California DMV Hell

Update on my quest to register the Plymouth,

It turns out that Hagarty Insurance WILL insure my car even if it is a special construction vehicle. They just took a look at the pictures and gave it the O.K. for a few extra bucks (and it really was just a few bucks).

Going to have to arrange a meeting with the CHP soon. I'll let you know what happened.

Stay tuned...

 

Eureka!
I actually have my car registered in Califorinia as of yesterday! Legally! No lies! No fake papers or numbers!

With due respect to the others who responded above, it is becoming very difficult to register a hot rod in CA since January 1, 2006. If you don’t believe me, then by all means try your luck at it the way you used to.

The DMV did everything they could to throw unnecessary regulations at me. The CHP was happy to deny any claim that would help in registering the car. Since I treated the guy at the CHP with respect he was kind enough to let me know (ahead of time) that if I had to take it through him, he had no choice but to make it hell for me.

For review, I bought my ’34 Plymouth from Colorado, with a clear Colorado ***le and the numbers on the ***le matched the number on the door post on the car. I did not have a VIN on the frame because 1) Plymouths had the engine number on the frame and 2) I have a custom frame under the car. The DMV claimed I needed a VIN verification on the body and the frame so I had to take it to the CHP. The CHP said that if they had to do it they would “blue tag” it, meaning it would be a special construction vehicle and the year of the car would be determined by the emissions referee. This car just is not going to p*** 2006 California smog equipment laws with a 1969 318.

Enter a friend from the Aces who also goes to the Hot Rod Church for Sinners. He tells me of a professional DMV Registration outfit in Lake Elsinore CA called “In and Out Registration” (951) 245-3939. A place near you can be found by going to http://www.automotive.com/yellow-pages/107/2103/do***entation-***le-tags-service/california/dana-point/index.html?zip=92629 but I highly recommend "In and Out Registration" (unless you really are trying to do something illegal). It turns out that the lady at “In and Out Registration” used to work for the DMV for 20 years and knows most of the laws far better than the people at the DMV. She finds the regulations where the law still says I do not need a VIN on the frame for my car (which did not exist in the first place). After she finished discussing the regulations at the local DMV for 2 ½ hours; my car is registered, legally, above the board. No fake ID stamped into the frame. No false do***entation. Just legal and good to go. Since the car is still a ’34, I was able to apply for the original 1934 plates under the YOM (Year of Manufacture Law). I bought my original 1934 California plates from http://www.davesclp.com/platesforsale.htm. In a few weeks Sacramento is going to approve the plates. Even if the plates don’t fly, the registration is still legal!

The professional ***le service at "In and Out Registration" was worth every penny I paid and far more!

Another '34 MoPar returns to the street's of California!

Thank God!

 

Wow, that sounds almost too good to be true. In my past cl***ic car purchases if the car came from out of state, I would not even bother to reg. the car in here, I'm fortunate enough to have a second residence in AZ where the DMV fee's are nothing (47.00 for 2 years w/ historical plates) and there is no sales tax as well if it came from a private party. If the has CA plates on it, I'll keep it here...maybe next time I'll look into that company you mentioned and save myself the trouble.

 

Gotta agree with Sean on that one, Los Gatos office has 'almost' helpful staff....also the one in Gilroy is good too.

Try to make an appointment online before you go, makes it easier than hanging round for ages too.

 

Does anyone have recent (2010) experience with the California DMV? I am working on a 1940 Ford truck. I think the best thing to do is have it registered, ***led,etc in South Dakota where it is being built and then "buy" the used car..

I am interested in emissions and registration issues I need to be prepared for.

Thanks in advance,
Jeff

 

Just finished registration on 1937 ford truck in Ca.

Bought out of Ore. with 1978 signed Pink and Bill of sale. Went to Dmv signed form that it was trailerd into Ca.(not driven) Sent to CHP vin inspector. Started paper work file as favor and verified vin on frame and correct steel body. Would not sign off as it was in project state and they wanted "compete" truck.

Spent one year building truck to driving stage.

Back to DMV. First CHP inspector had retired but new one was nice too and inspected and signed off.

Next was weight slip then back to DMV

Application for YOM(plates off ebay) two in original condition (cleared as not in use)

Paid the money. Everything p***ed and expecting final paperwork(pink) to arrive from DMV any day.

 

FxFxr,

Was your '37 matching numbers on engine and frame?

I am considering using a different '40 frame. I should have no problem getting a pink and bill of sale in South Dakota where is has been ***led for 60 years. Just thinking of the end game - keeps my mind off figuring out how to pay for this project. :')

Jeff