Nelson LVVC?

[DaveM]

Has anyone used the Nelson certifier for their 4wd? Need to get the Safari done, and the closer to Blenheim the better, as its a bit far travelling to ChCh if I need to have things changed.
Just need to know if they aren't over the top with their interpretation of the rules (ie no swaybars)


Cheers,
Dave

[Smurf]

Talk to Bulletproof, he has used the guy in Nelson, I have put mates trucks through the other chap over in Mot and he seems pretty good to deal with. Might pay to call them both and have a chat first

[DaveM]

Thanks, didn't know there was another one in Mot, will give them both a call and ask a few questions.


Cheers,
Dave

[Bulletproof]

Has anyone used the Nelson certifier for their 4wd? Need to get the Safari done, and the closer to Blenheim the better, as its a bit far travelling to ChCh if I need to have things changed.
Just need to know if they aren't over the top with their interpretation of the rules (ie no swaybars)


Cheers,
Dave

Hi Dave
I have been certified by Brent Palh 3 times without a problem and I know Mark and Steve Crackett have used him in Westport.

Many in Nelson dont use him saying he is too tough and charges too much , but when you see their trucks some of the engineering is questionable like fitting 9mm discs in 18mm calphers and cutting the sides out of spring hangers. I would rather have someone question the work I do for safetys sake.

I have cut the swivles off the diff and cut panhard rods and rewelded them myself and it hasn't been a problem.

Im happy but thats only my opinion.

Cheer Richard

[DaveM]

Richard, thanks for the info, I too would rather fail on something that is dodgey too, but have heard that some certifiers will fail you on not having swaybars, while others don't. Just seems to be a big difference in the way the rules are read.

Will give him a call first and see how I get on.

Cheers,
Dave

[furnace]

I had my VX 80 Cruiser done in NELSON,which has had quite a bit done such as cut down and made into a tray back,lifted 75mm,all the bar work and other bits and pieces,i found them very fair,anything that had to be changed was explained,they weren't over the top..found them very helpful,i think they do get some smart arses at times that pisses them off

[lneil]

The Nelson certifier is Don Hoff, who is actually Christchurch based and visits here regularly. We've found him good on normal car stuff, but haven't used him for 4WD stuff yet. I suggest the CHCH boys would know him well and could offer an opinion.

[MATT4U]

most 4wd guys keep away from don, I remember when I was living in blenheim my mates would go to the guy in mot. In saying that I have a funny feeling don drops through blenheim from time to time to do do quick checks.

[Disconewhere]

Dave,

It's been a while since we've caught up, we should orgainse a trip sometime and catch up.

I just saw this and thought I'd throw in my 2 cents as I have had my 90 certed by Don recently, he was really good to deal with, as long as you approach him right I think he's ok. He is quite practical, I was quite impressed.

My changes weren't radical, only Roll cage mounted seat belts, 35's and a forward facing rear seat amd slight lift. Not sure what he'd be like for major suspension work etc but sounds like what you've done won't be a problem with him.

Cheers
Mike

[DaveM]

Mike, yeah, its been a while, have to get back over the coast again some time if you are keen.

I was going to try Don since he is up here in a week or 2, but if I need to change something, its easier to drive to Nelson for a recheck if needed (hopefully not though).
Will have to buy some panhards and lower arms in the next week otherwise I will be pushing to have it done before the WOF expires

[tallsam66]

Richard, thanks for the info, I too would rather fail on something that is dodgey too, but have heard that some certifiers will fail you on not having swaybars, while others don't. Just seems to be a big difference in the way the rules are read.

Will give him a call first and see how I get on.

Cheers,
Dave

The certifier only follows the rules set in the book....If the book says you need something (swaybars etc) you have to have it....the certifier cant to overrule the book.....he is only an independant agent who you pay to ensure you vehicle is up to the required standard as set in the rule book.

[DaveM]

The certifier only follows the rules set in the book....If the book says you need something (swaybars etc) you have to have it....the certifier cant to overrule the book.....he is only an independant agent who you pay to ensure you vehicle is up to the required standard as set in the rule book.

But the way the rules are interpereted is different between them. I have had a vehicle certed in the past, only to have it fail a wof WITH a cert. Went through the LVVTA and they deemed it dangerous, so the plate meant nothing.
Also know a lot of people that pass a cert with no swaybars, while others have to have them fitted before it will pass so how does that work

[Bulletproof]

The certifier only follows the rules set in the book....If the book says you need something (swaybars etc) you have to have it....the certifier cant to overrule the book.....he is only an independant agent who you pay to ensure you vehicle is up to the required standard as set in the rule book.

But the way the rules are interpereted is different between them. I have had a vehicle certed in the past, only to have it fail a wof WITH a cert. Went through the LVVTA and they deemed it dangerous, so the plate meant nothing.
Also know a lot of people that pass a cert with no swaybars, while others have to have them fitted before it will pass so how does that work

Any one can read the rules because it is on the web under LVVTA and you can question the certifiers interpretation. As an example most people think you can't do your own welding but this is only interpretation because the law does not say that.

When I was certified with the Nissan safari suspension I didn't have an anti sway bar and it didn't matter. I was with Brent when he did the road test required for certification . At 100kph he when from lock to lock and sensed how the truck handled, He did the required brake test as well and once again could tell whether it needed an anti sway bar,so that is what counted rather than a rule book.

Cheers Richard

[DaveM]

When I was certified with the Nissan safari suspension I didn't have an anti sway bar and it didn't matter. I was with Brent when he did the road test required for certification . At 100kph he when from lock to lock and sensed how the truck handled, He did the required brake test as well and once again could tell whether it needed an anti sway bar,so that is what counted rather than a rule book.

Cheers Richard

Thanks, I have been failed on a previous cert for no swaybar, and this was without a stability test, was just failed as soon as I mentioned they were removed.
Brent is looking into whether I can remove the airbag steering wheel, and ABS, and also looking into whether either can have a switch to disarm them