California Registration
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California Registration
I bought this 1973 truck and I am not experienced at all in the rules for old cars or trucks. When I went to DMV to register the truck they say I have to pay all back fees and registrations even though I did not own it and the truck has not been on the road or drivable for those back years. The want $988 for a $300 truck with no motor.
Anyone have the same problem and is there a fix beyond getting some collector plates. But I want to use it for towing and camping. Or is it just decide if the truck is worth it and pay up.
Is that just the rule and there is no way around it. I don't want to have special plates because I want to tow and use it.
Anyone have the same problem and is there a fix beyond getting some collector plates. But I want to use it for towing and camping. Or is it just decide if the truck is worth it and pay up.
Is that just the rule and there is no way around it. I don't want to have special plates because I want to tow and use it.
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Joined: May 2010
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From: Central Indiana
No such thing as "Collector Plates" in California. I'm not sure who told you that but they don't exist. Even if you obtained (maybe) Historic Vehicle plates, to get them you would have to substantiate the fact that it was Historic. Then you are severely restricted as to what you can or cannot do with said vehicle. From the DMV website:
In essence, don't get caught at the lake camping with your family unless there's a "Historic Vehicle" event going on in the next campsite.
So far what you've described is the situation when the previous owner didn't non-op the vehicle. You have to pay all back registration with penalties before you can reg the truck. No way around it, my friend. Been there done that.
Never buy a vehicle with questionable title. I bought a car that didn't have a pink. Seems the seller forgot to tell me about a lien holder. Said lien holder wouldn't let me have the pink unless I satisfied his (large) debt. Had to part out/cut up/crush a perfectly good '69 Javelin SST. Lost $$$ on that deal.
Ray
I also certify that I understand that the vehicle for which these plates are issued may be driven in historic exhibitions, parades or historic club activities only
So far what you've described is the situation when the previous owner didn't non-op the vehicle. You have to pay all back registration with penalties before you can reg the truck. No way around it, my friend. Been there done that.
Never buy a vehicle with questionable title. I bought a car that didn't have a pink. Seems the seller forgot to tell me about a lien holder. Said lien holder wouldn't let me have the pink unless I satisfied his (large) debt. Had to part out/cut up/crush a perfectly good '69 Javelin SST. Lost $$$ on that deal.
Ray
Last edited by raystankewitz; Sep 27, 2010 at 10:34 PM. Reason: Typo removal
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Ray, I did not mention the second problem I also found there was a lien. I was just working with a bill of sale. Would you think the State would tell me who has the lien because the guy I bought it from did not know about it either. He has spent the money so there is no getting it back from him. I told him I was not trying to stiff him for my stupidity. So he is trying to trace back to the guy he bought it from. So I may be scrapping a real straight no rust 73 camper special XLT 140 inch wheel base. Kind of sad I was looking forward to the restore. And I am not much into parting it out and keeping it around.
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From: Central Indiana
The DMV would be more than happy to tell you who the lien holder is. It might cost a few dollars, though.
I never buy on a 'Bill of Sale' because it's usually to cover up things like this.
Possibly the lien holder will relinquish the lien if you tell him it has no motor. Maybe take a pic or two to take/send to him.
Good luck with this situation. Sounds like an F350 Super Camper Special. Does it have a large door for the spare tire on the r/h front of the bed?
Ray
I never buy on a 'Bill of Sale' because it's usually to cover up things like this.
Possibly the lien holder will relinquish the lien if you tell him it has no motor. Maybe take a pic or two to take/send to him.
Good luck with this situation. Sounds like an F350 Super Camper Special. Does it have a large door for the spare tire on the r/h front of the bed?
Ray
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From: Central Indiana
Sheesh, it sounds like the guy had no idea what he had. Probably since he didn't have the title to it.
I've seen this deal before where some guy gets a truck 'in trade' for something, never has the title, drives it on expired tags for a while. Eventually can't/won't drive it for fear of getting stopped drunk/loaded/high, puts it up for sale. Says paperwork is OK, jut go to the DMV.
Yeah, right . . .
This one is worth saving if it doesn't cost too much to get it into your name. Not a very common ride and a great camper/tow vehicle with that extended wheelbase. Also, no smog in CA due to its age.
I've seen this deal before where some guy gets a truck 'in trade' for something, never has the title, drives it on expired tags for a while. Eventually can't/won't drive it for fear of getting stopped drunk/loaded/high, puts it up for sale. Says paperwork is OK, jut go to the DMV.
Yeah, right . . .
This one is worth saving if it doesn't cost too much to get it into your name. Not a very common ride and a great camper/tow vehicle with that extended wheelbase. Also, no smog in CA due to its age.
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I sent away for the history and original purchase records for the vin and I hope to pin down more of what I don't know. Should be interesting. I would be real happy if it is a 350.
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Posting Guru
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From: Huntington WV
Post the VIN # on here an we could see what it is. You could do a MartiReport an it tell you about it to. What bout going through Mustang Title Co. if you have problems getting the title.
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From: Stanley, VA
If its a SUPER camper special (and it is w/ 140" wheelbase) it will be an F350. All super camper specials were F350 regular cabs.
PS: I feel for you California guys when it comes to title. In Florida,if a vehicle sits for months or years without being registered it doesn't matter, you just transfer the title, show proof of insurance, and get a current tag. There are no non-op fees or anything to screw you up.
PS: I feel for you California guys when it comes to title. In Florida,if a vehicle sits for months or years without being registered it doesn't matter, you just transfer the title, show proof of insurance, and get a current tag. There are no non-op fees or anything to screw you up.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
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From: NorCal
The back fees could have been avoided if the PO put the truck on Planned Non-Operation (PNO) - a one-time payment that puts the registration on virtual postponement. Unfortunately, the PO just let the registration expire and it just kept racking up back fees.
Before buying a stored vehicle, I always ask to see the PNO statement issued by the DMV or deduct the back fees from the asking or agreed price before any money is exchanged.
A 1973 isn't eligible for historical plates. Visit the CA DMV web page... lots of FAQs and other info.
Before buying a stored vehicle, I always ask to see the PNO statement issued by the DMV or deduct the back fees from the asking or agreed price before any money is exchanged.
A 1973 isn't eligible for historical plates. Visit the CA DMV web page... lots of FAQs and other info.
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From: Central Indiana
Here's the skinny on that; you're responsible for any fees that the previous owner didn't pay, to a point.
After seven years of non-registration, the reg drops off the books so you can just go reg the vehicle with no back fees.
The problem with waiting it out is some, not all communities have rules about derelict vehicles stored in your driveway and on your property. Not to mention the DMV garnishing your state tax return for back tags, starting the clock all over again.
I think it has a lot to do with the fact that Pick 'N Pull, the leading auto recycling yards, are all owned by Schnitzer Steel, the west coast recycling giant. The actually have people that lobby for new anti-storage rules in various communities.
After seven years of non-registration, the reg drops off the books so you can just go reg the vehicle with no back fees.
The problem with waiting it out is some, not all communities have rules about derelict vehicles stored in your driveway and on your property. Not to mention the DMV garnishing your state tax return for back tags, starting the clock all over again.
I think it has a lot to do with the fact that Pick 'N Pull, the leading auto recycling yards, are all owned by Schnitzer Steel, the west coast recycling giant. The actually have people that lobby for new anti-storage rules in various communities.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Brentwood,CA
How long did the truck sit? If it sat for more than seven years it gets taken out of the DMV computer you can fill out the form at DMV you may have to ask a few people there but the form is real. It states the vehicle was not towed,driven or parked on public streets in the last seven years. The key to this is tell them it has not left the sellers property i did this for my 76 about 3 years ago. Or you could also do what I have done before buy a rust bucket with a clean vin and title and just swap them.
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I am going back to DMV to find out about the lien and I will find out how many years it sat. I don't have a storage problem where I am and it really does not look bad with the hood closed so sitting next to my small barn looks natural.
I sent for the Marti Report over the weekend and should get it in a few days.
I sent for the Marti Report over the weekend and should get it in a few days.
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What I found out today after cycling through four people. There is not a lien on the truck by anyone for some past bill so that is not a problem. The truck had not been registered since 1996. I was able to get the name and address of the last official owner. It seems that he must have sold it and no changed the title and then lost it and sold the truck through bills of sale.
I asked about the fact that it has been off the road and has no engine and if it has been out of the system why did i have pay all the back fees. They told me that every time somone calls on the truck or asks a question and gives the licence number or VIN they restart the clock. So it was not out of the system.
They gave me another number to call at the State in Sacremento and I can find out what documents I will need from the guy who has not owned it or registered it since 1996. I hope he is just a normal guy and will work with me on fixing it. If he starts on about wanting money to sign it off then I am not sure what my options are. It is now at my place and he is a 150 miles away. I guess I could leave his address on the dash and abandon it by the Sherriffs office.
I asked about the fact that it has been off the road and has no engine and if it has been out of the system why did i have pay all the back fees. They told me that every time somone calls on the truck or asks a question and gives the licence number or VIN they restart the clock. So it was not out of the system.
They gave me another number to call at the State in Sacremento and I can find out what documents I will need from the guy who has not owned it or registered it since 1996. I hope he is just a normal guy and will work with me on fixing it. If he starts on about wanting money to sign it off then I am not sure what my options are. It is now at my place and he is a 150 miles away. I guess I could leave his address on the dash and abandon it by the Sherriffs office.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Northern California
I'd say you would still be money ahead to pay the registration fees. A 1973 F-350 Super Camper Special is worth quite a bit. And smog test exempt vehicles in this state are at a premium right now.