818c Street Legality in California

[Liam Snow]

I've been looking at buying a 818c for quite awhile now, but before I pull the trigger I want to make sure I can actually drive this car on the road. I'm planning to follow the instructions as close as possible, and then possibly add abs braking. I know I would also need to add a few things like maybe emergency lights to the car so I can get it registered in California. Does anyone know or have good resources where I can find what things I need to add to the car to make it legal.

[Ajzride]

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?36563-California-SB100-quot-proof-of-ownership-of-major-assemblies-quot

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?29149-Bought-a-used-818-and-imported-into-california-(SB100)

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?21198-818-build-California-sb100

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?21198-818-build-California-sb100

[DSR-3]

Yeah, what he said...
It's actually quite easy to work through, and the 1965 smog-spec is a great thing!

[Liam Snow]

I have found a lot of resources for how to register my vehicle in California, but I have not found any resources telling me what I need on my car to pass inspection. Many websites like this one (https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/vehicle-registration/new-registration/register-a-specially-constructed-or-modified-vehicle/) have the step "A vehicle verification by an authorized DMV employee." But don't list what this entails. I'd prefer to add things like emergency lights, etc. to my car before going to the DMV.

[Ajzride]

This may help. He goes into details of his inspection.

https://socalslc.com/2018/09/21/52-what-is-it/

[DSR-3]

Don't know what "emergency lights" are, but if you mean hazard lights I used the 4 signal lights flashing at once and passed.
re. engine/smog on the engine that's pretty clear, esp. if you go "body style". Then all you need is the correct PCV circuit/parts. No OBD, no exhaust test/measurement, etc. EASY, "FOREVER".
re. the rest of the car, the only thing I sweated was windshield wiper(s). It's clear that to be legal in CA you need it. I didn't really want or need one, and I had read of others getting bye without, so i took a chance. It never came up during inspections. I suppose it's still one of those things a cop could "write me up" for, but I'm thinking if I do get stopped- it won't be the wiper that costs...

[NiceGuyEddie]

First, a vote of confidence - YES you can drive an 818 on the street in California.

Right now you don't have enough posts to show your location, but if by any chance you are in SoCal, the San Clemente DMV is the go-to for people that actually KNOW the
SB100 process. It can be a bear elsewhere. Some have driven as much as 200 miles to get the process started in San Clemente.

[Ray]

Send me a private message or email if you’d like, with your phone number. We can discuss your concerns about the street legality of the 818.

In a nut shell, yes you can register it and drive it in CA highways. My avatar shows you what I did for 30-yrs.

Ray

[betet]

Here's my experience so far (July 2020)

Getting SB-100 on your first DMV visit seems it's a hit and miss depending on the location. According to the DMV I visited (Santa Clara location), it's a new process they follow now. Until you get a VIN, you do not get your SB-100.

1st DMV visit
- Turned in my application and paid reg fees
- Tried to ask for SB-100 (got turned down)
- Asked for Reg 124 but got turned down. DMV gave me a 1 day pass instead to do a brake lamp inspection and come back for the Reg 124.
- Same Day, I went to go get my brake lamp inspection certificate ($187 - WOW, WTF)

2nd DMV Visit
- Next day, went back to the DMV with the brake lamp inspection certificate
- Asked for SB-100 again (got rejected again , I will keep on trying)
- Got my REG124 for the CHP inspection
- DMV gave me a 2 month permit
- Called for CHP appointment, earliest in my area (Santa Clara) was about 1.5 months away due to Covid. Called around. San Mateo CHP said because of Covid they had stopped. Got a hold of a CHP that was willing to see me (after begging) the following week

CHP Appointment
Went to see the CHP for my inspection and VIN assignment. He completed the REG124 form from DMV. He stuck the VIN sticker in my driver door jamb. He gave me the rivets to do on my own, but stuck it there. He took pictures of the car (for record I guess).

3rd DMV Visit
- Next day, went to DMV now with my VIN
- Finally got my SB-100 (woohoo)
- According to DMV, will take 3 weeks to receive it. It's been over 2 and still waiting.

Called BAR for an appointment
- Got told until I have the SB-100 certificate, they will not see me

So just waiting for the SB-100 certificate. With my 60 day permit, I have been occasionally driving it. Expires at the end of August, so may need to go back to DMV for an extension. It seems BAR is probably on limited staff and busy too.

Good luck.

[Sgt.Gator]

Brando built one of the first 818Rs and got it licensed in California. He sold the car to me but I still have the California license plate 818R on my garage wall.
His build thread is here where he discusses what he had to do to get it licensed: https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?12442-Brando-s-Newbie-818R-Build-Thread