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

[busterphysic]

Here is the VSSI manual.

[930cabman]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/welcome.png)

an adventure for sure, DMV can be a challenge for sure

[JeffBowlsby]

What year 914?

[914_teener]

Ditto....

[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

[JeffBowlsby]

Welcome to 914world Dave. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/welcome.png)

My understanding is that car model years 1973 and 1975 are both exempt from CA smog testing requirements. Technically you seem to be Ok on that metric. Lots if not most 914s 1975 model year and before have been modified beyond their original drivetrains, but these cars are on the road, previously approved and its unlikely that an LEO would stop you and require a smog cert.

But that does not mean that your car as a unique condition of reviving title and its inspections may require an initial smog inspection by DMV to confirm compliance with the original requirements as a baseline. This because DMV now has a current opportunity to verify everything.

As nice as your car looks I think the easiest way to prove compliance with smog reqs in this case would be to source a 1973 engine with factory fuel injection to remove any doubt. The smog features are minimal and even if the FI needs attention its fairly easy to trouble shoot and bring up to spec to pass a smog test. Mounting a correct engine can improve the value of the car even if not the original SN, and many prefer the FI.

You might also consider just getting the inspections with the cars current condition even now, and let them generate any list of requirements that they will specifically require. Sometimes it depends on which person you get, to know what will be actually required. Highly unlikely anyone at DMV knows these cars.

[busterphysic]

Thanks Jeff.

The VSSI doesn't involve smog.

But the CHP Verification of Vehicle might. https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/file/verifica...cle-reg-31-pdf/

The Engine Number is recorded along with the VIN.

Then, the emissions label is checked. Indicating EPA Standards: US / CA / Exempt.
"None" is an option.
I don't have a sticker. I see some at AA, but they dont match the carburetors.

Trying to pass first is Robert's advice too. I'll definitely take a swing before
engine swapping.

-Dave

Welcome to 914world Dave. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/welcome.png)

My understanding is that car model years 1973 and 1975 are both exempt from CA smog testing requirements. Technically you seem to be Ok on that metric. Lots if not most 914s 1975 model year and before have been modified beyond their original drivetrains, but these cars are on the road, previously approved and its unlikely that an LEO would stop you and require a smog cert.

But that does not mean that your car as a unique condition of reviving title and its inspections may require an initial smog inspection by DMV to confirm compliance with the original requirements as a baseline. This because DMV now has a current opportunity to verify everything.

As nice as your car looks I think the easiest way to prove compliance with smog reqs in this case would be to source a 1973 engine with factory fuel injection to remove any doubt. The smog features are minimal and even if the FI needs attention its fairly easy to trouble shoot and bring up to spec to pass a smog test. Mounting a correct engine can improve the value of the car even if not the original SN, and many prefer the FI.

You might also consider just getting the inspections with the cars current condition even now, and let them generate any list of requirements that they will specifically require. Sometimes it depends on which person you get, to know what will be actually required. Highly unlikely anyone at DMV knows these cars.

[busterphysic]

Hi All,
I see now that I need a CHP check not DMV.

So, it's not the Verification of Vehicle form I'm after.
It's the CHP Certificate of Inspection (CHP 97C).
Mostly about stolen VINs and parts. So, no extra
worries there.

Does someone have information about the CHP
inspection or the CHP97C form? I haven't found anything
online.


Thanks!
-Dave

[fiacra]

Hi All,
I see now that I need a CHP check not DMV.

So, it's not the Verification of Vehicle form I'm after.
It's the CHP Certificate of Inspection (CHP 97C).
Mostly about stolen VINs and parts. So, no extra
worries there.

Does someone have information about the CHP
inspection or the CHP97C form? I haven't found anything
online.


Thanks!
-Dave

I'll confirm what Jeff already told you -- California smog check only required on vehicles MY 1976 and newer. Re-registering a vehicle that now will have a salvage title requires a brake and light inspection from a certified shop. Easy enough to do. The CHP will require you to make an appointment for the VIN inspection. I simply went to my local CHP office in Oakland, CA and made an appointment. Trying to call them to do it was a nightmare. They were booking several weeks out at that time. I believe I had to get the form in person from the CHP at the time of my appointment, but it also possible that the DMV gave me the form to take to the CHP. It has been a few years. You can also pay a private firm to come to your house to do the inspection. That cost me just over $100 when I did that on a non-operational vehicle that had fallen out of the DMV system, whereas the CHP inspection is free. Technically in California you are not allowed to operate a car on public roads that does not have its correct smog equipment on it. That means the car has to have FI and not carbs. Having said that, you are not going to run into any problems with your current set up unless they are looking to make trouble for you. Unless things have changed nobody is going to check this when you go to re-register the car. Bottom line: you probably need to go to the DMV to get the process started. You can get the brake and light inspection in advance of that, but I don't believe you can get the CHP form. You can call the DMV and speak to a specialist and that will probably give you the best guidance here.

If for some reason you make the decision to go back to a FI 2.0L engine (opinions definitely vary on this, but many of us believe that is the way to go) feel free to ping me. I have two engines with the complete FI set up sitting in storage. Not sure how I managed to accumulate so many engines and FI components, but I guess we all feel the need to fill our storage spaces to the rafters (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[76-914]

Hi All,
I see now that I need a CHP check not DMV.

So, it's not the Verification of Vehicle form I'm after.
It's the CHP Certificate of Inspection (CHP 97C).
Mostly about stolen VINs and parts. So, no extra
worries there.

Does someone have information about the CHP
inspection or the CHP97C form? I haven't found anything
online.


Thanks!
-Dave

In 2009 I got that form from the DMV in Hemet. Any CA/PO can fill it out for you. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

[tygaboy]

I'm Chris. We met a while back. Your neighbor Robert and I stopped by to say hi and see your car.
I've taken a number of 914s through the CHP check at their facility in Rohnert Park, so just down the road from you. You don't have to go through the DMV first. You can call them and make an appointment for a VIN verification. Last time I did it, they were a couple weeks out. Super nice folks and I never had a problem.
If you want to chat, message me.

[busterphysic]

Great info Fiacra!

Registration was paid Thursday and now I have two one-day temporary operation
permits for inspections etc.

I have an appointment with the CHP January 2nd.

I'll make a VSSI appointment and see what kind of fix-it list they generate.

The engine is a 1.8->2.0 conversion with Webber IDF40s. The case is sound.
I like FI and catalytic converters, but converting back it's not my immediate
priority if I can register as is. For the future, I'd very much consider switching
to FI. But I don't know much about it yet. I need to crawl the forum a lot more!

The car has stainless heat exchangers and Triad muffler. Sounds stupendous!!!
But smelly. Can two Magnum CCs work on a carbureted engine? I don't
think so, CCs need air pumps and sensors et cetera. Is there a way?

Thanks again!!!

[busterphysic]

Hi Chris,
Thanks for making contact. I had cold Stella's at the ready when you and
Robert stopped by, but you had to run off. Next time let's budget an extra hour
for pizza and beers!

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

I'm Chris. We met a while back. Your neighbor Robert and I stopped by to say hi and see your car.
I've taken a number of 914s through the CHP check at their facility in Rohnert Park, so just down the road from you. You don't have to go through the DMV first. You can call them and make an appointment for a VIN verification. Last time I did it, they were a couple weeks out. Super nice folks and I never had a problem.
If you want to chat, message me.

[BuddyV]

Hey Dave! Robert here (your neighbor from 6 doors down the street...)

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

Glad you joined the site and started a thread,,, you are half way to running that car.

Cheers!

[Cairo94507]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/welcome.png) With Robert and Chris in your neighborhood you are in great hands. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

[busterphysic]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/welcome.png) With Robert and Chris in your neighborhood you are in great hands. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

I appreciate the encouragement!!!

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/black914.jpg)

[DennisV]

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.

Hi Dave. I'm also in Santa Rosa, CA. When I went through some title issues bringing my 356 into California I utilized an independent VIN Verification service. I couldn't get traction at DMV or authorized independent title registration places.

I would use this place again. Proprietor is Bob Alligood:
Verify-My-Vin.com

[busterphysic]

Thanks Bob!

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.

Hi Dave. I'm also in Santa Rosa, CA. When I went through some title issues bringing my 356 into California I utilized an independent VIN Verification service. I couldn't get traction at DMV or authorized independent title registration places.

I would use them again:
Verify-My-Vin.com
Bob Alligood

[busterphysic]

I spent all day labeling gauge wires and burnishing contacts.