State Inspection

Comprehensive state safety inspection of a 1972 Ford F-100 with 302ci V8, covering all systems typically required for vehicle registration compliance.

Warnings

Tools required

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, firm surface in well-lit area
2. Set parking brake firmly and place transmission in Park (automatic) or gear (manual)
3. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
4. Ensure all vehicle systems are operational (start engine briefly to verify)
5. Have vehicle registration and previous inspection documentation available

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect exterior lighting systems
   Check operation of all exterior lights: headlights (high and low beam), turn signals (front and rear), brake lights, reverse lights, parking lights, and license plate light. Verify all lenses are intact without cracks, and that lights illuminate properly without flickering. Check headlight aim - both headlights should aim straight ahead and slightly downward, not into oncoming traffic.
2. 2

   Inspect windshield and glass
   Examine windshield for cracks, chips, or damage in driver's line of sight. Inspect all other windows for integrity. Test windshield wipers for proper operation and adequate blade condition - blades should clear windshield without streaking or chattering. Verify windshield washer system functions and sprays both sides of windshield.
3. 3

   Check horn and mirrors
   Test horn for adequate volume and proper operation. Inspect both exterior mirrors (driver and passenger side) for secure mounting and adequate reflection. The 1972 F-100 typically has manual door-mounted mirrors - verify they are not loose or excessively corroded.
4. 4

   Inspect tires and wheels
   Check all four tires for minimum tread depth (typically 2/32 inch minimum, use tread depth gauge or penny test). Inspect sidewalls for cuts, bulges, or weather checking. Verify tire pressures are appropriate for the tire size and load; consult the owner's manual or glovebox/door decal if present, and inflate to the manufacturer-specified pressure for the fitted tires.. Check for proper tire size matching on same axle. Inspect wheels for cracks or damage and verify all lug nuts are present.
5. 5

   Test steering system operation
   Start engine and turn steering wheel lock-to-lock while stationary. Steering should be smooth without binding, excessive play (more than 2 inches of wheel movement before wheels turn is excessive), or unusual noises. If equipped with power steering, check power steering fluid level in reservoir - should be at FULL mark when engine warm. Manual steering models do not have a fluid reservoir. Inspect steering linkage boots visible from above for tears or grease leakage.
6. 6

   Test brake system operation
   With engine running, pump brake pedal several times and hold firm pressure. Pedal should feel firm and not sink slowly to floor. Check parking brake - it should hold vehicle on a slight incline. If equipped, verify the brake system warning light (dual-circuit pressure-differential lamp) is not illuminated during operation, indicating balanced hydraulic pressure in both circuits. Check brake fluid level in master cylinder - should be at MAX line. Fluid should be clear to light amber, not dark or contaminated.
7. 7

   Perform undercarriage inspection
   Raise vehicle safely on jack stands at all four corners. Inspect entire exhaust system from manifolds to tailpipe for leaks, holes, or loose connections. Verify exhaust exits behind cab and not underneath passenger compartment. Inspect brake lines and hoses for corrosion, kinks, or fluid leakage. Check fuel lines and fuel tank for leaks or damage. Inspect driveshaft U-joints for excessive play or damage. Check for any obvious fluid leaks from engine, transmission, or rear differential.
8. 8

   Inspect suspension and steering components
   While vehicle is raised, inspect front suspension components: ball joints, tie rod ends, idler arm, and pitman arm for excessive wear or play. Check for torn or missing rubber boots. Inspect shock absorbers for leakage or damage (some seepage is normal, but heavy oil coating indicates failure). Check leaf spring condition on rear - verify springs are not cracked or broken, and shackles are secure. Inspect steering gear box for leaks and secure mounting.
9. 9

   Check frame and body integrity
   Inspect frame rails for rust-through, cracks, or damage that could affect structural integrity. Check all body mount locations (count varies by cab/bed configuration) for deterioration or separation. Inspect cab floor and bed floor for rust-through holes. Verify doors open and close properly and latches engage securely. Check bed for secure mounting to frame.
10. 10

    Inspect seat belts and interior safety items
    Check driver and passenger seat belts for proper operation - belts should retract smoothly (if retractable type) or buckle securely (if static type). Inspect webbing for cuts, fraying, or excessive wear. Verify seat belt mounting points are secure to floor/body. Test that seats are firmly mounted and do not rock excessively. Verify driver's seat adjusts and locks properly.
11. 11

    Test instrument cluster and warning systems
    With ignition on, verify all required gauges function: speedometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge, and oil pressure gauge. Check that warning lights illuminate during bulb check (ignition on/engine off) and extinguish with engine running: oil pressure and alternator/generator. Verify the high beam indicator illuminates only when the high beams are switched on. Verify speedometer cable is connected and speedometer registers speed accurately during brief test drive.
12. 12

    Perform road test evaluation
    Conduct brief road test on safe route. Vehicle should accelerate smoothly without hesitation. Brakes should stop vehicle in straight line without pulling to one side. Test brakes at various speeds - no pulsation, grinding, or excessive noise should be present. Steering should track straight without constant correction. Listen for unusual noises from drivetrain, suspension, or exhaust during acceleration, cruising, and deceleration.
13. 13

    Verify emissions compliance (if applicable)
    For states requiring emissions testing on 1972 vehicles, verify emission control equipment is present and functional: PCV valve, air cleaner with proper filter, and fuel vapor canister (if originally equipped). The 1972 302ci V8 has minimal emissions equipment by modern standards and does not have an EGR valve (EGR was introduced in 1973 model year). Check that air cleaner snorkel connects properly and intake system has no major vacuum leaks. Verify exhaust does not emit excessive black smoke during acceleration. Verified detail (EGR was generally not fitted to a 1972 302; EGR became widespread around 1973+. Presenting EGR as expected equipment for a 1972 302 may be era-inappropriate, though the '(if equipped)' qualifier partially mitigates this.): verify emission control equipment is present and functional: PCV valve, air cleaner with proper filter, and fuel vapor/evaporative canister (if originally equipped). Note that a 1972 302 typically did not have EGR, which appeared on later model years.

Reassembly

1. Lower vehicle from jack stands if raised
2. Remove wheel chocks
3. Ensure all inspection points have been documented
4. Address any deficiencies found before submitting for official state inspection

Verification

• All exterior lights function properly and lenses are intact
• Tires have adequate tread depth and proper inflation
• Brakes operate effectively with firm pedal and no leaks
• Steering operates smoothly without excessive play
• No exhaust leaks or safety-critical fluid leaks present
• All safety equipment (belts, mirrors, wipers, horn) operational
• Vehicle drives straight and stops properly during road test
• No structural rust-through or frame damage present

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