Registering the 818 in California: SB100

[SkiRideDrive]

Hi Everyone,

Been lurking for a while. I've come by a lot of great info so far. I thought I would start a discussion about registering the 818 in California. I found a helpful article describing the general process.

http://home.thegrid.net/~ffr4776/SB100_Registration.pdf

Perhaps some people with some experience would like to comment further.

Also, the author mentions the ease of registering under the year of the body style vs. the year of the motor (for a 65 cobra kit car in his example). Any idea what year the 818 body style would be classified as? Would it be classified as a '60 due to no identifiable model year?

Thanks in advance for any helpful info.

[wooward]

I read a lot about this a couple of months ago. I believe for the 818 it'll be like this. If you complete the 818 in 2013 it'll be registered as 2013 and be smogged to the whatever the year of the engine is (2002-2007). If you fill out the paperwork for SB100 Exemption (only 500 given out a year) it'll be registered as a 2013 and be smogged to 1960 due to no identifiable model year. People who have completed GTMs have done this. Registered as current year and smogged to 1960 with SB100 exemption. Please correct me if this is wrong information.

[Gollum]

wooward's hit the nail on the head regarding the SB100 process.

The only thing I'd like to point out, is that I believe that if the SB100's are all out, then you have to register it as a current production year, AND smog it as current production year, which means it will most likely not pass inspection to get it's label from the smog ref. That's the whole reason the SB100 was started, because there simply wasn't a legal process to put a replica car on the road with a vintage engine.

[Brastic]

You only need SB100 if you want to register your car as a 1960. You can register the 818 as a MY (Model Year) 2013 (or when ever you go to register your car) and put down the on the smog sticker the year of the motor. I have done this before and it works. The down side is that you will have to smog the car every 2 years and that you will need all the smog equipment from the donor car. Both of those are not that bad. What I would hate to hear about is people holding back driving their car because they think that they have to have an SB100 to register it.

[SkiRideDrive]

Thanks for the input. I was confused about the 1960 exemption, but if this is the case concerning no identifiable model year, and people have been successful with the GTM in this circumstance, that sounds like the way to go to me.

[olpro]

I do not believe that is correct. Here is a quote from the Ca. law and it says that the model year of the engine is what would count.

“Per California Vehicle Code §4750.1, the first 500 program applicants in each calendar year may choose whether the inspection is based on the model-year of the engine used in the vehicle or the vehicle model-year. If the engine or the vehicle does not sufficiently resemble one previously manufactured, the referee will assign 1960 as the model-year.”

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/vr/spcns.htm

[wooward]

I do not believe that is correct. Here is a quote from the Ca. law and it says that the model year of the engine is what would count.

“Per California Vehicle Code §4750.1, the first 500 program applicants in each calendar year may choose whether the inspection is based on the model-year of the engine used in the vehicle or the vehicle model-year. If the engine or the vehicle does not sufficiently resemble one previously manufactured, the referee will assign 1960 as the model-year.”

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/vr/spcns.htm

With SB100, You get to pick whether you want to smog to engine OR model year. Since the vehicle resembles one that is not previously manufactured, you get 1960. Others have done it many times. Here's an example.
http://www.ffcars.com/forums/42-factory-five-gtm-forum/208383-sb100-questions-woes.html#post1844858

[olpro]

I would like to believe that but, in reading over your links thoroughly, I did not see a single case of someone who has actually done it that way with a modern engine. I don't care about people who HEARD this is the case, or TALKED to someone who supposedly did it.
Having lived in the Peoples' Republic of California for many years, I don't expect they will ever give you a break when they could mess you over.
If you are correct, that would be terrific however. It is just that I would like to hear it from someone who actually did it, and not with a custom built non stock engine which might slip through.

[David Hodgkins]

wooward is correct. In the absence of a comparable body, The year 1960 is used for emissions requirements.

:)

[olpro]

<MOD EDIT: ONCE AGAIN, non-family friendly phrase REMOVED>
Come on!
As to the issue, PROVE IT to me.

[David Hodgkins]

Choose to believe it or not. I'm not searching the internet to satisfy you whims.

[Niburu]

Choose to believe it or not. I'm not searching the internet to satisfy you whims.
But you're on an internet forum, that's sorta the point, the abuilty to back up your point and/or arguement with documentation.
Otherwise anything you contend is just heresay at best and most likely invalid.

[riptide motorsport]

Davids correct........thats just they way it is.

[SkiRideDrive]

Well that is good to hear. The other thing I was curious about was the receipts necessary. I believe they require you to have receipts for all major components including engine and transmission. Is a bill of sale from a private owner for a donor car from which the major components are pulled sufficient? Thanks.

[olpro]

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/vr/spcnsreg.htm
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/vr/spcns.htm

The above will help to get you going. You will find, as I have, that there is a lot of contradictory and confusing information – on both official and the non-official sites you may get with a google search. There are so many ways to interpret this that you may be at the mercy of the clerk you get on the day you show up (Jan 2nd – to be first in line). In the meantime, I will hope for info from someone who actually has experience with this process, not just an opinion.

[Gollum]

olpro ~ I saw an Atom-esk copy this summer and the guy had it tagged as a 1960, and it was a Honda F series motor. Here's the way he explained it to me as to what happened.

1. Went to DMV with SB100 paperwork and build information paperwork and receipts. He said it was a "lotus replica, 1960 year". DMV says "ok, here's your paperwork, go to CHP to get it checked for road compliance"

2. Went to CHP to get checked. They check that lights all worked and glass was there and all was DOT approved. They said "ok, now deal with the Ref for the BAR label".

3. Went to Ref. Ref says "this ain't like any lotus I've ever seen pal" and the owner says "well that's what the DMV paperwork says now". Ref says "ok, well that's not my job anyways" and then does his baseline, even though the honda motor was nowhere near emissions compliant when compared to the car it came out of.

The guy didn't even have a CAT on it. When it comes to SB100, so much of it will come down to how prepared you are, and what DMV you're talking with/doing it through. If you let them make your decision for you, they will. Be educated and let them know what you want to do and usually they'll oblige.

[olpro]

Thanks Gollum.
You have moved the bar forward and helped with the understanding of this issue. I appreciate it.

[SkiRideDrive]

Does anyone know if there is any issue with picking up a salvage title donor car with the sb100 application process?

[bbatts]

I realize this is a thread for Calif. cars, however, I am in Tenn. and I have a similar problem. Below is copy from the Tenn. DMV site. The summary is, that "kit" cars will be titled as the vehicle they most resemble and is exempt from annual inspections. So now the question becomes, what the 818 most closely resembles ????? Porsche 918 might be are reasonable guess.

I have also read previously that NC is favorable toward "homebuilt/kit" cars.

Maybe we should begin a thread just for getting our 818s registered in the various States and/or possibly identify the best (most friendly) State.

Thanks,

B Batts
Nashville, TN


"Under the bill, kit cars and replica vehicles would have been assigned a certificate of title bearing the same model year designation as the production vehicle it most closely resembles. The bill exempted customs from periodic vehicle inspections and emissions inspections and from a range of standard equipment requirements. The legislation also provided for a one-time registration fee of $25, valid as long as you own the custom vehicle."

[Xusia]

So start the thread, man! LOL :D

[Brastic]

I had no problem registering my Sterling kit car in Ca. I did everything above board and took no short cuts. The first thing I ran into is that some of the employees at the DMV have not dealt with specially constructed vehicle registration before so they read the DMV web page and "wing it". I do not blame them for that, after all it is new to most of them and for the most part they get lied to by the public all day long. Be friendly and have a lot of documentation and the processes is not that bad. The three man things that they are looking for is the revenue, smog and that the major parts are not stolen.

[Brastic]

Does anyone know if there is any issue with picking up a salvage title donor car with the sb100 application process?

It is done all the time. You must get a BAR inspection is all. For all of the FFR cars, this would not matter as you are not using a donor chassis.

[SkiRideDrive]

It is done all the time. You must get a BAR inspection is all. For all of the FFR cars, this would not matter as you are not using a donor chassis.

Thanks for the info Brastic. Only reason I thought it might be an issue is because you are supposed to have receipts for the major components, including the engine. Wasn't sure if the bill of sale indicated salvage if that would raise any flags.

[Cooluser23]

You only need SB100 if you want to register your car as a 1960. You can register the 818 as a MY (Model Year) 2013 (or when ever you go to register your car) and put down the on the smog sticker the year of the motor. I have done this before and it works. The down side is that you will have to smog the car every 2 years and that you will need all the smog equipment from the donor car. Both of those are not that bad. What I would hate to hear about is people holding back driving their car because they think that they have to have an SB100 to register it.

Finally a good post.

[cordycord]

The frustrating thing about the SB100 is that you have to deal with the CA DMV. Now, depending on the day, the person you get, the phase of the moon, and your preparation, you could have an easy or tough time. With the economy in its current state, I heard that there were still SB100 certificates in November. In years past you'd have to get to the DMV on the first day it was open before all 500 were snatched up.

Building based on a salvaged vehicle won't make it a salvage, and you will be able to sell it as a used car when you're done having fun. The person who buys it from you won't have to go through the same rain dance.

I believe that this law was loosely meant to help the Cobra kit market, as 427 side oilers would never pass CA smog. However, a law directed at cars that look like other cars means that it can get confusing for an 818, or some other uniquely-designed vehicle.

[Ray]

You are going to have to deal with CA-DMV as well as BAR no matter which path you take. The advantage of the SB-100 program is no dealing with smog test every other year (and with CA getting more stringent on emissions, PM-2.5 etc.) it would be a great advantage if you were to ever sell the car.

The process isn't really that difficult especially if you educate yourself about it. Lot's of builders here and on FFCars have been through it.

Here is a link to the SPCNS page(s) http://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/home/dmvsearch.htm?q=spcns&type=All&cx=001779225245372747843%3Auh-hxdgtdx8&cof=FORID%3A9%3BNB%3A1&submit.x=0&submit.y=0

Ray

[Movieman]

My 2 cents?
I've always beleived that when faced with a brick wall don't bloody your hands pounding on it. Go around it.
Apply for your SB 100 exemption on Jan 2 and ensure that you'll be one of the 500.:D

[tonyb]

At what state of completion can or should one be with the car when going to DMV, like on Jan 2nd?

[Ray]

I helped a friend of mine get his SB-100 cert. the first business day in January and he didn't have his car yet. All he had was his paperwork, including the MSO, from FFR. I did mine in 2004, roadworthy but in gel coat.

One thing though, DMV does not/will not assign a model year for SPCNS vehicles. The year of vehicle will either be "0000" or left blank. The paperwork will indicate the year that the vehicle was first registered. Any questions, feel free to contact me.

Ray

[tonyb]

I helped a friend of mine get his SB-100 cert. the first business day in January and he didn't have his car yet. All he had was his paperwork, including the MSO, from FFR. I did mine in 2004, roadworthy but in gel coat.

One thing though, DMV does not/will not assign a model year for SPCNS vehicles. The year of vehicle will either be "0000" or left blank. The paperwork will indicate the year that the vehicle was first registered. Any questions, feel free to contact me.

Ray

Good info Ray, thank you. You got yours back in 2004. How recent was your friend's experience? If it is still true that one can get things rolling so soon in the process, even before having possession of the kit, let alone the vehicle being complete, I wonder if the process must then be complete by a certain time frame, like the same calendar year?

Anyone here planning to be at the DMV on Wed Jan 02, 2013?

[Ray]

Good info Ray, thank you. You got yours back in 2004. How recent was your friend's experience? If it is still true that one can get things rolling so soon in the process, even before having possession of the kit, let alone the vehicle being complete, I wonder if the process must then be complete by a certain time frame, like the same calendar year?

Anyone here planning to be at the DMV on Wed Jan 02, 2013?

We got Ken's number in 2008 and he's still not anywhere near done. When his first reg. renewal came due, he filed a "non-op" as did I until our car was complete in 2007.

Ray

[tonyb]

We got Ken's number in 2008 and he's still not anywhere near done. When his first reg. renewal came due, he filed a "non-op" as did I until our car was complete in 2007.

Ray

That's great to hear, not that it sometimes takes a while to complete these projects, but that there's no added pressure from CA to do so within a certain span of time... Thank you.

[Oppenheimer]

I realize this is a thread for Calif. cars, however, I am in Tenn. and I have a similar problem. Below is copy from the Tenn. DMV site. The summary is, that "kit" cars will be titled as the vehicle they most resemble and is exempt from annual inspections. So now the question becomes, what the 818 most closely resembles ????? Porsche 918 might be are reasonable guess.

I have also read previously that NC is favorable toward "homebuilt/kit" cars.

Maybe we should begin a thread just for getting our 818s registered in the various States and/or possibly identify the best (most friendly) State.

Thanks,

B Batts
Nashville, TN


"Under the bill, kit cars and replica vehicles would have been assigned a certificate of title bearing the same model year designation as the production vehicle it most closely resembles. The bill exempted customs from periodic vehicle inspections and emissions inspections and from a range of standard equipment requirements. The legislation also provided for a one-time registration fee of $25, valid as long as you own the custom vehicle."

Already a thread started somewhere about rules for registering in each state. Intent was to list the rules for each state, experience with registering other FFR's, then update with real-world experience once 818 kits start being built/registered. It was organized by state.

As for what vehicle the 818 most closely resembles, it would appear that law was written without considering that kit cars might not necessarily be replicas of some other existing (registerable) car (as is case with 818). But I would expect then that the vehicle it most closely 'resembles' would be a Subaru Impreza/WRX. It only resembles it under the skin, of course.

[NicksPapaw]

There is not a state annual inspection for Tennessee. Don't know if you have to get an inspection for Nashville or not. The easiest way is to go the the DMV and ask them. They will probably have the correct answer. But, I can tell you from experience that the local DMV is not always correct. I made the local office manager mad because TN had new rules in place when I registered my roadster. He was not up to date on the changes and challenged me about my registration. Once I showed him the new state laws he got madder since I was correct. Ended up sending me to the Office of Automobile Fraud and Theft in Nashville. They called me and we all had a laugh after I explained to them that the local guy didn't know squat about his job. Got my stuff pronto. Really easy to deal with. We will all just have to ask a lot of questions as we get nearer to the builds, but I don't expect any real hassles.

[THE ITALIAN]

13955
wooward is correct. In the absence of a comparable body, The year 1960 is used for emissions requirements.

:)

OK .so it is just like my MK2 roadster (reg as a 1965) then this should be a no brainer . If I am correct ,since this economic bust in Calif (and I think it will only last just a few more decades) the SB 100 has NOT sold out in the last few years or if it did it took a good part of the year ,so sleeping at the San Clemente DMV parking lot is out
(I live 5 minutes away)
I remember every year before the bust , campers in the parking lot at the DMV Jan 1st.

[ploughna]

wooward is correct. In the absence of a comparable body, The year 1960 is used for emissions requirements.

:)

Hi all

Not FFR related, but I came across this thread while searching for info relating to my situation and hoped someone might have some advice.

Does the comparable body have to be a car that was sold in the US and compliant with whatever federal emissions requirements were in place in that year? Reason I'm asking is because I'm building a replica of a car that was only built and sold in limited quantity (few hundred) in Europe from 1972-1974 with no emissions requirements whatsoever. I have my SB100 number and will request it to be registered by BodyStyle. If the BAR determine it's a 1972 model year, I need PCV, and a sealed fuel system with vapor recovery system, etc. If it's determined not similar to anything, then it'll be classified 1960 and I only need PCV.

Thanks for any advice, or if it's not clear, where would I go to find out? Call up BAR, or need to wait and see what they say on the day I show up?

Best Regards
Paul

[steve300r]

i have a question regarding the SB100 process for an 818 that i am hoping you all can help with. I plan to purchase the kit in the next month or so, and start building in May 2014.
I have read people taking their information from their order to the DMV in January and getting their SB100 before receiving the kit. Is this possible?
If i do that, how long can i wait (or is there a timeframe) after being issues by SB100 before taking the car to step 2 - visiting CHP

thanks!

[Ray]

i have a question regarding the SB100 process for an 818 that i am hoping you all can help with. I plan to purchase the kit in the next month or so, and start building in May 2014.
I have read people taking their information from their order to the DMV in January and getting their SB100 before receiving the kit. Is this possible?
If i do that, how long can i wait (or is there a timeframe) after being issues by SB100 before taking the car to step 2 - visiting CHP

thanks!

I helped a friend do this with his roadster several years ago (2007 I think.) All he had was the receipt from Factory Five and the MSO. He still hasn't finished the build and has just filed a "non-op" for registration. So, yes it is possible to do. If you have any questions, send me a PM with your phone number and we can talk you through it.

Ray

[Ray]

I would like to believe that but, in reading over your links thoroughly, I did not see a single case of someone who has actually done it that way with a modern engine. I don't care about people who HEARD this is the case, or TALKED to someone who supposedly did it.
Having lived in the Peoples' Republic of California for many years, I don't expect they will ever give you a break when they could mess you over.
If you are correct, that would be terrific however. It is just that I would like to hear it from someone who actually did it, and not with a custom built non stock engine which might slip through.

Every GTM registered in CA.......

Ray

[wleehendrick]

Every GTM registered in CA.......

Ray

Hi Ray, that's good to know, as my plan/desire is to register with SB100, choose body style, and get a 1960 designation.

I just received block off plates to remove the air pump, so I'm committing myself to that path (removing smog eqpmt).

I plan to be at the DMV Jan 2nd, just to make sure I get a #, and will have plenty of time to get her on the road within the year.

As soon as I get back into town next week, I'll let you know... plenty to do!

[68GT500MAN]

Why wait until January 2nd? There are still plenty of numbers available this calendar year.
Doug

[Xusia]

i have a question regarding the SB100 process for an 818 that i am hoping you all can help with. I plan to purchase the kit in the next month or so, and start building in May 2014.
I have read people taking their information from their order to the DMV in January and getting their SB100 before receiving the kit. Is this possible?
If i do that, how long can i wait (or is there a timeframe) after being issues by SB100 before taking the car to step 2 - visiting CHP

thanks!

Hi Steve,

That's great you will be another 818 builder! Welcome!

One item no else has mentioned that could get in the way is current lead time of about a year. If you ordered your kit right now, your production date would most likely be November 2014. Since you mentioned building in May 2014, you may need to adjust your plans somewhat.

[wleehendrick]

Why wait until January 2nd? There are still plenty of numbers available this calendar year.
Doug

Wow, things have changed. I was going to wait for a few reasons... 1) It won't be on the road until 2014 anyway, 2) So I don't have to worry about filing a non-op, and 3) so I can pay the fees with my year-end bonus ;)

[frankeeski]

Hi Ray, that's good to know, as my plan/desire is to register with SB100, choose body style, and get a 1960 designation.

I just received block off plates to remove the air pump, so I'm committing myself to that path (removing smog eqpmt).

I plan to be at the DMV Jan 2nd, just to make sure I get a #, and will have plenty of time to get her on the road within the year.

As soon as I get back into town next week, I'll let you know... plenty to do!

If it were me, and I realize it's not, I would wait until you are a bit closer to go-cart stage of the build. The 500 numbers a year don't go nearly as fast as they did in the past. This is because car builders like Boyd Coddington are not trying to register cars under the SPCNS program, which were previously illegally registered using wrecking yard VIN numbers. The state gave these vehicles a grace period to be properly registered under the SPCNS program and those builders flooded the CA. DMV each year. That grace period is over now and the economy tanked, so numbers are routinely available the entire year now. I would bet if you went down to the DMV tomorrow you would get a number. Remember once you start the process the state wants their revenue. And event though you may not have a VIN assignment yet, you still have to pay the fees each year. I payed close to $300 each year that the car was not completed because I got the car in the system so early. $600 I could have spent on other things for the car, so think about it.

[wleehendrick]

I payed close to $300 each year that the car was not completed because I got the car in the system so early. $600 I could have spent on other things for the car, so think about it.

Hi Frank, thanks for the info. Saving the $300 is why I'm waiting til next year, since I know it won't be driving before then. I do plan to finish in 2014, so I'll get the paperwork done early!

[mmaragos]

I just got through the registration for my GTM (I was #276 on the SB100 program for 2013). Not sure if it was mentioned here, but under the SB100 program you actually choose if your car is smog 'judged' by the engine year of production or the body year of production. If you decide to judge on the body and the body is not similar or a replica to a production car, the year assigned is 1960 - then all you need is a PCV valve / system.

When the referee asked me if I wanted the car judged by engine year or body year and I responded with "by body year" - he said "good choice". ;)

[wleehendrick]

I just got through the registration for my GTM (I was #276 on the SB100 program for 2013). Not sure if it was mentioned here, but under the SB100 program you actually choose if your car is smog 'judged' by the engine year of production or the body year of production. If you decide to judge on the body and the body is not similar or a replica to a production car, the year assigned is 1960 - then all you need is a PCV valve / system.

When the referee asked me if I wanted the car judged by engine year or body year and I responded with "by body year" - he said "good choice". ;)

Thanks for the first-hand info, and congrats on the GTM! That's my plan, and it's the way the law is worded. It just feels like a loop-hole, and I can't help but worry that an unsympathetic referee would be of the opinion that since the body is unrecognizable, it should be classified by engine. It sounds like I shouldn't be worried, though, and can plan on removing the air pump, evap purge valve, etc...

[THE ITALIAN]

I know how the state works, they can turn on you anytime, regardless of rules. The smog cronies are dangerous and psychotic of sorts, but they do love money. They know that our cars are not "usually" everyday drivers & this is why they allow SB100.
I wouldn't even build this car if SB100 didn't exist, I couldn't bring myself to give the state smog money every 2 years, hell I have an 05 Infinity that has 50 K on it as a Sunday car, and have to fork over the smog money every 2 years regardless it is in new condition.
They looked at the SB100 a couple of years ago and had a meeting. I talked to these people and explained that WE ARE enthusiasts, and most are not daily drivers, and any threat to the SB100 process would hurt not only the PARTS industry, but builders, painters, tool makers and most of all charity rides/car shows.
Mrs Nichols is the head of the CARB and she was appointed, not elected. She has destroyed whole industries over bogus smog claims in the past, she doesn't care about grease monkeys or SB100, the fact that the quota has not been met in the past 3 years is enough for her to abolish it all together.
Who knows the details of the Lotus and the year model that this car best mimics?? The guy that gave us the SB100 owns a Cobra replica - he understands, they could care less. When I talked to them I argued the car show charity subject, this is our strongest argument to keep it around and a dam good one to keep alive the California lifestyle.
California is moving toward an "E cars" fantasy in the future, but they also are giving "undocumented" residents driver licenses ! Can't wait to see the guy climbing over a fence at the border, buy a Tesla S. Think your better off buying a Bumper car.


The Lotus will not work, too new & since it is a newer body style, we can't use "a like" replica in any case. JUST SHOOT FOR THE SB100 & try to get a 1960 tag I guess…

[7ibuilt]

My 2 cents?
I've always beleived that when faced with a brick wall don't bloody your hands pounding on it. Go around it.
Apply for your SB 100 exemption on Jan 2 and ensure that you'll be one of the 500.:D

I registered an SB100 kit car in early 2013. I got my SB100 certificate on December 27th 2012, and it was number 412 for that year. You don't have to turn up at the DMV at 4:00am as you had to in previous years.

[7ibuilt]

Wow, things have changed. I was going to wait for a few reasons... 1) It won't be on the road until 2014 anyway, 2) So I don't have to worry about filing a non-op, and 3) so I can pay the fees with my year-end bonus ;)

The DMV I used to get an SB100 did not let me get an SB100 until I had a car that they could see.

[JJ'snakepit]

If it were me, and I realize it's not, I would wait until you are a bit closer to go-cart stage of the build. The 500 numbers a year don't go nearly as fast as they did in the past. This is because car builders like Boyd Coddington are not trying to register cars under the SPCNS program, which were previously illegally registered using wrecking yard VIN numbers. The state gave these vehicles a grace period to be properly registered under the SPCNS program and those builders flooded the CA. DMV each year. That grace period is over now and the economy tanked, so numbers are routinely available the entire year now. I would bet if you went down to the DMV tomorrow you would get a number. Remember once you start the process the state wants their revenue. And event though you may not have a VIN assignment yet, you still have to pay the fees each year. I payed close to $300 each year that the car was not completed because I got the car in the system so early. $600 I could have spent on other things for the car, so think about it.

I have been working on my kit since 2008 and that's why I haven't started my registration yet.... Hopefully soon though. November or December is not a good time of year with the holidays to be paying registration fees. February is better so something else to think about..

[bigAl]

I have been working on my kit since 2008 and that's why I haven't started my registration yet.... Hopefully soon though. November or December is not a good time of year with the holidays to be paying registration fees. February is better so something else to think about..

Does this mean that if I apply for SB100 in December, I will owe the fees all over again in January 2014??

[tonyb]

Any registration luck in CA?

[Brando]

I am almost through it, but my progress is at a standstill while I rebuild my motor.

I went to the DMV, paid my fees ($1,400 tax and title) and 4 weeks later received my sequence number in the mail. While waiting for that I went to the CHP and they issued then riveted my new VIN after verifying my motor wasn't stolen. The DMV required I get a brake and light inspection which I didn't pass. Many of the things they failed me on were trivial, such as the lights which illuminates my license plate being LED. Seriously?

This is the entire list of things that failed:

Rear backup and turn lights are LED and not DOT
- This one is tough. The only thing i can think of is to drill a hole in the rear and put a white DOT surface light then replace the existing turn signal with an amber DOT surface light
Turns signals must auto cancel
- Install stock steering column and wire up
Head lights are at 20.5 - must be at 22"
- Put front suspension at street height, tighten front coils. They wont pass 21.75 so if its still short i will get larger diameter donut tires on a temporary rim to pass
Brake hose close to tire at full crank
- Need to adjust
Proportioning valve not DOT
- Bypass valve
Steel braided brake lines not DOT
- Replace lines with rubber DOT lines
Rear reflectors missing
- Find and install
License plate lights LED and not DOT
- Find DOT license plate lights

I hear that each place is different on how strict they are with the inspection. Some places are more concerned with making sure that car is simply safe to drive on the streets while others are sticklers such as the place I went to.

After I do get past this hurdle the REFs are my last step then I'm done. My only concern with them is the windshield.

[tonyb]

I really appreciate the detailed response Brando! Thank you. A pain-in-the-butt, so it seems... Dang. If this were a replica build, like the Cobra, I guess it wouldn't be this challenging...

I'm actually at John Wayne Airport now, heading back to San Jose, CA. I see you are in Irvine...

Best to you Brando.

[07FIREBLADE]

Brando where did you go for the brake and light inspection?

[TahoeTim]

that's bs, go to another inspector

my cobra was easy, all i had to do was drive by and come to a stop

[Brando]

Nice, I can see John Waynes runway from my office. It's a fun takeoff from that airport isn't it?
The shop I went to was C & F, located at 2090 Placentia Ave, Costa Mesa. Inspection was $140. Once my car is back on the road I am going to try some other inspectors and hope for an experience like TahoeTim had.

Here is a list of inspection locations:
http://brakeandlampinspection.com/locations.htm

[07FIREBLADE]

I've done brake and light inspections before but mainly on my salvaged bikes. Not quite severe as cars but still LEDs were allowed.

[tonyb]

Nice, I can see John Waynes runway from my office. It's a fun takeoff from that airport isn't it?...[/URL]

Indeed. A great airport in general! I must admit, I'm not a fan of LA, for more than a couple reasons, but OC is nice, not reminding me of LA at all. I return in late Aug and sometime in September, and I'm not dreading it like I would LAX / LA, lol.

If not much of a hassle, kindly provide status of your continued attempt to register the 818 in CA. Thanks again.

[68GT500MAN]

Come on up to Fresno for your brake and light inspection. There is a business called Electric Lab that has been doing component cars for over 20 years, they know that we are enthusiasts and will work with us. My high beam burnt out during the test and they asked if I wanted to run down and get a lamp so that they could finish the test and not have to return. Good people to work with.
Doug

[tonyb]

Looks like I'm reviving a nearly 2 year old thread...

Any more success stories (818 CA DMV registrations)? Our old house is on the market, hopefully selling soon, and if so, I'll have time later this year for this project, or maybe the MK4 (fan of both)...

Speaking of which, is it easier, in a noteworthy way, to register the MK4 (replica) as compared to something like the 818?

[wleehendrick]

Any more success stories (818 CA DMV registrations)?

Matteo did last year. (http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?14720-San-Diego-builds-One-the-easy-way-one-the-hard-way&p=207677&viewfull=1#post207677) My build is slowly crawling along; maybe this year?


Speaking of which, is it easier, in a noteworthy way, to register the MK4 (replica) as compared to something like the 818?

Not really in CA; other states can be more difficult for non-replicas, though. For CA, you'll need one of the 500 SB100 permits granted each year. By registering by apparent bodywork, a Mk4 has to meet the emissions requirements of the original (1965), whereas since the 818 does not resemble any production auto, the emissions compliance year assigned is 1960. :) In either case, I believe all you need is a sealed crankcase (PCV valve, no open breathers); no catalytic converter or biannual smog checks required for either.

[07FIREBLADE]

I did over a year ago. For me it was a nightmare because of dmv employees. Every other step was pleasant and quite easy.

[tonyb]

Matteo did last year. (http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?14720-San-Diego-builds-One-the-easy-way-one-the-hard-way&p=207677&viewfull=1#post207677) My build is slowly crawling along; maybe this year?



Not really in CA; other states can be more difficult for non-replicas, though. For CA, you'll need one of the 500 SB100 permits granted each year. By registering by apparent bodywork, a Mk4 has to meet the emissions requirements of the original (1965), whereas since the 818 does not resemble any production auto, the emissions compliance year assigned is 1960. :) In either case, I believe all you need is a sealed crankcase (PCV valve, no open breathers); no catalytic converter or biannual smog checks required for either.


I did over a year ago. For me it was a nightmare because of dmv employees. Every other step was pleasant and quite easy.

Thank you both!

I'm honestly torn between the MK4 and 818 as well as a non-FF car; and I figured that if a replica, like the MK4, was less of a hassle with the CA DMV, that I'd want to make that a consideration in the decision process. But, it sounds like in CA with the SB100, it really makes no difference...

Not wanting to take this thread off course, but if anyone is aware of a good discussion about the MK4 and 818, a comparison of sorts, pros/cons, etc, kindly direct me. I'll try searching again, but I imagine others too contemplated between the two. About an hour north of Laguna Seca, I'd be looking to take the ride of choice to that track several times a year. I'm inclined to think that the 818 with less mass, a lower center of gravity, will have better lateral grip and scoot around those turns more effectively... Just a hunch though. Please, PM me with a link or simply provide it here with no additional commentary so we don't take this off course any more than what I have by asking...

Thanks again for the info on the SB100.

[wleehendrick]

Not wanting to take this thread off course, but if anyone is aware of a good discussion about the MK4 and 818, a comparison of sorts, pros/cons, etc, kindly direct me. I'll try searching again, but I imagine others too contemplated between the two. About an hour north of Laguna Seca, I'd be looking to take the ride of choice to that track several times a year. I'm inclined to think that the 818 with less mass, a lower center of gravity, will have better lateral grip and scoot around those turns more effectively... Just a hunch though. Please, PM me with a link or simply provide it here with no additional commentary so we don't take this off course any more than what I have by asking...


This thread (http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?20187-Did-everyone-lose-interest-in-the-818) ended up with a bit of a discussion regarding the relative appeal of the 818 vs Mk V. However, if you're really torn between the two, I'd recommend starting a new thread and soliciting opinions. A number of 818 builders have done both, but in the end it's a personal decision as to which vehicle is right for you.

[tonyb]

This thread (http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?20187-Did-everyone-lose-interest-in-the-818) ended up with a bit of a discussion regarding the relative appeal of the 818 vs Mk V. However, if you're really torn between the two, I'd recommend starting a new thread and soliciting opinions. A number of 818 builders have done both, but in the end it's a personal decision as to which vehicle is right for you.

Not sure why I didn't get an email alert regarding your response, but thank you very much! Aesthetically, for me, MK4 all the way, but there's so much to consider - SB100 not being one or a factor between the two though... Thanks again.

[kaj750]

Bumping an old thread for anyone searching like I am:

A friend of mine just bought an Ariel Atom and it has an sb100. So! If he can register an Atom in CA, no reason anyone can't register an 818, MKIV, etc. I know it's been said, I'm just confirming for anyone still not sure/on the fence/etc.
It may take time, but well worth it. He has NO smog on the car. EPIC.

[flynntuna]

You have now retired Senator K. Maurice Johannessen, to thank for it. He was apparently a Cobra kit car fanatic and saw the need for the legislation .
It would never see the light of day now... we'll take them when we can get them. :)