CA Registration: Can I smog the car without the body? (Answer: No.)

[facultyofmusic]

The only step left before getting my plates from the DMV is smog. I've been approved by the smog ref and cleared for booking an in-person appointment. The trouble is that the body is currently at the painters and won't be back for a long time. I'd like to get registration over with. If I take just the chassis to the smog ref, will I be turned away?

[MB750]

Is it street legal without the body?

If so, I don't see a problem. Or you could trailer it there.

[rich grsc]

So why do you ask here? Ask the people that know the answer, the DMV:rolleyes:

[boat737]

When I did mine in 2017, I trailered it to the BAR site. The body was on, but no doors, hood or trunk. At first he was going to have me pull it off the trailer, but changed his mind and just had me start it while on the trailer. I think most of the lights were mounted and functional (no license plate light), although he wasn't interested nor looked at any of that. Just the SB100 and smog stuff. (Make sure all your hoses in the PCV system are fuel rated, not air or water.)

I know trying to get info from those agencies and talk to a real person is difficult, but the BAR could tell you for sure. (until you go to that one guy at the BAR site that is going to make you put it on when you don't need to.)

[Wayne r mckee]

The only step left before getting my plates from the DMV is smog. I've been approved by the smog ref and cleared for booking an in-person appointment. The trouble is that the body is currently at the painters and won't be back for a long time. I'd like to get registration over with. If I take just the chassis to the smog ref, will I be turned away?

This is what the bar sent me after I made my in person appointment 177319

[toadster]

what's the rush?

from Wayne's post above, it may seem that it needs a closing/locking hood?

[facultyofmusic]

what's the rush?

from Wayne's post above, it may seem that it needs a closing/locking hood?

I just really want my plates haha. Want to slap it on as soon as I get the body back on.

You make a good point about the hood. Looks like the answer is no.

Thanks everyone!

[Jeff Kleiner]

So why do you ask here? Ask the people that know the answer, the DMV:rolleyes:

This is the correct reply.

Jeff

[boat737]

This is what the car was when I took it to the BAR. It was over 5 years ago though.

Also, when you do get your sticker, make sure he puts it on straight and level. The BAR referee put the sticker on crooked on mine, and now it will forever be known as the car with the crooked sticker. I just couldn't stand it, so I made a plate to screw over the sticker and cover it up. No-one in 5 years has asked to see the sticker.

[Fman]

My guess is the functioning hood is just to make sure they can take a look at your smog PCV setup. I would bet if you trailer it to them they would do the smog and get you finished up. They don't really care about the body/brake/tail lights etc... during the BAR appt just the smog. Mine took about 30 mins total, he visually looked at everything then went back into their secret unmarked building and printed everything out.

[EZ$]

When I got my sticker the BAR rep asked where I wanted to apply it. I mentioned that I had read that it didn't hold up to fluids like fuel, etc., at which point he said it did not have to go in the engine compartment. He mentioned that it could be put in the trunk, so I peeled the carpet down on the driver's side and applied it there. Just lightly pressed the carpet back into place. No one will ever see it, straight or not.

[facultyofmusic]

Thanks for the discussion guys. I agree, I should just take a picture of the chassis and ask the ref. I'll report back with what the ref says.

[TERRYL]

Got my Ca. License recently. Smog inspected did verify that the hood latched. He had me place the sticker. It's on the inside of the firewall up near the crossmember.