scorpydude wrote:
Whats involved in 'engineering' ? do you just do it then trailer the car to a authorised engineer , they take a quick look at it and sign a form you take to DOT for a mod plate?
Or do you get the engineer to give you info on how to do it, go do it, then report back to him for a very long detailed check?
This is pretty much how it works here in NSW:
Find a local engineer through the RTA. Approach an engineer for a consult detailing what you want to do. He will outline how he requires certain items to be peformed (ie: how to cut the chassis/where bracing is required etc) and what he will/won't allow.
You perform the work, ideally taking photos along the way for evidence of anything that may be hidden by paint/parts.
Once completed you visit the engineer again for the work to be inspected.
If all is well he'll issue you a certificate. You take this to the RTA for them to accept it (hopefully, but not always) and have it added to the vehicles file. They'll keep your certificate on file (as reference that it's not altered) and you'll recieve a new rego label with a reference to your certificate and the data on file.
Then when Mr highway patrol pulls you over, you present him with your certificate to peruse. If you fail the attitude test you'll most likely still cop a defect regardless of engineered mods.
I've never had to return a car to stock, but my thoughts are that the car previously complied with the ADR's relevent to it's build date. Provided you can return the car to this state and removing the engineered mods doesn't affect the car in any way, then you should be A-OK.
The whole concept of engineering is to prove that your car can meet the safety standards of the era. Returning your car to stock should achieve this provided it is mechanically sound.