Running Rich in California

[tweety]

Q: Does CA still have a limit on the cost of repairs to pass a smog test? (as long as all the smog equipment is present, that is) Or did they eliminate that "get out of jail free" option??

I do know that 1975 & older vehicles are smog exempt in CA. Yet another reason to buy the earlier marques....

Best of luck getting her to pass!

Yes, but you have to go to a referee and jump through some flaming hoops. They also offer some cash to help you get repairs done. As long as your car was tagged as a "test only"

I'm convinced that they folks with the state are just pulling rules our of their butts. My car was not due for a smog check. did not say it needed on on the renewal, but after sending in my money, it got kicked back as needing to pass the "test only" standards. I got nowhere when I protested. Six months, $1200+ and five red sticker extensions later the car passed with flying colors.... and went slower than me on a Big Wheel!

 

[jlaird]

Yes you calif, guys have it tough. Anything to get rid of the smog stuff.

 

[skinsgamer]

I was active duty military when I was transferred here, so I didn't have to comply and kept my Washington plates. Then I retired! I became in need of my own stimulus plan just to get my vehicles smogged. 1984 Bronco Full Size = $1200 after I removed the headers and put stock exhaust manifolds back on, put all the smog stuff back on (which I did keep). 87' Saab 900 Turbo Convertible, not as bad $300 so it would pass the Evap Loss test (everything else passed). That is a new check for 2008! Thanks. Our 2001 Supercrewcab, bless her heart, always passes perfect.

Last one is the Midget, so fare I've spent about $600 and still no joy. New EGR, which had to be bought from "Help-U-Smog" $275. Two extra carbs from Ebay for parts and testing. Plus labor. Worst of all I had to remove the Mikuni racing carb, which is awesome on her. I got it from PRI in Oregon, he does mostly Triumphs but did some Midget work for awhile.

 

[RonMacPherson]

Jack,

The intent was to get rid of the smog. The execution was to perpetuate the bulging bureaucracy.

I was involved in the initial testing proofing stages for the BAR way back in the early 70's(around late 72 or early 73). The State came to me and asked advice and used my site for awhile(I was running the diagnostic center, Clayton floor dyno, scopes, exhaust gas analyzer, etc) at Joe Vittone's Econo Auto Center in Riverside, California then.

After about three rewrites to accuratize the test questions the BAR implemented the smog check program.. It grew and morphed and then left the control of the car guys and came under the control of the bureaucrats..

The inanity and stupidity of the questions implemented in the tests for smog licenses. The illogic used in forming test procedures for cars grew to where increasing the quality of air in California is secondary to following the BAR "book" rules...

Nuff said..