Thread: california specially constructed vehicle law question

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I guess I am not really a hot rodder because the cars I prefer to customize are not old enough. I have done 5 significant conversions and am now contemplating the 6th. I want to build a 4x4 wagon to replace my MB turbo diesel 4x4 hybrid. I live in the snow and consider 4 wheel drive a must. Another criteria is that the vehicle be smog exempt in California which means diesel powered or pre 1976. I was going to put a newer subaru engine in a 1974 or 1975 Subaru but finding a chassis was near impossible and that adding the newer components would be no easier just because its a subaru. My next idea was to add subaru AWD to a Volvo wagon. Putting the Subaru engine and FWD stuff into a 1975 245 wagon and using the Volvo rear end. On Friday, Feb 6, I bought a totaled 1997 Subaru Outback wagon for $1200. Fairly light front damage. Drove it home. On the way home I got to thinking, "I'd hate to have to give up this nice HVAC system, heated seats, factory CD player, PW/PL, etc. " So I considered doing a complete platform swap. Cut the body off the Subaru then replace it with a Volvo body. However, in order to make that work the measurement from the base of the windshield to the front axle need to be pretty close on both cars. They are about 10" different. Then I started looking at Volvo 122's on line. I began to notice the similarities between the overall shape of the Outback and the 122 wagon. I made some templates and did some careful measuring and found that putting the fron sheet metal from the 122 on the Outback would be quite doable. I would then add the 122 quarter panels which also look like a pretty good fit. 22 bumpers, chrome 122 door handles and 122 chrome waistline trim and I think I would have a car that would pass for a 122 wagon from a distance. Finally, my question: I would like to register this car in California as a 1966 Volvo 122. Would I be directly violating the law by doing so? I found the following on the CA.gov website:A "home-made, specially constructed, or kit vehicle" is a vehicle which is built for private use, not for resale, and is not constructed by a licensed manufacturer or remanufacturer. These vehicles may be built from a kit, new or used parts, a combination of new and used parts, or a vehicle reported for dismantling, which, when reconstructed, does not resemble the original make of the vehicle which was dismantled (Vehicle Code §§5500 or 11520).

A specially constructed (SPCNS) vehicle does not include a vehicle which has been repaired or restored to its original design by replacing parts or a vehicle modified from its original design.

Example: A Volkswagen "Beetle" modified with fenders, engine compartment lid, and the front end, which leaves the vehicle still recognizable as a Volkswagen is not considered a specially constructed vehicle.

NOTE: The registration requirements for kit commercial vehicles are the same as for specially constructed vehicles.

Could I consider my conversion to be similar enough the the Beetle example? I've found a 122 I want to buy but I need to get this question answered.

here is a picture of my MB hybrid

300td4x4,

I agree with Streets, best to ask the people who will make the final call rather than a buncha wrench benders and fender cutters who think you oughta be able put anything together that you can get to fit, or close to fitting. If you don't like the answer you get from DMV, you might check with an attorney also.

Interesting rpoject to be sure, I like your TD, nicely done!

Pat

1976 isn't exempt yet is it? I had to get my 76 truck smogged last year. I thought I had 1 more check to go next year. Please tell me it is exempt.

If you build a specially constructed vehicle and get smog exemption, I don't think it can be a daily driver, you can't drive it to work.

In callifornia 1975 is exzempt as of 1-4-04. If anyone is wondering how I know that, I was just visiting Ebay and found it listed under info for a 75' Bobcat in calli.

Oh man I'm so happy now, I thought they were going to stop the rolling exemption at 74. I did some reading and 76 will be exempt next year which means no more smog checks for me. All this after I spent 50 bucks on air injection nozzles. You have any idea how hard those things are to find?

Hard to find, I don't even know what they are. What are they?

On engines with air injection in the exhaust manifolds, there are little nozzles that direct the air directly above the exhaust valves where temperatures are high enough for any unburnt fuel to spontaniously ignite in the presence of oxygen. Found them in stock at a GM dealer for 5.95 each and you need 8.

Wooo thats the coolest MB I've ever seen!!!!!

Otto

You'd think asking the DMV would be the way to go. They really don't want to talk to you about it. At least that's what I found when contemplating something similar a few years ago. Basically the questions come down to this. When blending parts from two vehicles how much of a change triggers designation as a specially constructed vehicle? If I put the rear view mirrors from a Chevy van on my Ford van does that make it specially constructed? How about the rear axle? How about the seats? The guy would not answer my question directly. The next big question: If I combine 2 vehicles and it does not fall under the specially constructed vehicle designation, which vehicle must I title it as? You'd think it would be the one that contributed more than 50% of its parts. Not so, according to the guy I talked to. He essentially told me that the law is not clear on these matters and to some extent you have to use your own judgement! I was hoping someone else on this site has had some experience with this. BTW, thanks for the compliment on the MB.

Originally posted by ljotto1
Wooo thats the coolest MB I've ever seen!!!!!

Otto

Mine will go faster though.

I always liked the 300TD wagons. I sold a nice one on ebay last summer. The buyer came all the way from Detroit to pick it up. He said he has aout 30 of them.
A few years ago the state of Maine outlawed mounting cars on a 4x4 frame. There were a lot of them around and most were poorly done by amatuer builders. I have seen a few old trucks on 4x4 frames lately but they have street rod plates on them. Street rods aren't required to have an inspection sticker but there's a lot of other restricions on street rod plates.
AL