My CA registration story

Tinker51 · #1 (**permalink**) 03-11-2003, 12:26 PM

Ok, I have begun the process of registering my SPF in California and I thought I would chronicle it for others to see how it goes. I read a great post on another forum about how to do an SB100 registration and while it did not exactly apply to me since I did not build this car it is 95% applicable. I purchased a completed SPF that was titled as a 65 Ford convertable in another state. I went to the DMV a few weeks prior to buying this car and spoke with a supervisor and asked some questions. The lady was very nice and said she had done many kit car SB100's and knew exactly how to do them. I went in this morning with my out of state title, bill of sale, the receipt of my cashiers check, and my check book. Long story short she came back about 20 minutes later with my temporary permit, the phone numbers of three local CHP offices for the inspection, the Phone number for the BAR office, and my SB-100 number. I don't know how much they pay her but she needs to get a bonus because she seemed to be the only one in the office who had a clue on how to do anything. My paperwork would have taken less time but she kept getting interrupted by other clerks with questions. My SB100 number is in the low 200's, I don't know if they count up or down to 500. I will let you all know how the CHP and BAR tests go as they come to pass.

Turk · #2 (**permalink**) 03-11-2003, 12:45 PM

Tinker,
East Bay?
Which DMV office did you go to. Ity might be worth the drive.

I am sure the DMV clerk is looking for word of mouth reputation for more business for herself.

TURK

agro1 · #3 (**permalink**) 03-11-2003, 12:48 PM

Tinker 51 - Congrats man !! I have had the same thing happen to me at the DMV. Usually they are totally inept, but every once in a while you find someone who is on their game and willing to help. Seems with SB100 registration is a snap. One question: What did you have to pay to get it registered ? I assume you had to pay a pretty substantial tax...

Tongue Pirate · #4 (**permalink**) 03-11-2003, 01:02 PM

Sound like a great Idea! I will follow intently...

Tinker51 · #5 (**permalink**) 03-11-2003, 03:23 PM

Turk, the DMV office is the one in Pleasanton.
Agro. The check I left them was, how shall I say this, not insignificant

. Besides the tax I paid which is based on the sale price of the car I paid slightly more than $250 in various fees. I have not called the CHP yet but the last time I taked to them they said a 2-3 week lead time for a vin verification appointment was pretty normal. More updates at that time.

64 Daytona · #6 (**permalink**) 03-11-2003, 06:02 PM

A VIN verification can be done by any registered peace officer, not mandatory that it has to be a CHP. I was told this by a DMV official.

Tinker51 · #7 (**permalink**) 04-04-2003, 05:02 PM

Ok, went to the CHP this morning and all went through with zero difficulties. The officer who verified the car knew quite a bit about the various makes. The only question he asked was which make was it and where was the VIN tag. When I told him it was a Superformance he knew to go look at the forward left crossmember to confirm the SPF chassis number without my having to point it out. He confirmed the VIN tag attached to the car was the same as the number on all my paperwork, looked the car over quickly to see there were no other VIN numbers elsewere (door jambs etc.) then took my paperwork into a room, filled it out and sent me on my way. 25 minutes. More from the BAR ref when the time comes.

Tinker51 · #8 (**permalink**) 05-07-2003, 07:42 PM

Well it's done. I went to a local BAR ref this afternoon and had the car "sniffed". The mechanic at the station knew exactly what to do and commented he had done a number of Cobras recently. We hooked the car up and ran it (I spent more time explaining to the kid about how to get in, start, run, and get out of the car without getting a snake bite than the test took) and off he went to fill out the paperwork. A few minutes later he came back, affixed the sticker to the car and I was off. 20 minutes from when I walked through the door to when I drove away. I drove back to the DMV to finish up and walked out with my plates. The entire process is very simple and could be completed in a week or so if you had a normal schedule (which I do not) and the weather cooperated. I lost count the number of times I had to change CHP or BAR appointments because it was raining or I had to leave on a trip. Now all I have to figure out is how to fit the plate so it does not contact the trunk latch. Anyone have suggestions?