Ok, im thinking of purchasing a buggy that has a shortened floorpan/chassis.

However, with all this talk on the regulations and all, I haven't got a really clear view on the road registering rules when it comes to registering this swb buggy for the 1st time.

(note: this buggy has never been registered before in the past)

I'm in QUEENSLAND, so i was wondering what are the legitimate rules for me to follow so it can get registed. Any help would dearly be greatful.

thanks everyone.

Sure, it's easy, as long as you can make it meet current ADR's and emmision standards (no chance).

There's more to it then I am going to write here. But you need to meet all current ADRs unless you can get a exception.

An outline of the ADRs can be found here:
http://www.dotrs.gov.au/transreg/str_adrindx.htm 

You need to pay money to get the full and detailed version. You can get exeptions for AirBags etc as it is an ICV.

The biggest hurdle is emmisions. You will need a current model engine to meet these complete with Cat, PCVs, CarbonCanister etc etc.

Then you just have to sell all you body organs to pay for the engineering aprovals, inspections etc etc and you have yourself a 2005 model buggy.

This is not to be taken lightly. This is extremely expensive. The Cobra guys spend over $60000 to get their cobras on the road, and that is with them doing most of the work themselves. I suspect a Short Wheel base buggy set up to meet current ADRs would cost you $35K+

My recomendation to you chris would be to buy a already going buggy. Learn to drive it, learn what you want, learn from you mistakes. then about 5 years latter start building your dream buggy.

I bought my first buggy 7 years ago. I have spent the last 1 1/2 years and a stupid amount of money building up a new and improved buggy with everything I've learnt and to do everything I want. I still have my original buggy to drive when I want.

[Edited on 13/5/2005 by MikeM]

Thanks mate, its great to have experienced people on this forum.

yeah, the buggy i was interested in is a great bargin for $2500, but seeing that its gonna cost me a fortune to register it (cause its never been registered before), im not feeling to confident in taking it.

Its only got a vw 1600 engine, and apparently on some other web sites i was searching, no air-cooled vee dub engine will pass for noise and emissions controls. Only option would be to get a subi installed, but like u said, far too much money would be required.

Thanks, it has really been an insite, now i know what to focus on.

What mike said. hardly anyone ever actually builds and registers ICV's because they are extremely difficult to do and time consuming. Considering this is your first car you are building I'd advise just buying a buggy that is already done.

i agree. And there seems to be quite a few out their to buy for reasonable prices, just the matter of looking.

Well, hear this out.

If i wanted to get a buggy registered, could i still use the vee dub engine inside (its a 1600)?

all it needs is new tyres and mirrors.

I can't help you with QLD rules, etc, however I am in the final throes of getting a buggy on the road here in ACT.

While it is true that it isn't yet rego'd, I had made enquiries and calls, etc and believe that I am almost there. When I first looked at the buggy (up for sale at 95% ready stage) I took an automotive engineer along with me - the one I would employ to do my engineering certificate. He gave me details of all of the items that would need work, before he would certify it.

From there, I rang ACT rego, and while I was thrown a wrong line concerning eligibility for Historic rego, I have since talked to the chief engineer (inspector) there and he didn't foresee and problems with my car going through. Yes, he hasn't seen it yet, but we talked....

Its a SWB, not rego'd before as a buggy.....it is currently in for engine work (hidden when I bought it!), and fingers crossed, it will be out in a week or so, ready for inspection and rego. I have completed all of the engineering requirements for it.

I am still concerned about the whole thing and will be happy when the car has plates on.....however supposedly I should be OK. I had some hurdles to jump however they weren't as bad as I expected.

Best thing you can do - talk to the QLD Transport mob, they will give you all the data you need. Then, talk to an engineer - get the names from QLD Transport.

If you get it directly from them, you can't go wrong.

Mine is only setup with a standard 1600 VW engine, original beetle exhaust, etc...nothing flash to mine. Fingers crossed for a couple of weeks time....