H plates obtained

[bruce]

Hi,
Today I picked up my M plates (M for modified, same as H). M plate cars require/must hold a VASS. Car turned 25 yrs old this month (it is calculated on Compliance not Build date).
Easy process;
-Obtain a RWC
-Join MX5 Club
-Fill in some forms
-Submit forms to Club for approval
-Submit approved forms to VicRoads. No inspection required, just pick up plates.

The MX5 Club Vic has a good guide and forms on their website. Very quick in processing.
Cost was good;
-RWC $200 (usually $150 but my existing VASS resulted in more work for RW tester)
-Club membership $84 already pro-rata'd
-Club Permit application fee once off $50
-VicRoads 45 day permit $78

Thus my only recurring costs will be Club membership and the 45 day permit fee. A lot better than the nearly $900pa full registration.

No slimline plate option so I now have a massive ugly front licence plate. Must sort that out.

Any questions?

[hks_kansei]

Nice to hear.

Out of curiousity, what did the VASS cost originally?

I was always under the impression that the VASS was the costly part that scared most people off doing things the legal way.

[93_Clubman]

Good stuff!

[bruce]

My VASS certificate from the Engineer cost $1040. This all depends upon how much work he has to do - more mods means more work.
He also required the following;
VIPAC emissions test $715
Weighbridge ticket $17

But it means that it is fully legal. Made it easy to get M plates (no questions asked - I asked more questions than anyone).

[Mr Morlock]

there are many H cars which should be M and the latter was not introduced at the start of the scheme . There are lots of implications about modding cars without doing it legally. As far I know there are no slimline plates yet.

[hks_kansei]

My VASS certificate from the Engineer cost $1040. This all depends upon how much work he has to do - more mods means more work.
He also required the following;
VIPAC emissions test $715
Weighbridge ticket $17

But it means that it is fully legal. Made it easy to get M plates (no questions asked - I asked more questions than anyone).

That price seems quite reasonable.

The way you hear people carry on about engineering you'd expect it to cost $10,000, not $1800.

[93_Clubman]

FWIW, generally $2k-$3k plus cost of emissions testing, if any, for Lotus 7 type clubbies.

[bruce]

To do it right you generally have to consult with an Engineer during the build so things are done correctly. If you don't and you cut corners, it will cost more (as you need to make changes) to meet the Engineer's approval.

[93_Clubman]

Yeah, & the generally $2k-$3k plus cost of emissions testing, if any, for an ICV, reflects that early & regular consultation.

[Mr Morlock]

sure it can cost a lot of money because it depends on what work is being carried out. Guys take on major alterations to vehicles- chassis engines changes brake changes such as an old Ford flathead 80hp with an engine change to 300 hp and drum brakes removed, chassis modlified , different suspension etc etc. All Victorians going for CP cars have to state whether the cars has been modified and it then has to be reviewed - some changes fall within accepted standards and no need for an engineers certificate. You can look at build and engineering for vehicles way in excess of $50,000.

[hks_kansei]

The Club Permit rules regarding VASS certs etc are no different to that of normal Rego.

If the modification is one on the list of accepted modifications (wheel changes within size limits, minor engine modifications, etc) then there's no need for a VASS, and it can go onto normal rego, or an "H" club permit.

If the modifications are beyond the scope of the list, it has to be signed off by a VASS engineer, and once that's done it's eligible for either standard rego, or an "M" club permit.





Obviously engineering costs will reflect the amount of work that needs to be certified, and the complexity of the work.
I mainly asked since often people seem to throw around the larger $20,000 figures etc as the "standard" price, regardless of work to be certified.
Obviously that seemed odd, since having something simple like larger wheels (beyond the pre-approved specs) approved would obviously be far less work than having a 100% scratch built custom vehicle approved.

Hence why I asked Bruce, since he's actually been through the process, he can give a proper idea of costs (obviously for equivalent work to what he had)

[Rocky]

[bruce]

That's a nice pic of me Rocky!

[Rocky]

Cheers, Mate!

[Entice]

I'm wondering if the once off permit fee applies to m plate or is recently introduced.
I have 5 h plate vehicles. Most recent one in May. None required a once off fee other than the much lesser fee for the plates..