Help Titling a new Cobra in MN?

[chucks1]

Anoka is certainly one of the places I plan to cruise as soon as possible. I'll definitely be asking some questions about multiple trips to the inspection station - it certainly isn't easy to get an appointment without waiting at least several weeks. Thanks a bunch for the info Patrick . . . and good luck with your title quest as well.

[NRP/MN]

In most cases, they will use the Superformance assigned chassis number as your vin. Superformance has this number stamped in the chassis and this will be accepted by the inspectors. The inspection is painless and as you noted is not a safety inspection. Fasterpatrick gave you good advice- try the Faribault insection station. Mike

[chucks1]

Guys, that Faribault location is quite a haul for me. What would they do differently (or easier?) than a location such as Royalton/St. Cloud? If it's worth the trip, I'll certainly check it out for appointment timeframes. I was under the impression that the inspection itself was not a big deal - are they just better at dealing with the paperwork?

[chucks1]

Since my first trip to DMV will be to apply for title and get plates, have you got experience that any one location (i.e. Faribault) is easier to get through that first step than perhaps a location closer in to the metro area?

[fasterpatrick]

Okay I'll try to explain the procedure as simply as possible.

Step 1. Apply for title. Two forms application for title, affidavit of reconstruction. This is to get the ball rolling give them your receipts all id numbers from all major components and pictures from all four sides. Pay the tax on fair market value of your vehicle (charged tax on your own labor). At this point they are supposed to give you temp plates so that you can use your vehicle to get it back and forth for inspections. Three of the offices I visited would not issue plates to me at this point, turned and walked away try another. Make appointment for inspection NOW!!

Step 2. After A FEW WEEKS you get the paperwork back, hopefully your appointment is till valid (No title yet). You are required to have your vehicle inspected this is to make sure the parts you put on the affidavit are the parts in your car and not stolen. At inspection they stamp your paperwork and send you back to the DMV, to apply for a VIN tag.Make another appointment at inspection station NOW!!

Step 3. FEW more WEEKS wait VIN tag shows up at inspection station you will be notified by mail it has been sent there. Again hope your appointment is valid. Go to inspection office inspector will look over your paperwork again and the stick the VIN tag to your car oh yea it is a freaking sticker and yes they have to be the ones who place the tag to your car. Oh yea still no title yet, inspector stamps your paperwork again and sends you back to the DMV.

Step 4. back to the DMV to finally file the final paperwork (and pay inspection fee) to get your title, wait SIX-EIGHT weeks for title to show up. hopefully your temp plates have not expired. You have just made the journey of a life time.

Patrick

[chucks1]

Patrick, I was able to get through to the state inspection office again today for further clarification once that initial inspection has been completed. I gota tell you, your information and what I am now (finally) getting from the state of MN are matching up pretty well. I even had confirmation from a supervisor level person with the state. Things are looking up. Thanks a bunch.

Chuck

[chucks1]

Just posting an update regarding my titling quest. I bought my SPF from Fastlane Performance Cars (plug for Matthew at FLP) at the end of August. The car was perfect in every way and I already have 800 trouble-free miles on it.

Went to Sherburne Cty Registrar office armed with advance research and high hopes. They took my original MSO, receipts, Affidavit of Reconstruction and Application for Title. I paid my fees and they handed over a set of MN license plates.

Next step was my first vehicle inspection, which I had scheduled weeks earlier. I failed the inspection as expected (no VIN) and left with my failed inspection report and an appointment for my next inspection.

The Registrar office would not accept my failed inspection report because my Application for Title could not be found in their system. Didn't matter that I already had permanent plates because MN has a 3-4 month paperwork backlog. I was told to come back in a few months. That advice was unappealing, so I contacted the lady who assigns VIN's at the DMV. Wow, she was extremely helpful and took care of my report personally. Within 3 days I received a letter from her stating that my VIN had been created and sent to the inspection station. Sweet deal.

My next inspection is a week away, at which time I anticipate getting my VIN sticker applied (adhesive and rivets) and being handed a passed inspection report. The VIN lady gave me instructions to mail that report right back to her and I'll follow those instructions to the letter.

This whole thing could have been a complete nightmare without all of the advance research and assistance from others on this site. I may not be out of the woods yet, but this is certainly a good start.

Chuck