[SSSammy]

Howard,
You have two separate processes to perform in TX: 1. get a TX title, 2. get registered (tag).

I have not see us discuss the scenario where one does not get a TX title, instead using another state title as the basis for a TX registration. So unless someone weighs in with a first hand experience, I'd call the TXDMV in Austin and ask to speak to the Assembled and Rebuilt Vehicle expert. Do not rely on what your county tax assessor (tag office) says, they are not experts.

I recently ran my Kirkham through this gauntlet with a MD title that had not been registered in 8 years. Somehow, it had been tagged in Nevada with a MD title ... I guess NV allows that. I do not believe TX allows it.

So in my experience, with a used "special construction" from out of state with a title, the TXDMV goes by the out of state title on year manufactured. So you end up with a 2002 ASVE in the case of the GTD, for instance. Or whatever year the CA title shows. My 2004 KIRK from MD became a 2004 ASVE in TX. The SLC would be similar.

You cannot get these cars titled or registered in TX without an inspection. The upside is, if you follow the "Custom Vehicle" rules, is that it is not an emissions inspection, it is a road worthiness inspection. See Form VTR-852 for what they inspect. This method requires you to assert that your vehicle is a REPLICA 1966 FORD, for instance. On the SLC, choose something that it sort of resembles. Once this inspection is filed you will never need another inspection as long as you own the car.

So if you have titles for your cars, the TX process does not ask for a current registration proof. You would follow the steps outlined above for Franky. Do read the Assembled and Rebuilt Vehicle Manual April 2015 edition for more details. You will need most of the exhibits called out, but one does not know which ones will be skipped over. All the county tax offices vary on how they implement the process.

Good luck, and report back with your success story!
Sam