Cobra Registration/Title in Georgia

Kirby · #1 (**permalink**) 05-08-2005, 03:17 PM

Is it a difficult process having a cobra built in the 2000's being titled as a 1965 in Georgia? The one I bought from Calif had a special (hard to get) exemption from emmissions requirements. The Calif title lists the year model as "0000" and the make as "SPCNS" although it shows the VIN as "CSX4158". Any help will be greatly appreciated. Kirby.

wizard · #2 (**permalink**) 05-08-2005, 07:41 PM

I know when I registered mine a few years back they listed it according to the year it was completed. Wouldn't let me date it as a '60s car. I am in a emmisions exempt area so that part didn't affect me.
Ironically, though, they registered it as a "Shelby". Go figure!

DuckRyder · #3 (**permalink**) 05-12-2005, 12:39 PM

I am also interested in what it takes to LEAGALLY register a replica in Georgia and in the area that emissions inspection is required.

It would influence whether I build a "Cobra" or not and how the car is built if so.

For instance since I've figured out that it will be titled as a "2006 Factory Five Mark III" Will they issue a waiver so that it does not have to pass OBD requirements? If they will not, I gather that it is impossible to construct one using 5.0 Mustang donor drive train. I really do not have a problem making it pass the sniffer test, but the electronics could be a problem. I gather that if it does have the pass OBD requirements the only real option is to build it to accept a modern modular motor. I would prefer a more "accurate" replica, but if that is what it takes, I guess that is what it takes.

I am not interested in any funny stuff, just a straight forward explanation of what the requirements actually are.

I am a little surprised that SEMA and the Replica companies are not pushing for some sort of exemption. It is also hard to believe that a very small number of very low mileage (generally) enthusiast cars are going to make significant impact, but none the less, I don't want to end up with a car I can't drive and enjoy.

svobud · #4 (**permalink**) 05-12-2005, 08:50 PM

How bout asking the Georgia Govt.

Titling
http://www.dmvs.ga.gov/

Emissions
http://www.cleanairforce.com/

Commissioner · #5 (**permalink**) 05-13-2005, 05:34 PM

I can only speak for my involvement with Superformance MKIII's, they are titled as 2005 Superformance 1965 Cobra Replicas. Pretty wordy.... The process is simple, take the car to the GA DOT inspection station, present an MSO, receipt for rolling chassis, and receipt for engine/install, hand them a check for $110. The car is then inspected for basic safety items, and the SPF chassis number is checked. Takes all of about 10 minutes. Paperwork and VIN plate arrive via the snail mail in a month or so, the plate is affixed as prescribed to the vehicle. Then, the local sheriff/law enforcement official is invited to come out to the car and he/she, verifies numbers and plate location, signs off on the paperwork, it's returned to the DOT, and a title is returned. It's titled as a "rebuilt car" by GA law, even if it's an SPF with brand new factory installed components. I'm pretty sure it's on an exemption for emissions that becomes permanent after 3 or 4 years. It's never been an issue for any of our clients who've purchased locally. Every state is different, I've learned, but GA seems to be pretty straight forward. Any further questions, feel free to contact us www.mcmichaelmotorsports.com.

FattyBri · #6 (**permalink**) 05-14-2005, 06:19 PM

Im going through this right now. Ga titles "kit" cars as the year they are built and must meet OBDII emissions standards. No exemptions.

Its also my understanding you can have it titled as "rebuilt as described above, but i was told i would still have to pass emissions.

Luckily i own a cabin in Bartow county or i would be stuck.

John Owen · #7 (**permalink**) 05-15-2005, 06:45 AM

Just for these occasions, the State of Georgia now requires one primary residence address for homestead exemption, voting, and auto registration. Don't know how Fulton does it, but many Georgia counties limit or eliminate property taxes on appreciated value - if you have substantial appreciation, taxes can go up quite a bit with a change of primary residence.

Commissioner · #8 (**permalink**) 05-15-2005, 07:27 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by FattyBri

Im going through this right now. Ga titles "kit" cars as the year they are built and must meet OBDII emissions standards. No exemptions.

Its also my understanding you can have it titled as "rebuilt as described above, but i was told i would still have to pass emissions.

Luckily i own a cabin in Bartow county or i would be stuck.

Kind of just makes me wonder if you call DOT/DMV, whatever and you get a different person each time, if that also entails a different answer. We're in Hall County, and when we title/rego the SPF's, it's a "2005 SPF" as stated before. Numerous phone calls to officials have resulted in the title stating "Rebuilt" is the correct terminology. I can only relate to what I've experienced, sounds like there are just no set in stone rules/regulations.

DuckRyder · #9 (**permalink**) 05-15-2005, 07:39 AM

This is kind of what I was afraid of. When we were converting "grey market" cars the rules changed nearly daily if not hourly. GA is somewhat hard to get along with on them now too, because even a federal waiver, which says in essence “This vehicle does not have to comply with any emission requirement”, is no good to GA.

Alternate fuel may be the answer, anyone for a VW V10TDI powered Superformance?

Has anyone considered lobying for some sort of waiver? Doesn't even CA have a limited number of waivers.

Ron61 · #10 (**permalink**) 05-15-2005, 08:25 AM

Duck,

Yes, California has SB-100 which allows 500 vehicles per year to be registered. They are registered to the year built, ie 2005 for this year and then you go to the CHP and they assign a Vin number. then to the BAR and tell them if you want to register it via body year style or engine year. BAR guy sticks the sniffer in it, then puts your smog exempt sticker on. But that is 500 numbers a year in a state that claims they are going to pull in excess of 50,000 titles from older vehicles that were registered before we had SB-100. This year the 500 numbers were gone in about 9 hours.

Ron

svobud · #11 (**permalink**) 05-15-2005, 08:44 AM

Fatty Bri ....

I spoke with the Head Honcho at the GA Clean Air force once, he actually called the place where I went for emission testing and advised them I did NOT need to met OBD-II standards. I did however, had to meet idle and 2500 rpms standards.

Now - in Georgia ... because of the 'recognized' year of the vehicle, you could always just walk into the tag office and get an antique tag for it. A title is optional in GA for a vehicles 1963-1986.

olblue66 · #12 (**permalink**) 05-15-2005, 09:43 AM

The process about drove me crazy, too. They kept trying to send me to the salvage yard to get it checked out. It sounded like a lengthy process and then it would get titled but in a different classification. It finally dawned on me that I was asking for a title and didn't really want one. I only wanted to get a tag. I then went in and said I needed a tag and got it in about 2 minutes. I only needed to have proof of insurance, bill of sale and a completed State of GA T-22B form (Certification of Inspection by a Duly Constituted GA City, County or State Law Enforcement Officer or County Tag Agent). So, I got the tag, but not a title. I understand you don't need a title in GA. I hope this helps.

Pat

tbonus · #13 (**permalink**) 04-02-2006, 09:08 PM

Kirby,

I have the exact same situation I am trying to work through now. I have the CA exemption and the veicle is listed as 0000. GA wants to register the car as a 2003 (the first year it was titled. I have a contact with the GA clean air folks and he says if I pass the 1975 emmisions then I pass. Did you learn anything additional?

Troy

ToyCollector · #14 (**permalink**) 04-03-2006, 08:46 PM

Troy, everything you need to know is in this well written thread by the posters above. Nothing has changed from what I have followed in legislation.

Speedysnake · #15 (**permalink**) 04-04-2006, 07:02 AM

I tried to get a straight answer from the GA "Clean Air Force" to no avail. The answer was always "Buy the car & then bring in all the paperwork & we'll decide what you need to do and IF you're going to get a tag. This is an issue only in the Metro atlanta area (13 counties) outside that "zone" there's no issue. The N. Atlanta SPF dealer told me there was no problem, but the car they were selling was currently registered outside the Metro area, which I would be unable to do. I went to my county tag agency & they told me they would honor an out of state title. I bought & registered my car in Florida & received a FL title. I'll deal with GA when it's time to renew the tag.

kayakjack · #16 (**permalink**) 04-04-2006, 09:14 AM

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Speedysnake · #17 (**permalink**) 04-04-2006, 09:39 AM

Jack,

That's a good question. IF you find one that's titled or registered as an older car in another state, you might be OK, but the GA DMV can track any VIN # and if it's been registered as a modern car anywhere, you have to go through this "mystery" process in the 13 metro counties. Some folks have had good luck, others a nightmare, I've spoken with many people on this issue, including the poeple that work for the state. Even they can't give you a clear answer, so, "Feelin lucky?"

kayakjack · #18 (**permalink**) 04-04-2006, 10:04 AM

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Speedysnake · #19 (**permalink**) 04-04-2006, 10:29 AM

Jack,

That's exactly why I went to BDR in FL, I have a FL title & registration for a 1965 roadster. The GA county DMV will register it (no title) as a 1965. I'll keep the FL title for when I want to sell it. I spoke with other owners, other dealers, and some folks in the emissions testing stations, along with the "clean air" people. I got answers all over the board about how to register a new "kit car" in the 13 counties. Some quite ingenious! but I didn't want the hassle. The key is either a new or used car registered in another state as a 1965. That seems to be the easist way to get a tag in this neck of the woods

What'saCobra? · #20 (**permalink**) 04-04-2006, 03:47 PM

Makes sense to me, but a GHP copper once told me i had 10 days to re-register my car in GA if i became a resident. i was working in Savannah only for 5 or 6 months. No problem. i didn't move there. (The state income tax had more to do with it, actually.)

So, drive carefully...