VIN and Title question
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VIN and Title question
I was wondering if someone could answer a question for me. When a custom vehicle is built from a custom body and/or frame, how does the DMV handle that? Say the body was a new fiberglass unit, would the car be treated as the model year of the frame or engine? What year smog requirements would it need to meet? Thanks
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2002
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From: McAlester, OK
VIN and Title question
I don't know about the VIN, I think you have to get a plate made up for it or something for a new frame.
The year is usually gone by the body/cab year. So if you had a '27 T bucket on a duece frame with a '53 flathead, and maybe some model A fenders and a '23 rear deck, it would be considered a '27 Model T.
The emmisions would go for the "year" which in my state means anything over 30 years of age is free from any emmisions regulations. Although I think a few people won't let you pass inspection without passing the sniffer test.
Clayton
The year is usually gone by the body/cab year. So if you had a '27 T bucket on a duece frame with a '53 flathead, and maybe some model A fenders and a '23 rear deck, it would be considered a '27 Model T.
The emmisions would go for the "year" which in my state means anything over 30 years of age is free from any emmisions regulations. Although I think a few people won't let you pass inspection without passing the sniffer test.
Clayton
Last edited by 41Clay; Sep 15, 2003 at 12:00 AM.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Littleton, New Hampshire
VIN and Title question
Paul,
It depends on what state you live in as to how that is handled. You need to check with your own state DMV to see how it's done. I don't know if it has changed or not, but at one time, in Florida where I lived for many years, the car you described would be considered a home built car and thus would be titled as a current year vehicle. In such a state, you would be better off dealing with a title service. Some states are easy...some aren't.
It depends on what state you live in as to how that is handled. You need to check with your own state DMV to see how it's done. I don't know if it has changed or not, but at one time, in Florida where I lived for many years, the car you described would be considered a home built car and thus would be titled as a current year vehicle. In such a state, you would be better off dealing with a title service. Some states are easy...some aren't.
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From: San Diego CA
VIN and Title question
Here in California they go by body year. For instance a 65 427 Cobra kit using an 87 mustang donor would title as a 65 Cobra. The exception is when you do a "rebody" like turning a Fiero into a Ferarri. Your still using the Fiero frame, chassis, and firewall. If your swapping a body onto a newer frame just transfer the VIN onto the newer frame and when they inspect it show them that number.
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VIN and Title question
Thanks for the info, guys. I'm in CA too. So if I understand it right, even if I have a new frame and a new "'56" F100 fiberglass body, it needs only to meet 1956 smog and safety requirements. I think that's pretty cool.
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VIN and Title question
Hi Cobraguy, I found this great page of info (not suprisingly on a replica Cobra site). I don't know if you've seen it.
http://www.cobratrader.com/registrationCA.html
One interesting fact I saw is that there is a 500 car limit per year. I wonder if that includes custom bikes too?
http://www.cobratrader.com/registrationCA.html
One interesting fact I saw is that there is a 500 car limit per year. I wonder if that includes custom bikes too?
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From: Silverthorne Colorado
VIN and Title question
I notice you live in California. You ONLY have California to satisfy. Go to your local Department of Motor Vehicles office and ask them what needs to be done. I'm sure in California they have heard "everything" before as far as automotive questions like yours. Their bigest fear is that somebody will try to sneak a stolen vehicle by them and get a new title. As long as you can prove that you came by the major parts legitimately (ie reciepts, etc. ) you should have no trouble.
Good luck, and be safe.
Jim McNaul
BobJonesSpecial
Good luck, and be safe.
Jim McNaul
BobJonesSpecial
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