California DMV Title and Registration after 26 years - Need Advice Options

[Tom_T]

Yes - kind of a farce - because they never told people that each series had to get the minimum number - but only the overall group of all plates as everyone understood! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)

So I think that a lot of 70's owners held off, but then they were the only series of all of them that does not have the YOM option! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

Hopefully they'll reopen the issue for 1970's blue/yellow repros.

But again, those will still be new issue plates - vs. having the old original plates on the cars!

Plus the DMV's repros are all flat plates with painted numerals, instead of the original style stamped numbers.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)
Tom
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[dlkawashima]

Plus the DMV's repros are all flat plates with painted numerals, instead of the original style stamped numbers.

I've seen a couple of the black/gold new legacy plates, and they are stamped, much like the originals. Sure wish the blue/gold had made the minimum. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

[Briby37]

I had no problem getting my car registered in CA. I bought from out of state with no idea as to the last registration date, and purchased from a person that was not on the title. I don't know if it's just my dumb luck or pleasant demeanor, but I have never once had a DMV issue. Do your research and make an effort, make an appointment, be honest, be friendly, and ask for their advice. The worst thing you can do is be rude and get upset when they tell you something you don't want to hear.

[pSquared]

I was dreading having to deal with Calf. DMV as well, last year. Getting mine back on the road after being in storage since 1987. And last reg'd in GA.

Easier than I'd figured----told 'em I'd just had it shipped from GA, and what should I do? All sorted in couple trips for paperwork & VIN verify.

Fully expecting the usual 'waaaay more than I ever figured CA DMV could possibly cost' ---but cost was really reasonable.

A first for me, as far as CA DMV goes.

[Tom_T]

Dave K. -

Unless they changed their plans & started stamping them after all - that would've been a flat plate with the letters painted on - including shadow-lines IIRC - or else an actual old NOS Yellow/Black-Letters plate (still out there, I got one for our 1960 Avion in 2014).

I agree about the Blue/Yellow ones! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

I don't think DMV made it clear that they needed the minimum 8000 apps for EACH plate type/series, (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif) otherwise more folks with the `70's classics surely would've signed up!

.

Briby & pSquared -

I think it's easier coming in from out of state, than if you have a car in long term storage (off the roads) without being Non-Op in state - as I & a few others above have stated we face. For that reason, if it becomes onerous to register in CA for us, we may have to go out of state to register & "store" ours, then come back into CA with out-of-state Reg/Non-Op.

CA created a "Catch 22" when they stacked Smog Check + Non-Op together - back before the exemption.

Cuz they required continuous Non-Op or else a Smog + Reg for 1 year to re-enter Non-Op ~ even when the car was non-operable & continuously in storage & off the public roads as required - i.e.: unable to drive to get the damn smog check ~ & even when it was THEIR damn mistake to not send out the Non-Op renewal until 3-4 months later!! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)

That was my problem in `92, after 7 years on Non-Op in dry storage in my garage, then they wanted smog + inspection (car had accident damage) + regular reg + $1500+/- in penalties = huge & impossible hassle & $2500+/- in 92 to get mine renewed & back on the books - so I didn't!

Hopefully I can keep my original plates & get it registered whenever the resto is done for not an unreasonable cost .... somehow!

Cheers! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)
Tom
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[blackmoon]

I just recently register my 1975 with DMV, regarding the blue plates they said file the application for re-use/re-issue of the blue plate and the State would make the call about re-issuing them You have to have both front and back plates in hand to do this. Otherwise they issue current plates for use until a decision is made.

[Tom_T]

I just recently register my 1975 with DMV, regarding the blue plates they said file the application for re-use/re-issue of the blue plate and the State would make the call about re-issuing them You have to have both front and back plates in hand to do this. Otherwise they issue current plates for use until a decision is made.

I do have both, & all service, loan & other paperwork & reg. info since I bought it as 2nd owner back in Dec. `75.

Also for those who don't know - even though all but the 1969 first registered 914s (70 MY) are not eligible for YOM plates - IF you can locate the original plates F & R from a particular car - then it is also eligible for re-assignment BACK to the original car they came on when first registered new - even for later owners!

A lot of "IF's" in there, but still possible.

In my case & those others above - most of what DMV will be checking for, is that the plates/numbers were not put on another vehicle since whenever they went off the car - just as they do with YOM plates.

If you're in that position with original plates in hand, PM or email me & I can give you the 916 number to Sacto DMV where they check it, so that you'll know in advance if they're already assigned to another vehicle.

How can that happen you ask, if you have the plates in hand? .... well one set must be counterfeit copies!

I did that before I bought the NOS yellow plate & used blue 1960 sticker/number for our 1960 trailer (in pic below - only 1 plate & different number sequence for trailers), so it's a good idea to do it before you pay the money!



PS - BTW those aluminum tabs for the "modern stickers" are free from DMV if you request them - even if you're just getting new month sticker on older plates, then you can keep the plate + stickers vintage looking. They're also available for sale for license plate vendors online, etc.

Cheers! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)
Tom
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[dlkawashima]

Dave K. -

Unless they changed their plans & started stamping them after all - that would've been a flat plate with the letters painted on - including shadow-lines IIRC - or else an actual old NOS Yellow/Black-Letters plate (still out there, I got one for our 1960 Avion in 2014).

I agree about the Blue/Yellow ones! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

I don't think DMV made it clear that they needed the minimum 8000 apps for EACH plate type/series, (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif) otherwise more folks with the `70's classics surely would've signed up!

Definitely stamped. In fact, they're using the same molds as the originals:
http://www.latimes.com/business/autos/la-f...0622-story.html



Regarding the blue plates, they had a running tally on the DMV website, so I knew each legacy plate had to meet the quota, but I agree, it really wasn't made clear when the DMV made the original announcement.

[Tom_T]

Definitely stamped. In fact, they're using the same molds as the originals:
http://www.latimes.com/business/autos/la-f...0622-story.html



Regarding the blue plates, they had a running tally on the DMV website, so I knew each legacy plate had to meet the quota, but I agree, it really wasn't made clear when the DMV made the original announcement.

Very cool then!
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/piratenanner.gif)
Much better than their original prototypes in flat metal originally shown on their website.

I didn't see the running tally after the initial ad campaign for them which did not make it clear, since never went back to their webpage for it after then, cuz I still have my original blue/yellow plates with the 914.

Thanx for clarifying Dave! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)
Tom
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[Tom_T]

For those still desiring those 1970's era Blue/Yellow repro CA plates ....

.... especially if they're going to be real stamped ones! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/drooley.gif)

IMHO the original idea of flat painted ones was a bit of a turn off to many! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)

It may be worth your talking it up with other car clubs with the 1970's cars - including the US ones - to see if a petition to DMV & drive to reopen the blue/yellow plates - with orders to follow, to see if you can get the 8000 or whatever is needed! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

They may just be open to revisiting the subject, if some car guys could pull together those 8000 or more orders for them! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif)

Just sayin'! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/popcorn[1].gif)
Tom
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