Starting a boat related business
Frogwatch
It has been said that to enjoy your work and be successful, you should
go into a business you enjoy. Well, we are all boaters here,
so............
How often do you go to boat ramps and see 50 boat trailers sitting
empty the whole day while the boats are on the water? How many of
those trailers need to have their hubs re-packed? How many have
malfunctioning lights?
Get an old truck (already have one) and tools and grease and such and
go to the ramp at first light. As people get in line to launch offer
to repack their hubs while the trailer sits there. Offer to repair
trailer lights while it sits there. You would have to do this by
credit card cuz most people will not have $50 on them but that is ok.
You might be able to fix trailer brakes while you are there.
H the K
I wouldn't trust someone like you, who combines the best of Murphy's Law
and the Peter Principle, to touch my trailer, let alone repack the hubs.
Sorry.
--
If you are flajim, herring, loogy, GC boater, johnson, topbassdog, rob,
achmed the sock puppet, or one of a half dozen others, you're wasting
your time by trying to *communicate* with me through rec.boats, because,
well, you are among the permanent members of my dumbfoch dumpster, and I
don't read the vomit you post, except by accident on occasion. As
always, have a nice, simple-minded day.
NowNow
a87f46...@v30g2000yqm.googlegroups.com>, ohar...@mindspring.com
says...
Don't forget that you could also replace, repair and re-carpet bunks,
repair, replace winches and winch straps, etc.
--
WAFA the newsgroup liar free!
nom=de=plume
news:470fe364-1db4-459d...@v30g2000yqm.googlegroups.com...
I think it's possible, but it would be tight. They would be paying for your
services and the cost of parts. You can either stock a lot of parts or go
get them somewhat as needed, right? I'd suggest the latter mostly, since
that would reduce your inventory, but you'd likely have to have a bunch of
standard stuff. There are costs and hoops to jump through to accept credit
cards... not trivial, so that's worth investigating. You'll need a business
license and insurance, both for yourself and for any possible damage to
customers' stuff. You'd want to insist on a cash deposit, since you could
end up doing the work and not getting paid. If the generic cost if $50 (for
example - I have no idea what repacking would normally cost, etc.), your
deposit should approach 50% (say $20, which almost everyone would have).
I know one thing ... I'm very wary of is being approached and solicited
about buying something or other. You would need to look professional...
e.g., have a small stand or station, not just some guy in a beat up pickup
truck. Maybe it's a sign on the truck panels? Also, you would probably need
to get permission from the owner of the ramp... if it's private. If it's
public, then that might be tricky.
One thing you could do is to try it with people you know who have boat
trailers... see what they think and how much they would pay for it to be
done.
If you're serious about this, the best way to start is to create a detailed
business plan. You can find tools online for free or for low cost. It's
worth it, since it would quantify most aspects of your costs and expected
return on investment.
--
Nom=de=Plume
jamesgangnc
> "Frogwatch" <ohara...@mindspring.com> wrote in message
I'm thinking that the operator of the ramps is shortly going to have a
problem with this. Even if it's the local wildlife or state park
people. You're creating a liability. What if you get hurt doing
this? What if you damage another trailer that is not even one you are
working on? You're going to be asked to stop.
Tom Francis - SWSports
>Is the owner of the ramp going to want a taste? The county might just
>tell you it is illegal at their ramps.
How much different would it be from getting a jump start or having a
tow truck pull your gear away? Not that much.
The problem is, at least to me, in all my years of trailer boating,
I've seen maybe one trailer crap out at a launch ramp and that was a
bunk that broke in two. That was fixed by the local marina in about
a half hour. Boat retrieved and gone.
I've certainly never had it happen to me and I've got a few hours and
years trailering boats.
Don White
"H the K" <naled...@mypacks.net> wrote in message
news:7mo42vF...@mid.individual.net...
> On 11/20/09 10:47 AM, Frogwatch wrote:
>> Here is a thought experiment. Start a business on less than $5000.
>> It has been said that to enjoy your work and be successful, you should
>> go into a business you enjoy. Well, we are all boaters here,
>> so............
>> How often do you go to boat ramps and see 50 boat trailers sitting
>> empty the whole day while the boats are on the water? How many of
>> those trailers need to have their hubs re-packed? How many have
>> malfunctioning lights?
>> Get an old truck (already have one) and tools and grease and such and
>> go to the ramp at first light. As people get in line to launch offer
>> to repack their hubs while the trailer sits there. Offer to repair
>> trailer lights while it sits there. You would have to do this by
>> credit card cuz most people will not have $50 on them but that is ok.
>> You might be able to fix trailer brakes while you are there.
>
>
> I wouldn't trust someone like you, who combines the best of Murphy's Law
> and the Peter Principle, to touch my trailer, let alone repack the hubs.
> Sorry.
>
> --
If I'm paying someone to re-pack my bearings, I want a licensed, experienced
mechanic.
If it's amateur hour...I can fill the bill myself.
SteveB
"Gene" <gene.b...@tranquilrefuge.net> wrote in message
news:773eg5tjb1i7kpd7m...@4ax.com...
> couldn't make it and the unit was put up for sale. That was in
> Wilmington, NC.... it might make some beer money, but don't quit your
> day job....
If it were to be done RIGHT, one would have to comply with so many laws that
it would be cost prohibitive. You would need to carry several million in
liability alone. And then, either Fish and Game or Coast Guard would come
into the picture. It is a microcosm of what's wrong with this country.
There's a need. There's a guy that wants to work. But there's all these
agencies and laws in the middle. It's so discouraging. So, what does a guy
do? He goes black market, working from a van, and doing things for cash.
Then the unthinkable happens, and someone gets hurt or worse. Well, the guy
probably doesn't have much to sue for, but even a poor schmuck can be raked
over the coals by a bottomfeeding lawyer.
Steve
H the K
> fix a trailer until it breaks. In fact I've seen one actually break in
> the middle and dump the boat on the ground between the two halves.
>
> There actually would be more work to do if the laws were strictly
> enforced.... but then the laws are kinda stupid to begin with.
>
> It ain't that simple...
Just what we need at boat ramps...some redneck who thinks "pristine" is
his neighbor's do-able teen-aged daughter flushing and cleaning boat
trailer hubs, and then repacking them. And all that old grease being
dumped onto the ground and then finding its way onto the ramp and into
the water.
Don White
> fix a trailer until it breaks. In fact I've seen one actually break in
> the middle and dump the boat on the ground between the two halves.
>
> There actually would be more work to do if the laws were strictly
> enforced.... but then the laws are kinda stupid to begin with.
>
> It ain't that simple...
> It is usually futile to try to talk facts and analysis to people who are
> enjoying a sense of moral superiority in their ignorance.
> -Thomas Sowell
>
> Grady-White Gulfstream, out of Oak Island, NC.
>
> Homepage
> <http://pamandgene.tranquilrefuge.net/boating/the_boat/my_boat.htm>
>
> Fort� Agent 6.00 Build 1186
Up here I have to take my trailer to an official safety inspection station
every year.
Between that and the yearly licencing fee, I layout about $65.00 CDN
jps
<ohar...@mindspring.com> wrote:
Don't get it. You have scads of multinational customers and you're
hoping to make $50/day packing hubs?
Something smells fishy.
H the K
It's obvious his "business" is in the crapper.
SteveB
> I know where there was a large panel van set up to do just this. Owner
> couldn't make it and the unit was put up for sale. That was in
> Wilmington, NC.... it might make some beer money, but don't quit your
> day job....
If you do it right, the millions worth of liability insurance you're
required to have make it prohibitive. Not to mention all the red tape from
Fish and Game and Coast Guard.
Ah, I love our system. How's all that hope and change working out for
everyone?
Steve
nom=de=plume
news:e55548af-aeb8-43ae...@s31g2000yqs.googlegroups.com...
I almost certain they would object unless you could approach them with all
the liability insurance, permits, etc., in place. If it's a fed/state/county
agency, then it would need to be approved much higher up the food chain.
That could take months.
--
Nom=de=Plume
nom=de=plume
news:dnfjt6-...@news.infowest.com...
No, it's not a "microcosm of what's wrong." There are rules and regs for a
reason, some of which have been identified. If you have a legitimate
business, then the rules and regs can be traversed. If you don't, you either
have to fly under the radar or not bother. This isn't some 3rd World
country.
--
Nom=de=Plume
Frogwatch
> "SteveB" <deserttrave...@fishmail.net> wrote in message
>
> news:dnfjt6-...@news.infowest.com...
>
>
>
>
>
> > "Gene" <gene.boat...@tranquilrefuge.net> wrote in message
Yes, Gaia forbid that somebody could achieve economic freedom.
nom=de=plume
You sound very bitter. Did this happen to you over the last eight years or
is a longer-term situation?
--
Nom=de=Plume
SteveB
"Gene" <gene.b...@tranquilrefuge.net> wrote
> I know where there was a large panel van set up to do just this. Owner
> couldn't make it and the unit was put up for sale. That was in
> Wilmington, NC.... it might make some beer money, but don't quit your
> day job....
A sign of the times. A need. A worker. Red tape.
Steve
nom=de=plume
news:aa1d0783-22de-415c...@j24g2000yqa.googlegroups.com...
?? Not sure what this has to do with reasonable rules and regulations. Feel
free to pollute all you want. I'm sure your neighbors won't mind.
--
Nom=de=Plume
jps
According to Steve, a black bitch yelled on TV that Obama was going to
pay for her mortgage and gasoline.
John H
<gene.b...@tranquilrefuge.net> wrote:
>On Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:58:16 -0700, "SteveB"
><desertt...@fishmail.net> wrote:
>
>>
>Actually, you are headed in the wrong direction.... most people won't
>fix a trailer until it breaks. In fact I've seen one actually break in
>the middle and dump the boat on the ground between the two halves.
>
>There actually would be more work to do if the laws were strictly
>enforced.... but then the laws are kinda stupid to begin with.
>
>It ain't that simple...
Virginia mandates an annual trailer inspection and display of a
sticker indicating such. The only things inspected on mine are the
tires and the lights. Still costs $12 for three minutes work.
--
John H
Rob
> If I'm paying someone to re-pack my bearings, I want a licensed, experienced
> mechanic.
> If it's amateur hour...I can fill the bill myself.
>
>
That's almost word-for-word what you wife said in her last email.
Amazing!
Rob
Frogwatch
Well, we like it "rustic" here. Believe it or not, I am unable to get
my sailboat bottom painted for lack a any facilities to haul her. Am
going to sail to St Petersburg (about 200 miles) to get it done.
However, I know that there are a few public landings where it is very
crowded on nice days and I figured that more civilized areas would
have even more. All those trailers in one spot sure seems like some
kinda opportunity. I hear about long lines to launch and that sounds
like a great place to approach those waiting. Repacking bearings is
not hard and does not require anything but grease and maybe some
cotter pins.
Around here, I know you'd get away with it but you'd run out of
trailers quickly.
nom=de=plume
news:0pceg5provg3cfhea...@4ax.com...
Oh MY GOD!! It's a gov't take-over and it's OBAMA'S fault! Shocking! :)
--
Nom=de=Plume
nom=de=plume
news:lfheg59a4jau16ubn...@4ax.com...
> On Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:01:15 -0800, "nom=de=plume"
> <nom=d...@plume.invalid> wrote:
>
>>This isn't some 3rd World
>>country.
>
>
> Just kidding Ohara, but it may be a little "rustic" for a California
> girl.
Never, but I'm pretty used to rednecks if that's what's around. :)
--
Nom=de=Plume
nom=de=plume
news:duljt6-...@news.infowest.com...
A need. A worker. Some rules. Fear of a gov't take-over.
--
Nom=de=Plume
Frogwatch
> On Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:12:43 -0800, "nom=de=plume"
>
>
>
> <nom...@plume.invalid> wrote:
> ><gfretw...@aol.com> wrote in message
> difference in the type of innovation, lifestyle and a whole lot of "we
> don't care what you think". I am very much at home here but it drives
> a lot of people from the rest of the country crazy.
>
> The metaphor would be the difference between tangling with a grizzly
> bear and wrasslin an alligator.
> In both cases you are talking about an apex predator but the bear is a
> sentient mammal you might be able to reason with, the gator is 400
> pounds of prehistoric muscle and teeth that just wants to eat you.
> Toss in the biggest snakes, bugs and lizards in the country and you
> get a tough bunch of people who choose to live here. Don't confuse
> this with the east coast that Harry likes or Orlando. That is just
> where the transplanted New Yorkers go.
> Much like the Seminoles 100 years ago, the real Floridians have been
> pushed back into the swamps by northerners but their time is running
> out.
Dang, thats quite a compliment to us crackers.
Nom, yeah, it is SORTA rednecky here. Disrespectin the Stars 'n
Bars'll gitcha in a heapa trouble. In spite of running out of places
to grow oysters, the oyster shuckers never run out of oysters cuz the
oysters is smarter than they are.
As far as spilling a bit of grease goes, the last place that hauled my
boat did it with a travel liftthat used a beer keg as a reservoir for
hydraulic fluid and an old garbage can to catch what was dripping offa
it. They built berms of sand on the ground to catch what spilled
over.
The shrimp boat across the river has a 4' X 8' piece of plywood nailed
across a huge hole and it has been going to sea like that since
Katrina. It has old truck axles welded to make an anchor.
Dog Island is an anarchist paradise where it is considered bad manners
to pay attention to what goes on at the grass airstrip. The only dump
truck on the island has an old evinrude motor gas tank with a squeeze
bulb instead of a fuel pump. Very few vehicles can be identified as
to their original make. When rust overcomes one, they just allow the
vines to grow over em and the drifting sand does the rest.
You Yankees think you got us on the run but we have a plan. I have
invented the ultimate weapon of mass destruction against Yankees, a
bug that eats freon in air conditioners.
CalifBill
"H the K" <naled...@mypacks.net> wrote in message
news:7moimiF...@mid.individual.net...
Hell, there are mobile car washes, mobile truck repair that will fix the
diesel on the side of the road, mobile detailers, mobile oil changers. Come
to your place of work and set up to change a lot of the cars oils. Probably
not that hard to get permits, and make sure the grease does not pollute.
Seeing requests on boating groups about who does trailer bearings and
brakes, there is probably a large market in an area with boaters. Maybe the
city would require a minimum liability insurance, but that is most likely
needed anyway. A lot of boaters would love to be able to get their trailer
serviced while out boating for the day. Charge $65 an hour and you will
make a decent living if not living in Seattle or San Francisco. I can hire
a bass fishing guide for $180 at Lake Fork, TX. He supplies the boat, the
rods and the lures. He is making more and enjoying life more than saying
You want fries with that. He is not making an upper middle class living,
but he is supporting himself. But there are a lot on this newsgroup, who
distain the working class. Unless they are paying union dues, etc.
nom=de=plume
news:21meg556m5r03scf4...@4ax.com...
> On Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:12:43 -0800, "nom=de=plume"
> difference in the type of innovation, lifestyle and a whole lot of "we
> don't care what you think". I am very much at home here but it drives
> a lot of people from the rest of the country crazy.
>
> The metaphor would be the difference between tangling with a grizzly
> bear and wrasslin an alligator.
> In both cases you are talking about an apex predator but the bear is a
> sentient mammal you might be able to reason with, the gator is 400
> pounds of prehistoric muscle and teeth that just wants to eat you.
> Toss in the biggest snakes, bugs and lizards in the country and you
> get a tough bunch of people who choose to live here. Don't confuse
> this with the east coast that Harry likes or Orlando. That is just
> where the transplanted New Yorkers go.
> Much like the Seminoles 100 years ago, the real Floridians have been
> pushed back into the swamps by northerners but their time is running
> out.
Sounds like a youtube selection bear vs. gator, human vs. car.
--
Nom=de=Plume
John H
<gene.b...@tranquilrefuge.net> wrote:
>On Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:25:27 -0500, John H <salmo...@gmail.dotcom>
>In NC, that would be the case for a trailer rated at 4,000# or less.
>Over 4,000# and they have to check the brake system. I think at
>10,001# the law reverts to a required Federal DOT inspection... just
>like it was an 18-wheeler trailer.
>
>Add to this all of the ever changing requirements for reflectors and
>lights. Just like your boat, it may not have come from the factory
>lighted in accordance with existing or future laws.
>
>Here this law is not enforced because they don't have a way to mandate
>the existence of inspection stations. Locally, I haven't been able to
>locate ANY inspection station that will inspect a trailer, regardless
>of published materials to the contrary. It is difficult enough to find
>somebody to do a motorcycle....
Here the brake system must be checked if the trailer is so equipped.
The same stations that inspect autos will inspect trailers, and
motorcycles. Although I was once told they couldn't inspect my
motorcycle because they didn't have any motorcycle stickers, which are
a smaller version of the auto sticker. Unless the inspector is a
motorcyclist, he usually does a shitty job of inspection.
--
John H
John H
<gene.b...@tranquilrefuge.net> wrote:
>On Sat, 21 Nov 2009 15:29:01 -0500, John H <salmo...@gmail.dotcom>
>Your laws are weirder than ours. If the "actual gross weight" is 3,000
>pounds or more, it is required to have brakes and is required to be
>inspected. (The "actual gross weight" is the weight of the trailer
>plus the weight of any load that the trailer is carrying.) If the
>"actual gross weight" is less than 3,000 pounds, it is not required to
>be inspected; however, any trailer under 3,000 that is equipped with
>brakes is also required to be inspected.
>
>I hope you have brakes......
>
>http://www.vsp.state.va.us/Safety.shtm#FAQSafety
Nope. No brakes on the trailer. But my boat is not a heavy one, and
the 4Runner has no trouble stopping it. Of course, using the three
second rule helps.
--
John H
Tim
> On Sat, 21 Nov 2009 15:29:01 -0500, John H <salmonb...@gmail.dotcom>
> wrote:
>
>
>
> >On Sat, 21 Nov 2009 11:58:07 -0500, Gene
>
> >>On Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:25:27 -0500, John H <salmonb...@gmail.dotcom>
> >>wrote:
>
> >>>On Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:06:44 -0500, Gene
> >>><gene.boat...@tranquilrefuge.net> wrote:
>
> >>>>On Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:58:16 -0700, "SteveB"
>
> >>>>>"Gene" <gene.boat...@tranquilrefuge.net> wrote in message
> pounds or more, it is required to have brakes and is required to be
> inspected. (The "actual gross weight" is the weight of the trailer
> plus the weight of any load that the trailer is carrying.) If the
> "actual gross weight" is less than 3,000 pounds, it is not required to
> be inspected; however, any trailer under 3,000 that is equipped with
> brakes is also required to be inspected.
>
> I hope you have brakes......
>
> http://www.vsp.state.va.us/Safety.shtm#FAQSafety
> It is usually futile to try to talk facts and analysis to people who are
> enjoying a sense of moral superiority in their ignorance.
> -Thomas Sowell
>
> Grady-White Gulfstream, out of Oak Island, NC.
>
> Homepage
> <http://pamandgene.tranquilrefuge.net/boating/the_boat/my_boat.htm>
>
> Forté Agent 6.00 Build 1186 Beta
At least you have laws on brake inspection. Here in Sick-anoy, load
rates on boat trailers mean noting. Even if your trailer is so
equipped with brakes, they don't have to work, because you don't need
an inspection to get a tag. There's lots of trailers around that the
surge or electric brakes don't work just waiting to have a jack-knife
or a pile up, but it seems the attitude is, "Hey it hasnt't happened
to me yet!"
first thing I did when I got my 23' Cuddy was to test the brakes and
look in the master cylinder. all seemed good. Then when I got home
with it, I jacked the whole thing up and pulled the wheels to look and
check beings. All was well, but I repacked and resealed the hubs
anyhow. IMHO, bad brakes is bad judgment.
My 18' has a single axle shoreline trailer an no brakes, but it's a
much lighter load, and I agree with John. Common sense driving.
thinking ahead, and the 3-second rule is good.
John H
<gene.b...@tranquilrefuge.net> wrote:
>On Sat, 21 Nov 2009 17:00:06 -0800 (PST), Tim <tsch...@gmail.com>
>wrote:
>
>>My 18' has a single axle shoreline trailer an no brakes....
>
>My point, either misunderstood or ignored, was that even a 18 foot
>bayliner weighs 3,000# including trailer and engine.
>
>State law, then, would *require* that the trailer have brakes
>installed, if it were to actually pass the inspection as spelled out.
>I'm betting the lights wouldn't pass inspection, either.
>
>Sucks... but those are the sort of requirements that would make the
>business model of the OP viable.....
Perhaps I misunderstood your point. I didn't intentionally ignore it.
My boat came with a single axle trailer and no brakes. Perhaps the
state law mandates brakes for the load, I don't know. But the trailer
and load are not weighed as part of the safety inspection. In fact,
there is no requirement for a load on the trailer when inspected.
So, I have no brakes on this trailer, and haven't felt the need for
them. Towing the 21' Proline was a different matter. The trailer had
surge brakes.
--
John H
Rob
??? It really sounds like that?
Rob
Steve B
"John H" <salmo...@gmail.dotcom> wrote
> Virginia mandates an annual trailer inspection and display of a
> sticker indicating such. The only things inspected on mine are the
> tires and the lights. Still costs $12 for three minutes work.
> --
>
> John H
My state does not even require licensing a trailer that weighs less than
700# empty. I see a lot of unlicensed trailers running around that are
surely over that, but loaded, so how does a trooper PROVE that it's over
700# empty? So, there's a lot of people slide.
But, to my point. Go to a busy boat launch and walk among the trailers and
rigs of the people who are out boating. Look at their rigs. Some of the
stuff you see is downright scary. I know it's difficult to fix some stuff
with the boat on there, but if you can't fix it or have it fixed, you need
to turn in your captain's hat and bar bouy.
Steve
Steve B
<gfre...@aol.com> wrote
> doubt someone would give him $50 for this, more like $20 if all he is
> doing is repacking the bearings. The money comes when you start
> selling lights, bearings and seals but that requires inventory.
> Personally I would leave the bearings alone and just do lights with a
> good system that people would recognize and respect.
I have a 16' Lund on a light trailer. 13" wheels. Took the bearings apart
when I got it, and they had some wear. I live less than ten miles from the
lake I fish, and don't get over 55, and 75% is less than 35. I took it to
get a price on new bearings. $200. I just repacked them, and keep an eye
on the tightness. If I start ranging out to farther lakes, I'll have it
done, or meet someone in the meantime who has a press and can do them for
less.
Steve
CalifBill
"Steve B" <desert...@dishmail.net> wrote in message
news:nosmt6-...@news.infowest.com...
Just take a flat punch from the opposite side and drive out the race. To
install the race, set the new one in place and lay the old race on top, with
the sides contacting of different sizes. Lay a flat plate on top and drive
in the bearing. If the old race gets stuck, just hit the lip sticking out
with the punch. After that it is the same as packing bearings. And new
bearings are maybe $20 an axle at the autoparts store. Take the old bearing
with you to get the correct size. I think there are only two different
spindle sizes on modern trailers.
http://www.championtrailers.com/techsup.html#packhubs
will show how to pack bearings.
nom=de=plume
news:W_mdnegKYLOjXZXW...@giganews.com...
There are some cool vids that have these contests... check it out.
--
Nom=de=Plume
thunder
> They also don't inspect cars here. That was Bob Graham's claim to fame
> that got him in the governor's mansion, stopping the inspection program.
I'm a little conflicted by this. Inspections are a PITA, but it is nice
to know that all those cars out there had their brakes working at least
once a year. ;-)
thunder
> If I start ranging out to farther
> lakes, I'll have it done, or meet someone in the meantime who has a
> press and can do them for less.
Have you asked at an auto parts store? Many around here have a press, an
will press bearings for a couple of bucks, or for free, if they see your
face on a regular basis.
Tom Francis - SWSports
wrote:
That was one of the big jokes here in CT with the old inspection
system. Never tested the brakes as such either dynamically or static
but they'd check it off the report for every inspection.
They finally got rid of that nonsense. I guess they figured if you
could make it to an inspection station, you passed. :>)
Tom Francis - SWSports
>On Sat, 21 Nov 2009 20:12:55 -0500, Gene
><gene.b...@tranquilrefuge.net> wrote:
>
>>State law, then, would *require* that the trailer have brakes
>>installed, if it were to actually pass the inspection as spelled out.
>>I'm betting the lights wouldn't pass inspection, either.
>
>
>Florida doesn't inspect trailers or even title them. If you stay off
>the interstate and out of big cities tags are somewhat optional too.
>You can get a tag for a "home built" trailer, pretty much by just
>writing the check to the tax collector.
I was surprised by that. South Carolina doesn't register their
trailers either. Here, the trailer is registered and is liable to
property tax. Oddly, not boats though.
Go figure.
>There is emissions inspection in 6 or 7 big cities but not out here in
>the boonies.
Another joke in CT. You can pull into a station with the engine
blowing gobs of blue oil smoke out of it and it will pass as long as
it doesn't emit CO or CO2 in a specified amount for the cars age - not
milage - age.
Believe me - I've seen it happen too.
thunder
>>I'm a little conflicted by this. Inspections are a PITA, but it is nice
>>to know that all those cars out there had their brakes working at least
>>once a year. ;-)
>
> That was one of the big jokes here in CT with the old inspection system.
> Never tested the brakes as such either dynamically or static but they'd
> check it off the report for every inspection.
IIRC, your inspections are done at a licensed service station? Here, we
have designated inspection centers, which are relatively thorough.
There's a visual inspection for rust, cracked windows, etc., a tailpipe
emissions test, a dynamic wheel balancing/alignment test, and a dynamic
brake test. The problem here is, if you fail, you can be retested at a
regular licensed service station. There things get considerably easier,
costlier, but easier.
Tom Francis - SWSports
wrote:
>On Sun, 22 Nov 2009 01:23:52 -0500, Tom Francis - SWSports wrote:
>
>
>>>I'm a little conflicted by this. Inspections are a PITA, but it is nice
>>>to know that all those cars out there had their brakes working at least
>>>once a year. ;-)
>>
>> That was one of the big jokes here in CT with the old inspection system.
>> Never tested the brakes as such either dynamically or static but they'd
>> check it off the report for every inspection.
>
>IIRC, your inspections are done at a licensed service station? Here, we
>have designated inspection centers, which are relatively thorough.
>There's a visual inspection for rust, cracked windows, etc., a tailpipe
>emissions test, a dynamic wheel balancing/alignment test, and a dynamic
>brake test. The problem here is, if you fail, you can be retested at a
>regular licensed service station. There things get considerably easier,
>costlier, but easier.
That changed about ten years or so back. There were official "State"
inspection stations that were supposed to check for that, but all they
were interested in was getting the money - you coud blow through the
emissions inspection pretty easily with some simple tools and a hot
engine. I know because I did it with an old pickup I had to bang
around the woods in. :>)
Now they are done at certain service stations - mostly dealerships as
the cost of the computer is high and your average garage mechanic
can't afford the constant software updates never mind the computer.
They say they do a "safety" check, but other than sticking the sampler
up the tailpipe (which is an apt metaphor huh?) I've never seen them
do a "safety" inspection.
It's still only an emissions inspection - nothing else.
Vic Smith
<remov...@rejectswsportsdot.org> wrote:
>
>It's still only an emissions inspection - nothing else.
In Cook County, Illinois, where I live, it's just emissions, at state
stations only.
Gone through a number of variation through the years.
Used to be a stick in the exhaust pipe.
I flunked once with pretty new car that ran fine.
Luckily it was under warranty and the dealer replaced 2 injectors
and did a complete tune-up, new plugs, wires and all. Passed then.
(BTW, since I do most of my own work, I had put Bosch plugs
in the car, instead of the OEM AC/Delco. The dealer mech told me
that's a no-no with modern computer-controlled cars. Might have been
just that that caused the flunk, but he said he replaced 2 "marginal"
injectors for good measure.)
For a while they put the cars on a dyno here, but there were accidents
and they screwed up some cars, so they stopped that.
Now they just plug in the ODBII connector and check for codes.
Better not go with a check engine light on or an intermittent code
still stored. That will flunk you.
The goofy thing is that when they started this method a few years ago,
anything without an OBDII connection was excluded.
So that's essentially pre-1996.
IOW, the cars most likely to pollute. But maybe there's not so many of
them. Anyway, it's flaky.
--Vic
Steve B
"CalifBill" <bmcke...@ix.netcom.com> wrote
> Just take a flat punch from the opposite side and drive out the race. To
> install the race, set the new one in place and lay the old race on top,
> with the sides contacting of different sizes. Lay a flat plate on top and
> drive in the bearing. If the old race gets stuck, just hit the lip
> sticking out with the punch. After that it is the same as packing
> bearings. And new bearings are maybe $20 an axle at the autoparts store.
> Take the old bearing with you to get the correct size. I think there are
> only two different spindle sizes on modern trailers.
> http://www.championtrailers.com/techsup.html#packhubs
> will show how to pack bearings.
I have changed crankshafts in v-8's, and done valve jobs, and changed timing
chains and cams, and lots of stuff. I wasn't about to pay $200 when the
bearing package is about $50 for all the bearings. I figured I'd tackle it
when I got my shop together, which it gets electricity over Thanksgiving. A
friend gave me a hydraulic press. I'll probably do it soon when I do some
other repairs to the boat.
Steve
Steve B
"thunder" <thunder...@gti.net> wrote in message
news:KoedncoOEfn-V5XW...@posted.gtinet...
They changed the lugs on one hub for me, but they say they don't do
bearings.
Steve
D.Duck
Illinois had a motor vehicle inspection many years ago. All it took was
a couple of $ on the seat and you passed.
Steve B
<gfre...@aol.com> wrote
>
> That is an EPA law and applies to cities above a certain criteria. I
> don't know if it is simply population or some air quality standard. I
> know when I was in the DC area, PG county had emissions inspection
> Chuck County didn't.
> They have it is Tamps/St Pete, Miami and Orlando but not Ft Myers.
It's ridiculous. In Las Vegas, you have to have your car smogged, but if
you live over the hill in Pahrump, which is in the next county, you don't.
A lot of people commute to Vegas from Pahrump, driving in Clark County the
majority of the way.
Nevada does not have inspection laws. You can drive around with bad
headlights and brakes and tires, but they want you to meet EPA requirements.
Steve
RLM
> On Sun, 22 Nov 2009 07:58:35 -0500, Tom Francis - SWSports
> <remov...@rejectswsportsdot.org> wrote:
>
>>It's still only an emissions inspection - nothing else.
>
> That is an EPA law and applies to cities above a certain criteria. I
> don't know if it is simply population or some air quality standard. I
> know when I was in the DC area, PG county had emissions inspection
> Chuck County didn't.
> They have it is Tamps/St Pete, Miami and Orlando but not Ft Myers.
I believe they discontinued this form of taxation state wide. It hasn't
been in Pinellas or Hillsbourgh for awhile.
I am Tosk
desert...@dishmail.net says...
It's much easier to tax emissions than it is to tax headlights and
brakes... It's all about Global Taxing and the transfer of wealth, pure
and simple. Everybody knows it by now, half the country is too
embarrassed to admit it at this point so they would rather just let the
stuff go...
nom=de=plume
news:MPG.2573a6488...@eternal-september.org...
I guess you don't have to pay sales tax then, since that would be taxing
both of those items.
--
Nom=de=Plume
Rob
Damn! A polite response!
Rob
nom=de=plume
news:FpKdnZIj75oBqJbW...@giganews.com...
Damn, I'm almost always polite.
--
Nom=de=Plume
Steve B
>>>> Sounds like a youtube selection bear vs. gator, human vs. car.
Would depend on the venue. On asphalt, I'd bet on the car every time.
In the water, I take the gator.
In a woodsy scene, the bear and the gator are a tossup. The car couldn't
move. Maybe a little edge to the gator.
Steve