My Cert Part 1

Introduction

This article is written without prejudice and presented in collaboration with LVVTA and is a factual synopsis of my experience with the certification process. (not the system) There is no animosity nor character assassinations; none are implied or intended; there are merely facts and outcomes. LVVTA have the right to reply within this article.

Background

When I hatched the idea to build a 1960s racetrack-style Ford coupe I knew I wouldn’t be able to find one, so I’d have to build it from scratch and adhere to the 1D category scratch built hot rod rules. Those rules allow us to take creative ideas and bring them to reality, and that is a privilege I (we) am eternally grateful. Those same rules meant I would have to compromise some of the raw authenticity of the concept and install seat belts, dual-speed wipers, windshield washers and lots more and I was ok with that. The idea for this hot rod coupe would showcase some of the finest engineering our industry can deliver in chassis, suspension and drivetrain.

Footprints

There will be some of you who know me and my background, but for the purposes of this, you will need to know my footprints. (not a This is my Life story – I promise) I grew up under my dad’s wing, never far from a lathe, mill, welder or grinder. In the early mix was stock cars, midget racing at Western Springs, spectating the racing at Pukekohe and building flat bottom flathead V8 ski boat. I went through NZCE – Mechanical and then worked