DMV / REGISTRATION? frame/ body swapping

[caddyhack]

I live in California.. and Cali. is probably one of the strictest places to live for DMV type stuff. I was wondering if I have a 1973 4x4 (out of smog/ NO SMOG NEEDED) and I was to put a 1988 caddy body (or any SMOG NEEDED VEHICLE) on the 4x4 frame. What year would it have to be registered as .. Meaning do I have to register it as an 88 cadillac or a 73 chevy? and be able to put in a ; Huge Motor. Headers. Blower etc. and tag it as the 73 so I dont have to smog it???
Something like this.. Awesome!!!

Posted via Mobile Device

[heeroyue2002]

i have no clue but at galvins last year, there was a a guy that had a 80 something astro on a 74 frame and he got it registered as a 74.

[Mkcustums]

I just called DMV (Oregon) and he said "it can go either way, either can be used, but they make a note as to what the two used actually were". Sounds a bit vague to me... He wouldn't really give me a straight answer.

I know people that have swapped old bodies onto newer frames and register it as old, but not sure about new stuff onto old stuff.

I know Oregon and California will be different, just made me curious to call.

[Altec]

Some states go by the VIN stamping on the frame, some states go by the VIN plate on the body.

I would call your local DMV and ask. Then call two more times and see if you get a different answer... You most likely will... When you call tell them you have a 1973 Chevrolet pickup, and you want to change the body to that of a vehicle made in 1988. Ask what is involved to register this as your original 1973.

[Mkcustums]

Originally Posted by Altec

I would call your local DMV and ask. Then call two more times and see if you get a different answer... You most likely will...

I know I'm gonna call back and ask someone else, then a 3rd just to see what's said. The response I got was short and unmeaningful, he didn't wanna answer anything I asked about. Just kept saying "it just depends". So I asked in what way, and he never would just say. Gotta love the DMV!

[Altec]

They should change all DMV's to a commission pay system. Bet they'd care a little more then...

[Mkcustums]

Originally Posted by Altec

They should change all DMV's to a commission pay system. Bet they'd care a little more then...

I think ours when you call the 503-299-9999 is ran through the prison or something. Seriously... I'm being serious.

[SanitysBane]

I know in Texas it is whatever year is newest.

[caddyhack]

My big concern is that the cop runs my plate on a 4x4 caddy and it comes up as a 73 chevy and i would prob get pulled over on a daily basis obviously because it would stand out. Depending on the cops mood will depend on how long the ticket would be. Also California is ALOT stricter than any other state
Posted via Mobile Device

[Mkcustums]

Originally Posted by caddyhack

Also California is ALOT stricter than any other state
Posted via Mobile Device

Washington County in Oregon is HORRIBLE! I moved simply because of it, got tired of dealing with it. It's pretty out of control, but I have never lived in California, I can only imagine how bad though.

I can completely see the concern about the Caddy with '73 Chev registration and plates. I'd question it myself. I'm curious as to what your registration would say, it would have to be a custom one I'm sure!

Keep us updated as to what you find out!

[Raider Rudy]

In the state of California the vehicle will be identified according to the VIN number on the frame. If the frame is a 73 then it will be registered as a 73. If the frame is a from a Chev then it will be registered as a Chev. If the cops stop the vehicle it will be problematic but eventually they will be able to figure it out. It will be the price you pay for having such a unusual vehicle.

[propanemudtruck]

In Michigan I've only heard of using the body VIN. Besides, the frames are caked in road grime, salt and grease... The VIN on the body is fairly accessible and legible.

[j.kirn]

Add the 2 yrs together then divide by 2

[rayfinseats]

"I live in California." That was your first mistake. Here we have NO vehicle inspections and NO smog inspections. If we did I'd move.

[Mkcustums]

Just out of the Portland area in Oregon we don't either.

[coops714x4]

here in Oklahoma they dont care they just want your money

[primer]

in CA a vehicle can be registered by the frame number.... sometimes. There is the chance that it could be registered by the body (as is the case with many k model chevys that have replaced the cab with c models). And if that wasn't enough the dmv may register it as a custom or street rod and register is as whatever it most closely resembles.

[leddzepp]

Originally Posted by rayfinseats

"I live in California." That was your first mistake. Here we have NO vehicle inspections and NO smog inspections. If we did I'd move.

There isn't much to inspect when the vehicle is all rusted out.

[Rede]

In Alberta (that's in canada.........) I was told that they use the registration associated with the frame.
Which makes sence because you can always replace a couple of body parts at at a shop/store, but you can't just pickup another frame at your local autozone/napa/bumper to bumper/ect.

However, if you make two vehicles into one, they require both vins.
Not sure why....?

Color swapping isn't an issue as they usually ask during re-newal if the vehicle is still ___ color.

Every state/province could be different.
Best way to find out would be to talk to you're local licence/DMV office, or maybe an auto body shop could tell you.

[64swb]

Call the CHP and ask to talk to the officer in your area that does vehicle/VIN verifications. They all seem to have different answers as to which vin would be used to title the vehicle. If you use all the original running gear from the 73 and the engine numbers/frame numbers match there is a good chance it can be registered as a 73 chevy. The last time I had a vehicle in question, the CHP said that he is looking for at least 2 serial numbers to match such as the frame/motor numbers, cab/frame numbers, or cab/motor numbers. He said if there aren't at least 2 that match then you would be forced to register it as a special construction and it would be required to be compliant with current year smog requirements.

[glimmertwin01]

IN NY I think they go By the Hull whick to me makes sense.... if it looks like a duck it IS a Duck theory...
the frames are so rusty and scabby I doubt you could FIND the serial number. besides i dont think too many Cops wanna get down on their knees in the snow and check while getting a nice face full of salty slop rust and grime...
Honestly i have not been able to read too many numbers on my frames until i did a frame off... and by then either the frame was swapped out or the cab was.
IN NY the state is so cash strapped I could see them devising a way to double fee you for mixing years... LOL
honestly Id prefer to live in a place where they dont salt so i could utilize my OLD beasts yrs round

[bajabob]

I would tend to agree with 64swb assessment... the only thing I can tell you is that you may get more attention than you want with such a build but then again that might not be all bad... I would just expect to get pulled over and then have all your paper work ready to go... might be surprised how far a little prep work and lack of attitude gets you... sounds kinda cool and different....

[laplander]

I know when I lived in Illinois 12 or so years ago, we swapped bodies on an 81, we took both titles up, they inspected it and then the issued title listed both VIN numbers on it. Things may have changed though.....

[rayfinseats]

I lived in Ca for a while. I think they go by the newest of the two as far as smog. CA sucks. They will find some excuse to not pass it. CALL THE DMV. Thats the only way you'll know for sure!