TheSamba.com :: View topic - What is needed for a 1972 bus to pass inspection in CA.

Tue Feb 09, 2010 1:21 pm

I am almost finished restoring my 1972 bus, but I need to know what it needs to pass inspection( side marker lights, hazard lights, reverse lights etc...)

I am not sure if an inspection is needed to register it either :?:

any help would be appreciated

Tue Feb 09, 2010 1:23 pm

Would it not make more sense to contact the DMV in CA and find out there. Hell, I'd even be willing to bet you could find the information right on their website. :roll:

Tue Feb 09, 2010 1:44 pm

66ratrod wrote: I am almost finished restoring my 1972 bus, but I need to know what it needs to pass inspection( side marker lights, hazard lights, reverse lights etc...)

I am not sure if an inspection is needed to register it either :?:

any help would be appreciated

I don't believe you need an inspection... I've registered dozens of cars in California and the only "inspection" I've ever needed was a smog inspection, which you don't need with a 72.

The only vehicle inspection I've ever needed was for fix it tickets... and for those you go to the CHP or local PD's.

Essentially in the great state of California as long as you can pay the ridiculous registration fees your car can be put out on the road until somebody (cops) stops you.

Tue Feb 09, 2010 2:23 pm

No inspection so nothing required!

66ratrod wrote: I am almost finished restoring my 1972 bus, but I need to know what it needs to pass inspection( side marker lights, hazard lights, reverse lights etc...)

I am not sure if an inspection is needed to register it either :?:

any help would be appreciated

Tue Feb 09, 2010 2:23 pm

if the car has been non-opped or has fallen off DMV records you WILL need an inspection. They'll check for the vin matching the title, as well as for the basic lights and all that. No smog however.

Tue Feb 09, 2010 2:50 pm

JSMskater wrote: if the car has been non-opped or has fallen off DMV records you WILL need an inspection. They'll check for the vin matching the title, as well as for the basic lights and all that. No smog however.

Really? I've taken cars off of non-op and never needed an inspection... maybe there's a time period thing.

Tue Feb 09, 2010 3:27 pm

Do you have to smog it? Isn't it pre-smog years?

Tue Feb 09, 2010 3:36 pm

I needed a visual inspection when I registered my 72, but because it was previously registered in Oregon. I was at the AAA and the inspection was ridiculously easy. Parking brake didn't work, I think he let me go on a blinker that wasn't working somehow, I don't think I had high beams, the thing was loud as hell with an exhaust leak. I recall worrying if it would make it there actually, but it passed.

Someone told me that the Weber 34 ict's I had on at the time wouldn't pass because they were not 'factory equivelent' without having chokes, but that was not a problem for me.

Tue Feb 09, 2010 4:11 pm

I just re-titled my '69. All that was required was a bill of sale and a vin verification (got that from the Highway Patrol), and $221.00. There was no other requirement whatsoever, and I have plates and tags and could drive it (I wish) on the streets. It has no lights, no brakes, no seat belts (heck there isn't even seats in it), the tires are all weather cracked. In short you would die taking this bus on the road, yet I could legaly (well except for all those safety violations) do that.

What I am saying is that as long as you arre pre-76, all you have to do is prove that it is not stolen (vin vereification), pay your registration fees and you are good to go.

Tue Feb 09, 2010 9:06 pm

depends. If it has been salvaged he will need an inspection.