Hello All' CA. Registration question... (once more)

[Clutch burner]

First of all, Hello to all... I'm new to the Club and I have a question? I just bought a used Everett-Morrision Cobra from a private seller here in Ca. The car was built several years ago and has tags that are valid until 7/31/06. The registration states (00SPCNS) when I asked about it needing a SB100 on the car, the seller showed me a sticker affixed on the chassis from the BAR that states the car has a 1966 engine in it, (which it does) and that he's never had a problem.

He stated that he gets a smog notice every couple of years and takes it to the local DMV / referee and after he views the tag, he waives the smog and allowes it to be registered. Now I've read the SB100 laws and past posts already, I'm still confused over this one. I have not gone to the DMV yet because the car has been at a friends shop having some details attended to.

Any advice on this one would be appreciated.

[vince911cobra]

Clutch Burner

You should be fine the way you are right now. Since you have a 66 yr engine, you are most likely smog exempt. Most of us are all running aftermarket engines on new or newer blocks that require smog. Here is one problem you may eventuallly have, if you grenade the motor and need to replace it with something new, you will have a smog issue. If you like the car and plan on keeping it a while, you could convert over to the SB100 process, however there are several hoopes you will need to jump through. If I have my facts wrong, someone please chime in and correct me.

[SCOBRAC]

Cars which are not registered as "SB-100" (AB-1578 for existing cars) cars still need bi-annual smog checks here in California for 30 years. It isn't a completely painful process but it involves a few trips to the DMV and BAR and then to your local smog station every 2 years. A 1966 427 would require all devices required on the engine as delivered (none although a PCV valve might be required by the BAR) Most engines here by 1968 had AIR systems and smog pumps, by 1972 or 73 catalytic converters were required. Whatever the requirement was is what is required now. In your case since you have the BAR sticker already you are pretty much free and clear. The sticker has a box that tells what equipment the car needs. In my area (Vacaville) that means an enhanced smog test on a dyno. cost is almost $90. There were smog laws in 1966 and it is possible to fail especially with dual carbs or a big mechanical carb.

[RallySnake]

CB,

My Arntz has a '69 engine in it and I had do the smog test thing every two years from 1986 until 2002. Some years it went through easy, some years it was a VERY LARGE AND EXPENSIVE PAIN! In 2001, (I think) the rules changed and all cars had to have a bar code label. The smog machine could not accept a number entered on the keyboard, it would ONLY accept the bar code scanner input. So, I had to jump through a bunch of hoops to get a new sticker with a bar code.

I believe that Senate Bill 1578 passed in 2002. This made it possible to re-register SPCNS cars under SB100 rules. I was there bright and early on the first day with the printed version of the SB1578 and worked with the great guy at the Van Nuys DMV (Mark) to get my car re-titled as a 1965 body style. I then went to the Pierce College referee station and passed the smog test for the last time and got a new sticker. It's still officialy a 1986 SPCNS car, but no longer needs the bi-annual smog test. WHAT A RELIEF!

You can do the same, or not,
Paul

[hoppy]

Mark was my "Godfather" as well. I think he is retired now. Unfortunately so few "clerks" seem to know much about the process and would rather take the easy way out and do as little as possible to assist you. Mark was a very good guy.