Cost effect way to pass my VU with rego?

[02VUSS]

Hi guys,

I just bought an 02 VU SS but it failed rego on the following points:

Too low
Too loud
Need new Strut tops
Need new rear brakes

I'm on a tight budget and wondering if anyone has any tips on how to fix these things as cheap as possible?

The guys who happily failed me quoted me $1600 to get it all fixed (new exhaust system, struts & tops) but that is an extravegant amount which I think I could do myself.

Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

P.S. the rear brake pads are an obvious one.... and they're not too expensive so I'll just get new ones.

Cheers!

[TonyJZX]

find another mechanic who will pass it

[VT-565]

If you can do the work yourself, then that is a big headstart.
Ask around exhaust shops and see if you can get a 2nd hand stock system off them
Strut tops are fairly cheap (i have a new set at home that i'm willing to sell)
Talk to some suspension places for a set of FE2 springs that they've changed out of someones car
And the rear brakes, well if it just needs pads and discs then you can get that at supercheap.

[Macca86]

Brakes and strut tops both involve relatively cheap parts and your can do the work yourself without to much hassle.
Exhaust - As mentioned, speak to some exhaust shops and you can prob buy a decent stock system second hand quite cheap (you just need to find an exhaust place that has put a sports system on a similar model and still has the stock system they need to get rid of)
As for the height, if your happy to raise it back up, put an ad on ebay or on this forum saying your willing to do a straight swap with someone. Your lowered springs for some standard springs. You will easily find someone wanting to lower their ute that will jump at the offer.
Alternatively, yeah, find another workshop that will pass it as it is. LOL

[madsav]

Dbout you really ant to do it but was told years ago if you jam steelwool in your exhaust pipe it will sound very quiet but im sure it will cause a big problem lol as for strut tops spray them with WD40 wipe them down and scuff the bolts up to look liek they have been replaced very dodgy but it may work lol

[02VUSS]

Cheers guys,

Can anyone recommend a place to take it for rego inspections in the ACT?
A mate of mine is trying to organise something to the effect of the steel wool idea - apparently some home made job that reduced his ute by 10 decibels, implanted around the muffler.
VT-565, how much are you willing to sell the tops for?
I'd like to keep the car as low and loud as it is, cause it is just a little bit sexy, so not wanting to part with springs or exhaust, just get temporary parts. Might just shop around for whats available on the classifieds...

Any other tips are definately welcome

Thanks!

[VT-565]

"Get someone dodgy to do it"

"Dodgy it up"

Who are you really cheating?
Before you know it, you'll be saying that about other parts on the car and it will become a true danger on the road.

3 reasons that they mechanic knocked you back:
1. He wants the work and the dollars
2. He actually is picky
3. Your car is a piece of shit that needs some attention.

[02VUSS]

I agree that there is a line that shouldn't be crossed when 'doing the dodgy' in regards to keeping the vehicle safe.

Things like reducing the decibels on the exhaust and raising the car I don't believe cross that line, and I haven't gone through enough cars to know when an inspector is generally money hungry. Hence why the post is here. As for the strut tops and brakes, they will be replaced brand new as I would like to have a safe ride.

In this situation I don't see it as cheating either. If there is an effective way to get these things fixed as opposed to paying $1600 then the job will be done that way.

[02VUSS]

So the ute has gone back to the dealership I bought it from and they are going to fix the exhaust and height - thank you warranty.

I also took it over the proper rego inspectors for a second assessment, to which I found out the place I originally took it to was trying to rip me off. Aside from too low and too loud, the ute is fine.

[madsav]

What dealership did u buy it from?

[vk.jonno]

u coulda gone to a suspention place and got it chocked higher

[02VUSS]

Gerald Slaven In Canberra

[Mick1988]

Steel wool helps quieten down the exhaust. You can probably pick up a set of stock springs second hand for $50 or maybe less. Just put your lowered springs back in after inspection. Strut tops aren't hard to do either and rear brakes will take you about 15 minutes per side MAX.

Sometimes I love living in WA with no yearly inspections