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View Full Version : Texans, a few questions on registering a FFR Roadster



pbjsammich
12-07-2015, 12:47 PM
First post!! After doing a search I didn't really find answers to my questions so thought I'd post up and see if anyone has gone through this already.

I just purchased a titled FFR MK3 Roadster out of Oklahoma. It is titled as a "2005 Custom Cobra." Maybe important to note OK is a state that does not require inspections.

Prior to the purchase I did some research. I understand what it takes to get a BRAND NEW kit car titled. DNV wasn't too much help about titling a completed car....each time I called I got different answers depending on whom I talked to.

DNV suggested that I:
1. Pass safety inspection. I've done this for cars bought out of state before and I'm not overly worried about this. I am concerned about them trying to force an emissions test (recall it's currently titled as a 2005), and I haven't figured out if my car has high beams or not....although there's an indicator on the dash.
2. At that point, I can transfer the title and register the car as a "2005 Custom Cobra."
3. Get ASE safety inspection / VTR-852 and apply for the Custom Vehicle plate. I'm then titled as a replica, 1965, and never have to worry about another inspection again.

Important to note here that the DNV folk claim that because the vehicle is titled already, I can forego the Rebuilt vehicle statement, certified weight, ownership documents, etc that it takes to title a BRAND NEW kit car.

Another note is that the car's VIN on the OK title matches the FFR serial number on the plate. The spot for "VIN" is blank.

Sooooo....all that said, any advice from you guys that have brought in a kit car from another state? Any major issues you see here? Is my step 1-2-3 above accurate? Is it going to be a problem that I don't have a VIN # stamped on the plate?

GREATLY appreciate any help you guys can offer. After I cross this bridge I look forward to posting more fun things about the car!!

2bking
12-07-2015, 08:43 PM
I can't answer many of your questions but today I got mine registered. The VIN is the same as the FFR serial number on the frame thus my plate will also be blank on the VIN line. Mine is titled as a 2013 because that was the date on the FFR Manufacture's Certificate of Origin even though it is described as a 1965 Replica. I didn't have to have a state inspection because it's registered as a Custom vehicle. I did have to get the ASE inspection and fill out the Rebuilt Vehicle form but it wasn't scrutinized for serial numbers or cost. Not much of this may be applicable to a titled car coming from another state.

pbjsammich
12-08-2015, 07:37 AM
I can't answer many of your questions but today I got mine registered. The VIN is the same as the FFR serial number on the frame thus my plate will also be blank on the VIN line. Mine is titled as a 2013 because that was the date on the FFR Manufacture's Certificate of Origin even though it is described as a 1965 Replica. I didn't have to have a state inspection because it's registered as a Custom vehicle. I did have to get the ASE inspection and fill out the Rebuilt Vehicle form but it wasn't scrutinized for serial numbers or cost. Not much of this may be applicable to a titled car coming from another state.

Greatly appreciate the input 2bking!! Looks like I'm heading in the right direction so far.

CobraDreaming
12-08-2015, 10:17 PM
Hmm. I'm not sure but I would think it would be like any other car. Once it's titled you have to transfer the title to TX, pay your taxes, fees etc. I don't think you can re-title it.
I could be wrong and have been on many occasions :)

6t8dart
12-09-2015, 11:11 AM
Hmm. I'm not sure but I would think it would be like any other car. Once it's titled you have to transfer the title to TX, pay your taxes, fees etc. I don't think you can re-title it.
I could be wrong and have been on many occasions :)

I agree, it already has a OK title, should be no problem.

pbjsammich
12-09-2015, 01:30 PM
I guess my big concern if that is TX's approach would be the safety inspection every year. Since it's titled as a 2005, wouldn't I be subjected to emissions testing?? I finally got my insurance on line so I'll be taking it Friday for the inspection....with fingers crossed. Appreciate the input guys.

2bking
12-09-2015, 07:18 PM
I guess my big concern if that is TX's approach would be the safety inspection every year. Since it's titled as a 2005, wouldn't I be subjected to emissions testing?? I finally got my insurance on line so I'll be taking it Friday for the inspection....with fingers crossed. Appreciate the input guys.

I don't know the rules for cars titled in another state and brought to Texas. A new title for the roadster has the year: date of the kit from FFR, Make: Assembled, Model: MK4, Body Style: RD, Replica Year: 1965, and Replica Make: Shelby Cobra. You apply for a Custom Vehicle Title which doesn't require a yearly state inspection or conformance to emission standards.

Before you start any title work, go to Texas on line (http://www.txdmv.gov/motorists/buying-or-selling-a-vehicle/title-check-look-before-you-buy) and look on the right side for the "Motorist Tool Box". In that you'll find the "Assembled Vehicle Manual". It will list the forms needed and the ASE Tech inspection. You may need to know exactly what to do because the person at the title office doesn't do these title very often. Good Luck!