So like most of the free world, my life stepped in and occupied the last few weeks with an 8th grade graduation (who started that crap) and a high school graduation (those still make sense at least).
I did go get a state inspection with the Green Slip (or white slip as it is now). After chatting with a friend that ran a dealership to determine the best time to head downtown (btw, he said 1:30 PM), I put everything that I had in a folder.
Right Pocket
1. Title Application
2. VIN Tracing form (got a really nice one even)
3. Insurance
4. Built/Parts affidavit
5. MCO
6. Bills of sale for 1) my purchase and 2)parts and ERA purchases of original owner
Left Pocket
Police Inspection Form (68)
Photos
ERA brochure backup
2012 ASVE Txdmv guidelines
Waited about 10-15 minutes in line. Nice lady asked if she can help me. Got the blank return stare after my request for an assembled vehicle title. She said, "Give me what you got there." Empty Right Pocket. She looks at what I have, goes to main clerk, comes back asking for picture. Oh look, I happen to have one here. Returns to clerk. Comes back asking for police inspection. I say I didn't think I needed one with the VIN tracing.
She starts to enter data into the software, and guess what, the state has a copy of the VTR 68 output in the system! I mentioned the tracing again plus the MCO with the same VIN. No need to use that assigned VIN! Repeat calmly. She stated they are sending it in for the state to solve which VIN to use. Didn't want a copy of the motor or ERA receipts. Just my Bill of Sale when I purchased. No question about a motor number or tracing even. But she took them and put them together in the packet. Huh.
Maybe I should have scooped up my paperwork and walked away. I think that if they use the TX VIN, I can actually have it replaced with the ERA VIN pretty easily from reading the manual (MCO copy plus affidavit plus ?).
http://ftp.txdmv.gov/pub/txdot-info/...l_book_451.pdf
Charged me for application and registration (less than $100). Walked out with tags and a sticker. Have no idea what I will receive in the mail. It seems to me a basic ability to read the following statment:
4. Pencil tracing of the frame number, body number, and die-stamped motor
number; and if an assigned number has been obtained, a completed Notice of
Assigned Number or Installation or Reassigned Vehicle Identification Number,
Form VTR-68-N must be attached.
Since I have spoken with the TXDMV guys in Austin and they promised to look at it if I have a non-MCO VIN on the title. FWIW, they say the MCO VIN always wins.
Thanks to everybody for their help and support. I know that my timeline and mis-start didn't help my situation any. I'll keep you updated.
Note to self, next time stamp the blank block with the manufacturer's VIN (ERA 2064 in my case). Then when you get rubbings, they will match. Then if you need the VTR 68, they will match. You will be following the law requiring the stamping of a replacement block in a vehicle.