I know there is a thread on here about titles and what not but i couldn't find one relevant.

I've got my welder now and an aluminum gun... i was thinking about starting a stupid project building a small car powered by an R1 engine.. I know there are tons of things I'm going to need to learn and tons of money that will be spent if i decide to do this but say on the 1/1000 chance i pull it off will i be able to get it titled and or registered ? How do i do this and is there any stupid crash test b.s. i would have to put it through to pull it off???

or should i pick up some model t frame rails with a title or something?

[Edited on June 18, 2008 at 1:16 PM. Reason : More of a cart than a car.]

6/18/2008 1:10:45 PM

i got an sv motor and frame and shit if you want a motor. its no r1 but you have a power plant if need be. cant wait to see what you end up doing

6/18/2008 1:29:55 PM

hahaha it'll probably be a fast, dangerous, booger welded go cart.

but the goal is to build something that gets 50+ mpg if driven nicely but is still fast, fun to drive and covered so it can be driven on a rainy day. the main problem is Dot says windshields can't be lexan in production cars so i doubt they can be in my toy either.

And even if it turns out to be a complete flop, hopefully i learned something about fiberglass work, improved my welding, etc... along the way.



[Edited on June 18, 2008 at 1:35 PM. Reason : .]

6/18/2008 1:32:11 PM

werd drop a torquey sv engine in there on the cheap.

6/18/2008 1:47:55 PM

Yeah that would work just fine... or any of the other dozens of bike engines i could find for nearly nothing. But if i put headlights on it mirrors seat belts reverse light etc. on it... could it be titled?

6/18/2008 1:50:49 PM

Smart GSXR:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtDTG18MxIs

6/18/2008 2:09:12 PM

buy slowblacks bike.. it has a title too!..

[Edited on June 18, 2008 at 2:12 PM. Reason : .]

6/18/2008 2:11:57 PM

Call the DMV... Don't expect to get anything from those high caliber individuals though.

6/18/2008 2:13:49 PM

For NC -

http://www.ncdot.org/dmv/vehicle_services/registrationtitling/AntiqueCustomBuilt.html

Its different for each state, tho.

6/18/2008 2:18:10 PM

i made a relevan thread about ^ recently.

Quote :

"Dot says windshields can't be lexan in production cars so i doubt they can be in my toy either."

wrong. there is a recent thread discussing lexan, dot, etc. in depth as well.

6/18/2008 2:28:06 PM

awesome thanks guys.

6/18/2008 2:45:03 PM

Quote :

" Dot says windshields can't be lexan"

I don't see how that matters? If it would pass inspection, I don't understand why it couldn't be titled..

6/18/2008 3:02:43 PM

http://www.locost7.info/index.php

Excellent reference site, particularly the Locost section in the links page http://www.locost7.info/links_c.php

Lots of great ideas for how to home build a tubed sports car, tons of different powerplant stories and detailed project logs.

http://mcsorley.net

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Locost (external links section and books reference)

If you want more generic help on this, and less of a "how to build X plan with Y donor parts" approach,

http://www.lulu.com/content/784994 Is a GREAT resource for how to generically build a DIY one off tube frame sports car.

6/18/2008 9:04:03 PM

Now here's the big question...

According to the MVR-55 form and instructions, a custom-built vehicle will be considered the year model in which it was built.

What federal/state emissions and safety regulations do you have to comply with?

I'm thinking about a sandrail project (after having seen two on the road recently, and the GF would definitely go for one; she loves 'em), but I have a pretty cool idea for the powertrain...turbo'd Subaru flat six. I'm wondering just what I would have to do or comply with to get the thing titled for street use.

One of the two we saw was of course Volks Type 1 powered with a conventional Type 1 tranny, rear-engine config (as opposed to mid-engine with flopped ring gear/diff). The other was a trick setup using a Chevy 4.3 V6 and a Volks tranny (with necessary adapter of course).

6/18/2008 11:03:16 PM

ZX , people do the boxxer 4 a lot but the ezmotor needs valve springs to be boosted they don't stay shut very well... Perrin built one up and ran into all sorts of issues but yes.. this is also something i'm interested in... i mean will it need to be obdII and pass today's emissions tests cause that would be super lame.


[Edited on June 19, 2008 at 10:51 AM. Reason : .]

6/19/2008 10:50:45 AM

well if it has to be a 96 or newer model can you just regi it in a safety county?

6/19/2008 10:58:07 AM

Here's another question...

Technically, three-wheeled vehicles are registered as motorcycles.

I wonder how the homebuilt thing figures in here.

6/19/2008 11:04:37 AM

Most of the sandrails I have seen were titled as a 60's/70's bug. I'm guessing they got a junked bug and used the VIN from it. They're probably claiming the engine from the bug or something.

I did see one recently that was actually titled as a 86 Custom Built vehicle. It had a NC DOT VIN plate that had been riveted onto the frame.

[Edited on June 19, 2008 at 11:18 AM. Reason : l]

6/19/2008 11:18:32 AM

I mean how do they know crash test rating etc. etc. ?

6/19/2008 11:25:10 AM

they dont. crash standards are only required on production vehicles.

6/19/2008 11:53:23 AM

But so if i built one and finished it today... i would have to find an obdII motor to put in it so it could be inspected as a 2008 model?

6/19/2008 11:56:12 AM

That's a question for the DMV since nobody here has done anything like that (that I'm aware of.)

6/19/2008 12:00:35 PM

Quote :

"Technically, three-wheeled vehicles are registered as motorcycles. "

those thing are dangerous. they handle razor sharp up intil the point you see one wheel in the air an then you know you're going for a ride.

6/19/2008 2:50:36 PM

http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/gascripts/Statutes/StatutesTOC.pl?Chapter=0020

§ 20-122. Restrictions as to tire equipment. [RTF] [PDF]
§ 20-122.1. Motor vehicles to be equipped with safe tires. [RTF] [PDF]
§ 20-123. Trailers and towed vehicles. [RTF] [PDF]
§ 20-123.1. Steering mechanism. [RTF] [PDF]
§ 20-123.2 Speedometer. [RTF] [PDF]
§ 20-124. Brakes. [RTF] [PDF]
§ 20-125. Horns and warning devices. [RTF] [PDF]
§ 20-125.1. Directional signals. [RTF] [PDF]
§ 20-126. Mirrors. [RTF] [PDF]
§ 20-127. Windows and windshield wipers. [RTF] [PDF]
§ 20-128. Exhaust system and emissions control devices. [RTF] [PDF]
§ 20-128.1. Control of visible emissions. [RTF] [PDF]
§ 20-128.2. Motor vehicle emission standards. [RTF] [PDF]
§ 20-129. Required lighting equipment of vehicles. [RTF] [PDF]
§ 20-129.1. Additional lighting equipment required on certain vehicles. [RTF] [PDF]
§ 20-129.2. Lighting equipment for mobile homes. [RTF] [PDF]
§ 20-130. Additional permissible light on vehicle. [RTF] [PDF]
§ 20-130.1. Use of red or blue lights on vehicles prohibited; exceptions. [RTF] [PDF]
§ 20-130.2. Use of amber lights on certain vehicles. [RTF] [PDF]
§ 20-130.3. Use of white or clear lights on rear of vehicles prohibited; exceptions. [RTF] [PDF]
§ 20-131. Requirements as to headlamps and auxiliary driving lamps. [RTF] [PDF]
§ 20-132. Acetylene lights. [RTF] [PDF]
§ 20-133. Enforcement of provisions. [RTF] [PDF]
§ 20-134. Lights on parked vehicles. [RTF] [PDF]
§ 20-135. Safety glass. [RTF] [PDF]
§ 20-135.1: Repealed by Session Laws 1995 (Regular Session, 1996), c. 756, s. 30. [RTF] [PDF]
§ 20-135.2. Safety belts and anchorages. [RTF] [PDF]
§ 20-135.2A. (See Editor's note) Seat belt use mandatory. [RTF] [PDF]
§ 20-135.2B. Transporting children under 12 years of age in open bed or open cargo area of a vehicle prohibited; exceptions. [RTF] [PDF]
§ 20-135.3. Seat belt anchorages for rear seats of motor vehicles. [RTF] [PDF]
§ 20-135.4. Certain automobile safety standards. [RTF] [PDF]
§ 20-136. Smoke screens. [RTF] [PDF]
§ 20-136.1. Location of television viewers. [RTF] [PDF]
§ 20-136.2. Air bag installation. [RTF] [PDF]
§ 20-137: Repealed by Session Laws 1995, c. 379, s. 18.2. [RTF] [PDF]
§ 20-137.1. Child restraint systems required. [RTF] [PDF]
§ 20-171.18. Equipment requirements. [RTF] [PDF]


Article 3A - Safety and Emissions Inspection Program. [RTF] [PDF]
§ 20-183.1: Repealed by Session Laws 1993 (Reg. Sess., 1994), c. 754, s. 3. [RTF] [PDF]
§ 20-183.2. Description of vehicles subject to safety or emissions inspection; definitions. [RTF] [PDF]
§ 20-183.3. Scope of safety inspection and emissions inspection. [RTF] [PDF]
§ 20-183.4. License required to perform safety inspection; qualifications for license. [RTF] [PDF]
§ 20-183.4A. License required to perform emissions inspection; qualifications for license. [RTF] [PDF]
§ 20-183.4B. Application for license; duration of license; renewal of mechanic license. [RTF] [PDF]
§ 20-183.4C. When a vehicle must be inspected; one-way trip permit. [RTF] [PDF]
§ 20-183.4D. (Effective until October 1, 2008) Procedure when a vehicle is inspected. [RTF] [PDF]
§ 20-183.5. (Effective until October 1, 2008) When a vehicle that fails an emissions inspection may obtain a waiver from the inspection requirement. [RTF] [PDF]
§ 20-183.5A. (Effective until October 1, 2008) When a vehicle that fails a safety inspection because of missing emissions control devices may obtain a waiver. [RTF] [PDF]
§ 20-183.6. (Repealed effective October 1, 2008) Businesses that replace windshields must register with Division to get inspection stickers. [RTF] [PDF]
§ 20-183.6A. Administration of program; duties of license holders. [RTF] [PDF]
§ 20-183.7. (Effective until October 1, 2008) Fees for performing an inspection and putting an inspection sticker on a vehicle; use of civil penalties. [RTF] [PDF]
§ 20-183.7A. Penalties applicable to license holders and suspension or revocation of license for safety violations. [RTF] [PDF]
§ 20-183.7B. (Effective until October 1, 2008) Acts that are Type I, II, or III safety violations. [RTF] [PDF]
§ 20-183.8. (Effective until October 1, 2008) Infractions and criminal offenses for violations of inspection requirements. [RTF] [PDF]
§ 20-183.8A. (Effective until July 1, 2008) Civil penalties against motorists for emissions violations; waiver. [RTF] [PDF]
§ 20-183.8B. Civil penalties against license holders and suspension or revocation of license for emissions violations. [RTF] [PDF]
§ 20-183.8C. (Effective until October 1, 2008) Acts that are Type I, II, or III emissions violations. [RTF] [PDF]
§ 20-183.8D. Suspension or revocation of license. [RTF] [PDF]
§ 20-183.8E: Recodified as G.S. 20-183.8G at the direction of the Revisor of Statutes. [RTF] [PDF]
§ 20-183.8F. Requirements for giving license holders notice of violations and for taking summary action. [RTF] [PDF]
§ 20-183.8G. Administrative and judicial review. [RTF] [PDF]

Article 3C - Vehicle Equipment Safety Compact. [RTF] [PDF]
§ 20-183.13. Compact enacted into law; form of Compact. [RTF] [PDF]
§ 20-183.14. Legislative findings. [RTF] [PDF]
§ 20-183.15. Approval of rules and regulations by General Assembly required. [RTF] [PDF]
§ 20-183.16. Compact Commissioner. [RTF] [PDF]
§ 20-183.17. Cooperation of State agencies authorized. [RTF] [PDF]
§ 20-183.18. Filing of documents. [RTF] [PDF]
§ 20-183.19. Budget procedure. [RTF] [PDF]
§ 20-183.20. Inspection of financial records of Commission. [RTF] [PDF]
§ 20-183.21. "Executive head" defined. [RTF] [PDF]

6/19/2008 3:05:08 PM

<3 Neon

6/19/2008 3:33:34 PM

no problem man, I spent a long fucking time trying to find this when I was working on the BMW project.

6/19/2008 4:26:28 PM

now i just need to figure out all that in tn, but seeing the shit on the road there, it cant be too hard

6/20/2008 11:58:38 AM

just go to the general statutes site for the state and find the motor vehicles chapter

6/20/2008 4:46:47 PM