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[dshapero]

All,

Normally I just stay in lurk mode. But for everyones edification I will spill what I know on the CA registration front

The process is a complex one involving more than just the state agencies. Start here in CA with the DMV and the BAR (smog police), in addition understand that the NHTSA and DOT also have a part to play.

For those new to the process: There is a correct and LEGAL way to register cars in CA (and every other state). If you want I will explain the CA version to you in detail (dshapero@houseofcobras.com).

We also recently had the "DMV SWAT Team" here at the office (five cars - 10 investigators), and after six hours of checking every VIN and all the files, they decided that all was well. They are just doing their job and every one of them was polite and helpful. Even the lead investigator that came here concluded that if the CHP gives it a VIN and the DMV gives it a registration, we (the public) have to assume it is valid. Those people that are second purchasers are faultless, though they will have to wade through the junk.

For everyones background we (House of Cobras) have seen all this "stuff" for a while. The challenge here in CA has always been the BAR, NOT the DMV. We want to get the cars smog exempt, and the "easiest" way was to title the cars as 1965, for many years the DMV took no action, now they are. It was ALWAYS the wrong way to do it. Now both they (DMV) and we have to pay the price for taking the easy route. The correct route is also a fairly easy fix. If it is not a 1965, then register it as a SPCN, and get the smog exemption. That is the only way. By the way, I have NO doubts that if the investigations team starts to go after every "built" car in So-Cal, the number of exemptions will just get raised. It's a huge economy, and everyone needs the money.

Now to open another can of worms... You all realize (or maybe you don't) that part of the challenge with VINs is that the Feds and the State of CA differ on what should have a VIN attached to it (what is a kit exactly). The next challenge is the states that allow a car to be registered as a 1966 (based on the engine), then get sold to someone in CA. Is that now fraud? By the State of NJ, on the State of CA.

Hmmmm.