FRP/CF panels - legality

[barryogen]

Can anyone cite any of the LTSA/LTNZ/whatever regulation that says that they are not allowed for onroad use?

A friend of mine has been pick stickered and ticketed/fined (unsafe modification or something, havent seen the ticket yet) for having CF panels(front wheel arches) and a FRP bonnet, as they are not safe if you hit someone, but we have been unable to find any legislation other than things saying that there should not be sharp or protruding items etc etc.

Thanks in advance.

[Chelles]

I know from experience when it comes to possibly changing the impact/collision safety design of your car you need to have it certified. I have a fiberglass bonnet on my Mirage that had to be certified because the hook setup that helps stop the bonnet from slicing through the windscreen was compromised. If your friend has a real concern that he has been unfairly pink stickered, can I suggest you go to the LTSA and ask them directly. You will more than likely get five different answer on here and they will contradict each other. There is an authority on these things for a reason... they will give you the 100% answer on it if you can't find it via interweb searches.

Oh and remember it was the 'opinion' of the issuer of the ticket so get some fact from the authority and not a car forum. *unless of course there is someone who deals with these sort of things for the LTSA and can give you an factual answer on here*

Good luck.

[Lloyd]

Again, all in the VIRM.
http://www.landtransport.govt.nz/certif ... -v3a21.pdf


Fibreglass replacement panels (that are substituted for
OE panels)

LVV certification is not required provided that:

- the OE panels being replaced do not contribute to the strength of the vehicle
structure, including side impact resistance, and

- the replacement panels use OE attachment points.

[Doriftering]

I had to get a cert for my fiberglass front guards and bonnet, so you can have them as long as they are certed

[IH8TEC]

would that not mean EVERYONE with a fibreglass bumper would need one?

[Lloyd]

Read the link I put up





Cosmetic body kits and components (including utility
canopies):


LVV certification is not required provided that:

• the fitting system does not weaken the vehicle structure, and
• the kit or components do not present any forward-facing external projections, and
• the performance of any lamps is not affected as a result of the kit or components.

[barryogen]

• the fitting system does not weaken the vehicle structure

This is what is mentioned on the ticket.

They are direct OEM style replacement parts, so I guess it depends on if the bonnet and front guards are considered to be part of the vehicles strength/regidity etc, which it'll probably be cheaper/easier just to accept the fine, and move on.

[Lloyd]

Bolt on guards and bonnets are not structural components

[pc]

Bolt on guards and bonnets are not structural components

That's debatable. They may not add any 'structural' strength but guards and bonnets crumple when hit, offering some resistance during impact, therefore you would be changing some impact resistance.
if 'side impact resistance' only means doors/panels beside occupants, then it would be ok. Depends who is interpreting the rule.

[Dell'Orto]

Bolt on guards and bonnets are not structural components

That's debatable. They may not add any 'structural' strength but guards and bonnets crumple when hit, offering some resistance during impact, therefore you would be changing some impact resistance.
if 'side impact resistance' only means doors/panels beside occupants, then it would be ok. Depends who is interpreting the rule.

You can't fail a WOF on having rust doors/guards (provided the rust isnt near the hinges) so I can't see how how a fibreglass item would be weaker than a rusted piece of metal.

[Adamal]

"Structural" is car rigidity and strength, such as chassis rails and pillars. If affected, it can reduce a cars torsional rigidity.
So if the panels that are replaced have an effect on that, IE they are part of the cars rigidity, then you can't replace them. Whether they crumple of not is irellivent. The important part is if they hold the car together or not!

[fangsport]

Bolt on guards and bonnets are not structural components

have you had a look at a decent Demo Derby car/ Streetstock lately? if it wasn't for the extra bolts holding the bonnet down, they would crumple far easier in the front.

[Lloyd]

This isn't even worth trying to discuss