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05-26-2017, 02:44 PM | #1 |
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Cali Registration Woes
Okay, so I trailered my '32 Model B Roadster PU down to DMV a few weeks ago because they needed to verify the VIN for the title transfer from my deceased father (1975). Other than the trailer rental cost, that part went well. However, I still needed to go inside to finish the paperwork. The VIN verification gal said don't even think of leaving my truck in the parking lot or street--too many weirdos hang around the DMV every day and she said it wasn't safe. Good to know.
So, took the truck home, unloaded it, and returned the rental trailer. Then I made another appointment with DMV for the next week, because you NEVER want to do a walk-in at a Cali DMV. On arrival, everything was going well until the gal at the window said, "Where is your weight certification?" I tried offering the factory specs--2,480 lbs-- (I had the books with me from VIN day just in case of...who knows?), but that wouldn't do. She said I have to take it to a weigh station and get a certified weight slip. Is this something new for all pickups, even ones 85 years old? Maybe because it's being registered in my name for the first time since my dad passed away in 1975? I mean, it's not likely I'm going to be hauling commercial loads of gravel or lumber or anything. I mentioned it would have been nice to know the need for the weight when I had the trailer rented. She wasn't sympathetic. The nearest scales are about 5-6 miles away, but that's through the busy downtown, and the farthest I've driven it since running is about a dozen blocks. With a truck that hasn't been on the road in 42 years (and one I've just assembled to running condition), I'm a little leery of setting off that far. At least she was willing to give me a two-month temporary so I can do some reliability runs around the neighborhood, but now I'm fighting an irregular but steady pop-pop miss coming out the exhaust. Can't quite tell if it's getting worse. Have been playing with spark plugs, points, carb adjustments (new Tillotson from Macs), and condenser. Seems like it should be electrical. Woke up this morning at 4:00 a.m. with a nightmare about leaving the truck outside building for a few minutes and returning to find it half-stripped. Oh, these are fun times.
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1932 Model B Roadster Pickup |
05-26-2017, 02:51 PM | #2 |
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Re: Cali Registration Woes
Don't feel bad. I had to also get a weight slip on my 31 when I registered it. And your last paragraph was very humorous,but could also be very true, living in California. Good luck with your project.
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05-26-2017, 03:12 PM | #3 |
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Re: Cali Registration Woes
I have two 1934 Ford pickups registered in California..as PASSENGER vehicles. DMV rules changed in the early 1970's to allow 1/4 ton, 1936 and earlier pickups to be registered as passenger vehicles. Therefore, there is no need for weight information. I had to gently request the DMV clerk in Culver City to contact Sacramento for clarification (which, thankfully she did!). If you are polite and patient maybe you'll hear the clerk say what I heard.. "I never knew that." Judging by the early pickups I've seen with commercial plates I believe many are wrongly registered. Here's proof of what I said. Vehicle registered a few years ago.
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05-26-2017, 03:22 PM | #4 |
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Re: Cali Registration Woes
I don't remember a weight certificate when I transferred my '31 RDPU about 40 years ago. Ask at another DMV before you roll over. I assume it would be easier to do the homework than the leg work. The average DMV doesn't get many '32 vehicles. I assume you are going to run passenger car plates, that might avoid the weight certificate requirements. I know that I do not pay a weight fee since the vehicle code says I don't have to on a pre 1936 commercial vehicle. The section allowing you to run passenger car plates on a pre 1936 vehicle is buried deep in the vehicle code. The only reason I found out about it is that my girlfriend at the time worked for AAA and read all of the changes to the vehicle code as they came in.
Charlie Stephens |
05-26-2017, 03:36 PM | #5 |
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Re: Cali Registration Woes
Thanks, guys! I'm going to check that out. Would sure take the pressure off since all of June is packed with travel and company. I'd as soon not worry about the weight certificate.
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1932 Model B Roadster Pickup |
05-26-2017, 03:45 PM | #6 |
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Re: Cali Registration Woes
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Just a bit of trivia on condensers. I don't know if you can find a good Model B condenser today but the last I looked you couldn't. If you have a good source please post it. Here is how I solved my condenser problem. I bought the highest quality Model A condenser I could find. I think at the time Bratton's (Bratton's Ford Parts, (301) 829-9880) had the highest quality (check with the Model A guys). They had two quality levels, get the best one. Next I elongated the hole for the mounting screw so I could use it in my Model B distributer. The final thing was to make a short pig tail to connect the condenser to the Model B distributer. Ignore the block "B" on the head in one of the pictures as it is a Model A Police head. Charlie Stephens |
05-26-2017, 04:21 PM | #7 |
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Re: Cali Registration Woes
I'm guessing the pop-pop ,missing is your valve,s sticking. THe engine sat for some time ?
I've used MMO in oil and gas , double ,maybe triple the normal amount . It helped a lot ....
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05-26-2017, 04:25 PM | #8 |
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Re: Cali Registration Woes
I can relate to your DMV issues! I just went through an agonizing process to get my car registered. This weight issue was particularly annoying as I had the book with me showing the weight of the car but, no, I had to have it weighed on an electronic scale! I had a whole lot of other hoops to jump through but finally got it in my name. It's a frustrating business but you'll be glad in the end, so good luck to you!
Doug. |
05-26-2017, 04:35 PM | #9 |
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Re: Cali Registration Woes
X2 on the MMO, glug, glug, glug, glug Won't hurt anything.
Paul in CT |
05-26-2017, 04:40 PM | #10 |
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Re: Cali Registration Woes
I always found California's obsession with pickups versus cars to be strange. Most states make no distinction or get hung up over the weight of the pickup.
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05-26-2017, 05:59 PM | #11 |
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Re: Cali Registration Woes
Hi; Oregon has some traffic cops who know that a diesel dually with any kind of a load is going to be over the 10,000 lbs limit for passenger plates. It is creeping into our State too. Newc
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05-26-2017, 07:21 PM | #12 | |
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Re: Cali Registration Woes
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Making the simple complicated for over 30 years. |
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05-26-2017, 08:32 PM | #13 |
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Re: Cali Registration Woes
If you are in AAA have you asked their advice?
Charlie Stephens |
05-26-2017, 09:06 PM | #14 |
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Re: Cali Registration Woes
Vehicle Code - VEH DIVISION 3. REGISTRATION OF VEHICLES AND CERTIFICATES OF TITLE [4000 - 9808]( Division 3 enacted by Stats. 1959, Ch. 3. ) CHAPTER 6. Registration and Weight Fees [9101 - 9808] ( Chapter 6 enacted by Stats. 1959, Ch. 3. ) ARTICLE 3. Weight Fees [9400 - 9410] ( Article 3 enacted by Stats. 1959, Ch. 3. ) 9401. (a) Motor vehicles manufactured in or prior to 1936, are exempted from the payment of the weight fees provided for in Section 9400. (b) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), any person who owns and operates a commercial vehicle manufactured in or prior to 1936 which is registered to such person, may pay the appropriate weight fees, and the department shall issue license plates of the same type as are issued to vehicles which are required to pay weight fees for such vehicles. I took a copy of this with me when I registered my AA. Use AAA x2 Bob |
05-26-2017, 09:31 PM | #15 |
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Re: Cali Registration Woes
Charlie: Thanks for the condenser info. However, that's one of the reasons I had Renner's rebuild my distributor and convert it to 12v modern points and condenser. Those B parts were really getting hard to find. And I did check with AAA a while back, but because I was transferring a title from my long-deceased father, they said it was too complex for them.
Step-down: You said, "I've used MMO in oil and gas , double ,maybe triple the normal amount." How much is the normal amount? I also saw Sea Foam at Auto Zone. The guy there said to also use it in gas and/or oil. He swore by it, but of course he's selling it. Is it similar to MMO? Bob C: I'm printing out that Vehicle Code info and taking it with me. New appointment is next Friday--that's the soonest available! Sooo slowww and under staffed here. I really hope the clerk accepts this info. Seems like they could quickly look it up and verify it online.
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05-26-2017, 10:04 PM | #16 | |
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Re: Cali Registration Woes
Quote:
I had a hunch that AAA wouldn't want to step up for the whole task but I thought they might be able to advise you if you need to weigh the truck. Of course DMV will make the decision but if you had a vehicle code section to point out it might push the answer in the right direction. Have you tried calling DMV in Sacramento? Charlie Stephens |
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05-27-2017, 12:43 AM | #17 | |
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Re: Cali Registration Woes
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05-27-2017, 06:33 PM | #18 |
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Re: Cali Registration Woes
Another good reason to use a registration service. Their fee is so reasonable that I cannot think of a reason to not use them. On my 40 pickup she told me early on that I needed to take it down to the truck scale a get a weight certificate. I did that and with everything else she got it registered with my YOM commercial plates with no issues at all..
My 32, in pieces and on a out of state bill of sale , she got the whole deal done even without having to get a modern VIN tag attached. I never even walked into the DMV office. This is in California. My opinion |
05-27-2017, 06:55 PM | #19 |
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Re: Cali Registration Woes
I use a registration so much easier. Well worth the cost.
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05-27-2017, 07:02 PM | #20 |
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Re: Cali Registration Woes
I have used Donna Leek for registration service in california, and had no problems or headaches. she advertises in cruisin news-northern california car news paper. phone number 530 320-5708.
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05-27-2017, 08:05 PM | #21 | |
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Re: Cali Registration Woes
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05-27-2017, 11:48 PM | #22 |
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Re: Cali Registration Woes
WAIT A MINUTE....YES.....you must have the weight certificate to pass DMV in California because they deem all pickups as commercial vehicles now. I had to do that back in 2004 with my '33. Get the certificate of weight and take with you to DMV......now before you have your inspection you better make certain you have the VIN detailed and clearly visible or they will have you go to the local CHP office and they will rivet a new VIN # somewhere on your truck. I was told all this by the guy who did my inspection and I was lucky enough to show him the original stamping on the frame which was still visible and I brought all my Ford history books as proof of my story. Well I was there quite a while and it took THREE inspectors to pass my '33. WHEW!!!!
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1928 "A" Phaeton (mid year with many early features) 1933 "V8" Closed-Cab Pickup Truck (originally a Model B, 4 Cylinder dating to May, 1933)
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05-28-2017, 12:07 AM | #23 |
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Re: Cali Registration Woes
I wasn't sure if I should change to a registration service midstream after already completing the VIN verification (it was decently visible on my frame) and doing the other paperwork for the title transfer with DMV, but I might do that if I can't get it done this next week. I'll call Sacramento DMV on Tuesday and ask about the 1936 and older exemption--see if that's still in place or has been eliminated. Seems there is a difference of opinion here on the forum. I've got the Vehicle Code section number. I'll let everyone know.
40 Deluxe: Yes, I thoroughly cleaned the tank with some tank cleaner and put in a handful of castle nuts and two short chains to rattle around. Just about threw my back out horsing that tank back and forth, but I made myself do a very thorough job. I put in two in-line filters, one of which is clear and right under the floorboard where I can see it--no particles in it at all, and it's the first one after the tank. The other filter is before my electric fuel pump. But I see what you say about it gradually running worse if there is any residue that dissolves. Good idea. I picked up some MMO today and with start that medicine on the patient soon.
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05-28-2017, 12:19 AM | #24 |
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Re: Cali Registration Woes
Post #22. Not all of the DMV people know all of the rules. It is pre-1936 no weight cert.
Sometimes, you just have to push and know what the code says. It usually take a supervisor and they have to go to the book to find it. There are several code sections that can save you some money if you know what to tell them. |
05-28-2017, 04:52 PM | #25 |
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Re: Cali Registration Woes
New York is almost screwed up as bad as California, I'm glad I don't live in CA.
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05-28-2017, 10:45 PM | #26 |
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Re: Cali Registration Woes
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06-02-2017, 04:34 PM | #27 |
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Re: Cali Registration Woes
Okay, here's the near-final chapter.
Previously: 1. I trailered my truck to DMV for VIN verification, title transfer from my deceased father, and new registration. After VIN verification, I took the truck home at their suggestion since DMV is in a seedy area. 2. Second appointment, I was told I needed a weight certificate. Per some above comments, there is a California Vehicle Code weight exemption for trucks manufactured prior to 1936. I called Sacramento DMV to confirm this. The woman on the phone agreed and verified the exemption and suggested I take the printed exemption from the web to my next appointment, which I did. 3rd. appt at local DMV today. The first (checkin desk) clerk said although I was exempt from fees, I would still need the certified weight statement. I countered that it didn't make sense to require a weight certificate if the truck was exempt. She sent me on to the regular registration clerk. Once at that window, the woman clerk had no trouble finding the exemption in the California Veh Code, but then had to consult a supervisor and do some more searching to find out how to process said exemption. By the way, it's in their documentation: Commercial Vehicles, section 3.115 Weight Fee Exemptions. Once she found that procedure/process instruction, she had no trouble putting the paperwork together. Very helpful and nice, and amazed that the truck has been in my family since 1939. I showed her a photo on my phone. She bundled up all the papers for Sacramento, gave me a temporary registration good through August, and said it could take weeks or even months to finalize. But if I needed to extend the temporary, just come back in--and that maybe they could call Sacramento at that time and hurry things up. If things wouldn't have gone well today, I was prepared to go to a registration service as suggested above. If I'd known about such services, I would have started there, but I didn't know they existed. Next time. Thanks, all, for the suggestions and encouragement. Honestly, there were more than a few times during the last years where I woke up sweating in the middle of the night, fearing 40 years of non-op late fees and penalties compounding on each other. Or maybe dying before I got this all legal and leaving my wife to deal with it. But I guess waiting until the truck dropped completely out of DMV's system was a help. The total cost was only $211 to do everything and register for a new year. So now I can drive it, work out the kinks, and finish the last things of the restoration.
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06-02-2017, 05:07 PM | #28 |
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Re: Cali Registration Woes
I hate to ask, why was it so much ($211).
Charlie Stephens |
06-02-2017, 05:57 PM | #29 |
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Re: Cali Registration Woes
Because Californy taxpayers are freeloaders according to Gov Moonbeam.
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06-02-2017, 06:05 PM | #30 |
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Re: Cali Registration Woes
Hi Everyone, rbullockv8, Hooray! A 32 B Roadster Pickup is a very cool vehicle without any history, but that you drove it in high school is super cool.
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06-02-2017, 06:27 PM | #31 |
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Re: Cali Registration Woes
Lets just hope you are done with them. Not so with me on two different occasions. The letters kept coming. The best was they needed a death certificate from a guy that died twenty years ago. Go figure. That was a fun one. Then I got my year and month tags but no little aluminum brackets that bolt to the bottom of the plates to put the tags on. They said, "you don't need them, just put them in the corners of your plates". Hum. !931 plates? Here we go again. Another fun one. And as stated earlier, no two people working there know the right answer. Some have there springs wound to tight and others are missing their main shaft.
Last edited by zzlegend; 06-02-2017 at 06:33 PM. |
06-02-2017, 07:32 PM | #32 | |
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Re: Cali Registration Woes
Quote:
Charlie: I didn't get a breakdown on the fee, but the processes were title transfer, new registration, and about 5 other forms and affidavits regarding my dad's death certificate, my qualification as an heir, value of the vehicle at inheritance, application to use my old license plates, etc. Honestly, I was thrilled not to be charged a lot more! After all, gotta pay for that high-speed train, you know.
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06-03-2017, 08:48 AM | #33 |
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Re: Cali Registration Woes
I am so glad for you that it's all settled! Now the fun part begins to complete your restoration and keep on trucking!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!
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06-03-2017, 10:38 AM | #34 |
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Re: Cali Registration Woes
You should have ended up with passenger car plates and no annual weight fees. Annual renewal should be about $85. Is this what happened?
Charlie Stephens |
06-03-2017, 04:07 PM | #35 |
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Re: Cali Registration Woes
I just renewed my 1934 Ford pickup here in California and it cost $92. ($80 registration fee; $1 License fee; $11 county district fee). This will go up SIGNIFICANTLY next year because the monolegislature passed the Moonbeam-signed gas tax and registration fee bill.
I know we all have our DMV experiences. My most recent is when I tried to register my 1950 Ford pickup with original 1950 commercial plates. DMV told me the plates belonged to another person. (Actually the one who sold the truck with the plates to the party I bought it from). I tried to contact the so-called plate owner and learned he was deceased! DMV told me "That is not OUR problem!" |
06-04-2017, 07:19 PM | #36 | |
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Re: Cali Registration Woes
Quote:
When I walked out with the sheaf of paperwork stapled together (copies VIN verification, temporary registration, temporary sticker for the windshield, statements of title transfer, documentation that the VIN number is for the stated year, weight certificate requirement--this was before I found that wasn't required), I didn't realize there was only the single $211 charge with no breakdown as to the various fees. I guess I could go back in and ask for a breakdown, but I'd just as soon avoid that place. Three times is enough.
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06-05-2017, 02:44 PM | #37 |
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Re: Cali Registration Woes
After what you went thru I wouldn't want to know the breakdown. I'd just smile big (like you must have) and walk away clutching the plates and paperwork.
Paul in CT |
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