CA Registration - Help!

Patrick Arakawa · #1 (**permalink**) 08-13-2005, 11:06 PM

Just bought an out-of-state car registered as a Special Contructed Vehicle. I was told before I bought it by DMV and AAA that because it was already registered as a Special Construction in another state that it wouldn't be a problem. Now that I've got it, I've been told that I would have to wait until Jan. and try to go thru the SB-100 provision. Anyone know if this is true or can I just get an exemption because it's already registered in another state?
The engine is a 351C/4bbl with a radical cam.

jdog · #2 (**permalink**) 08-13-2005, 11:58 PM

Welcome to the club.
I think your in for some bad news Patrick. Do a search here and pour yourself a strong one.

jdog

P.S. I'll see you in line in Jan.

Cobrabill · #3 (**permalink**) 08-14-2005, 05:33 AM

Time to move.

SkipB · #4 (**permalink**) 08-14-2005, 11:04 AM

Patrick,

Isn't it interesting that two organizations that should be fairly familiar with automobile registration were dead wrong! Even if you went back to the DMV person who "helped" you the first time, they would figure out that they had given you bad advice, but just not care that they did! As for AAA, I am surprised by their response. In my dealings with them they have researched answers to my questions before giving out false information. If you feel like it, you might want to bring it to the attention of the branch manager that you got "bum" information, and that he/she should pass it on to headquarters.

In any case, jdog is right. Read over the tons of information available on this site. Get your paperwork in order and be at your local DMV office very early on the first business day of January 2006. Good luck. And when it is all over, have fun with your car. My DMV saga lasted 11 months. I really treasure my car's SB100 status. I hope you will too.

Excaliber · #5 (**permalink**) 08-14-2005, 01:25 PM

A classic case of Accurate but not True, by DMV and AAA!

No problem getting your out of State SCN vehicle licensed in Calif, you just have to get in line on January.

SCOBRAC · #6 (**permalink**) 08-14-2005, 03:32 PM

Please search SB-100 and read everything you find. There are 500 of those spots available. Last year the were gone in 6 hours.

There is another way. The other way is also chronicled here. You will find it clearly spelled out. It involves using any and all smog equipment required (in california) for the engine type / size and year in your car. Obviously older engines are easier to make comply with these requirements. You will also need to have the car smogged every 2 years with the equipment specified in place.

Generally speaking your Cleveland first appeared in California in 1970... Enless it was a D0TE (truck engine) it probably had a 2 barrel, smog pump, dual vacuum advance distributor, thermoactive air cleaner and thermo vacuum ported intake. All of which would be required to smog it...

I can make you a sweet deal on a 1966 428 block...

Good Luck,

Turk · #7 (**permalink**) 08-14-2005, 03:40 PM

Michael,
Hello.
There is another way. Get it registered in Florida!!

How are you doing? How's my old neighborhood?

TURK

Patrick Arakawa · #8 (**permalink**) 08-15-2005, 10:14 PM

Thanks to all for replying. I'll do some homework and hopefully find out the things that need to be done before Jan.. If someone has a step by step outline please let me know. I really hate not being able to drive this car. I bought it to drive and it hurts to see it sitting like a museum piece.
Thanks again.

SCOBRAC · #9 (**permalink**) 08-15-2005, 10:41 PM

Hi Turk! Don't tempt me... I was about to suggest a few illegal ways (one a Dept. AG indicated works well in SoCal right on this site)

But alas Turk is right. Just move. If it were me and I couldn't register my car I simply wouldn't... let em catch me. If they catch me let them cite me... But that's me.

I will say I enjoy having the nicest cobra in the neighborhood... Hope you are enjoying the mild weather there. It's been 100-111 all month. The heat finally broke today.