RMcQ

I posted earlier about my new $750 '87 4Runner. I had to get it inspected as per Maryland laws. It is a fairly thorough mechanical inspection. The cost of my rig may have just doubled even if I get creative with repairs. Here's the list:

• Power steering belt worn
• Both lower ball joints bad
• Left Front wheel bearing loose (this is no problem)
• Front brake pads below minimum spec
• Right rear parking brake lever inop (should be able to unstick and lube)
• Broken/missing stud on right front wheel
• Numerous incorrect lug nuts
• Both rear tires worn beyond spec
• Rust hole right rear fender
• Rust hole left rocker panel
• Broken right front sidemarker lens and bulb
• Both brakelight lenses broken/modified (some a-hole installed those blue eyes things that were popular in the 80s)
• Left Rear license tag bulb inop
• Horn inop
• Drivers window hard to roll down and up
• Windshield has numerious small cracks/chips. Repair or replace.
• Drivers inside door handle/pull missing
• Drivers area floor panel rust hole
• Rear U-joint excessive play

So now I need some parts. Anybody have any of this stuff collecting dust in the garage. Help a n00b get going with his new rig!

I'll probably buy new belt, ball joints, brake pads, bulbs, etc.

I would love to find used: brake lenses, front hub (if stud is stripped out and can't be re-inserted), Right front running light lens, drivers door handle/pull, rear u-joint.

I have 30 days to get this mess cleaned up :cry:

RMcQ

N_Aviles

Wow...didn't look to bad.....but I guess the pictures don't show it all.

naksukow

Wow, I thought California was bad.

RMcQ

Well, in Maryland we have to get this kind of inspection only when first registering a vehicle. Once you own it you never have to go back for this type of inspection - only exhaust emissions.

Doesn't really help me now, but at least if I can get past this I don't ahve to worry about getting nickled and dimed every year or two for my beater vehicle.

AUJWE

Wow, good luck with the repairs. I'm glad that Alabama does not have any inspections.

waskillywabbit

iTrader: (-1)

Sounds like it would be cheaper to move.

shazaam

post up on www.marylandcreepers.com ... there are a couple of of guys on there who can help you out with parts.

rocket

iTrader: (1)

What happens if you dont?

I cant believe they inspect that many things....like rust?? are you kidding me?! So you need body work done too? What concern is it of theirs if your drivers window is hard to roll up and down or you have some rusted holes?
Just goes to show you how messed up state laws can be. They do this to "force" older cars off the roads and into junk yards.
Their the ones that pour salt on roadways which causes vehicals to start rusting within a few years..and then they have the nerve to reject your vehical for it?! wow.

Good luck with the repairs. Far as some of the parts you need, look on eBay.

4Hummer

Power steering belt worn Replace yourserlf

Both lower ball joints bad Replace yourself talk to this guy about parts http://cgi3.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...userid=arm_can


Left Front wheel bearing loose (this is no problem) Yes easy fix repack bearings while your there

Front brake pads below minimum spec do the brakes yourself its cheap and easy

Broken/missing stud on right front , Buy new studs, pound out old, and install new ones. Plus you should re-pack this bearing to

Numerous incorrect lug nuts << Buy new ones simple enough no ?

Rust hole right rear fender <Patch it with tin a tar. call it good enough for now
Rust hole left rocker panel Same as abov e

Horn inop << Do a search its an easy fix

Drivers area floor panel rust hole PATCH.

Rear U-joint excessive play easy to replace. cheap too grease drive shaft while your at it

rocket

iTrader: (1)

http://search.ebay.com/4runner-tail-...fkrZ1QQfromZR8

jimbo74

yeah i dotn see why it matters if there is rust or the window doesnt roll up and down easy......


note to self: MD is more car nazi then CA

RMcQ

The answer given by the inspector is that rust is OK until it completely perforates a body panel. At that point is supposedly presents two safety issues: 1. carbon monoxide can enter the vehicle and 2. the jagged edge could cut someone.

Driver's window is an issue for tolls, traffic stops, etc.

Not that I am defending these rules. This is just what they tell me.

RMcQ

If I don't then the 30 day temporary registration expires and my tag is no good.

RMcQ

Just got finished fixing everything on my list with junkyard and ebay parts. Got the final reinspection today and a ligit 2 year registration sticker. Now it is time to start abusing this thing like a red headed step child. It is such a relief to drive a car I don't car about sometimes.

Thanks for all the replies here.

ugadawg95

Virginia is pretty tough...I failed once because of worn wiper blades. The good thing is you don't see POS's like you do down here. The cars are much safer too. Money is no consolation for safety in my opinion. I'll bet at least 25% of the cars down here would fail...

99_Runner

Glad you passed the inspection. Now

Blind 'Too

I used to live in Maryland...they weren't too bad way back then. What I liked (back then) was that it only cost me $26 each year to register my car. When I moved to North Carolina it was $20 every four years and $4 in between to pay for the sticker.

Then I moved to San Diego and had to register a 4 year old car. The DMV clerk says, "Okay, it's $187"
"$187?!?", I slowly picked myself up off the ground and questioned her.
"Yes sir, $187...cash or check is fine."
"But...I already paid sales tax on the car."
"Yes, I see that. But this isn't sales tax, it's registration."
"Registration? I thought that was like $26 bucks or something like that."
"Oh, goodness no. You must not be from around here."
"You think?"

No I drive a '65, '79 and '93 vehicle and pay less than $150 a year for them...but even that just went up this year!

RMcQ

This is the only one I have since I finished the repairs and added 31" tires.

RMcQ

I remember those days in Maryland, but they are gone. The registration was $180 for 2 years. Just paid it today. It stings particularly bad when I paid only $750 for the entire freakin' truck. Whatever, its done now and I can go have fun.