i AM a state inspector for the state of texas i have a 78 f250 and it doesnt even have a hint for a catalytic converter take it from me contact dps and report that station 1986 and newer are the only vehicles that r required to have cats and emissions ar enull andvoid if the vehicle is 20 years old ur 77 is fine regardless of whether it has cats or not its not required

in edit: i meant 76 sorry

 

This is very straightforward. In Texas, anything 25 years or older doesn't need any kind of smog or emissions test in any county. All my '79 has ever needed is a safety inspection.

 

INCORRECT! any vehicle 25 model years or older is not required to have an emissions inspection BUT they are required to have a safety inspection. Part of the safety inspection is to verify that ALL emissions equipment that came STOCK on said vehicle is present and not visibly damaged. If your truck came stock with cats, then they MUST be there to pass a visual inspection. There is nothing in the law that says all that old junk must be in working order but it MUST be present.



Straight from the DPS, See 2f


website:Texas Department of Public Safety - Inspection/Rejection Criteria

"If installed as original equipment by the manufacturer, the catalytic converter will be considered a part of the exhaust emission system on all 1984 and later model vehicles. It will be inspected as a part of the exhaust system on prior to 1984 model vehicles."



2. Inspect for and reject if:


a. The exhaust emission system has been removed.


b. The exhaust emission system has been disconnected.


c. The plumbing or hoses are loose, broken, leaking, or improperly routed.


d. Air pump (air injection-type) belt is loose, removed, excessively cracked, frayed or has pieces missing.


e. The exhaust emission system has been altered in any manner to make it ineffective.


f. The catalytic converter has been removed, leaking, or disconnected on a 1984 or later model vehicle.




Long story short, if your vehicle had it new, IT MUST have it now. I would hope a current state inspector would've known this

 

Here is A page to show a ANTIQUE Vehicle is EXEMPT from state inspection...((as long as it is registered as an antique))

Texas Department of Public Safety - What's Inspected by Vehicle Type

 

Jecsd1 - I just want to point out that the section you reference clearly states that a cat is necessary on all "1984 and later model vehicles" if stock. That means 1984-PRESENT. The second part of that paragraph states that if a cat is present on an older vehicle then it will be inspected as well, but is not required.

 

I agree with that interpretation. the last line makes it clear that its only necessary for 84 and newer.

 

Thanks for the help, guys. I'm taking my truck somewhere else. My problem was, I got a ticket for expired inspection (exp- 06/08) and I was in a hurry to fix it before I paid the ticket. I just wanted to make sure i didnt need cats.