Ok, down to the wire & need an inspection...

Ed Hubbard · #1 (**permalink**) 09-07-2003, 07:54 AM

Austin guys,

I'm now insured & need to go for an inspection. I'd really like to find a shop that understands Cobra inspections so I don't need to explain anything to them. If you have recommendations, please post them here or drop me an email. Thx!

427Aggie · #2 (**permalink**) 09-07-2003, 08:02 AM

Ed,

You need to find the post here under the texas section about inspections. There are a couple of guys with the DPS that can be called from the inspection station. Your car will be inspected as the year it represents so safety ONLY!!! should apply.

Matt

392cobra · #3 (**permalink**) 09-07-2003, 08:36 AM

Ed,
Maybe the following will help you some.
This is what I found out in May of 2002 and it has helped other people.

Since I wrote the following May 2002,I have had my Cobra recently inspected.I took a print out of this with me.They ended up making the call to the DPS and I got my Safety Inspection done. They were glad to know what the rules were.

Good News On Texas Inspections !!
i called the dept. of public safety ( dps ),who is in charge of the safety/emission testing state wide, to see if i could get some answers for the concerns we all have in this area.
i have a 2002 lone star classics as the year and make. model says 1966 cobra replica on the title and insurance. i just bought it,turnkey, 3 1/2 weeks ago and it was inspected the same day by lone star before i picked it up.sticker says 1966 ford. then may 1,2002 the new testing comes about. so i WAS confused and worried to say the least about the next go round on it.
i talked with the dps motor vehicle inspection division in garland,tx.spoke with the top two guys. told them both the above info and asked what the cobras in texas were in for come inspection time.
they said that all that is required is a safety inspection,NO EMISSION TESTING. they are to be '' inspected as year represented ''. in my case 1966 as my sticker already has.
he also read to me and then faxed me their lastest letter from the EPA .
'' question : how does the EPA treat ''kit cars'' ?
answer: EPA recommends that kit cars satisfy the
requirements of either the stock chassis or engine
which is to be used to build the vehicle.STATES
MAY CHOOSE TO EXEMPT THESE VEHICLES SINCE
THEY REPRESENT A SMALL PORTION OF THE VEHICLE
FLEET AND ARE SO DIFFICULT TO GET A HANDLE
ON.''

they went on to tell me that if the inspector doesn't know,
understand or believe this to have the inspector call them as you stand there.they will get the matter sorted out for you.

texas department of public safety
motor vehicle inspection division
region one - garland

fax 214 861-2440

t.d. stevens or gary franklin
214 861-2400

t.d. or gary are more than happy to talk with anyone that has questions/concerns about this.they are car guys and understand the confusion about inspections/emission testing.they also know cobras.

Ed Hubbard · #4 (**permalink**) 09-07-2003, 07:45 PM

Thanks Fred, that's great info & good news too!

Ed Csoltko · #5 (**permalink**) 09-08-2003, 08:49 AM

Ed; You should not have any problems getting your FFR inspected. I've got my FFR inspected at Klingmans Auto Service and Coleman's Auto Quick Lube here in Oakhill with no problems for the past four years. I don't even let them test drive the breaks. They either sit next to me, or watch me apply the breaks from a distance. If they ask about my windshield wipers, I just tell them I have a portable clip-on wiper in my trunk. Most of the time the entire shop stops what they are doing and checks out the Cobra. Most of these Quick Lube places have guys that are hot rodders and they go easy on a Cobra inspection. Have fun!

Ed Hubbard · #6 (**permalink**) 09-08-2003, 04:20 PM

Ed #1,

Can I borrow your clip-ons? I just want to eliminate as many possible problems as possible to get my first sticker. Let me know. Thx!

Ed Csoltko · #7 (**permalink**) 09-09-2003, 08:58 AM

No problem, I'll see you Tuesday afternoon at Fry's.

james-w · #8 (**permalink**) 09-09-2003, 03:32 PM

Ed's when my cobra was inspected last year they did not mention the wipers (or lack there of)

James

Ed Csoltko · #9 (**permalink**) 09-10-2003, 09:49 AM

It all depends on the guy doing the inspection and how observant he is. I've done three inspections at different locations and have been asked about the wipers only one time.

I know one person who will nail you

, don't have Tony inspect your Cobra.