Moving to Texas, have questions

I'm moving to Austin in a couple of months. I have a couple of questions about Texas law and what-not and what I need to get done to my car to make it road-worthy there. I would appreciate the help. :)

1) I currently have no cat. I know they do sniffer tests. Can I have a cutout? Is this ok if I have a cat on the car?

2) Anyone know the legal grade of window tint there?

3) Is there a car club in Austin or meets nearby?

4) Can anyone recommend a good, honest mechanic?

5) Can anyone recommend a good Austin body shop?

Florida doesn't care about all that stuff, so any information you can offer is helpful. Thanks! :D

1. You can have a cutout, so long as it's capped during the inspection process. You'll need to get a cat welded in so you can pass the sniffer. Or, even have one bolted in. Then, after you get a sticker, unbolt it and put your off-road pie back in.

2. 20% on driver's/pass side glass.. The hatch can be limo.. 5%.. 0%.. Whatever... And the front can be as dark as 5% down to the ASI line.

as for 3-5.. Someone else will have to answer those. I figure there "has" to be an F-Body club in Austin since it's a pretty good sized metro area. Course, our local club disbanded - so we got nuffin' in Dallas. :(

Originally posted by Firehawk95
I'm moving to Austin in a couple of months.

I'm sorry... ;)

For your Austin F-body needs:
http://www.austin-f-body.org/forums/
http://www.afbforums.com

Originally posted by Shawn 97 Z28 M6
1. You can have a cutout, so long as it's capped during the inspection process. You'll need to get a cat welded in so you can pass the sniffer. Or, even have one bolted in. Then, after you get a sticker, unbolt it and put your off-road pie back in.

2. 20% on driver's/pass side glass.. The hatch can be limo.. 5%.. 0%.. Whatever... And the front can be as dark as 5% down to the ASI line.

as for 3-5.. Someone else will have to answer those. I figure there "has" to be an F-Body club in Austin since it's a pretty good sized metro area. Course, our local club disbanded - so we got nuffin' in Dallas. :(
I thought the legal limit for the roll ups was 30%, did they change the law recently :confused:

Originally posted by RedHottG2
I thought the legal limit for the roll ups was 30%, did they change the law recently :confused:

The DPS limit is 20%, which is what State Inpection stations go by. Each local city has their own limits unfortunately. But 20% *will pass* for an inspection. Actually.. 18% would if ya wanna get nit picky on it ;) .. It's really 20% / + or - 2%.

i know you said austin, but if you get a rural address, or a on in an atainment area there is no emission test.

we only have emmisions in polluted areas, austin, dfw,houston ect..

I have a vert. and go with the top and windows down. They have never looked. I,m running 15% on the sides.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Firehawk95
[B]I'm moving to Austin in a couple of months.

What brings you to Austin? This include Jeremy? Always enjoyed your posts in the Lounge:)

Originally posted by Firehawk95
I'm moving to Austin in a couple of months. I have a couple of questions about Texas law and what-not and what I need to get done to my car to make it road-worthy there. I would appreciate the help. :)

1) I currently have no cat. I know they do sniffer tests. Can I have a cutout? Is this ok if I have a cat on the car?

2) Anyone know the legal grade of window tint there?

3) Is there a car club in Austin or meets nearby?

4) Can anyone recommend a good, honest mechanic?

5) Can anyone recommend a good Austin body shop?

Florida doesn't care about all that stuff, so any information you can offer is helpful. Thanks! :D

1) Just close the cut-out and you should be fine with getting it inspected, then again you can always search around and im sure someone will do it. :D

2) I would have to go with the 30%, hell judging off of mine they look like 60% :p

3) There tend to be more meets and clubs in the San Antonio area, And the best track around is south by Seguin. And then again there is always Dustin and myself to hang out with, were just a short drive away :p

4) Ryan Ahart, without question. And people on this board will tell you the same.

5) Cant help you there, but i hope you never need one.

6) Yes! you do need to learn how to use the word ya'll correctly :p

Originally posted by ford


2) I would have to go with the 30%, hell judging off of mine they look like 60% :p



Nope.. 20%.. Like I previously said ;) .. No reason for her to get the tint removed if it isn't an issue.

Oh.. And here's why :p :

20.32 Window Tinting. All 1988 or newer model vehicles that have window coating, tinting, or sunscreening applied to the windows must be inspected for the following:


1. Inspect for and reject if:


a. Glass coating or sunscreening devices on windshields:


1) Extends downward beyond the AS-1 line or more than five (5) inches from the top of windshield on vehicles without an AS-1 line. Measurements shall be taken from inside the windshield; or


2) Is red or amber in color.


b. Glass coating or sunscreening devices on windows:


Windows immediately to the right and left of the driver, which open, have less than 20% light transmittance.


c. Check calibration before rejecting vehicle.




:D

fastcam, thanks. Yes, Jeremy and I are moving in together the middle of May. :)

ford, you know you and Dustin are welcome over anytime. Just uh, call first. :D

I already need a body shop. :(

Thanks everyone for all the information! I sincerely appreciate it. Anyone else who cares to chime in, please do so. I can always use any info you can provide. :)

Originally posted by Firehawk95
I'm moving to Austin in a couple of months. I have a couple of questions about Texas law and what-not and what I need to get done to my car to make it road-worthy there. I would appreciate the help. :)

1) I currently have no cat. I know they do sniffer tests. Can I have a cutout? Is this ok if I have a cat on the car?

2) Anyone know the legal grade of window tint there?

3) Is there a car club in Austin or meets nearby?

4) Can anyone recommend a good, honest mechanic?

5) Can anyone recommend a good Austin body shop?

Florida doesn't care about all that stuff, so any information you can offer is helpful. Thanks! :D

1. I know a place that will pass you in NB.

2. It's a Texas law that you cannot roll your windows up, ever.

3. There is Schlitterbahn in NB. That has nothing to do with anything you asked, but it's cool, and has alot of water, and there's a parking lot, where cars "meet" to park and stuff. So to answer your question; Yes, I'm bored, come visit me.

4. Yes. I can. If you worded the question better, I'd give you his name, too. ;) :lol: (Just see Ford's answer, although that is in SA, which is quite a drive.)

5. www.rangersautocustom.com in San Antonio painted my hood/flames

:p

First, congratulations, by far the best city to live in as far as Texas is concerned.

1. Not an issue YET, local counties do not sniff for E testing.
2. TX law is like 14%, most places will pass it I have a great place in Austin that passes anything PM me for that place.
3. I think so, sold my Z28 a while ago.
4. For what type of work? Anything LT1, yes know a great guy, again PM me. He's an enthusiest/mechanic.
5. Yes, my Supra was repainted by one of the best in Austin. I'll link some pics for you to see the quality of the work.

http://www.lilviv.com/jeffstar/supra *(you may have to refresh a few times*)

Ok, thanks everyone so far. :)

Are radar detectors illegal there?

Radar detectors are legal. IMO, dont leave home without it. I know mine has paid for itself 3 times over.
Police here use it ad nauseum. "Instant on" is becomming more common, but if you're in a crowd of cars, you usually get fair warning. What concerns me lately is the tactic of sneaking up behind you and then one hit with the IO before they turn on the gumballs.... My V1 hasnt been much help in detecting this, but the old eyeball in the rear view mirror approach helps... never speed alone :D

Originally posted by JeffSTAR
First, congratulations, by far the best city to live in as far as Texas is concerned.



Supra still looks great Jeff, im up for getting my ass kicked by it anytime :p

:D