Brake and Light Inspection Experiences? LA and Orange Counties

[mca]

I need to get a Brake and Light Inspection for a kit car SPCNS registration. If you've had this done in the LA and Orange County area, please post where and what they checked during the inspection.

I spoke with one station here in Orange County about the inspection. The owner said it would take 1-2 hours and involve removing the wheels with the car up in the air. I'm looking for something a more simple inspection.

Thanks!
Aaron

[diverross2]

I went ot Fullerton College (Whittier) and it was no problem!!! Had the light inspection and the "smog" inspection done there (can't be done together, two differerent visits). Well worth it....It was free...Had a bunch of students that go to school there checking the car out. Guys were cool, free because it was a "teaching moment " for the car tech. classes there. Called on line and had to set up an appointment.
DAve Ross
65 coupe

[mca]

Originally Posted by diverross2

I went ot Fullerton College (Whittier) and it was no problem!!! Had the light inspection and the "smog" inspection done there (can't be done together, two differerent visits). Well worth it....It was free...Had a bunch of students that go to school there checking the car out. Guys were cool, free because it was a "teaching moment " for the car tech. classes there. Called on line and had to set up an appointment.
DAve Ross
65 coupe

Do you remember what they checked on the car? I've heard that some stations are very quick (check brake lights and headlights only, visual check for brakes) and some are much more thorough (full check of all lights, turn signal indicators, hi beam indicator, measure brake rotor thickness, test stopping distance, and parking brake holding power, etc.).

[James460]

does this apply to cars from out of state that are registered as 1965 cars?

[NiceGuyEddie]

very surprised someone got the B&L at the same place you can do smog & BAR.

many, many, of us have gone to West Auto Diagnostics in Corona. he knows Factory Fives. go here for an EZ inspection. he does brakes by visual if you have rims where you can see through them.

he will pass you without a reverse light, some say you are supposed to have it.

Home

[cobracruz]

Cars muffler automotive in Redondo Beach is thorough. They check rotor thickness, check all signals, etc. they require hazards, but not reverse lights.

[mca]

Originally Posted by NiceGuyEddie

very surprised someone got the B&L at the same place you can do smog & BAR.

many, many, of us have gone to West Auto Diagnostics in Corona. he knows Factory Fives. go here for an EZ inspection. he does brakes by visual if you have rims where you can see through them.

he will pass you without a reverse light, some say you are supposed to have it.

Home

How thorough is he with the parking brake?

[mca]

Originally Posted by James460

does this apply to cars from out of state that are registered as 1965 cars?

It depends on which clerk does the paperwork. I registered a car in August, with previous title in Alabama, no problem. AAA accepted the registration and I had plates in 20 minutes. Same situation in December, different car, different clerk, resulted in referral to the DMV for an SPCNS registration.

[NiceGuyEddie]

for me, he did a parking brake test. he drove the car, and it's supposed to stop within 50 feet from 15mph or something like that.

if your parking brake works, i am sure you will pass it.

i hope this is still true: he charges less than other people do for the test, the cost difference will easily pay for your gas.

it's a small husband and wife team, call them and ask what Tony charges for the service.

also note there is a Factory Five on his webpage.

oh, there are only a few things in my life where i ever paid someone to do something and was satisfied with the results. he did my rear end gear swap, this is one of those times!

there was also a small problem with my turn signal, he found the problem and fixed it for free.

he took a torque wrench to my wheels, blah blah blah

okay i'll stop, believe me, this is the guy to go to. (for anything automotive that you can't do yourself, he's an honest guy.)

.

[cobrajj]

I second what Eddie said. Tony did my brake and light inspection and it was as good as he said. Jim

[diverross2]

they checked everything visually...ALL LIGHTS except back up...But I did have one : )....Turn signals, brake, hazards, high, low...hand brake...they did drive it around their parking lot too...Had to then go to the chp for vin # then back to them for smog..Not much there either. Just looking, no run or "prostate" check!
Dave

[hapamang1503]

hey guys i was just wondering if you thought West Auto Shop would pass a jdm type r front end in the lamp inspection test? any input would be very appreciated. thank you

[hapamang1503]

sorry i didnt specify but i have a 95 acura integra and thats the car im wondering if they will pass with the japanese front end

[ehansen007]

Since you're in HB, I would say just go here. Mike and I both went here and had no issues. All visual and no backup light needed. Used to be Action Auto. DO NOT go to "Auto Care Experts"

Action Tire Companymore info‎
23761 Vía Fabricante
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
(949) 768-0303

[Matstng]

After stating my brakes we alll NEW, I was able to get a pass on removing the wheels and saved $20.
They may ask for reciepts as proof.