California Registration Process and Transmission Options

[Mpdm3]

Going to try and cover a couple different concerns in one post. So I have been contemplating building a 33, however I have heard horror stories as it relates to getting them registered in California. Issues such as they only allow a certain amount of SPCN registration per year and they are usually sold out on the first day of the year. Getting the CHP to inspect is challenging. Anyone have some information they can pass on to help put my mind at ease on this issue?

Second issue is I am fairly tall, 6'4" and weigh 220. I wanted to put a manual transmission in the car, but in talking with a FFR rep at SEMA, they suggested I might not have room to be shifting even with the tall version of their seats and hence they suggested an automatic. I really do want a manual. Again, anyone with some experience here that can provide guidance would be appreciated.

Mike

[flynntuna]

Regarding the SB100 numbers, last year Matteo92065 got his number in June 2015. Times are different now, I've hear explanations from the crackdown of build shops fraudulent acquiring them to the downturn of the economy being the reasons. Anyway camping out at the dmv on Jan 2nd is a thing of the past.

The CHP are only looking for stolen parts. Keep your receipts.

[progmgr1]

My '33 complete kit w/ Big/Tall seats was delivered 3 months ago. PM me if you want to drive out to Simi Valley sometime to sit in the (completely unassembled) car. Whereabouts in CA are you?

FWIW: I sat in the '33 at Build School with the standard seats and had no problem fitting in with the hard top installed, and I'm 6'1", 230#. Also, there was sufficient room in the foot box for my size 13 EE's to work 3 pedals with no interference issues. Not sure what the FFR rep was thinking would be a problem? Judging from the forums, most '33s are built with manual transmissions - although my wife's aging knees are pushing me down the 4R70 path for my car.

Keith

[Mpdm3]

Thanks for the reply. I am in Orange County but work in LA County so I may take you up on your offer. Their concern was both pedal box clearance and knees in to steering wheel. I am more concerned about registering the car.

[CDXXVII]

California Registration

Mine is a roadster but I imagine the 33 is the same. Do not start the process until you are close to finished. I started my process when I was in go cart mode with all mechanical, electrical, brake system, and sheet metal complete. No point in starting to pay registration unless you are ready to drive it soon.

Start with DMV - Be sure to make an appointment and bring all your docs. Don't forget your check book. SB100 sequence numbers available all year now. 1/2 hour for me.

Call CHP first and if you can, speak with the actual inspector. Ask him what he would like to see. Make an appointment and bring all docs. All new parts make it easy. 1/2 hour again.

BAR inspection - Appointments are hard to get and usually take 4 - 6 weeks depending on time of year. Make sure you have your engine requirements correct. About an hour here. Guy liked to talk.

Brake and Lamp inspection - Find local licensed brake and lamp inspector. Call him first and give him a heads up on your build. Usually about $80 and 20 minutes.

Back to DMV - Make appointment. Bring all your paperwork. Another hour and a bit of sweating. Done!! No nightmare here.

[j.miller]

They had a few SB100 SPCN's left last year. You may check back with FFR ask for Tony Zulo and ask about floor mounted peddle *** rather then the stock firewall mounted and leg room...da Bat

[progmgr1]

" Their concern was both pedal box clearance and knees in to steering wheel. " Getting in and out of the car was difficult with the stock steering column. On the advice of other builders and the guys at Build School, I went with the Tilt Steering Wheel option. Not installed yet, so I can't verify - but I'm optimistic that it will be fine. Keith

[Straversi]

Definitely find one to sit in or try to sit in. I'm 6'6",230. I've ordered a roadster after sitting in a few that were modified for tall guys. I met some 33 owners at the Huntington Beach show and they offered to let me try to get in the 33. Probably just for the comedy. Not even close, even without a roof. 6-4 might be different and length of leg and torso vary so find one to wear before you order or give up.
Good Luck.

Steve