fbekholden.com

G'day Fellas,

For those who don't know me my name is Jason, I live in Karratha WA. See Pilbara FB Project in the My Project section

I've got an EK that has a 186, 4 speed aussie box and HR disc front. I have no idea whether any other mods have been made like diff ratios. It has a larger radiator in it as well so the front mounting pannels have been trimmed. It came originally from NSW so was registered over there. I have no paper work for the modifications at all so what's the go with getting it over the pits here in WA.

Do I need to get an engineer to give it the once over and sign something or just take it over the pits and see what they say? If I do need an engineer, roughly how much do you think an engineer would cost and do you know any decent ones that you'd recommend? Even if it is just to get some advice. The vehicle is currently sitting in a shed in Margaret River so I could get it to Perth if necessary.

If it is going to be a major drama I might convert it back to original as I have the parts that I need sitting in my shed that I pulled off a donor car.

Either that I could swap with someone that has an original that they want to modify. Either way it would be great to get some much needed advice as this is uncharted territory for me.

Cheers

Jason

Hi Jason. I think you will only require a permit for the brakes and maybe the 186. I did not need one for a 161 as you can increase 10-20% you might have to check on that . I actually went over the pits with no permits just to get a list of what they want etc and the car past. They only seem to be interested in the cars road worthiness and its your responsibility to have permits for insurance and grumpy cops etc
My experience over the years has been the more standard it looks ie no wide rims etc and its mechanically good they are a pretty reasonable over the pits

Cheers Ben for the advice. I think that's the go, I've got the same amount of body work to do regardless so if I get it nice and neat with the mods and then take it over the pits and take it from there.

My car was originally from NSW, and I found that what is good there means nothing here. All mod's, even engineered over there, had to "re-engineered" over here.
My drop tank was a perfect example. The car had been on the road over there with it for around eight years, but once here, it was not legal. I had to pull it out, take it to a fabricator and tell them to "make me an exact replica, with your stamp on it"
1G later, and other stupid little bits and pieces as well, it was with my grumbling that it was passed. Never again.
Not trying to tell you it's impossible, but expect to lose some hair.

G'day Fellas,

Cheers for the advice olskule, I can't afford to loose to much more of my hair, even if it is grey.

I’ve been having a sniff around the WA government site and found the following:

Modifications you can make without approval include:

Tyre size and aspect ratio
Additional lighting
Single tone air horns
Air conditioners
Air shock absorbers
Alarm systems
Badge bars
Gearbox (pre 1976)
Mud spats and pebble guards
mesh stone shields for wind screens and lamps Body markings and speed striping
Rear-view mirrors
Roof racks
Radio and stereo systems
Sunvisors
Optional manufacturer seating
seat belts for pre 1969 cars (no full harness types)
Stabilise bars
Torque rods and traction bars (not semi-tramp types)
Venetian blinds and other internal screening systems are allowed subject to a clear view to the rear

Replacement engines which are of the same capacity and configuration do not generally require specific approval. Engines which differ in capacity and configuration from the original will need specific approval. Approval may be obtained on the spot for more common engine replacements, through the staff at any Vehicle Examination Centre.

Approval for other modifications, including those effecting steering, brakes, suspension or which involve major structural changes to vehicles (e.g.. Volkswagen convertibles and cabriolet conversions) must be obtained through the Licensing Services Vehicle Safety Branch prior to commencement.

There seems to be quite a few inconsistances within the system so I think I’ll just take the vehicle down when the body work is complete and see what they say. If it is going to be a root I’ll just go back to stock.

I have had no trouble with 186 hr disc front and powerglide when licensing. They didn't even say anything about the mods.