Welding together of exhaust components is not permitted except by original manufacturer or to replace defective parts with new parts that were originally welded.

My interpertation of this is IF it was originally welded (I have no idea how a shop would know) You CAN replace it as the key word is OR. To me that word is your permission to re-weld a new one (doesn't say it can't be aftermarket) part that was originally welded.

Out of extreme curiosity I called the number for the Department in WV. I spoke with Kathy, Direct number 304-746-2126. She agreed with my opinion above but an inspector needs to rule on it. I told her someone will probably call her (which she requested) and inform them of the shop and give you a final ruling.

Personally, I would go somewhere else and try to get it done. Then call her if you are refused. They do not know me or the forum or anything. I just said I needed a ruling. I don't think you will have an issue after speaking with her if you choose to. Sandy

 

Let's try it this way.

WV says specifically no welds unless OEM (or properly certified aftermarket I would think). Was it a continuous beaded weld?

The guy did you a huge favor IMO. He could have stuck a failed sticker on the glass and you would have been hating life.

As you think about it, there is a good reason for the law. If you do not see the reason, take it to another inspection station and try your luck there.

 

So Kathy wouldn't sign the inspection form?

 

What is the good reason that applies to the OP? Now if he was trying to hook up custom dual exhaust, that would be a reason but does not apply to the OP. NO Kathy obviously did not sign anything per my post. They have 14 inspectors, one of which will rule on it. Isn't it better to go to the source than make assumptions, which we don't agree on? Sandy

 

Going to sleep?

You're reading me wrong. I bring no malice...

The problem is that neither one of us has any idea of the install.

What drew my sack up was the inspector's response which turned out to be correct. By law, something found against code in WV requires an immediate fix or a rejection sticker must be placed on the windshield so Smokey can easily ID an offender.

The guy cut him some slack. Actually he was risking his inspection license. If an inspector is brought in and finds the install not to code, most likely he will plaster the failed sticker and chew the inspector's a$$ for allowing the car to leave.

I too would go to another station but if the 2nd station plays hardball, you have to accept it.

I had no idea WV was so tough. I thought MD was tough...

(I am assuming at this point that the weld was questionable and no clamps were used)

 

No malice on this end either. Just a discussion. I don't think he cut him any slack. I think he is unsure of the law. Had he put a failed sticker on, perhaps he could have LOST his license for not knowing the law. I have flown hundreds on times with a clay target gun (long gun). On almost every occasion I have had to tell them what the law is. They seriously don't know. They don't know how much ammo you can carry. They don't know if the case should be locked or unlocked. They don't know where the FIREARM tag goes (GOES IN THE CASE). I had one agent at the check in tell me the tag had to go on the outside of the case because the handlers could know what was in there. I told her they are the ones stealing these $12,000 guns and the law says the tag goes IN the case. These are just examples of people that don't know the law. However, we are ultimately responsible for obeying the law since "ignorance is no excuse for breaking the law".

What drew my sack up was the inspector's response which turned out to be correct. "We don't know that yet".

 

I am a$$-u-me(ing) he knows the law as he has a licensed inspection station and is personally licensed.

Gun laws are way different.

To Wit-

123- EXHAUST SYSTEM Chapter 17C, Article 15, Section 34

The exhaust system is a series of mechanical devices for the purpose of receiving exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine before expelling it into the atmosphere, thereby effectively reducing engine noise
emissions. The exhaust system may include exhaust pipes, catalytic converter, mufflers, resonators, and tail
piping in varying combinations.

Exhaust System Procedure:
.
Visually examine, as applicable, mufflers, resonators, tail pipes, exhaust pipes, catalytic converters
(air hoses), heat shields and supporting hardware while vehicle is on a hoist or over a pit.
.
Rusted or corroded surfaces should be given particular attention.

NOTE:
Holes in the system made by the manufacturer for drainage are not cause for
rejection.

Advise Driver:
If there is excessive rust or corrosion.

Reject Vehicle If:
.
Vehicle is not equipped with proper exhaust system, i.e., original equipment or original replacement
equipment (mufflers, catalytic converters, resonators, etc.).
.
There are loose or leaking joints.
.
There are holes caused by corrosion, leaking seams, or patches on mechanical devices.
.
Tail pipe end is pinched or damaged.
.
Elements of system are not securely fastened.
.
There is an exhaust system cut-out or similar device that allows excessive noise.
.
Any part of system passes through occupant compartment or trunk.
.
If vehicle has straight exhaust, gutted, or altered muffler.
.
Welding together of exhaust components is not permitted except by original manufacturer or to replace defective parts with new parts that were originally welded.

 

a$$-u-me(ing) lol .... Laws are laws regardless of the subject matter and all consequences still apply. Anyway, let's see what happens if the OP follows through. Pat on the back for the one a$$ that is correct?

 

Yeah, I am retaining a little water this week...

Wish he had posted a detailed photo but it all will come down to the inspector most likely.

 

[QUOTE=KULTULZ;17320998]Yeah, I am retaining a little water this week...

Good reason. I am just old.

 

So, what does the law say about denying someone a State Inspection?

For instance, here, if someone asks for a State Inspection, I then have to do it, and either pass or fail the vehicle. I can't deny them just because I know it will fail. Once it fails, an electronic flag is put on their VIN so anyone else that inspects it will know it recently failed. If I don't, and DMV gets involved, then it means a license suspension.

But I'm not in WV and I don't know what that particular state says. Did you happen to see anything on that when you were researching? Or should I go fishing for that information myself?

 

Update: I took it to a tire shop and they passed it no problem and then when the guy brought it out I asked him about it snd he said there is no reason to not be able to weld them and they weld after market and stock exhaust systems all the time for people. So a new sticker and a old truck to cruse around in. Next step is bigger tires is next nothing hugh just maybe a set 2 inches bigger

 

Its kinda the same thing in WV but there is places who will cheat and give you a sticker easy and some don't even look at it hardly and then some really look at it and go by the rule book. I know one plave lost there license 2 times and cant do it anymore. I wanted to go somewhere where they actually go by the book because they actually check it all out and I bought the truck last year and have done a pretty much full restoration on it and I wanted to see how they felt the front end looked but it all checked out and I passed. I bought the truck for $550 dollars. Everything was covered in rust, the exhaust was rusted out, the frame had hugh rust holes and it didnt have a right side window so I fixed everything in it and now its running almost like a new truck.

 

Basically the same. The law reads the paperwork needs to be filled out (registration - insurance) and if any component(s) fails it has to be repaired or a red sticker (in lieu of inspection sticker) is placed on the windshield.

I have lived here a few years and never knew WV went all this far. The place where I go is like NC years ago, lights work and horn blows you got it.

 

[QUOTE=KULTULZ;17321302] if any component(s) fails it has to be repaired or a red sticker.

The shop will tell you why you failed. If you want to let them fix it and sticker it, that is your choice. The other choice is to let them red sticker it. You can legally drive it home or to a shop or fib if caught that is where you are going. You have five days for it to be repaired by you or a shop of your choice. After five days something happens, I don't remember. The inspecting shop can't force or threaten you with immediate consequences if you fail. Let em red sticker it and fix it yourself or have it done elsewhere. There are no long term consequences from getting a red sticker. Sandy