^&*%$ CA Air Resources Board (CARB)

[kent]

Just a rant here Rick. We've got the car almost finished - should be done tonight.

I got thinking about the upcoming smog check situation and decided to contact CARB about what to do if it fails.

I'm pretty sure it will fail because the catalytic converters (2) are 35 years old. The problem is that you can't find replacements anywhere.

According to CARB, if it fails, you have to have an additional diagnostic test done and then they give you a reference number. Once you have that, you contact CARB again and they ask you for more info such as engine family, engine size, number of converters and the part number on the converter.

With this, they route your situation to their Parts Locater Unit which attempts to locate a replacement. If they can't find one, you are eligible for an exemption.

I don't think they will be able to locate the parts since I've tried Walker, Magnaflow, Airtex, Allied, etc and all I hear is "sorry."

Here's the funny part. Even though the registration is paid and the car is insured, you can't drive it to a smog station because the registration isn't complete without the smog check. CARB said to get a "Temporary Operating Permit" - WRONG! Ca doesn't issue temporary permits any longer - so your options are 1) have it towed to a station for smog test or, 2) put the car on your back and carry it to a smog check station.

OK, rant over.....I'm angry and about ready to

[kent]

Sept 22, 2011 18:00:03 GMT -5 @rj said:

What kind of car is it again, The cats may not be bad just because of age.

Rick,

Check your PM in a few minutes

Kent

[TD2K]

Kent, what happens if you do drive to the testing station? Do they call out the SWAT team? Fine you? Sounds like a typical catch 22 courtesy of our government.

[kent]

Oct 2, 2011 20:47:29 GMT -5 TD2K said:

Kent, what happens if you do drive to the testing station? Do they call out the SWAT team? Fine you? Sounds like a typical catch 22 courtesy of our government.

TD After further investigation I've learned that CA will issue a one-day permit to move the car. This info courtesy of the Highway Patrol - so, the lady at DMV was wrong (surprise!)

I asked the officer what would happen if I had proof of insurance and proof of paid up registration but DIDN'T have a temp permit. He said I'd probably just get a verbal waring and the worst case would be a citation that would be more like a "fix-it" ticket - no points on my record.

Just to avoid any problems, I'll go for the one-day permit when the car is ready (hopefully by Friday night)

[TD2K]

"I'm from the government and I'm here to help you"


Yeah. Right.

[Mad Dawg Wiccan]

Oct 2, 2011 20:47:29 GMT -5 TD2K said:

Kent, what happens if you do drive to the testing station? Do they call out the SWAT team? Fine you? Sounds like a typical catch 22 courtesy of our government.

The testing facilities here in CA are under very strict government regulations, but they are not government stations or employees. So in a nutshell, they don't care. The danger would be in driving to the facility and getting noticed by law enforcement.