[ossiblue]

Okay, I've done this numerous times with classic cars and from out of state as well.

Yes, pre-75 MY cars are exempt from smog inspection but not compliance. Upon registration, they are exempt from smog testing/certification as well. Technically, the engine determines the smog compliance issue so, as mentioned by others, keep quiet on the engine issue and volunteer no information. The 69 had very minimal smog equipment, if the inspector even is aware of it, which is doubtful.

Finally and most importantly, you live in San Diego--Southern California. That is important because the Auto Club of Southern California does, in fact, register cars from out of state and you can do all the work at a AAA office. All DMV paperwork can be done through the AAA, which will send it off to Sacramento. There was quite a debate about this in another thread so I personally went to my local AAA office and asked. That's when I found out the Southern California section of Auto Club is separate from the Northern section and it was people in the northern areas (Bay area, for example) who were having problems getting Auto Club to register old, out of state cars.

Simply put, do the following (at Auto Club or DMV):

Have all paperwork in hand including title signed over from seller (if appropriate) or your original title and your latest registration paper for the car.
Be ready to point out the VIN locations for the inspector--that's really the only eyes-on inspection they do. They do not look at the engine, exhaust, or anything else if the car is driven and is in decent condition. There is no safety inspection unless the car has been registered as a non-op or is in someway a "built" car.