Are there any problems with trying to get a baja regoed with no documents and are there any secrets

The wheels are obviously larger than standard and bits of the body have been hacked off.

Any help would be great as I am just starting on a project and would like to know the problems before i get too far down the track.

You will need to get the Baja conversion approved by the department of transport. This can be a painful process.

They will require;
* full width bumpers front and rear
* sufficient mesh on the engine cage to prevent someone accidentally touching the hot exhaust or putting their finger in a fan belt.

As for tyre sizes. The QLD rules on tyres have changed alot over the years. Some (like mine) got approved when big tyres were allowed. Some argued Baja's and Buggies were offroad so they got the 1.5x max standard rim width to suit 4wd's, and said vw's came with a 5.5 inch rim option so they could use 8.25" rims. Others got approved in the "volkwagens can use 7inch rims" era.

We are back to the 1.3x max rim width for passenger vehicles, or 1.5x for offroad with beam axles. You can argue the vw susp is equivalent strength to a beam axle and get away with the 1.5x. In the end it comes down to what you can argue.

The current guide to the mod rules can be found here
http://www.transport.qld.gov.au/qt/driver.nsf/files/images/$file/Vehicle-Modifications.pdf

And it also says under the LOW PROFILE section that the tyre OD must not increase more than 15mm. What applies to non-low profile tyres is open to interpretation.

So as you can see the current tyre size rules suck. The good news is they will be changed in the future to be more like you can use any size if the suspension and gearing are suitably modified. The bad news is the changed hasn't been brought in just yet.

Cheers WES I knew there would be someone out there with an interest in bajas

Sounds like getting one that is already registered would be the easy way to go, until the rules are changed.
Kurt

Brain fade sorry Rhys doesn't fit on the number plate does it

[Edited on 14-8-2003 by Bugged Again]

Rhys????

Hey if you get stuck the Manx Club will also be able to help you out. We have a few contacts but usually keep em for members so they don't get warn out

I would resist buying a built baja as they are usually rusted out POS.

I have now gone off buying one, will slowly do up "black beauty" as bits are slowly sourced (ie engine, wheels) sitting in the front yard and then put it on club plates. It will only come out to play sometimes when the going gets tough.

I'll have the baja kombi for family outings hopefully before the summer.

Go Bajas!

Quote:"and then put it on club plates"

All the more reason to join the Manx Club, then you can apply for Club Rego.

[Edited on 16-8-2003 by daz67]