[rooster]

Nick, Yes you can title it before paint. I got mine titled and it is still ratrod flat black. Go to the dmv website and they tell you what to do. You have to call the Nat. St. Rod Ass. for an inspection. Make sure everything works-lights, brights, turn signals, wipers, horn, and have a mirror on it, seats bolted down, seat belts, etc. Don't forget emergency brake, fire ext. Make sure everything is secure underneath as he will spend some time under there. The whole titling thing went smoother than I expected- just took some time. Take your receipts ,coa, and your inspection report to the dmv and you will have to pay taxes there. Not sure how they figured the taxes but I just paid them. It's not something they do every day there so it took them a while to figure out what to do but I got my title in the mail without a hitch. Might want to make copies of your paperwork before you give it to them- you never know.
Ed, I don't know about doing it without a coa. I have heard of people having problems even with a second hand coa. Like they bought an unfinished car from someone and got a coa with the car in the sellers name. Maybe contact the dmv and explain your situation and they can help you out. There's got to be a way. Good luck to both of you. Russ