Vehicle Advice Day - Gracemere (Qld)

[Xtreme 4x4 Sport]

This now appears to have turned into advise for mods in Queensland that require a Blue Plate.

So ask away.

Cheers
David
0418 745 830

[Winnie]

This is a fantastic idea mate, would like to see something similar down this way. Good luck with it

[megatexture]

i only see this as a opportunity for the boys in blue to read this thread and pick up ppl before getting there like the Anzac forum trip handing out defect notices at the servo we all met up at the bastards. wish i had something that needed Blue Plating lol

[Richo460]

thats a good idea, i got some advice about legal stuff today but it was off 2 qld transport inspectors and was a bit too late for me not to get the book thrown my way.

[NissanGQ4.2]

i only see this as a opportunity for the boys in blue to read this thread and pick up ppl before getting there like the Anzac forum trip handing out defect notices at the servo we all met up at the bastards. wish i had something that needed Blue Plating lol

Yeh sorry about that, but I do need those few extra $$$$...and I'm on a good commission for each fine I give............ hahahaha just kidding, you sure they weren't just there bye chance

[Bigrig]

Yeh sorry about that, but I do need those few extra $$$$...and I'm on a good commission for each fine I give............ hahahaha just kidding, you sure they weren't just there bye chance

By chance would be one car - this was a paddy wagon, 3 cars and two bikes - about 10-12 police in total.

[Sprattman]

Damn, i wish i had read this sooner. Such a good idea and to be so close. not much happens in cq. We get forgotten about by almost everyone, just look at our section of hwy 1. We need a 4x4 just to drive on it.

[ozzyboy]

Yup. Just moved up here. Time to get some cq trips organised i rekon.
Put me down for the next advice day too

Ozz

[Xtreme 4x4 Sport]

Yes there will be another later in the year. Stay tuned.

Cheers
David

[04OFF]

i only see this as a opportunity for the boys in blue to read this thread and pick up ppl before getting there like the Anzac forum trip handing out defect notices at the servo we all met up at the bastards. wish i had something that needed Blue Plating lol


Wow, i have much respect for the Police, but that sounds just a little phuked up, were they getting people for real things, or just being silly ?


David (Xtreme 4x4 Sport) for those of use that are too far away to visit, would it be OK if people hijack this thread a little and use it to ask you for advice about what is "legal" and what is not ?

[Xtreme 4x4 Sport]

Only too happy to help. If I know I will give you an answer, if not I will find out and then give you an answer.

Cheers
David

[04OFF]

OK David, looks like i have a question/s for you i you know please......



Are drop boxes legal to just bolt in without approval in QLD ?

And are bolt in adjustable rear control arms street legal without approval ?


Thanks in advance ! :wink:

[Xtreme 4x4 Sport]

Hi, after having many talks with Vehicle Standards (these guys make the rules for transport) Drop Boxes are illegal.

The only way that you could get these approved is by seeking approval from Transport use Form 1854.

Again my understanding is that adjustable rear arms are legal as long as they are stronger then standard.

Adjustable panhard rods are legal. But so they don't attract attention paint them black.

I feel the only time you need adjustable arms or drop boxes for that mater is when the vehicle is well & truly lifted over the allowed height.

Cheers
David

[TheBigUnit]

That's a low act. : (

[TheBigUnit]

Someone told me that the codes used for mod plates don't cover a lot of wheel and suspension changes we're likely to want in our vehicles, but we can get a mod plate using commercial codes that are more specific and a closer match to what we're doing. Is this true?

[Xtreme 4x4 Sport]

There are no Codes in the Queensland Light Vehicle Code for wheel or suspension upgrades.

Suspension can be raised/lowered by no more then 1/3rd of your rebound bump stop height. On a Patrol or Cruiser that would work out between 50 & 75mm.

Tyres can only be increased (at the moment) 15mm larger then what the vehicle is plated for. Track increase on live axle vehicle can no more then 50mm. On IFS this is only 25mm.

The only Heavy Vehicle Codes that you are allowed to use on Light Vehicles with a MB, MC, NA or NB Category are:- D1, F1, G1, G2, G4, G6, G7, K3, K5, Q1, R1, R2. And if they have a full chassis Codes H1, H2, H3 and H4 can be used.

Also keep in mind to use the F1 Code for suspension substitution, the suspension must be approved by Qld Transport first, so that means no coil overs without approval first. But all the bump stop heights must remain as per standard.

If you don't like my answer, keep in mind that it is only my opinion. I am only too happy to answer your questions and if I am in doubt I will call Transport and get an answer.

So just watch out when someone says I know an Engineer that will sign off on your 35" tyres, 6.6 Chev diesel, 6lt petrol, 4/6" lift, GVM upgrade and live axle swap. Yes he might sign off on it for a nice fee, but if Transport do a check it will all prove bullshit and you have wasted good money, and ended up with a vehicle off the road.

The motor sizes I mentioned cannot be Blue Plated unless you have written approval from Transport. On a full size Patrol or Cruiser the biggest motor that you can fit under the LA1 Code is 5.8lt or 351ci naturally aspirated.

If in doubt on any mods fill out form 1854 and send it to Transport, and see what they say.


Cheers
David

[04OFF]

Thanks for answers David, so basicly with regard to above, it would appear that just because your car is blue plated, does not guarantee that it is still legal ?

Surley in this case, the engineer who plated the vehicle would be liable, not the owner, just like the person who may write out a roadworthy etc ?

I know some inforcment agencies may put on a driver, the old "your responsible for any vehicle you drive", its kinda funny they say this, just as if they "personally" do a full roadworthy inspection of the government vehicle they get in every time they drive !





The other thing i wanted to ask is , would the usual rear quarter chop (GQ or GU wagon) require any sort of approval ?

[TheBigUnit]

If you don't like my answer, keep in mind that it is only my opinion. I am only too happy to answer your questions and if I am in doubt I will call Transport and get an answer.

I don't doubt you're right. It's getting to the point where we need some sort of conditional registration if we want to go on anything more difficult than a graded road in something more serious than a rav4. Next thing you know we'll also be up for a different licence class too. Where did I put those anti-depressants?

[TheBigUnit]

What's more annoying is that my truck was upgraded within the letter of the law at the time the modifications were done. Now it's possible they're not legal (maybe just okay) but I did want to do more to it. I'd probably be better of saving the money...

[Xtreme 4x4 Sport]

What's more annoying is that my truck was upgraded within the letter of the law at the time the modifications were done. Now it's possible they're not legal (maybe just okay) but I did want to do more to it. I'd probably be better of saving the money...


The letter of the law has not changed (apart from how the body lift and cab conversions are complied now) in many years. That it is why it is best to seek approval before you spend the money ask Transport first if you can do it, rather then believe a person who says that can Blue Plate it. Because the onus is on you at all times. Yes and the person who has plated the vehicle incorrectly will be investigated and may have his approval suspended. But you are still left with a vehicle off the road and a nice fine.

All the questions I answer now are from the Light Vehicle Code dated 1992 and the latest supplement in the book is 1998 and from my experience & questions asked to Vehicle Standards. So there have not been many changes since. They have been working on the National Code of Practice which is still to be introduced.

The Light Vehicle Code of Practice was more designed for 2 wheel drive vehicle, because back then there were only real 4wds owned by people that used them, not like a lot of people now.

And regards mods to the letter of the law, there is always more then one rule to cover anything, so if you think you have it right, does it still comply to ADR's? You can plate one thing & if wrong could make another Code non compliant as well even if it were correct when first plated.

I think for someone with a vehicle that wants to go and drive on roads & tracks out there and enjoy it a 50 - 75mm lift and 285x75x16 tyres (even that size tyre is illegal) are all that is required. But if you want to test yourself & vehicle out in competition or harder places that is another question and another vehicle.

I am not perfect in what I have driven on the roads, but after I built my old comp truck I learnt a lot. Thinking I did it legally, but appeared Transport did not think so. That meant many months in bringing it back so I could use it on the road. And those that saw it often asked how can this be on the road? Answer follow all the rules and know what they wanted and you can build a very capable truck & still use it on the road.

Cheers
David
PS Have a great weekend.

[04OFF]

That it is why it is best to seek approval before you spend the money ask Transport first if you can do it, rather then believe a person who says that can Blue Plate it. Because the onus is on you at all times. Yes and the person who has plated the vehicle incorrectly will be investigated and may have his approval suspended. But you are still left with a vehicle off the road and a nice fine.

.


This is where the problem lies, "transport" don't often know, and if they do, they won't put the advice they tell you in writing, the most you will get normally is "the information is on the web site" , so you are left to sift through hours of text, and interpret what you read, all with little knowledge to commit to any real legal decisions.





I have personally been through a situation where i rang transport to enquire about compliance/registering a project car i was building, i thought i was smart to ring a few days later to speak to a different person ,and got told the same info, this confirmed the info was correct and so i could continue with my build (or so i thought)

A short time later the car was finished, on presentation to transport, i found the info id been told was in fact wrong, the problems this caused were immense to say the least, the next week was spent between transport and police departments, each bouncing responsibility off each other for the certain aspects i required to get my car on the road.





The bottom line is most people dont wish to break the law, but i feel its so damb hard to actually find out the real legal truth, you just give up out of pure frustration and exhaustion, make the best educated guess you can, and hope you made the right choice, i think engineers and blue plates are still the best option to defend yourself against legal issues, and as a vehicle owner, at least you can't be accused of plain ignorrance !

[Xtreme 4x4 Sport]

Yes you are correct in what you say.

If you are building a Project vehicle you must have everything in writing.

First, everything you want to do on Form 1854 adding all the details of your build and then you will get Transports answer in what you can & cannot do, they will also tell you what Codes will be needed to get on the road.

If it is an easy question they will give you an answer over the phone, if more complex put it in writing (Form 1854). That way you have a paper trail.

To start here is Vehicle Standards (they make the rules for Transport) phone number if you wish to talk to them, I have always found them helpful when I have spoken to them. They are there to assist and guide you where possible 07 - 3114 5844.

That phone call could save you a lot of money & heartbreak.

I am even seeking approval for an engine swap into my GU - 6.6 Duramax, so if I get approval and when I can afford it I can then safely do the conversion. There are a lot out there with this conversion done with an LA1 (Engine Substitution) plate tossed on the firewall, this plate is no good unless you have that approval letter from Transport stating approval is given. This applies to all motors over 5.8lts going into full size 4wd's.

Keep the questions coming.

If I can make it a bit easier for people out there I feel I am having a win.

Cheers
David