More NJ title/registration questions

[ztarum]

I have read through the other posts, and I think I have a pretty good idea as to what needs to happen. The main thing I am confused about is the order of events. My car is a new build so there is no title, only the MSO. I have the reconstructed/specially constructed vehicle packet from the MVC. Do I send this in first to get a Certificate of Ownership?
Then what happens? I assume I then go to title the car and register it, and then get sent to inspection, but I'm not sure. If anyone has been through the process recently could clear this up for me it would certainly be appreciated.

Z

[raclaims]

My understanding is that you have to send back the packet before you can have it inspected (that's what the inspector at DMV told me)

[Archrms]

First you have to send the paperwork to the DMV in Trenton. They will send you some paperwork back and schedule an appointment at one of three inspection stations for your initial safety inspection. You can pm me about the specific requirements for the Superformance inspection. Once you pass your safety inspection, they will give you paperwoork to turn into the Trenton DMV to obtain your title and plates. Once you have these you can take the car for your regular inspection.

The type of inspection you get depends upon how you register the car. If you register it as a "Collector", the only thing they check is that the odometer is working properly. A normal registration would be tough to pass with a regular full blown inspection.

Also, what kind of engine do you have? That will also play a big part in the inspection process.

[ztarum]

I have a 351W based on a 1969 block. I believe that anything titled as a "reconstruct" is no longer eligible for collector registration (that change took effect last September), so I will have to go through the regular inspection process. It is my understanding the emissions is based on the year of the block, so I think I'm OK there.

I'm definitely interested in any Superformance specifics. All I know about right now are ride height concerns (I'm OK there), and the roll bar bolt. I have the heat shields installed, so that is covered. Do I have to do anything with lights or signals? My car has the square tail lights.

[Archrms]

ztarum, I sent you a PM.

[khansmith]

[quote=Archrms;806834]
The type of inspection you get depends upon how you register the car. If you register it as a "Collector", the only thing they check is that the odometer is working properly. A normal registration would be tough to pass with a regular full blown inspection.
QUOTE]
I was reading up on this today and the rules for collector title clearly state that kit cars do not apply for collector status. I am not sure if SPF can be considered a kit car but my Hurricane does.

I might be moving to ATL in next 2-3 months so part of me just wants to get the title (no full inspection) so I will have an easier titling in GA (which is a huge pain for kit cars).

[ztarum]

You are right. You cannot get a "collector" registration on a new cobra. The rules used to be more lax, or were not enforced. Keep in mind that title and registration are two different things. "Collector" is a type of registaration, and has nothing to do with the title. Other than the fact that if you car is titled as a "reconstruct" (which it will be) you cannot get a collector car registation.

You will need to go through a technical/engineering inspection just to get your title, so you're on the hook for an inspection if you want to get a title from NJ. Once you pass that inspection you will get you title from Trenton. The make of the vehicle will be listed as "reconstruct", and it will be titled as a 2008.

[Chaplin]

Originally Posted by ztarum

You are right. You cannot get a "collector" registration on a new cobra. The rules used to be more lax, or were not enforced. Keep in mind that title and registration are two different things. "Collector" is a type of registaration, and has nothing to do with the title. Other than the fact that if you car is titled as a "reconstruct" (which it will be) you cannot get a collector car registation.

You will need to go through a technical/engineering inspection just to get your title, so you're on the hook for an inspection if you want to get a title from NJ. Once you pass that inspection you will get you title from Trenton. The make of the vehicle will be listed as "reconstruct", and it will be titled as a 2008.

It is not that the rules were lax or not enforced, NJ changed the law this year. Previoulsy, kit cars were eligible for collector registration, but now the law expressly states that they are not. Rumor has it that NJ is going to change the law back again and kit cars will once again be eligible for collector registration, but time will tell.

Khan- You could go through the initial safety inspection in NJ and get your title, but not get plates (and thereby not go through the normal inspection with emission test, etc.) and then transfer the title to GA, but I am not sure how GA will treat a "2008 reconstructed vehicle" from NJ. I thought GA was easier than NJ for kit cars? (Actually, I thought just about everywhere was easier for kit cars than NJ.)

[Snakebit]

When do they hit you for the sales tax, when they issue you a title or when you register for plates?

[ztarum]

I haven't got to that point yet, but it's my understanding that you pay taxes when you get the title.

[Chaplin]

Actually, you pay the taxes before you get the title. After you get your "reconstructed vehicle information packet" from Trenton, you need to fill that out and send it in to Trenton with a copy of all of your receipts and a check in the proper amount of the tax due. Upon receipt of your completed paperwork, receipts and check, DMV will schedule you for the "safety inspection" where they will inspect the car to make sure it is safe enough to give you a title.

[khansmith]

Originally Posted by Chaplin

I thought GA was easier than NJ for kit cars? (Actually, I thought just about everywhere was easier for kit cars than NJ.)

I thought this too! But now I know better. Basically GA is almost in league with CAin terms of P.I.T.A. factor. Your car has to pass emission standards for the year it was built. The best way to get a car licensed and registered is to transfer from out of state. I am not sure how they will treat a "2008" title from NJ. Maybe I am just as screwed. If/when I move, I plan to work with SEMA to start a lobby with the local cobra folks.

I have had some great folks reach out to me on the GA forum and offer some ways to get it drivable but they won't give me a title...which is fine as I plan on keeping this car forever (famous last words).

[Archrms]

Khan,

I don't know about GA DMV laws, but Bill at Starrformance (formerly McMichael Motorsports) is located in GA and is where I bought my SPF. He may be able to shed some light on the DMV regs in GA for you.

[khansmith]

Thanks so much for the offer. When I get solid on a move, I'll reach out.