[Dan Stryffeler]

I had about an 8 week wait to get into the State Highway Patrol down in Seville (just North of Lodi). I was told that the car had to be driven onto the lift for the inspection, and must be roadworthy.

When I set up the appointment, they issued me a written confirmation; date/time, that could be used as a temporary driving permit. Alternately, I could have trailered the car.

My build was a little different from yours as it was put together over a number of years, (probably had a couple hundred receipts). I broke down all the receipts into categories such as "engine & driveline", "frame & suspension", electrical, etc. Made it much easier for the Patrolman to go through my stuff - he seemed to appreciate it. (Would rather have him happy at this point in the game).

My car already had a VIN issued from the manufacturer. The trooper used this for the title and the car is recorded as a 1999 Self-Assembled. Most of the guys I know had to do what you mentioned - go back a few weeks later to have the tag affixed... for whatever reason - I didn't, (it may have been that my VIN was the correct number of digits required by Ohio).

If you want copies of your Superformance MRO, take it before you go to get the car registered; you will have to surrender that document and a few others at the license bureau.

It should go pretty smoothly if you get to the appointment early and have everthing ready and organized. Mine was a little bumpy because my motor blew up about 1 mile away from the station - had to have it towed into the inspection.

With my car titled as it was; I had a two year exemption from smog testing. I have since changed the registration to "Collector Vehicle" which continues the exemption, but I have to renew each year in Columbus instead of at my local DMV. I would be surprised if they let you do the historic-plate thing.

- Dan