My take is that any change to the rules that the BAR uses will be affect going forward only. Those who are "smog compliant" by "year of block" will be "grandfather'd".
The issue with the DMV is that if they give us a "model year" of "year of build", then how will a Cobra replica (or '32 Ford replica) pass "Brake'n Lamp"? Currently the model year used is 0000, so Cobra replicas don't need third brake lights, reverse lights, etc... If the model year is changed to "year of build", then all of the current "brake'n lamp" requirements will apply. And, I don't think this is what our Legislature had in mind either...
Suffice to say, this issue is getting bigger and deeper before it get solved, which is why legislation has stalled, and why Morgester can't give a date as to when the BAR/DMV will make the discussed changes.
We need to pressure SEMA to help enact title law in CA, similar to those in other states. This, IMHO, is the only solution.
YMMV,
Randy...
looks like Mogester and I were typing at the same time
