First Hot Rod Project

[sarah]

Hi There,

My partner and I have just bought a 1948 Ford Pilot pickup shell, sitting on a L200 chassis. This is the first time we have taken on such a challenge and wish to make sure everything is done right from the start to ensure we don't add unnecessary costs later on.

At present we have not started any work on it. The shell is currently not fixed to the chassis, has a partially fitted L200 floor pan and requires a lot of rust removal and pillar repair etc. We are planning a hot rod transformation

The main thing I wish to find out is eventually it will be driven on the road and will need to be certified etc. What do we need to start with and do first to ensure we start down the right track?

Also, we have no rego plates and can't find any VIN numbers on shell/chassis to prove it was ever registered in NZ, so it would be scratch built?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated

Thanks
Sarah

[Justin]

Hi Sarah, sounds like a neat project, and good to hear that you're keen to get your hands dirty!

The first two pieces of advice I'd give you would be:

1/ Purchase a New Zealand Hobby Car Technical Manual. It has a huge amount of valuable information for building a safe, legal car. If you are a member of the NZHRA (or any of the LVVTA's member groups), you'll get this manual at a reduced rate. You can buy a copy from www.hotrod.org.nz.

2/ Contact an LVV Certifier right at the start of your build. Along with your Hobby Car Manual, your LVV Certifier will be able to provide you with valuable guidance and advice to ensure your project progresses smoothly through the certification process. A list of LVV Certifiers is available here: www.lvvta.org.nz/LVV%20Certifier%20List.pdf

Regarding the scratch-built vehicle question; as your vehicle has a Mitsubishi Chassis, and a Ford body, it's likely that the vehicle can't be accurately classified as one or the other, so the vehicle will more than likely be an 'LVV' Scratch-built. To be sure, you'll need to talk to a TSDA (Entry Compliance Centre) who will be able to give you better advice on this.

I hope this helps.

Regards, Justin

Good luck with your project!

[sarah]

Hi Justin,

Thanks!! will get onto that, can't wait to get started!!

Sarah