The Car Stays!!!!!!!!!!!!!

SeaDweller · 02-25-2002, 09:32 AM

Well, I received word this morning that my budget was approved, so it looks like I've dodged a relocation for at least another year!! I've been very stressed over this, particularly the thought of having to sell the car after having put so much in it. At this point, the car will be over 25 years old if I do have to relocate next year, so I'll be able to bring it into California. That means, I'm going to finish it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I really appreciate all the advice everyone provided, particularly the local research that was done for me. Now that the car is done mechanically, I'm going to move on to the restoration of the body and interior, so you'll probably see lots of questions coming!!!

Later!

Leland Pate · 02-25-2002, 10:06 AM

Way to go Michael!!!

Jim T · 02-25-2002, 10:16 AM

Good news,

except one minor correction: When California's exemption was enacted in 98, it exempted cars '73 and older.

However, the "rolling" exemption does not start until cars are *30* years old.

Thus, currently only 73 and older are exempted. In 2004, cars from the 1974 model year will be exempted. In 2005, 1975 will be exempted, etc.

So, in California, your '78 will not be exempted until 2008.

SeaDweller · 02-25-2002, 11:52 AM

Correct, but the car will qualify for registration under the classic status, and I'm hoping by then, it won't be my daily driver anymore!!

yelcab1 · 02-25-2002, 12:06 PM

Michael

Can you explain where you got the information on the "classic status" thing with 25 years-old cars in California? Who told you? What law? Are you sure?

Mitchell

SeaDweller · 02-25-2002, 12:47 PM

I spoke directly to the CA DMV. I did a lot of research when I was anticipating my relocation, as I was trying to find a way to keep my "smog-less" Euro car. According to them, the car would qualify for historical registration if it is at least 25 years old. Also, the car can initially be registered in this manner. The drawback is that it would be a limited use registration, meaning that it could be used for parades, driving to events, etc. It's certainly not to be abused, however it would allow me to bring the car to CA, and attend the myriad PCA events that occur.

Before I attempted this however, I'd make another phone call, and get something in writing, because I certainly wouldn't want to run into the old "I don't know why you were told that, because that's incorrect information" scenario.

Jim Smolka · 02-25-2002, 04:18 PM

Congrats on getting an extended stay in FL.

What is next on your list to fix??

SeaDweller · 02-25-2002, 04:53 PM

Well, mechanically I'm done! I've got a new engine, new factory wiring harnesses from front to back, and an excellent 915 transmission with new clutch cable, clutch and associated components. I've toyed with the idea of SSI's, but my '83 Turbo block with '78 Euro CIS injection has plenty of power at this point!

I bought all of the glass from a '92 C-2, and the associated "trimless" gaskets, so the real decision is whether or not to do a strip and repaint, or just work with the paint that's on the car. The car needs a front half pan from a battery boil over, but is otherwise solid. The PO had a $5K paint job put on the car about 6 years ago, but I'm obsessed with making it perfect, so I'm not sure what I'll do at this point!!