Actually, it was not a big deal. I went to the DMV inpection station. The office reception area has 3 doors, 1 to the restroom, 1 for employees only with window shades shut tight, and another with a mail slot and signs saying "Insert appointment letter ONLY here —> "
I was called and told to unload (from the trailer) and drive into the garage area, and onto a lift. Open the engine bay, please wait up front. The young lady inspector was pleasant enough, clearly glad it was Friday, and the male assistant complimented me on the Cobra. After about 20 minutes, waiting with a bunch of nervous guys who were there for inspection of salvaged vehicles, I was called and shown to my car, handed an approved copy of the 272-1 form, and shown where the new VIN or ID number was. When she saw my face of dismay, she immediately explained that there was no other place to put it; she had placed it on top of the dash on the driver's side, as far into the windshield as possible. Normally, they would place it on the door jamb or sill, she explained, but the Cobra has a very small door jamb and also, it has to be clearly visible. Oh well, it's yellow and very visible, but they left the SPF chassis # plate intact in the engine bay., so that was good.
So, she said she had already faxed a copy to Albany, and that I should be getting a letter or a call with the form VS103 (approval for registration) and something about another inspection for "safety". Now, I'm not sure if she meant the NYS safety inspection, or another inspection for the DOT/SAE compliance, etc. I had already prepared the car for all that, i.e. hazard lights, reverse lamp, etc. but I don't think they even looked at those today. I think they just checked out the engine, transmission, and differential/driveshaft, and checked it against their list of stolen part numbers.
Well, I'm relieved, and interestingly, my car is now known as a "1966 Custom". So we wait for this call or this VS103 form or letter for the final inspection. Upon reading the NYDMV pamphlet about this, the next logical step is really just the approval letter, a NYS safety inspection, and together with my approved VIN application form 272-1, take these 3 items and proof of ownership (the old registration) I should be good to go.
