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Reply to "Registration"

The biggest reason some states are lenient and others less so is predominantly the skill, experience and ambition levels of the individuals you deal directly with in the process.

That said, I have also learned that there is an association of representatives of ALL state DMVs, the American Association of Motor Vehicle Agencies, and they host various conferences around the country sharing all sorts of info.  Check under Events here:

https://www.aamva.org/default.aspx

Over five years ago they began to notice the growth in "kit cars" and "jobber assembled cars" (those built by small shops for resale) and began to follow the lead of California to get a handle on them and get them properly registered.  The impetus behind this was the example of a 356 Porsche "Kit Car" assembled on a VW pan and retaining the original VW VIN as the basis for registration, or a Ford Cobra assembled with parts from a Ford Mustang.

However, the 356 Porsche doesn't resemble the original VW VIN at all, even though it may retain the VW running gear.  If you have an issue where local police are alerted to a stolen car and are given the VIN description (or even the license plate registration info) of a red 1969 VW sedan (as shown on the registration and title) they would totally ignore a white, 57 Porsche Speedster.  See where this is going?  Same thing happens when you get the car inspected, either initially or yearly - The car does NOT reflect the VIN description and will no longer pass inspection in about 30 states and growing because of the collaboration of the AAMVA.

So, bottom line, your VIN and title description (in any state) should reflect what the car appears to be, whether that be a Hot Rod or 356 Porsche - that just makes common sense.  If the car has been altered from original (that '69 VW sedan above) you need to get both title and registration amended by the DMV and titling offices so they both match what the car appears to be - that usually requires a NEW VIN as required by that state (many state's VIN requirements are different).  In most states, that will require you to pass an inspection of the car for visual appearance, safety and a possible (depending on state regs) emissions test.  Some states are tough about this (California), some are really tough (Massachusetts) but most others are ok to deal with, just take your time, ask around for the proper procedure and method to follow (Cobra clubs might help, there) and then ask who is the best person to deal with at each step.  It always comes down to working with the right person.

So to answer your direct question for NC: "Any suggestions on how to take a 69VW and change it to specialty constructed vehicle knowing it was manufactured elsewhere (if they in fact make me do that after seeing car).  "

I would suggest emailing Carey Hines (  carey@beckspeedster.com   to see what they recommend for their cars sent to NC.  I'm sure the NC process is different from Massachusetts, but I have attached my write-up to this post for the Mass. procedure.

  Hope this helps.  Gordon

 

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