To the best of my knowledge, each DMV has a "referee" (called different
things in different states, but the function is basically the same).
That person inspects the vehicle to determine what it is. In
California, that task is delegated to the CHP. In Oregon, it is a DMV
worker after Oregon State Police have confirmed the vehicle's various
serial numbers. It's been a few (30, but who's counting) years since I
was in Illinois, so I can't tell you their procedure.
I can tell you that whatever the prior owner did screwed you, but I
think you've figured that out.
I think you might want to approach this as though it is a kit car.
That, I think, is what the PO did. Track down whomever in Springfield
is most knowledgeable about kit car licensing & see what that person has
to say. [I'd also search the Web for "kit car" organizations, & see
what info they have on licensing.]
Then I'd find a shop that builds hot rods (like Boyd Coddington's down
in Stanton, CA). For gazillions of bucks, these guys take a car body,
modify it, put new running gear under it, & get it licensed, sometimes
as a "new" car, sometimes as the vintage of the body.
What's going on in rodding circles now is that all DMVs are taking a
second look at rodded vehicles, and yours falls in that category,
unfortunately. Boyd Coddington, for example, is under investigation by
the CA DMV because the State believes that, by registering vehicles
under the year of their original construction, his shop (& buyers) have
avoided substantial registration fees. Last I heard, many of the
licenses on Coddington-made vehicles (as well as several other
lesser-known builders) have been canceled, even if the person correctly
stated the purchase/build price.
As with any political organization, the first rule is, "follow the
money." Since the later engine implies a later build =>more
value=>higher registration fees=>more money.
In a way, I agree with those who posted to go to a rural DMV for some of
your issues. Not too far away, or they will smell a rat. And, as a
lawyer, I cringe when I read Culver's advice. But, it is too late for
you to do that with this truck. It is already in the system, numbers
and all.
Thus, your recourse, from my point of view, is to find out who is the
head of the section that handles antique vehicles, make an appointment
with that person, go to the head DMV office with your truck (probably on
a trailer, since you don't want it seized & impounded) and enlist their
help in solving the licensing problem. Enlisting your local state
representative's ombudsman (one of the administrative assistants who
make the politician a hero by solving problems) would also be helpful.
I'd also talk to someone at SEMA [Speed Equipment Manufacturer's
Association] because they want to sell guys like you parts, & can't do
it if the local DMVs screw things up. I think they are also working
with builders like Coddington.
That's my 2-1/2 cents worth.
RT
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