Reviving a Salvage/Junk Title in California Options

[busterphysic]

Hello World!

I’m working to “Revive a Junk Title” on a 914 in California.
The 914 was registered in California when it was in an accident and
declared a total loss by insurance. I got the car with ABetter.bid from
CoPart Auctions in Long Beach, CA.

I completed the accident related repairs. Yay!!!

Now, I’m focusing on reviving the salvage/junk title. I’d like to prioritize the
work, so I can get a license plate and wheels on the road ASAP. Then continue
with less critical repairs.



The two steps ahead are passing a Vehicle Safety Systems Inspection (VSSI).
Then the CHP Verification of Vehicle. I'll post about the CHP Verification later.

So, I found the California VSSI manual here:
https://www.bar.ca.gov/pdf/manuals/VSSI.pdf

Running through the VSSI manual it appears more difficult than I expected.
And I might need to repair a lot of incidentals. Rats!

My neighbor Robert suggested I consult the forum before going overboard.

My 914s concerns:

VSSI 3.4.A Windshield Wipers
A) “Every wiper activates and operates as designed by the manufacturer.”
My wipers only run at a single, slow speed. Fast wipe is slow. Will I fail?

VSSI 3.6 Seatbelt
“If the vehicle is equipped with any seatbelt warning lights or seatbelt alarms,
every seatbelt light or seatbelt alarm in the vehicle must be functioning as designed
by the manufacturer.”
My Seatbelt light and starter interlock don’t work. Do I need to fix the handbrake
switch, seatbelt buckle switches, passenger seat cushion switch, seatbelt dash light,
starter interlock, buzzer relay et cetera just to pass this VSSI???!!!
My current seatbelts are “Worn”. They release and retract reluctantly, and the webbing
was stretched in the crash. I purchased, but haven’t yet installed, Rennline seatbelts: https://www.rennline.com/rennline-retractab...lt-sku-sa-5053/

These seatbelts don’t have Safety switches in the buckles. Will these seatbelts pass?

VSSI 4.2.C Tire Pressure
C) “... inflation specification is normally recorded on label …”
I have 195/55R15 85V Toyos instead of the 155 SR15 tires listed on the OEM
label. Do I need to add a new label? Switch tires?

VSSI 5.8.2 Parking Brake Light
“The dashboard parking brake light turns on/off …”
Seriously??? Rats!

VSSI 7.2.B Bumpers
“... verify vehicle has bumpers (as equipped by the manufacturer)…”
Do I need to but the horns on the bumpers?

VSSI 7.2.D Unibody
“...Inspect for damage that could allow gasses or fumes into passenger compartment”
I have some small tears under the center tunnel. Do I need to fix these now or later?


Thanks All!!! And sorry for the length.

Dave

[JeffBowlsby]

What year 914?

[busterphysic]

What year 914?

Thanks Jeff,
LOVE your website. I've printed thousands of pages already!!!

It is a 1973. Beautiful. The previous owner had extreme love for his 914.
(Look for "Goose" on instagram!!! I want to buy his photos.) All the damage is
underneath. Frunk, Front support, Steering, center tunnel, oil from the case,
punches to exhaust and muffler, celette.
The center tunnel still needs repair.

I didn't want to purchase a year model which would require California smog
certification. I think the cutoff year in CA is 1975. Robert says 1976.
So, I'm uncertain.

The engine code is an ECO with serial number >037552. So it looks like a 1975!!!
(OH NO!!!)
I read that the Engine Year determines the emissions requirements.
Does this need to be smogged? It has been converted to Webbers.
So that's impossible.

Transmission is a side shift HA from November 1973.

Worried,
-Dave