[Rebel1]

Sooo...what do we do....lay down and die.

For all the reasons you have extrolled only confirm that something needs be done.

I work in an area where standards apply....strict Australian standards which reflect International standards. Not engineering sadly.

I fail to understand where an engineer refuses to accept, lets say, a beaming test which has been certified by an authorised testing authority. If a kit manufacturer goes to the trouble to have a chassis engineered, tested by a recognised testing authority, it is certified as compliant, then what right does a snotty nosed counter guy have to question the legitimatacy of the design.

I can't see any engineer arguing against the results of properly designed and tested ( read certified by recognised authority) chassis design. He may question the quality of welds etc but that is a manufacturers quality problem...not one of design.

I believe that most of the current confusion results from the standards not being clear. I have discussed with engineers their interpretation of a particular ruling when that same "issue" was approved elsewhere. Without going into too much detail, the need for 3 wipers was argued by one club member with an engineer. The engineer wanted 3 blades...the constructor had installed two. Two were eventually accepted after much measuring and debate about sight lines.

This is a simple example where it is left open to approved engineers to interpret. If the standard was properly documented...was accepted...and the car built to that standard. Then the engineer has no grounds for dispute. His job being to inspect the construction of the car against that standard.

Having said that....I also believe that is exactly how and why the Hot Rod fellas got their "standard" approved. They took the trouble to debate it, design it....engineer it, and then document it...and then got it approved by the authorities as the standard. They also put in place an inspection and policing process.

All they really did was professionalise the process. No different to private enterprise in all manner of design/manufacture/management.

I really believe the authorities are content to outsource all manner of services they once controlled. All one has to do is prove the standard is safe, meets acceptable standards, ( be they engineering or otherwise) and of consistant quality. Then put in place an inspection/policing procedure to ensure the quality is adhered to.

I believe the kit car industry( read all ICV's) is now big enough (in $ terms) to become professional. I don't see too many cobra kit manufacturers putting in place standards to differentiate themselves from backyarders.

I bought an RMC many moons ago because they proved to me the beaming test acceptable to the Queensland authorities. Queensland transport had confirmed the RMC was accepted but I wanted proof from the manufacturer. I believe at that time that RMC had some testing jig and a part of their business income came from testing the chassis of stretched limo's etc.

My wants really are quite simple. Some exemption from the emissions laws, noise levels, and ground clearance. Thats it.

Cheers