I'm planning on doing some work on my ramp truck project in between working on the Nova this summer. I have a completre 1948 F5 Cabover body that I am mounting on a 1976 Chevy C30 frame that my father and I have set up with a 4 link and air bags, and some fuel injected Chevy 350 motivation. It's a project that is going to take a while, but once I set a plan on how to build this thing, I want to continue with that same plan.
Anyways, the reason I am posting in here is that I am worried about all the new DOT regulation crap that I might have to deal with by building a heavy vehicle like this for personal use. From what I have researched, it seems that by making this thing a dual rear wheel unit or by making the GVW higher than 10,000 pounds, I am subject to DOT regulation, which involves DOT inspection ($160 extra a year) and possible DOT inspections on the highway. I might possibly have to deal with getting a "health card" to drive the thing, and all kinds of other BS that I'm really not looking forward to.
Anyways, has anyone had any experience with this? I'm sure some of you haul race cars to the track, and I didn't know if you've ran into trouble with hauling over 10,000 lbs. and dealing with the DOT on the highway on your way to New England Dragway. I'd like to build this truck as a dually, but if it means dealing with all that crap, I might want to find a different way to do it.
My father and I built the current ramp body, but I think we are shortening it, in it's current condition it is WAY too long for my yeard/ driveway... lol
What about making an aluminum flatbed? It will reduce weight and never rust. Or even an open center. Ill check my work trucks. I don't use a health card with them
Well, the only thing I would trust making out of aluminum is the deck... and I really don't think that is going to save a whole lot of weight. Besides, the steel is a lot easier for me to weld and fab up, and I already have a pretty decent supply.
Anyways, I've did a little homework on the subject, and it looks like the health card is required, but not really enforced. Also, the DOT inspection rate is set by the mechanic doing the inspection, so I think I have a couple of shop friends that do DOT that will take care of me. The only thing that sucks is that I have to register it as commercial so the insurance will be higher, but I figure I can register it as part of my girlfriend's plowing business, and we would legally be able to tow cars with it. Anyways, I just bought a cheap Harbor freight sandblaster and soda blaster, so it's time to start stripping that sucker down!
