Thread: how to register as old car -- fenderless, smog exempt

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For some reason my first posting of this disappeared.

I'm collecting parts to build a '29 Ford.
I have reciepts but no title.
I want to register it as a '29 if at all possible.
That's so I can be smog exempt and fenderless.
I'm in California.

I've read the DMV rule about specially built vehicles.
And I've read the fender law.
It seems that the only way I can be fenderless is if my vehicle was first registered before Jan 1, 1971 and weighs in at under 1500 lbs. The problem is that by registering it as a specially constructed vehicle, the date of first registration is obviously well after 1971.

But I've seen street rods built from new parts and without fenders. Is is that this law just isn't enforced? Anyone who has gone through this please help. Thanks!

Originally posted by mattfranklin
But I've seen street rods built from new parts and without fenders. Is is that this law just isn't enforced? Anyone who has gone through this please help. Thanks!

Since most folks are aware that these online venues are monitored by DMV folk, I'm not sure you'll get an "accurate" response. You're better off going to hot rod events in your area to do your poll face to face.

Theres a Reason for that streets. If everyone needed fenders to drive, then any car after 10 years old wouldnt be on the road and the DMV would go broke!

Originally posted by Bob Parmenter
Since most folks are aware that these online venues are monitored by DMV folk, I'm not sure you'll get an "accurate" response. You're better off going to hot rod events in your area to do your poll face to face.

That makes sense. Hadn't thought of that.

Actually, I spoke in person with someone on Sunday who made some great suggestions how folks go about doing it the right way.

Thanks everyone!


--Matt

Originally posted by Bob Parmenter
Since most folks are aware that these online venues are monitored by DMV folk, I'm not sure you'll get an "accurate" response. You're better off going to hot rod events in your area to do your poll face to face.

I doubt that the California DMV is monitoring anything.

1stly they aren't a 24hr. establishment.

2ndly they're too busy keeping people in line for 3 hours, going on lunch during busy times, and then keeping the same people til near closing time.