Alfa Romeo Owners Club of Australia Forum

Technical => 105/115 Series (105 Coupe/Spider/Berlina) => Topic started by: JMF50 on May 18, 2016, 12:33:46 PM

Title: 105 Bumpers
Post by: JMF50 on May 18, 2016, 12:33:46 PM
Does anyone know what the legality of removing bumpers from the 105 for street registration?
Title: Re: 105 Bumpers
Post by: Balfa on May 18, 2016, 08:02:16 PM
No one has responded to this so may I offer my ignorant opinion on this? Better a response than none :D

Obviously vehicle standards vary from state to state, so I will use NSW as an example.
www.rms.nsw.gov.au/roads/safety-rules/vehicle-standards/information-sheets-specifications.html

I had a quick look at the vehicle mods PDF and it didn't explicitly state that if you remove a bumper then you need certification. But the gist of the various documents was that if you modify the car beyond the original spec that could have some impact on the vehicle safety then you will need certification.

Happy to be totally wrong, just trying to help :)
Title: Re: 105 Bumpers
Post by: LukeC on May 19, 2016, 07:24:56 AM
The simple-ish answer is:

There is no requirement to have a "bumper" as such on any MA class vehicle in Australia. Unless the bumper performs a function that will render the vehicle non-compliant with any applicable ADR you may remove it. E.g: if the vehicle will no longer meet occupant protection ADRs or mandatory lights (or positioning) if removed, it can't be removed.

Since few 105s were required too meet any ADRs, but only were required to have lights and front seatbelts etc to meet the state requirements at the time when first sold (pre Motor Vehicle Standards Act - 1989): as long as the specific lights (in the case of bumper mounted lights, such as front indicators 1750 GTV S1) and number plate visibility are maintained, you are good to go!

Title: Re: 105 Bumpers
Post by: ItalCarGuy on May 19, 2016, 10:58:36 AM
My thoughts would be around the insurance implications. I think most policies have something about the car being standard and if there are any things that are not it would need to be listed. I would imagine this could include the absence of bumpers?...
Title: Re: 105 Bumpers
Post by: Balfa on May 19, 2016, 09:18:13 PM
What LukeC said :D

That is an interesting point about insurance...reminds me I should check with Shannons next time I talk to them about my policy.
Title: Re: 105 Bumpers
Post by: carlo rossi on May 19, 2016, 09:29:51 PM
yes it looks cool
but you obviously have not driven around newcastle
touch park, touch stop at lights (true) touched up at pedestrian crossings( foot)
I couldn't afford the panel beater bill
but power to you
Title: Re: 105 Bumpers
Post by: njh1964 on May 26, 2016, 05:53:43 PM
Following a restoration project, I've just registered my 1968 GT 1300 Junior in Victoria without bumpers. No comment was made on the absence of bumpers by the roadworthy guy or by the VicRoads inspector.

Before turning up for my registration inspection, I did read up on bumper requirements on the VicRoads website. The only references I could find is that bumpers have to be safe with no sharp protrusions. There is no mention at all as to the legality of removing bumpers. I assume, so long as removing bumpers does not uncover any sharp body protrusions, then there should not be a problem.

Also, I dropped into Shannons in Melbourne to update and adjust my insurance coverage. They asked if I was going to fit bumpers to the car, but they were fine with it when I said that I would not be fitting them.