Pennsylvania Roadster Registration/Inspection Issues

[ellisjim]

Hi,

Just wondering if there might be any show stoppers or significant issues in registering and inspecting a Cobra Roadster in Pennsylvania ?

Thanks

[mrmustang]

Hi,

Just wondering if there might be any show stoppers or significant issues in registering and inspecting a Cobra Roadster in Pennsylvania ?

Thanks
Jim Ellis.

While this original post of mine was for an untitled car still on MSO, the information contained within will be valid with your title transfer as well.

PA is a simple state to get a kit car titled and registered, you will need, at the very least from the seller, a notarized bill of sale for the car/kit listing a chassis number (the seller should have a manufacturers certificate of origin that lists this). With that you can then CLICK HERE (http://www.dmv.state.pa.us/pdotforms/fact_sheets/Specially_Constructed_Vehicle.pdf) for the additional paperwork and steps needed to title your new find as a "specialty constructed vehicle" (emissions exempt by law in PA). The specific form is MV-426B (http://www.dmv.state.pa.us/pdotforms/mv_forms/mv-426B.pdf), fill it out, submit at your local notary and await authorization for your enhanced safety inspection (not all inspection facilities can do an enhanced safety inspection, CLICK HERE (http://www.dmv.state.pa.us/pdotforms/inspections/enhancedstations.pdf) for the list of approved enhanced safety inspection stations listed by county). Pass your inspection, and submit paperwork at your notary, await a new state issued VIN plate(to be installed on the passenger upper corner of your firewall in the engine compartment), and title and you are good to go. It can be done in as little as 2 weeks, it could take up to 6 weeks, all depends on how prepared your paperwork is, and how backed up the specialty title division is at that time. Finally, the car will be titled as a 2011 "SPCN CONST" vehicle......


Yes, it really is that simple.


Bill S.

[ellisjim]

Cobra Jim

[mrmustang]

Jim E.

Glad I could assist.


Bill S.

PS: Where in PA are you located?

[Joee]

Bill

Is there any advantage to hand delivering the paperwork to Harrisburg?

[mrmustang]

Bill

Is there any advantage to hand delivering the paperwork to Harrisburg?

Not really, as the paperwork is just a technicality to getting the actual title. Once it's in the system (local tag shop), you can get your registration right then and there.


Bill S.

[Chepsk8]

Bill

Is there any advantage to hand delivering the paperwork to Harrisburg?

I used my state representative's office, flew right through, even with a bounced check!!!

[real2me]

My registration took over 6 months to complete. PennDot sent me the forms back twice with no explanation of what was wrong. I tried to reach someone without success. I finally tried to guess what was wrong and was wrong twice. On my third try, I realized that my check was a $1.50 short (the amount they originally told me to include). Finally, they sent my completed package to the wrong address and sent me someone else's registration. What a fiasco!!

Bill

[mrmustang]

Hi Bill,
I'm located in Maple Glen near Horsham PA.
Where are you ?

About 42 miles west of you :D

[onefastben]

Ellis, I'm in Lansdale. Welcome to the club and good luck with Harrisburg. There is another guy in Warminster as well.

[N. Versailles Cobra]

Jim,
In adition to the good previous advise, best thing you can do is find a title person and a Pa mechanic that has done at least few spec. constructed trailers, hot rods and roadsters before. Their experience with the MV-426B form will be invaluable. Good luck.
Don

[ellisjim]

Will do Don. Thanks a ton.

[klawrence]

Just curious is this still the process ? Has anything changed recently ? I was told one that emissions must meet what ever is the latest (car or engine) , is this still true with a kit car ?

Thanks

[mrmustang]

Just curious is this still the process ? Has anything changed recently ? I was told one that emissions must meet what ever is the latest (car or engine) , is this still true with a kit car ?

Thanks

Process is the same.

No, SPCN CONST vehicles are exempt from emissions in all counties of PA.


Bill S.

[JIMOCO]

I completed the process in July without any problems. Having the paperwook complete is key to a smooth registration. If you go to the PennDOT web page you can find a Fact Sheet about Specially Constructed Vehicle Titling Procedures. This is very helpful. i prepared a complete package of information including the Forms MV-426B and MV1 and gave that along with my receipts to my enhanced inspection center. Once they sign off on the application and take pictures of the car, you can take or send the package to PennDOT. It does not make a difference if it is hand delivered or mailed. The person at the information desk took my application and passed it on to the proper reviewers. The advantage I found to hand delivering is that they computed the tax due and I gave them a check with the application. They later asked me to supplement the application with a picture of my drivers license and proof of insurance. I received the tag and registration a couple of weeks after the application and the title a week after that. Since the vehicle falls under the specially constructed rules there is no emmissions or sound restrictions. I went through with the headers and side pipes and no cats. Depending on the inspector they may be a stickler on some of the other rules. I would meet with them to make sure you know what they are looking for. PA rules require certain things be present. Self cancelling turn signals, bumpers, defrosters, wipers and heat shields. The interpreatation of these rules can vary. After your get your tags you need to return to the enhanced inspector to get your window sticker. Feel free to send me a private message and I can tell you about my experience. I can give you my number if you want to speak directly to me. JIMOCO.