I rented a U-Haul trailer and towed the car in for the vehicle inspection.

When I got there, they told me to unload it and pull it inside the inspection bay. About 8 people came out to look at it, just out of curiosity. They did ZERO “inspection” of anything mechanical or safety related!

There was only one thing they were interested in. I used a title for a 1979 Chevy Malibu in my name, as the source for the engine. The “inspector” asked me where the numbers on the engine were, so I showed him. He then pulled out the title and said “these numbers don’t match”. Well no kidding. I told him that in 1979 the VIN number was not stamped on the engine. He spent a few minutes stewing over that. He kept saying that we had to find some way to prove that engine came out of that car. Then he said “well this is a hell of a mess”, and disappeared into the office for about 10 minutes. Another guy then came out and said “It’s OK, you’re good to go. The second guy then attached a pink sticker, with my new VIN number, to the car.

The “inspection” cost $40, and the title was $85.

I then called Haggerty Insurance and finished setting up my policy. We were waiting on a VIN number to do that. I then swung by the tag office and got my license plate.

I then headed off to work for a few days. When I get back home, I just have to get my alternator installed, and the car will be done “enough” to start tearing up the streets of Florida!

Since I’m using a Ford Mustang radiator, the upper radiator hose is now on the passenger side. That interferes with the stock alternator bracket, so I’m moving the alternator to the drivers side. I had been planning on making my own brackets, but my patience is wearing a bit thin right now, so I broke out the credit card and ordered a store bought bracket.
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