Hello I am considering different ways to register my 1934 ford pickup. We got the cab without a useable ch***is (no vin numbers) or pink slip and we build a new ch***is for it. I am told by the DMV that the correct way to deal with this is to register it as a special construction. They will determine the smog status by the engine year and the CHP will stamp new VIN numbers in the ch***is. The CHP also does a brake and light inspection before stamping the vins. (this is what I am told) I am also told that part of the application process is to add up any money invested in the project to date to get a market value for the car for registration fees. It also says on the DMV website that they want labor costs even if you build it yourself. The DMV employee told me that I just tell them there is no costs since we built it ourselves. The registration would read as 2005* SPCN and not a 1934 Ford pickup. Does anyone have any experience with doing this and can fill me in on any land mines or gotcha's that may come along with it before I start the process? It seams there is a lot of misinformation out there on this so I am interested in information from anyone that has used this process. Any input here is appreciated Here is the info direct from the DMV site: A "home-made, specially constructed, or kit vehicle" is a vehicle which is built for private use, not for resale, and is not constructed by a licensed manufacturer or remanufacturer. These vehicles may be built from a kit, new or used parts, a combination of new and used parts, or a vehicle reported for dismantling, which, when reconstructed, does not resemble the original make of the vehicle which was dismantled (Vehicle Code §§5500 or 11520). A specially constructed (SPCNS) vehicle does not include a vehicle which has been repaired or restored to its original design by replacing parts or a vehicle modified from its original design. Example: A Volkswagen "Beetle" modified with fenders, engine compartment lid, and the front end, which leaves the vehicle still recognizable as a Volkswagen is not considered a specially constructed vehicle. NOTE: The registration requirements for kit commercial vehicles are the same as for specially constructed vehicles. Visit DMV to begin the application process (make an appointment for faster service) The Registration Requirements are: A completed Application for ***le or Registration (REG 343). It must include the labor cost, even if it was a vehicle that you built. A vehicle verification. You must start your application process with the DMV prior to contacting the CHP for a vehicle verification. Trailers generally do not require CHP verification. A Statement of Construction (REG 5036) and bill(s) of sale and receipts for major component parts. The REG 256 may also be used to comply with bond requirements (see below). Proof of ownership, such as, invoices, receipts, manufacturer's certificates of origin, bill(s) of sale, or junk receipts for the major component parts (engine, frame, transmission, body). Official brake and light adjustment certificates. When an official brake and light station that inspects specific vehicles such as motorcycles and large commercial vehicles is not located within a reasonable distance, DMV will accept a Statement of Facts (REG 256) from a repair shop attesting that the brakes and lights are in proper working order. Brake and light certificates are not required for trailers weighing under 3,000 pounds gross vehicle weight. A smog certification, if appropriate. For more information regarding the Bureau of Automotive Repair's smog program click here. For information on SPCNS Certificates of Sequence click here. A weight certificate, if appropriate. Fees due (use tax may also be due). Off-Highway Vehicles The requirements for specially constructed (SPCNS) off-highway vehicles are the same as above, except: Brake and Light Certificates are not required. A Smog Certification is not required. NOTE: A motor vehicle bond is required for certain specially constructed vehicles built from an altered vehicle, or component parts, registered or formerly registered here or in any other state or built from materials not previously part of another vehicle or for which bills of sale cannot be obtained. If the value of the parts not covered by bill(s) of sale is more than $5000, a bond is required for the total value of the vehicle.
I have also heard many variations on this and need the same questions answered for my model a. I have heard having a special construction ***le can cost more to register and be a pain if you want to sell it. I have a vin on my frame, but strangly it is already registered to someone else and DMV wont tell me who it is. I am guesing they owned the frame at some point and bought an aftermarket frame and used that vin.
So, what happened in your case? Did they ***ign a new number or are you still "negotiating" with them?
Here's what happened in my case: I have a home built "Model A" kit car. Gl*** body, fabricated frame, no VIN. I did my homework on the DMV website. I knew more about the regs than the dim-wit behind the counter did. I started at the CHP for inspection and ***ignment of a VIN. You need receipts for the engine, trans, frame, and body. (Make sure to take copies because they're gonna keep 'em) The inspector was a cool guy. He loved the car and didn't inspect anything except my paperwork which was all in order. I got my VIN and I'm off to the DMV. Now, Calif. has what they call a "Smog Exemption Certificate" for "new or specialty constructed" vehicles. These get you out of having to comply with '05 smog regs. Trouble is they only issue 500 of those per year, state wide. All of the Boyd Coddington's and the commercial Cobra replica builders snap those up on the first day of January because a commercial builder MUST have them. The catch is a private home builder like you and I don't need one. Smog regs for a privately built kit, ***embled at home for personal use, are based on the year of the engine. I showed that, right on a page from their own website, to the girl at the counter AND to her supervisor. The answer I got was "Well sir, that's a good argument, but you still need the exemption!" Okay, they were wrong and I know they were wrong, but you can't argue with them. Their solution, and they acted like they were doing me a favor, was to issue me a "Temporary Operating Permit", good through the end of the year. At which time they expect me to get in line on the first working day of '06 and get a certificate. What they don't realize is that my wife and I are relocating to TN and we'll be gone by then. So what they really accomplished was just screwing themselves out of whatever taxes I would've paid had they understood their own regs. Bottom line is I'm driving the car legally for now. Your mileage may vary, my advice to you is to find a DMV office or a commercial DMV service (like AAA) that understands the regs. Get the CHP issued VIN, pay the appropriate fees, and get on with your life. The key to the whole deal is finding somebody in the DMV that knows anything. Good luck.
make up a vin stamp it in body,or frame if it resembles 34 frame. call dmv check to see if vin# is clear if it is go to CHP office have it verified. Then go to Dmv And register.Simple..
Things I've been told about securing a ***le for an older vehicle/hot rod previously not ***led..... 1. Do not attempt to ***le the vehicle thorough the DMV. Few of their personnel know much about how to ***le a vehicle, without costing ya more money than it should, or puttin ya through stupid flamming hoops ya don't need ta be put through. 2. Secure a ***le through a LEGAL ***le company, take that ***le to the DMV. This results in no question , as to what the vehicle is and taxed accordingly. 3. If you select to go the special construction "SPCN" route you may have to have this vehicle inspected bi anually, as the DMV does not recignise this vehicle by date of engine, but date of year of register- ation, the year in which you ***le it. Also, engines built after '66 must have closed systems....no open air cleaners, no road draft tubes. Any and all smog equipment must be present, and operable, the'll check! 4. Best case ...go to a AAA office, ya may have to become a member, usually their DMV reps have been around the horn on this one, and they know how to ***le a vehicle without all the greif, unlike most DMV offices. 5. If your ***le'n a vehicle in the state of California stay the **** away from any engine built after'73 unless ya like cats. and egr valves. The above is the results of talkin to those who have done battle with the beast and won or lost....some of the above could have changed since last time I checked. Good luck,
California AAA is the best way and will help you eliminate vague and ambiguous regulations...!!! They'll walk you through the whole process. AAA is so thorough that the DMV will "Rubber Stamp" whatever they write up for you. Good luck
The second page of your Application for ***le link is the key, get the car verified (if you have a friend that is a cop then you're in) and take the paperwork to the DMV, the rest is easy. Like porkshop said, stamp a number on the frame...once the "verification" agent places that number on your form then it becomes your VIN. Make up a good one, use your in***ials and DOB... :~)
total smog exemption is possible through the SB100 program,over the last 3 years since its introduction it has grown very popular but the 500 slots are not gone in the first day this year was about a month,i would expect next year to be in the first week,the only reason to even worry about persuing a SB100 for a spcn vehicle is the block year of the motor you will be required to have the emissions equipment factory to that motor. so be prepared if your running a late model motor a great example is a very nice traditional gl*** T we had in the shop this year,stunner of a build but the motor was a 78 sbc 350,so needless to say he was shafted but through a little twisting was let go with a BAR label so close call for that guy as he was not applying for SB100 i cant stress enough to pay attention to engine year and required emission systems,some referee's are more forgiving than others (youll end up at the ref for SPCN or SB100) the best way is to get a ***le in advance and register it as that,exempt from the get go for reference i am a smog tech and worked for the ref,so any other emissions questions feel free to shoot away cheers
How would one of those french flatheads play into that? I'm guessing most ref's could be fooled into thinking it is from the 50's instead of the 80's.
your post was to long for my lazy *** to read.. So...FYI I always go to AAA and have them tell me what to do.. 90% of the time AAA can do it for you.. the other 10% they will give you the correct forms explain everything you need to know before you go to the DMV.. A real time saver...
Thank you everyone for all the information, it has been very helpful. I am going to give the BAR a call to clear up some of the information on smog exemption based on the year of the engine VS. going for one of the 500 SPCNS Certificates of Sequence a year. I will ask about bi-annual inspections also. I hope i dont have to use the 500 a year option because those go fast. This is right from the DMV website 3 days after the new year 2005 all 500 were gone ! . Also I called AAA and they are not autorized to do SPCN registrations so I am going to have to go through the DMV.
you want to actually call the referee for more info,call daniel crozier the ref at salinas the BAR has very little to do with the program,if you have more questions 831-754-8740 if your insistant to speak to a bar rep call the san jose field office 408-277-1860 and speak to wayne gress as he was a ref for many years the french flatheads would sail right through,some of the refs are old rodders and have extensive auto knowledge but they wouldent even think of that, but some refs are **** bandits so yu never know how far they would be willing to go
What I did was bought a ***le took my model A coupe to CHP (California) after I stamped the numbers on frame and DMV gave new ***le so much easier
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