New Here, Any Pennsylvania Builds?

[Karter2026]

Hello, I ran across this and became hooked, Been a gear head all my life and it is time for a new project. Has anyone built or titled one in Pennsylvania yet?

 

[kevbo423]

I'm thinking of getting a PA build going. Worried about the inspection requirements though. Have you started your build?

 

[Drtye]

I'm in PA, and will be ordering a kit maybe at the end of the year to next year. To get it titled and registered you will need to simply follow the process of a specialty constructed vehicle, its a few forms, enhanced inspection and then the title and registration will follow suit. One hiccup I for see is the need for Dot safety glass windshield and wipers. I believe that they will be needed (dot glass for sure, unsure on the wipers) because the vehicle will have a modern year for build/model year. However that being said, it is modeled after a lotus 7, to which the original I think did not have wipers so it may be possible given the right inspection mechanic (with maybe a 6 pack or 2 of persuasion) will pass with out wipers. Remember that with wipers you will have to add windshield washers and also will need a defroster for it as well... all small little things that I have at least come across just looking online and knowing the inspection process.

 

[Karter2026]

I'm in PA, and will be ordering a kit maybe at the end of the year to next year. To get it titled and registered you will need to simply follow the process of a specialty constructed vehicle, its a few forms, enhanced inspection and then the title and registration will follow suit. One hiccup I for see is the need for Dot safety glass windshield and wipers. I believe that they will be needed (dot glass for sure, unsure on the wipers) because the vehicle will have a modern year for build/model year. However that being said, it is modeled after a lotus 7, to which the original I think did not have wipers so it may be possible given the right inspection mechanic (with maybe a 6 pack or 2 of persuasion) will pass with out wipers. Remember that with wipers you will have to add windshield washers and also will need a defroster for it as well... all small little things that I have at least come across just looking online and knowing the inspection process.

I have not started but I did buy a donor with a bad engine working on parting it out now and deciding on what to do with the cylinder head. I have been going through the inspection book and to add some other items to the list above that will be required

Bumpers front and rear Must be between 12" and 20" above road

Front turn signals I do not beleive that the mirror mounted ones will do

Parking brake

As for the saftey glass any glass shop can cut a flat laminated sheet of glass. Wiper can be a manual one.

Drtye and Kevbo 423 what part of the state are you in? I'm north of Pittsburgh

Here is a good link of a guy who built a Exocet here in PA. http://mevowners.proboards.com/thread/8008/pa-registration-details-pennsylvania

Edit by moderator (Adam): The above link appears to be dead but I'll leave it in case it starts working again. I think I found a different link to the same build: http://mevowners.proboards.com/thread/5718/greg-pa-build?page=45

About 3/4 of the way down that page he talks about registration in PA.

 

[BAR-AIR]

PA and NY I believe are pretty close on the DOT inspection requirements. So here is where I'm at ....
Steel front and rear bumpers (that have to be a min. Height of 16"), DOT stamped lights all (actually stamped on the lenses) the kits taillights, and the mirror light are DOT stamped... headlights were not, wipers powered only, safety glass windshield, (padded visors also), third taillight, emergency parking brake (need to fabricate handle and cables), fenders (waiting on mounts) and the last is the emissions (emissions compliant with the year of the engine used) min. of catalytic converter. (The catch here is the car needs it but it can't be tested because it is no longer a Chevrolet Cobalt) the only thing that will be tested is a sealed gas cap.
Mine is not inspected yet... but getting closer just be ready to fabricate the additional requirements.

 

[Drtye]

Yes, bumper, fenders, front turn signals, reflectors, ect, ect there are a number of things for sure, but again I'm not sure how/what exactly would be needed vs an original 7 car. I am an inspection mechanic but do not have the enhanced inspection licence (do have reference to the procedure and all regulations just haven't sat down and gone through it, was planning on it as I build)

My plan is to scrap the ecotec engine in favor of a high strung honda k-series variant. Quite possibly turbo charge it as well.

Located originally outside of Harrisburg, currently Bethlehem and will be relocating back to Harrisburg this fall.


edit: good news is specialty constructed vehicles are emissions exempt so no cats, evap, ect will be needed.

 

[Karter2026]

Yes, bumper, fenders, front turn signals, reflectors, ect, ect there are a number of things for sure, but again I'm not sure how/what exactly would be needed vs an original 7 car. I am an inspection mechanic but do not have the enhanced inspection licence (do have reference to the procedure and all regulations just haven't sat down and gone through it, was planning on it as I build)

My plan is to scrap the ecotec engine in favor of a high strung honda k-series variant. Quite possibly turbo charge it as well.

Located originally outside of Harrisburg, currently Bethlehem and will be relocating back to Harrisburg this fall.


edit: good news is specialty constructed vehicles are emissions exempt so no cats, evap, ect will be needed.

I also have my inspection licence but not enhanced. I'm also trying to find someone local with the HPTuner software to eliminate the evap and 2nd O2 sensor .

 

[Drtye]

That would be nice to just be able to turn the CEL off, but good thing is that its irrelevant given the title

 

[Drtye]

looks like bumpers aren't technically needed

(b) Bumpers -A vehicle specified under this subchapter shall be equipped with front and rear bumpers securely attached to the chassis, except when the original body configuration provided by a recognized manufacturer did not include bumpers in the design of the vehicle

edit: also appears we could technically get away with a 7" windshield...

(b) Requirements - Glazing shall meet following requirements: (1) A windshield may not be less than 7 inches in vertical height on a street rod and 12 inches vertical height on reconstructed vehicles and specially constructed vehicles. If the original body configuration provided by a recognized manufacturer had a windshield of less than 12 inches, reconstructed vehicles and specially constructed vehicles may use the original windshield size, except that this size may not be less than 7 inches.

edit 2: but then i find this little bit of info, contradicting all of that lol

Specially constructed, modified, collectible vehicles and street rods may not have an original manufacturer’s specification. Therefore, these vehicles are required to meet Pennsylvania vehicle equipment, inspection and operating requirements in order to be titled in Pennsylvania. Applicants must provide a detailed description of how the vehicle is configured, constructed and equipped