Here's hoping someone on this forum knows the answers to all this so I don't have to call DMV again... I'm bringing in a replica (T bucket) that's currently licensed in another state as a '23 Ford. The title doesn't say it's a replica, assembled vehicle, kit or anything like that. Here are my questions: 1. Can I go to the county tax office here and transfer and register the vehicle in Texas as a '23 Ford? 2. If so, is there any advantage (or disadvantage) in doing that, rather than registering it as a replica and requesting Street Rod plates? 3. I'll be mailing the 130-U to the seller to sign where necessary. Should he fill out the odometer section? Is the car exempt from that if I title it as a '23, even if it was actually built only a few years ago? What if I title it as a replica but can't verify the year it was built (that won't be on the title)? 4. Are there any other issues relating to the fact this vehicle is a replica, but the title identifies it as an actual '23, that I'm not aware of? All info and advice on this will be greatly appreciated! Jack
My opinion is they will use the info on the out of state title and title as such. If you want it as a replica you may have to go the bonded title route. I would get the 130 U back. Get my money and and a green sheet from a State inspection location my outa state title and go stand in line. Don't forget insurance card.
So what would you ask the seller to do on the 130U? Sign and complete the odometer section because the car was built less than ten years ago? Or write "exempt" and leave it blank because the title says the car is a '23? I guess if it's titled here as a '23, I'll have to inspect it every year. If it's titled as a replica, it's a one-time inspection. Is that the only practical difference?
You're still making it difficult! The title says 1923. It's a 1923. EXEMPT. If you go into the DMV "talking too much", you'll be in a world of frustration. Also, the out of state owner on my paper work happened to be sitting in my car, when I pulled up to the DMV. Texas is probably one of the easiest states to paper work an old car. Don't make it hard. And why even deal with a yearly inspection and registration? get antique plates.
Exactly, act like an idiot and things will go much smoother... Hell pretend you don't speak English and it will be even easier Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
Ahhh, now I understand why you think I'm going overboard. Here's the deal, I'll be driving this car back and forth to work nearly every day. I know, I know, who does that with a T-bucket? Well, I have a backup for rainy days, and I'm determined this car won't be a garage queen. As it stands now, I ride a motorcycle nearly every day, even when temps are in the '20s. Only rainstorms are an issue for me, and that's how I intend to use the car. About the Antique plates, there are already a few cops on my 30 minute route who don't care for the way I drive. I don't need trouble that I can't talk my way out of. I've just sent an e-mail to the owner to be 100% sure the title doesn't say "assembled," "replica," or anything like that. If that's correct, I'll probably just register it as a '23 here. I don't have to take the car to the tax office, right? Only to the inspection station? I assume if the out-of-state title says '23 Ford, they'll inspect it as such, even if it looks like a street rod. Yes? No?
Hell, then I'm all set! Seriously, I tried asking questions like this at DMV (different car), but every agent I talked to gave a different answer. That was a month ago, and I was looking at a T-bucket registered in another state as a 2003. The first guy I called said it would absolutely need an emission test every year. It took four more calls before someone told me about the street rod program. So, that's why I came here first to ask about the car I've actually bought. You guys are the experts.
I drive my T Bucket everyday with antique plates and have never been stopped and asked where I'm going. IF I was to get asked, I'd explain how I'm headed to the parts store. Or a club meeting. That's what I mean about the Texas antique rules. They are pretty relaxed. Get the GREEN sheet done and got get a title. Oh, if the cops know you for how you drive, it may be time to change the way you drive. When I went to the DMV, I didn't say shit. The clerk asked me where I found such an old car and I said it used to belong to a friends grand father in Iowa. I didn't mention the SBC, automatic, S-10 rear. I didn't even say it was road worthy. She handed me plates and told me good luck with the old timey car. Texas DMV: "Don't ask, don't tell." I'm no expert, but I do know how to keep a straight face.
Me? Just south of the Med center, but I'm a rolling stone. "Where ever he hung his hat was his home.... but when he died.. all he was, was alooone." Love that song.
Forget what I said about the Antique plates. That's the way to go. I just took another look at the photos, and there's no way I'm gonna ruin the front of this car with a license plate. Oh, and the owner has replied that the title is a '23 Ford, period. OK guys, many thanks for all your help. I still have to line up shipping for this, but it's all downhill from here.
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