rocket windshield, legalizing for US registration

[LexTalonis]

I am probably 3 months away from making my rocket kit order but one hurdle I am running across is figuring out how to make it street legal to be registered in Virginia. I think I can BS bumpers and whatnot but the one thing that I am a little at a loss over is the windshield. I'd like an easy to remove one like is optional for the atom, but I could live with a permament one. Is there a universal kit for dune buggies or something that could be converted?

Also, has anyone registered one in the states yet? I am hoping to be able to get away with calling it a hotrod and not needing bumpers and whatnot.


Sean

[golftdibrad]

I'll let you guys know when I get that far. My hope is to convince the trooper that its clearly a fair weather car, and like a motorcycle doesn't need wipers

[cordycord]

That's a question I'm afraid to ask here in California. I may leave the windscreen off (a la' Atom) for the inspection, and install it after. You don't need wipers if you don't have a windshield, right? :)

[qdos]

Might be worth speaking to Stuart at MEV in the UK as he has done a full screen for the Sonic and it may be possible to adapt a frame to fit that.

http://www.qdoscars.co.uk/images/MEV/Sonic/sonic06.jpg

[cheapracer]

That's a question I'm afraid to ask here in California. I may leave the windscreen off (a la' Atom) for the inspection, and install it after. You don't need wipers if you don't have a windshield, right? :)

In Ozzyland if you have a windscreen you need not only wipers and washers but the wipers must cover a certain swept area that the inspector will measure and calculate.

If you leave it off you need nuttin, guess what Locost owners do.....

[LexTalonis]

I wish that were the case here. However, VA regs clearly states the need for a windshield on all vehicles manufactured after 1970:
>>19VAC30-70-210. Glass and glazing.

A. Motor vehicles may be inspected without windshields, side glasses, or any kind of glazing, except that any motor vehicle other than a motorcycle that was manufactured, assembled, or reconstructed after July 1, 1970, must be equipped with a windshield. <<

I messaged Stuart who said that "the curve on the Rocket dash for the fly screen matches the VW beetle. So I assume you can buy those in the states. A frame can be made in GRP for you, this will cost £400".

Anyone want to try and photochop a vw beetle windshield on a rocket? I have a hard time envisioning it. I do however like the idea of using a readily available glass shape and not having to have one custom made in the event of windshield damage.

I also have to have windshield wipers and a defroster, those seem like a minor inconvenience though and stuff i can probably work out myself.

Sean

[silo24]

Lex, you need to find out what the definition of a windshield is...........

You may get away with the clear flyscreen as a windshield..........

[LexTalonis]

Silo, I would LOVE for that to be the case, but unless I misread the info or there is a loophole, it appears I need a full size dot windshield w/ wipers and defroster. I got the info from http://leg1.state.va.us/000/reg/TOC19030.HTM#C0070, if anyone wants to take a shot at interpreting it.

Sean

[golftdibrad]

Build it, and then worry about this kind of crap. Try and convince them its a motorcycle-like vehicle and doesn't need it; its clearly a fair weather car. if not... well make sure you have the title for your donar. :D
find out where the lotus 7 owners and locost guys around you do about it.

[Karlo]

"I also have to have windshield wipers"

The wiper can be hand operated like the Model "A" had, maybe even a sqeege?

[LexTalonis]

I know what the Lotus guys do, the claim replica status and don't have to worry about most of this crap. I may claim replica status as well if they buy the "it's my interpretation of a lotus 7" line. BUT, that means I can legally only drive it 20 miles from my home, and that's kind of lame.

Sean

[devilman2075]

as hard as i thought pennsylvania would be to get registered, going over the rules seem like i can get away with basically everything even possibly the stock windscreen as a windshield...rules say if its included and under 12 inches has to be atleast 7, it seems like it would work under that rule, no bumpers no problem not included, the only think i might have to do is shift the fenders slightly

but considering the process goes through any ordinary inspection station, i have a feeling the dude i usually go to will help me out as much as he realistically can, hes passed quite a few cars for our family that i know shouldnt have passed and were on their last leg...


you could always find an easy state to get it titled in and then possibly purchase it for your state with its vin already

my only real question is what the hell do you get insurance under for a kit car

[JonW]

Hagerty insured my two scratch-builds. They'll insure a kit.

I said I wanted $25k collision coverage for my fake Atom. They said no problem based on photos.

[LexTalonis]

I think I have decided to follow Karlo's advice and build it first, then worry about the legalities. One of the locostusa forum guys is in VA and got away with a stripped down windshield-less locost, I'll track down his inspection guy if needed. If that doesn't work I'll register it in a state that I can get away with it. Thanks for all the help and advice!


Sean