Hi Garry - yeah, that was my impression too, but the inspectors CMW use were reluctant.
And Dave - yup, she's running well. CMW we're impressed by how well, so that's good. Is she still registered up there by the way? Appreciate your patience if so - shouldn't be too much longer.
I've spent long hours on the internet, and I think the exhaust requirement doesn't apply to a 1988. As far as I can tell that was introduced in rule 42 in 1989, so it can't apply to a 1988-constructed car any more than the requirement for traction control can. Unsure if I'll be able to persuade the inspector of this though - might want to pick my battles.
Child restraints also clearly aren't required.
The headrests, though, I think are needed. So - do the headrestless seats have holes for putting headrests in? It feels like there might be a ring under the fabric, but I can't really tell without taking it apart. If not, is there a source for the new seats? Or a source for headrests?