registering a custom in cali question

[joe440]

So i just moved out to Southern California a few months back and looking to get my truck out here. Im just wondering if I'm going to have problems getting it registered. Theres basically nothing left of the 36 ford that i have a good clean title for that i originally bought with the ford cab (now using the diamond t cab obviously). The frame was built in the garage, its a cummins engine, diamond t cab. It has all safety blinkers, headlights, tail lights, e brake and so on. Heres some pics any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Joe
(still not completed)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/6ed4c219-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/fee81abf-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/ce16faa91-1.jpg

[spacepirate]

I'm not totally sure but holy crap that thing is AWESOME!

[joe440]

thanks, lets hope who ever has to inspect it thinks the same haha.

[Ron.in.SoCal]

I'm not totally sure but holy crap that thing is AWESOME! x2!!

Hey Joe welcome to Cali! I have heard - not sure but read it here - that Cali requires that you have the same engine the registered car was born with, or all the smog stuff required from the year/motor you're swapping in. I have an idea, PM me if interested...

[Blown73]

The best I can say is...it depends.

Here's a few wonderful scenarios.

Worst case:

1. It is a custom vehicle. Technically, anything that does not sport the stock frame is a custom vehicle. The way they deal with that is they register them as custom vehicles and only allow 500 per year. (I think it's still 500) So, all of the folks with Kit cars that show up to DMV Jan 1 usually snag those up fast.

Best case:
2. Hopefully, it is registered in your previous home state. If so, you take the registration to the DMV and transfer it over as a 36 pick up, and get the truck put into your name in CA. They may require you to bring the vehicle down to verify the VIN number, and if you have two VIN locations, you are dialed. If not, then....

3. You take the truck to the CHP office and have them add a secondary vin.

They may or may not check the lights, horn, wipers, etc., but it is not a bad idea to have everything working before you go in. Keep a smile on your face when dealing with the folks there (it's tough sometimes) and you should be fine.

I took my 73 Nova down the day after I had an engine fire. Try telling a CHP officer your car is road worthy when the engine bay is still crispy!

[joe440]

I know it was never registered in MA but i could always have my father do it so i can have the paper with me to make it easier out here. As far as VIN #s theres nothing on the cab or frame, only the engine, which should pass smog if it has too, its bone stock. Thanks for advice guys, really appreciate it.

[SLO_Z28]

Here is the deal, because the frame is custom its a "specialty construction" and will be registered as a 2012, but will only be required to pass the laws applicable to the year of the body it looks like/represents. The DMV will have all the paperwork to get you started and you will have to go to a CHP office to get the VIN's verified. I would make sure you have all the receipts for the engine/transmission and Cab.

[Matt@BOS]

Find a person that specializes in registering classic cars, specialty construction vehicles, etc. These people work with the DMV, take care of verifying the vin, and pretty much do everything required to get you new plates and tags. They will come out to your house to look at the car, and you will get plates in the mail. In my case, I saved hundreds of dollars because the registration expert knew the ins and outs of the DMV laws.

Matt

p.s. I could give you the name of the guy I used, but he is in San Diego. Not sure how far he drives. He could probably recommend someone though.

[joe440]

receipts for the dmv or chp office?

[SShep71]

You should be fine. Your exempt from emissions because its pre-76. As far as the VIN should be affixed to teh driver side door jamb according to a knowledgeable friend.

[SLO_Z28]

You should be fine. Your exempt from emissions because its pre-76. As far as the VIN should be affixed to teh driver side door jamb according to a knowledgeable friend.

You get whats called a "blue tag" that can be affixed pretty much anywhere, but the most common place is on the door frame. The whole process isn't that expensive, just a bunch of paperwork. I think there is a office in San Juan Capistrano, the watch officer should be able to tell you what DMV form you need to get the ball rolling. Some offices have appointments for this, some are first come first serve at certain times, but there is a specific officer that will do this.

[406 Q-ship]

I would get the thing registered in the state it is right now then bring it into Cali. There will have to be a VIN verification when it does get here. It might be smarter to get it as a speciality build in the state it is in now, then that state will affix a VIN to it. This will bypass a bunch of Cali issues if you get a nutty CHP or DMV person.

[SLO_Z28]

I would get the thing registered in the state it is right now then bring it into Cali. There will have to be a VIN verification when it does get here. It might be smarter to get it as a speciality build in the state it is in now, then that state will affix a VIN to it. This will bypass a bunch of Cali issues if you get a nutty CHP or DMV person.

Good advice if do-able. The CHP is pretty squared away, the DMV... no comment.