[Euro Ford Fan]

P-51,Feb 21 2006, 08: Wrote:So, the place where I'll be working is the place where they're cracking down?  Greeeaaaat. :(

I don't think my exhaust is too loud Simon, do you?  I find the car is actually reasonably quiet with the rotary muffler.  ;) 

What did you mean about the cage padding?  Are you saying if there's too much, it'll make the cage obvious, and I'll get stopped?  Or if they see it's well padded, they won't hassle me?  I have a ton of FIA padding on it, the good stuff.

As for the belts, I kept the stock belts installed, but I tend to use the racing harnesses as much as possible, cause they're safer with the cage.  If I'm in a situation I think it might be an issue, I can put the stock belts over the harness.  Technically I'm meeting the letter of the law.

I've been thinking about putting a cat on full time anyway.  We'll see.  I wouldn't mind having that load off my mind, both legally and morally.

The brakes are one potential issue.  But I've done a lot of legal research into that.  Technically, Wilwood brakes are not illegal.  It's a bit of a grey area.  First, there is NO law saying that you "must have dust boots".  The only laws are performance laws, does the car stop quickly and safely.  There is no requirement for people to use "DOT Approved" replacement brake parts.  Any aftermarket brake pad, rotor, or rebuilt or offshore factory replacement caliper is technically "not DOT approved".

The only parts which are clearly "DOT Approved" are the exact parts that came on your car from the factory.  There is no mechanism, no approval process, at all, for any replacement brake parts.  Furthermore, factory calipers aren't stamped DOT either.  They really don't have a leg to stand on here.

The only brake part which has clear DOT approval requirements are the hoses.

I'm pretty glad to see that website specifically spells out that it's not illegal to remove airbags.  That's a big deal, and I'm frankly stunned they were that honest about it.
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Rob, it's been so long now since I came down to Windsor to deliver your cage that I can't remember how loud your car is. Let’s just say that if it's louder than say a stock V8 truck or car you’re going to probably run into some sort of trouble. I wondered how visible your cage way from outside the car, if you’re padding was going to be noticeable or out of place at all. Because your car doesn't look all suped up you should be fine, the exhaust may catch the attention of the police but since your car still looks pretty much stock then they may just drive past be if your cage is really noticeable that might get you stopped. As for the belt, just make sure you can put your stock belt on and you will be fine. I got stopped for that twice both times I got warning, because the cop couldn't disagree that it was safe the way I had installed it and because the belts were FIA spec. They just said that because it's not Canada or Ontario Highway approved then I could get a ticket.

Don't worry about the brakes at all, well just as long as your pads aren't as noisy as ChrisF's his squeaked really bad when they were cold, that would attract the wrong sort of attention. No cop in the world would believe that your pad compound causes the squeak not a mechanical problem.

Oh and DOT doesn't hold up in Ontario well it didn't when I was getting into trouble, so just because you have something that is DOT approved you may still get a ticket. A ticket that you can get thrown out in court, which I did every time.