Bruce, there is a long thread for you to read, here is a link to my report from last Oct on this topic. Have a look at this message, then go forward in time and read the rest of the thread. There were some changes in the law in 2007 which pertain:
Texas registration - engine age
The law is unevenly applied here, because the authorities do not do enough of these cars to learn how. But I sought the correct path intentionally, no short cuts, so I could leave a trail for others
These cars are legal in TX, so you do NOT have to seek a cooperative inspector, or fib about anything. You DO need all receipts for body, frame, engine, tranny if you built the car yourself. And if it was factory built, even as a chassis, you need the Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (MCO).
Briefly, the steps in order are:
1. Obtain insurance, with the proof of insurance card.
2. Obtain a paper tag from the county tag office so you are legal to drive to the inspection. Cost $15.
3. Obtain the state safety inspection from the DPS Waiver Inspector (not an ordinary inspection station that 99.9% of the vehicles here use). There is a DPS Waiver Station in every county.
4. Take the "green sheet" resulting from the inspection to the county tag office, along with the state forms mentioned in the above thread, and all your receipts. Be extremely patient and polite, which I am sure you are
And do not expect them to know what they are doing. They will fumble a bit, but you will get your TITLE and PLATES. Make sure they know you want both
Good luck, and let us know how your experience related to everyone else's!
Sam