50 years in Virginia for me also, so I'm no novice to this and it's the third trip to this guy for an inspection.  He also did the pre-buy checkout for me, so I'm no stranger.  I can be philosophical and admit that if I can't legally drive the Westy then I'll have that much more time to sleep in it.

Stephen

--- On Thu, 8/14/08, J Stewart <fonman4277@COMCAST.NET> wrote:

> From: J Stewart <fonman4277@COMCAST.NET>
> Subject: Re: Inspection bummer
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Date: Thursday, August 14, 2008, 9:19 PM
> As a life long resident of Virginia, 50 years and counting,
> I have been through my share of misery with these
> inspections. However, it pays to go over your vehicle the
> day (or week) before and make sure all the small stuff is
> Ok- lights, turn signals, wiper blades, etc. If you know
> your brakes are questionable, do them before taking it in.
> FWIW, I get my Westy ( and all my vehicles) inspected at the
> same place every time. The inspector knows it well. I just
> got it inspected two weeks ago, and he was not all that
> thorough, because I believe he now knows me and knows the
> vehicle is well maintained. But, if you ever have trouble
> with an inspector, don't waste your time complaining
> about him to the Virginia state police-they won't do
> anything.       Jeff