Thread: 91 Hi lux wof issue

So, a mate has a 91 Hilux, owned by him from new and covered 880 000 (not a typo).
The old girl has nothing but original parts that were added as part of original purchase by main dealer, and has flown through every wof.....until last week.
Garage that did the latest wof inspection have told my mate that the running boards are not legal as they are welded on, and that he will have to cut them off and re-fit using bolts.
Remember, these are factory fitted from new and have not been an issue since 1991.

This seems rather strange to say the least. Any thoughts ??

Take it somewhere else for its WOF check

Originally Posted by 7mmsaum

Take it somewhere else for its WOF check

That is plan B

Turn the tables, and state you'll report him to the certifying agency (NZTA??) for improper interpretation of the regs.

Remember that all the details of the failed wof are now on line and available for the next garage to see, so first quizz the next garage you intend to take it to, what their interpretation is. Preferably a Toyota franchise outfit.

LN106 Hilux and earlier models factory running boards are bolted to the body.
I am guessing he has perhaps gone to a different WOF shop than usual or the shop he is using has had to not 'miss' anything.
Anything welded to the chassis, bull bar, running boards, sidesteps etc needs to be certified. If bolted on then no issues.
If he can get a letter from dealer stating the running boards were mounted that way from new he may get around it.
Has he asked why they were failed when passed previously?
WOF officers have been getting tougher on 4wds recently. Ask how I know.. LOL

I'd take it to a Toyota dealership and get them to verify in writing that it is factory fitted and see if they still argue the fact.

Originally Posted by XR500

Turn the tables, and state you'll report him to the certifying agency (NZTA??) for improper interpretation of the regs.

The regs are often poorly written, can be as clear as mud and quite often contradictory. In area's where there is lack of info or clarity (are welded running boards "standard" on this vehicle? is the the structural integrity of part X altered by this repair/corrosion/damage/mod etc) the inspector must fail the vehicle and it is up to the owner to provide proof that it complies. Reporting an inspector to the NZTA about failing this is no threat - after all it's NZTA's methodology that prescribes they have to fail in the first place.
From the VIRM - "5. Where the vehicle inspector requires further information in order to determine compliance with the requirements, the inspector must reject the vehicle until the information has been obtained."
A letter from a Toyota dealer saying this was a std factory mod or a letter from a repairer/vehicle engineer confirming that the mod has not negatively impacted the vehicle structural integrity will suffice.

Originally Posted by XR500

Remember that all the details of the failed wof are now on line and available for the next garage to see

WOFOnline will only give you category fails at best, nothing specific. Garage will only know you've recently been for another w.o.f. if you tell them or if they actually poll the plate. We don't do that unless there's a reason to. AA/VINZ/VTNZ use a different system and can have access to specific fail data.

Originally Posted by XR500

so first quizz the next garage you intend to take it to, what their interpretation is. Preferably a Toyota franchise outfit.

Leading with this is guaranteed to attract attention to the issue you are trying to downplay. If the inspector doesn't have an issue, don't poke the bear and bring it to his attention.

Originally Posted by RUMPY

I'd take it to a Toyota dealership and get them to verify in writing that it is factory fitted and see if they still argue the fact.

Believe me, the inspector will be quite happy to pass the vehicle once some one has provided a statement that it complies. They really don't care either way, they just have a job to do and a boxes to tick before they can give you your sticker.

Originally Posted by threefootsix

Believe me, the inspector will be quite happy to pass the vehicle once some one has provided a statement that it complies. They really don't care either way, they just have a job to do and a boxes to tick before they can give you your sticker.

Still, wouldn't cost but five minutes to bang the VIN past the local dealer by phone call and confirm with them on standard fitment or not which would save a pissed off client. I have a possible similar issue, dealer fitted aftermarket load carrying springs which unloaded raise the rear of the vehicle up past the 50mm lift limit. That one is a grey area - in as, if the canopy, drawer, bar etc have to come off the back for whatever reason it could get interesting. Not my problem to sort though...

Originally Posted by RUMPY

I'd take it to a Toyota dealership and get them to verify in writing that it is factory fitted and see if they still argue the fact.

1991 was a long time ago. Not sure they would hold records on such things, but the car was purchased locally so its worth a try

A modification affects the vehicle structure – including an object or fitting affixed after manufacture that is welded to the chassis, sub-frame, cross-member or body of a monocoque structure (Note 7), and

a) is not excluded from the requirements for LVV specialist certification (Table 3-1-1), and

b) is missing proof of LVV specialist or accepted overseas certification, ie:

i. the vehicle is not fitted with a valid LVV vehicle certification plate, or

ii. the operator is not able to produce a valid modification declaration or authority card

iii. the vehicle has not been certified to an accepted overseas system as described in Technical bulletin 13 .

https://vehicleinspection.nzta.govt....frontal-impact

Unfortunately they are correct

Nothing would have been welded to the chassis from the factory or dealership.
Yes, as has been pointed out, anything like that will be a WoF failure.
It would need a registered/certified engineers and/or structural repairers certificate to say its OK.

Would be far easier to cut off and get the steps altered so the are bolt on.

Originally Posted by Pengy

Remember, these are factory fitted from new and have not been an issue since 1991.

i find it hard to believe that toyota would weld an accessory to the chassis at anytime in their history
maybe they were dealer fitted way back then when no-one gave a fuck because we all know better than the engineers that designed these things
thoughts ? cut em off buy a new aftermarket set with all the correct mounting brackets and save some stress

Fitted by random dealer is not the same as fitted by Toyota at the factory

Plenty of dodgy dealer installs of aftermarket accessories on new cars back then. Optional extras.

Originally Posted by Tommy

https://vehicleinspection.nzta.govt....frontal-impact

Unfortunately they are correct

Body on a Toyota Hilux is not monocoque it's body on ladder chassis. The question then is, what are the steps welded too, body or chassis?