I haven't lived in Pennsyltucky for a while now, but I can tell you a
couple things.

First, you can go here and see the regs for yourself:

http://www.dmv.state.pa.us/pdotforms/pub_45/SubchapterE.pdf

My experience is that there's a lot of leeway given to the mechanics doing
the inspection. Some places can get reputations for being "picky" and
others will slap the sticker on any old thing.  Beware of places running
"specials" (maybe they are not allowed to do that anymore).

Do you do all your own work or do you need a new mechanic/shop now that
you've relocated?  If so, maybe they can do the inspection.

You will probably need emissions inspection also (unless there's an age
exemption) since you are in the Philly region.

Regarding the specific things you mentioned....

All your lights must work, so the bad turn signal bulb should be replaced.

The crack in the windshield may or may not cause you problems.  If it's
long and/or goes across the driver's field of vision, it may fail you.  If
it's a small one on the margins, you should be OK.  You can't have a pile
of stickers on your windshield or rear glass (and maybe your front side
windows).  Rear window margin stickers are OK.

Not sure about the headlight...  How much does it cut down on the light?

The surface rust should not be a problem (that would fail every vehicle in
the Commonwealth over 5 years old!).  Rust-through will fail you.

Your tires should be in good shape, no weird wear.  They should check your
play in the wheels as well as the brake pads and shoes.

My experience is that there's a lot of leeway given to the mechanics doing
the inspection. Some places can get reputations for being "picky" and
others will slap the sticker on any old thing.  Beware of places running
"specials" (maybe they are not allowed to do that anymore); they will be
ultra picky and soak you for minor things.

It's a pain but at least if almost everyone is complying, you can drive
with some comfort that everyone else's car is in decent shape.  Once I left
Pennsylvania I was shocked at some of the clunkers I saw on the road...

Hope this helps,

Mark

On Mon, Jun 15, 2015 at 5:41 AM, T Collins <tonycollin@gmail.com> wrote:

> Hello All,
>
> I wondered if any of you are registered in Pennsylvania and also how
> difficult was it to register a vanagon here?
>
> I just moved in and I am reading over some of the particulars. I have to
> take the vanagon to an inspection station to get that done. However it
> seems that I have to have my PA drivers license and a title changed over
> before I can get it inspected.
>
> I am a little worried as I know that I need to do several things before I
> can run it to the inspection.
> Crack on the windshield, one oxidizing headlamp, bad turn signal bulb
> (passenger front) some surface rust here and there. I'm just not sure what
> things they hone in on that I must double check. I certainly dont want to
> fail something I could address beforehand.
>
> Any advice or suggestions are greatly appreciated. I am in the
> Swathmore-Morton area and the vanagon is an 85 7-passenger tin top.
>
> Thanks,
> Tony
>

--
86 Campmobile Six-Seater "Monty"

Black dogs are euthanized at a greater rate than other-colored dogs,
regardless of temperament.  Learn about Black Dog Syndrome at
http://www.blackpearldogs.com/  Learn about black dogs in a Vanagon at
http://www.pbase.com/mhersh/image/108220533