State Inspection

Perform a comprehensive state safety inspection of the vehicle to ensure compliance with applicable motor vehicle laws, checking lights, brakes, steering, suspension, tires, exhaust, and other safety-critical systems.

Warnings

Tools required

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground in well-lit inspection area
2. Set parking brake and place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Ensure engine is cold if exhaust system inspection is required
4. Have vehicle registration and previous inspection documents available
5. Verify all exterior lights have correct bulbs installed before starting

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect exterior lighting systems
   Turn on headlights and verify both low and high beams function correctly. Check that headlight aim is within specification using alignment tool. Test turn signals front and rear, ensuring they flash at 60-120 cycles per minute. Verify brake lights illuminate with pedal application. Check tail lights, license plate light, and side marker lights for proper operation. Inspect all lenses for cracks or damage.
2. 2

   Check horn and windshield equipment
   Test horn for proper operation and adequate volume. Inspect windshield for cracks or damage that impairs driver vision. Verify windshield wipers operate on all speeds and blades make proper contact. Check windshield washer fluid spray pattern and reservoir level.
3. 3

   Inspect tires and wheels
   Measure tread depth on all four tires using tread depth gauge; minimum legal depth is typically 2/32 inch. Check for uneven wear patterns, cuts, bulges, or exposed cords. Verify all lug nuts are present and secure. Check tire pressure in all tires including spare, adjusting to manufacturer specification (typically found on driver door jamb). Ensure all tires are of adequate size and rating for the vehicle.
4. 4

   Test brake system operation
   With engine running, apply brake pedal and measure effort required to stop vehicle; pedal should be firm and not sink to floor. Check for excessive pedal travel. Verify parking brake holds vehicle on incline and has adequate reserve travel. Listen for unusual noises during brake application. Check brake fluid level in master cylinder reservoir; fluid should be clear, not dark or contaminated.
5. 5

   Inspect steering system
   Start engine and turn steering wheel lock-to-lock while stationary, checking for excessive play or binding. With front wheels pointed straight, measure free play at rim of steering wheel; should not exceed approximately 2 inches. Listen for unusual noises from steering components. Inspect steering column shaft coupling for wear or looseness. Check power steering fluid level if equipped.
6. 6

   Raise vehicle and inspect undercarriage
   Safely raise vehicle using jack and support on jack stands at manufacturer-specified lift points. Inspect frame and unibody for rust damage, cracks, or structural damage. Check floor pans for excessive rust perforation. Examine fuel tank and lines for leaks, damage, or insecure mounting. Verify fuel filler cap seals properly.
7. 7

   Inspect front suspension and steering linkage
   With vehicle raised, grasp each front wheel at 12 and 6 o'clock positions and check for excessive vertical play indicating worn ball joints or wheel bearings. Check at 3 and 9 o'clock for tie rod or steering linkage wear. Visually inspect upper and lower control arms, ball joints, tie rod ends, idler arm, and center link for damage, excessive wear, or missing/damaged boots. Check shock absorbers for leaks or damage.
8. 8

   Inspect rear suspension
   Examine rear leaf springs for cracks, broken leaves, or sagging. Check spring shackles and mounting points for wear or damage. Inspect rear shock absorbers for leaks or damage. Verify rear axle is secure and differential shows no evidence of leaks. Check U-bolts for tightness.
9. 9

   Inspect brake components
   Remove all four wheels. Inspect brake drums or rotors for excessive wear, scoring, or cracks. Check brake linings/pads for minimum thickness (typically 1/16 inch minimum). Examine brake lines and hoses for leaks, cracks, chafing, or swelling. Verify all brake hardware is present and properly installed. Inspect wheel cylinders or calipers for leaks. Reinstall wheels.
10. 10

    Inspect exhaust system
    Visually inspect entire exhaust system from manifolds to tailpipe. Check for holes, cracks, or excessive rust in pipes, muffler, and resonator. Verify all exhaust components are securely mounted with proper hangers and clamps. Ensure exhaust does not leak before catalytic converter if equipped. Check that tailpipe exits behind passenger compartment and does not discharge near fuel tank.
11. 11

    Check belts, hoses, and engine mounts
    Inspect all drive belts for cracking, glazing, or fraying. Check belt tension. Examine radiator hoses, heater hoses, and other coolant hoses for cracks, soft spots, or leaks. Visually inspect engine mounts for damage or excessive deterioration. Check for fluid leaks from engine, transmission, or differential.
12. 12

    Inspect seats, seatbelts, and interior safety items
    Check that all seats are securely mounted to floor. Inspect all seatbelts for proper operation, fraying, or damage to webbing and buckles. Verify seatbelt mounting points are secure. Check that all doors open and close properly and latches function correctly. Test interior rearview mirror for secure mounting.
13. 13

    Verify emissions control equipment
    For 1970 Rebel Machine, verify PCV system components are present and connected. Check that air cleaner assembly is properly installed and sealed. Inspect vacuum lines for proper routing and condition. Verify fuel cap vents properly. Confirm all emissions control equipment required for model year is present and functional per federal and state requirements.
14. 14

    Road test vehicle
    Perform road test to verify brake operation at various speeds, checking for pulling or grabbing. Test steering response and returnability. Listen for unusual noises from drivetrain, suspension, or exhaust. Verify transmission shifts properly through all gears. Check that speedometer and odometer function. Ensure vehicle tracks straight and does not pull to either side.

Reassembly

1. Lower vehicle from jack stands if raised
2. Double-check all wheels are properly torqued if removed during inspection
3. Return tire pressures to specified values if adjusted
4. Clean vehicle exterior if necessary for customer presentation

Verification

• Complete state inspection form documenting all findings and measurements
• Verify all safety-critical systems meet minimum state requirements
• Document any deficiencies that require repair before passing inspection
• Affix inspection sticker to windshield if vehicle passes all criteria per local regulations
• Provide customer with written documentation of inspection results and any recommended repairs

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