Its not BC that's setting the bar.  There is no Provincial Inspection
requirement to register an out of country vehicle, its a Federal Inspection,
and the individual shop chooses how close to stick to the rules, just like
anything else.

On Wed, Nov 4, 2009 at 5:51 AM, Dave Mcneely <mcneely4@cox.net> wrote:

> Well, one thing this reveals is that in B.C. you have safety inspection
> requirements with some teeth.  Here in Oklahoma we aren't even required to
> have an inspection, period, to register and operate a vehicle.  I suppose
> one could even have a car with no brakes, and register and drive it legally.
>  In fact, lots of vehicles here are involved in accidents due to failure of
> what one would think would be normal safety features like tires with tread
> (or lack of tread).  No safety inspection, period. David
>
>
> On Tue, Nov 3, 2009 at 11:46 PM, neil n wrote:
>
>  On Tue, Nov 3, 2009 at 8:37 PM, Pat Sloan  wrote:
>> ....
>>
>>
>>  Today I went for the final step - Prov. of BC inspection prior to
>>> registering and insuring her. To my great surprise, she failed (!!!!) and
>>> (Gulp). Here's what needs fixing:
>>>
>>> 1.      Turn signals and 4-way flashers are blinking too quickly. Wiring
>>> issue. A few hours work.
>>> 2.      Left rear bumper missing corner. Allowing sharp edges to catch.
>>> 3.      Fuel lines leaking fuel. Siliconed and held by electrical tape
>>> 4.      Fuel filter not secured
>>> 5.      Multiple stretches of loose wiring. Must be resecured.
>>> 6.      Front wheel bearings have too much end play. Must be replaced.
>>> 7.      Sway bar bushings are cracked - all 4.
>>> 8.      Upper and lower ball joints all have split boots.
>>>
>>> I wasn't at a VW garage since, of course, this inspection was only going
>>> to
>>> be a formality. They estimated that the repairs needed would cost about
>>> $3000. They referred me to Justin at Capilano VW for a more informed
>>> opinion.
>>>
>>
>>
>> There should be tips the Vanagon archives
>>
>> http://gerry.vanagon.com/cgi-bin/wa.exe?S1=vanagon
>>
>> on how to deal with eBay sellers. If that's needed/warranted. (there's
>> also lots of other great info there)
>>
>> The bumper cap is not an expensive part.
>>
>> Securing the fuel filter(s) should be simple. The metal canister type
>> is secured to frame with simple parts. Not sure about the square type.
>> Mine had nothing securing it.
>>
>> Sway bar bushings aren't too expensive. (parts)
>>
>> The larger part of that cost of upper/lower ball joints and wheel
>> bearings is labour. i.e. the parts themselves shouldn't be too high.
>>
>> Wiring? I bet they saw this while inspecting fuel filter and hoses.
>> This might simply mean loose wiring harnesses near the frame. As long
>> as wiring isn't molested in some way, it is *likely* a matter of
>> securing these harnesses to the frame or wherever.
>>
>> Fuel lines have to be done regardless. Just good practice when
>> purchasing a used Vanagon. Personally I'd consider that a "given".
>>
>> I guess what I'm saying, is that this shouldn't be thousands of
>> dollars to fix. And, except for the poor work done to fuel lines, and
>> possible messed up wiring, the rest is normal maintenance.
>>
>> There are other VW mechanics that could do this work.
>>
>> Rudy and Peter Vancouver
>> Wetmore in West Van
>> Van Wonder in North Van (he likely has some spare used parts.....
>> where appropriate)
>>
>>
>> Hopefully that sets your mind at ease.
>>
>> --
>> Neil Nicholson '81 VanaJetta 2.0 "Jaco"
>>
>> http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/
>>
>>
>>
>> http://groups.google.com/group/vanagons-with-vw-inline-4-cylinder-gas-engines
>>
>

--
Jake

1984 Vanagon GL
1986 Westy Weekender "Dixie"

Crescent Beach, BC

www.thebassspa.com
www.crescentbeachguitar.com
http://subyjake.googlepages.com/mydixiedarlin%27