frustrated I guess. Seriously though, as a new owner I hope to get more involved and, once these issues get resolved, maybe hook up with some of you for a cruise and a few laughs.

Best Regards,
Mike.

[Remod]

Hi Mike,


I think you bought the car that I looked at the day before!

I then bought an SPF from a guy in MN. I think I'm in for the same run around from the DMV, but some folks tell me that WI is the easiest state to work with. We'll see.......I mailed in my application after the appearance I made at the counter netted my nothing but more questions....


Good Luck and keep us posted!


Remod

[Don]

Mike:

1.Said my rear tail lights and front parking lights had to say "DOT" or "SAE" on them. Should I fight this because in the R-157 it does say that only the 2 front headlamps need to say that? I don't even know if I can get those other lenses to say that.

**** When I had some questionable items when registering the Cobra, the DMV inspector mentioned R-157 is only a guideline, not 100% complete. Might want to check with aftermarket Cobra suppliers such as Finish Line regarding the tail/parking lights.

http://www.cobraaccessories.com/cata...t.php?cPath=50

Chances of getting the DMV to change their mind, sorry to say, extremely low to no probability., it is both their football and field. Might also want to contact ERA in New Britain or Jay @ Vintage Motorsports, in case their lenses would fit. Have you contacted SPF to see if their current lenses meet the DOT labeling requirement ?

Did you show the DMV inspector the R-157 regulation, in a lowkey manner pleading for understanding without challenging ?

http://www.vintage-motorsports.com/

2. Noise. Now they said the car read a 75db. Damn close. Any advise on this would be appreciated.

**** There are a number of postings regarding meeting the dB requirement, might want to try the search feature regarding side pipes, exhaust noise, etc. etc Some have mentioned drilling a small hole in the exhaust outlet and inserting a trap, steel wool tied together, tempoarily held by a rod and bolt

3. This one hurts. Said that the edge of the side pipe(s) did not pass beyond the edge of the doors. Top edge no, but bottom edge yes. Anyone got a long set of SPF sidepipes?

** Had not seen any past references to this ruling. Wonder how other SPFs in CT passed, might want to open a new Thread regarding the specific topic

I do not recall if the reasons for failing are recorded on the form, a long shot, another visit might get another inspector with a different interpretation of the regulations since it would appear there are judgement calls. Sorry I could not be of more help.