Volume 27, Issue 03 Jul-Aug - Lotus Car Club of British Columbia

Eric Adler - Super Seven
Realistically, if you do most of the work yourself, I would estimate that you could budget $10,000. If you want a
fresh power train and most of the mechanicals rebuilt or exchanged for you, double that number.
Ideally you want a kit based on a local donor vehicle. There are some great vehicles of this nature, like a small
older Nissan, Toyota mr2 and GTS, Mazda Miata, maybe even VW Golf. But no one is taking advantage of
them yet!
Registering the vehicle as a Ubilt Replicar can be done.
It will have to pass the Vehicle inspection, which is done by designated local inspection stations, but
unfortunately it’s not that easy to get one to do this unusual type of work in which they are not experienced.
Prior arrangements are in order.
Also, sometimes a requirement that the chassis welding pass a Rebuilt Vehicle inspection is also made. This is
usually done where proof cannot be produced to the effect that the chassis has been built by a recognized
manufacturer. In such an instance the chassis should be brought for inspection prior to painting/powder
coating, to satisfy the inspector regarding the integrity of the welds.
Of course, there is the question of transporting the vehicle for these inspections, but it would seem that the ICBC
one day insurance permits are good.
Some important components that must be incorporated in the vehicle are:
- Canadian regulations windshield glass
- “ “ headlights
- Regulation self canceling turn signals
- Tandem or double brake master cylinder with rear proportioning valve
- Brake malfunction warning light
- Satisfactory complete four wheel steering alignment
- Canadian regulations seat belts
An interesting note is that doors are not necessary, nor is a collapsible steering column, or air bags
supplementary restraints, and that cars sans bumpers are accepted only if the vehicle the kit car is resembling
can be proven to have had optional bumpers! I’m not sure about the central rear brake light.
An important point to bear in mind is that the vehicle year of manufacture will be the year it is completed and
registered.
Sooooo, Aircare becomes a challenge, though the vehicle will only have to pass it’s first test three years down
the road!
But the standards will be quite high - in fact there is no chance of even trying to comply sans fairly modern EFI
equipped engine AND a three way catalytic converter!
And don’t forget, they test gas caps too. Which means your design should include a working charcoal canister.
Part Two: September – October Issue
Dos and Don’ts when selecting your Kit Car and Powertrain.
LCCBC Volume 27 - Issue 3 / July - August, 2006 Page 22