texas title issues revisited

[SSSammy]

Here is the reference Paul is talking about:

TxDMV - 004-12 "Custom Vehicle" and "Street Rod" Program

I have been looking the Texas HB 890 (SEMA) changes over and this bulletin is the most definitive thing out there. There are two attachments that are important for you to download also. You must read the attachments carefully to filter for the case that applies to you. It is confusing.

First, you either apply for a new title, or correct your existing TX title, to reflect the vehicle year and make you are a REPLICA of. You will be issued a title with the word "REPLICA" in the comment block.

Second, you apply for a "Custom Vehicle" registration as a "1965 Ford Cobra" or whatever. You will get new "Custom Vehicle" plates. Then you will no longer need to go for an annual inspection sticker. You can do all this in one visit, if you got the ASE Master Tech to fill out the required form that Paul refers to, and you have the other evidence they call for.

The "Assembled Vehicle" year of manufacture process formerly available to replica builders has not gone away completely, and not all the regulations scattered throughout TXDOT are consistent. So if you have obtained a title and registration that way (or any other way), I'd try not to change anything till it's time to buy or sell. YMMV.

IMHO, the anecdotes people have posted in this forum about how they titled their replica Cobra as an original 1965 or 1966 Ford are symptoms of the inconsistency in how the counties apply the regulations. There is no manual for that, so good luck if you choose that route

Sam