Interpretation ID: aiam2295
Southside Datsun
3139 Peach Orchard Road
Augusta
GA 30906;
Dear Mr. Watson: I am writing to confirm your April 29, 1976, telephone conversatio with Mark Schwimmer of this office, concerning the modification work that you perform on Datsun pick- up trucks. I understand that this modification involves removal of the body from a fully certified truck and replacement of the body with a flat bed.; You are a vehicle alterer who is subject to the requirements of 49 CF S 567.7 (copy enclosed). That section requires that you affix a label to the vehicle stating that, *as altered*, the vehicle conforms to all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards. If any of the original vehicle's weight ratings are affected by the modification, the modified weight ratings must also appear on this label. As Mr. Schwimmer explained, 'Gross Vehicle Weight Rating' is defined in 49 CFR S 571.3 as:; >>>the value specified by the manufacturer as the loaded weight of single vehicle.<<<; One constraint on this specification is found in S 567.4(g)(3) of 4 CFR Part 567, *Certification*, which requires that the GVWR; >>>shall not be less than the sum of the unloaded vehicle weight, rate cargo load, and 150 pounds times the vehicle's designated seating capacity. . . .<<<; 'Gross Axle Weight Rating' is defined as: >>>the value specified by the vehicle manufacturer as the load carrying capacity of a single axle system, as measured at the tire-ground interfaces.<<<; As one who alters completed vehicles but does not otherwise manufactur motor vehicles or motor vehicle equipment that is subject to a safety standard, you are not required to submit the information specified in 49 CFR Part 566, *Manufacturer Identification*.; Enclosed for your convenience is an information sheet entitled 'Wher to Obtain Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and Regulations.' If you have any further questions, please feel free to write.; Yours truly, Stephen P. Wood, Assistant Chief Counsel