Great Connecticut Inspection Experience

Sargie · #1 (**permalink**) 03-21-2022, 01:46 PM

Thought I’d share my experience at the Connecticut DMV today. I bought an already built ERA FIA car previously registered in Maine. The process was very simple and straightforward. DMV does a courtesy inspection on any vehicle previously registered in another state. Any car must comply with all of the safety and build requirements meaning DOT tires, windshield, wipers, horn, fmvss seat belts, bumpers, heat shields on exhaust, etc. All of the information is on the CT DMV web site. With the car being previously registered they did not require receipts for any parts. I had a bill of sale and last registration from the previous owner. Maine does not title vehicles older than 1995. The car was registered as a 66’. They checked the vin my paperwork and completed the inspection without issue. As is noted on the DMV web site no emissions test is required. The model year 66’ and vin remain. They changed make to Composite model left as Cobra.

A couple of tips I learned: The inspection lanes in Wethersfield are open Monday through Friday unlike the rest of DMV Tues-Saturday. Go on Monday and get there early. They open at 8. There was no line, no wait. Have your paperwork ready and in order.

The inspectors were really nice to work with! Pleasant and professional!

I have an appointment Friday morning to complete registration. Looking forward to enjoying the new to me ride.

Redfish · #2 (**permalink**) 03-21-2022, 02:35 PM

Excellent! So the inspection paperwork states 1966 Composite Cobra?

Bigger question will be, will you receive classic plates?! Let us know!

Thor maine · #3 (**permalink**) 03-21-2022, 05:20 PM

Just a tip , in Maine you can get a official Title for older cars but you have to pay an additional $36 .00 so nobody get's them. But if you like the idea of that official document you can get it.

Sargie · #4 (**permalink**) 03-25-2022, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redfish

Excellent! So the inspection paperwork states 1966 Composite Cobra?

Bigger question will be, will you receive classic plates?! Let us know!

Completed registration today got classic reg & plates. Process today was fast and easy. Had a 7:50 AM appointment. Was out the door at 8:15 done. Going prepared(having all required documents with completed forms) with a smile and a good attitude helps. I heard people on either side of me unhappy at the counter. All of the gripes sounded like they were self inflicted. Missing & or incomplete documents.

rustyrims · #5 (**permalink**) 03-25-2022, 12:26 PM

I have to do this shortly. Is there a list of required paperwork somewhere? thank you for posting.

RockOn · #6 (**permalink**) 03-25-2022, 01:53 PM

That's great news and congrats.

I sent you a PM with some questions as I intend to be at the inspection lane Monday AM.
Didn't want to put it all here, but no problem if you want to post it with the answers.

Biggest concern is "emissions equipment for year of the engine" even if no emissions test. I don't see how that's even possible if your using a crate motor or such but... Any feedback on this? I know your situation already having a '66 reg is a but different.

RockOn · #7 (**permalink**) 03-25-2022, 02:07 PM

Rustyrims, I'll let Sargie comment as he just did it, but this is what I have done...

Review R157 for requirements - as I mention in my last post all pretty straightforward, albeit some of them silly for this type of car.

Form R95 (application for composite inspection) filled out and taken to DMV before hand to pay for the Inspection.

Take with you pictures as defined (right/front and left/rear) as well as any other pertinent ones (I took pics of window glass and seat belt DOT markings, engine and trans markings from the donor as well as the VIN plate from the donor).

I also had the MCO and mustang title (engine/trans only) but wasn't needed there.
Didn't need the extra pics either for the DMV window, but plan to use all of this with the inspectors and as Sargie said - they like prepared and helpful.

You pay the $88 and DMV gave me the actual 3 layer carbon inspection form with the payment number written on it to take with me to inspection.

You bring all of the above with you to the inspection as they will validate donor VIN, MCO to chassis number, etc. I also have a H13B reg form filled out with everything except the VIN number that gets assigned on the R95 form after passing inspection.

DMV inspector fills out the bottom of the R95 form (hopefully with a '65 VIN).

Everything goes back to DMV window for registration appointment.

Other tip I had was to make sure everything says 1965 Cobra so that's what ends up on the title and registration....

Will see how I do on Monday (inspection) and Tuesday (hopefully plates).

Sargie · #8 (**permalink**) 03-25-2022, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rustyrims

I have to do this shortly. Is there a list of required paperwork somewhere? thank you for posting.

Rusty,
Follow the links below. The packet has all of the inspection information you need. The only thing that changed is the emissions requirement. They do not check and the car is exempt life time.
Make sure your paper is neat and organized.
Try to go on a Monday. It’s the slow day so the inspectors aren’t under pressure to push cars through.

Try to enjoy the experience rather than worrying about. If you built your car properly you’ll be in and out quickly. They don’t care about paint just safety.

Inspection requirements https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/DMV/20/29/r157pdf.pdf

Inspection form https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/DMV/20/29/r95pdf.pdf
Registration application https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/DMV/20/29/H13Bpdf.pdf

Sargie · #9 (**permalink**) 03-25-2022, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RockOn

That's great news and congrats.

I sent you a PM with some questions as I intend to be at the inspection lane Monday AM.
Didn't want to put it all here, but no problem if you want to post it with the answers.

Biggest concern is "emissions equipment for year of the engine" even if no emissions test. I don't see how that's even possible if your using a crate motor or such but... Any feedback on this? I know your situation already having a '66 reg is a but different.

I responded to your email. No emissions check that I’ve seen in 4 experiences there. 2 donor rebuilds, 1 crate and one machine shop engine. One item I neglected to mention are seat belts. They have to meet FMVSS standards tagged as such. While I’m confident Simpson and other race harnesses are superior to the required standard they have not been test and certified and will cause a failure. I have a set if you need to borrow them.

rustyrims · #10 (**permalink**) 03-25-2022, 04:05 PM

thank you both. I have been worried about registering since I started, hopefully I can drop it down to concerned.

Redfish · #11 (**permalink**) 03-25-2022, 05:31 PM

Excellent! Glad it went smoothly, and glad to see you got the proper plates. You got the whole driving season ahead!

Now they need to provide me classic plates…I’m beginning to feel I’m being treated differently for some reason.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sargie

Completed registration today got classic reg & plates. Process today was fast and easy. Had a 7:50 AM appointment. Was out the door at 8:15 done. Going prepared(having all required documents with completed forms) with a smile and a good attitude helps. I heard people on either side of me unhappy at the counter. All of the gripes sounded like they were self inflicted. Missing & or incomplete documents.

Sycraft · #12 (**permalink**) 03-25-2022, 06:13 PM

2 states so far, no issues. no wipers on my car either.

Sargie · #13 (**permalink**) 03-26-2022, 05:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redfish

Excellent! Glad it went smoothly, and glad to see you got the proper plates. You got the whole driving season ahead!

Now they need to provide me classic plates…I’m beginning to feel I’m being treated differently for some reason.

I’m sorry your stuck in the older rules. I don’t believe you are being treated differently or with any prejudice. It’s unfortunate for you a victim of timing.

My 3 previous cars were inspected and registered as yours was in the years completed 99’ 02’ & 05’. All regular registrations no antique or classic. Had to pay full value property tax no exemption. The town wanted to charge me based upon an original Shelby value $300k+ vs an FFR $20k donor build. Fortunately the town assessor understood after a brief meeting and valued the car based upon sales tax paid. When acquiring the new to me car part of my criteria was model year.

I wish you and others caught in this the best working to change your status. I’ve lobbied my local reps for this and other SEMA type legislation as it occurs whether or not I’m personally affected. Sadly not a large enough issue with a few niche’ vehicles for our representatives to affect significant legislative change.

Redfish · #14 (**permalink**) 03-26-2022, 07:21 AM

Yeah, you nailed it. I was inspected / registered as a 2004. Annual tax was reasonable, likely based on the sales tax paid back in the day as you mentioned. Until 2019, then Middletown assessed me at something like $40K (1500% increase). Both my wife and I called, they treated us like crap. They know exactly what they did, abusive money grab. I appealed it, declined. Then they raised it another 20% in 2020 (retaliation for the appeal). Appeal declined again.

DMV willing to revised the year from 2004 to 1965, but won't provide classic plates. I certainly do not want 2004 to become 1965 without classic plates, where they could then assess me based on an original $300k Shelby like you experienced!

I engaged SEMA, CCCTC, legislators, but minimal progress. I appreciate that you've continued to lobby, thank you.

Happy to see you got through with success!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sargie

I’m sorry your stuck in the older rules. I don’t believe you are being treated differently or with any prejudice. It’s unfortunate for you a victim of timing.

My 3 previous cars were inspected and registered as yours was in the years completed 99’ 02’ & 05’. All regular registrations no antique or classic. Had to pay full value property tax no exemption. The town wanted to charge me based upon an original Shelby value $300k+ vs an FFR $20k donor build. Fortunately the town assessor understood after a brief meeting and valued the car based upon sales tax paid. When acquiring the new to me car part of my criteria was model year.

I wish you and others caught in this the best working to change your status. I’ve lobbied my local reps for this and other SEMA type legislation as it occurs whether or not I’m personally affected. Sadly not a large enough issue with a few niche’ vehicles for our representatives to affect significant legislative change.

RockOn · #15 (**permalink**) 04-04-2022, 10:31 AM

I just failed CT inspection for;
1.) bumpers - this is a new one, I have the quick jacks on
2.) rear IRS diff no tag/sn

Anyone have an idea on temp bumpers without buying the hoops?
And also what about providence for a rear diff center section.
Both of these are a bit frustrating.

Didn't fail for anything I was worried about.

rads42 · #16 (**permalink**) 04-07-2022, 11:11 AM

RockOn, where in CT are you located and what make of Cobra do you have?

Ct_Cobra · #17 (**permalink**) 07-15-2022, 06:14 PM

What did you do to cover your side pipes if anything?

Sargie · #18 (**permalink**) 07-15-2022, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ct_Cobra

What did you do to cover your side pipes if anything?

I used a set of side pipe shields. Also wrapped the turn outs beyond the shields with exhaust wrap. They must be covered for inspection.

Ct_Cobra · #19 (**permalink**) 07-15-2022, 07:05 PM

Thanks very much!! Ugh, ok. How ‘bout in front of the shields? Did you need to wrap that area too? You wouldn’t happen to have a picture would you?

Redfish · #20 (**permalink**) 07-16-2022, 06:51 PM

Let us know what your car gets registered as (1965 composite cobra) and if you get classic plates.

A fellow member went through recently, got 1965, but not classic plates (therefore no property tax cap / protection).

Good Luck!