Info needed from NY titled GTM owners

[jgmachine]

Hello everyone - I am really close to pulling the trigger on a GTM that is not yet titled. I heard NYS can be a real pain in the ass as far as registering. I read somewhere on this forum that a person had to fabricate up bumpers???

Does anyone have feedback they can provide me?

Thank you so much for your reply(s)


Joe

[mctavish]

Hi, Joe. Your best bet is to call the NYS DMV and talk with them about titling/registering the GTM. It is true that NY does require bumpers. The first step would be to call the DMV services unit and get the packet of information sent to you. Check the NYS DMV website and look for info regarding home built vehicles. The phone number will be in there somewhere, I don't have it handy at the moment.
In a nutshell, what you need to do is this:
Return information (identification/DOT numbers) regarding the required equipment (glass, lights, tires, wipers, defroster, emissions if required, etc and also send them four pictures of the vehicle showing all these items. Also, you will need to send nearly identical information to another department to set up an appointment for them to inspect the vehicle at a local DMV garage (this is not a regular commercial place). This is primarily to check for basic vehicle integrity and to check for stolen parts. Once you have cleared these hurdles you are off to a normal garage of your choosing for your regular annual inspection. Collect all the paperwork you get from all of these steps and then proceed to your local DMV office to get your plates and registration.
I don't have any specific info for bumpers on the GTM, I went through with a roadster. Maybe someone else will chime in.

[jgmachine]

Thanks... Would love to hear how to overcome the bumpers..

[Scarlett]

Hi Joe,

The NYS DMV Techincal Inspection Office is 518-474-5282. As for Tom Noonan. He's on our side. Write your initial questions down in advance of the call to be sure you aske them all. Explain the situation to Tom (or one of the other guys) as you start the conversation, then listen and ask your questions. McTavish's description of the process is correct. It really isn't hard once you figure it out, but like anything involving the NYS DMV, it can be intimidating.

Sorry, I can't help you with the bumper question itself. My opinion (Which mean nothing, but may prompt you to ask specific questions of Tom) is that the GTM contains bumpers similar to any built by major automobile manufacturer therse days. What is a bumpre supposed to look like in this day and age? They are all integrated into the body, there is nothing any more that looks like a traditional bumper....Who is to say that the GTM doesn't have bumpers???

You could also look at the FFR GTM information to see what is behind the nose and rear plastic to determine if it provides any crash protection in case NYS has some spec that you will be required to adhere to. Or, better yet, Call FFR directly. Jasper may have ver solid information on that.

You could also offer to send a pic to Tom Noonan to see if he can see what he needs to see in advance of your purchase. Or send him to the FFR website. Tom is familiar with FFR roadsters and was ver helpful wiht me 4 years ago in telling me what to do and what not to do to ensure that he got the information he needed. I don't know if he will be familiar with the GTM, but I'll bet he can give you pretty solid information.

Lat thought: If the Quick Jacks on my Roadster are bumpers, as Tom determined them to be, the the GTM shouldn't have any problem.

Good luck and PLEASE let us know what you learn.

Steve

[jgmachine]

Thanks Scarlett,

I spoke to Tom today. What a great guy. He related he gets lots of factory five related kits and was not suprized I was referred to him...

As far as bumpers go, quick jakes or bumperettes are required for the state inspection....

While I did not ask Tom this, I can't see why you could not put them on 3M double sided tape???

Thanks again guys... I will let everyone know if I pull the trigger.

[Scarlett]

Did Tom specify that the bumperettes were required in the pictures that you send to him for his inspection/approval OR if they are required for the annual NYS safety inspection? If just for him, the 3M tape idea would be perfect. If they are required for the annual inspection, that might also might be a simple solution. I do wonder, however, if the inspector at your local garage would be inclined to think that they were necessary. Especially if you didn't mention them, or if you knew him well....

Just sitting here wondering, ya know?

Good luck and be sure to let us know when you pull the trigger AND how the bumper issue is resolved.

Steve

[kabacj]

Hey guys. Thanks for all the info regarding NYS inspection.

My plan is to add bumpers under the bodywork.

The rear transaxle carrier is an easy point to weld tabs for the rear bumper. I figure 2 feet wide across the back.



In the front I was going to pickup the mounting points of my tow bar for a front bumper. Again about 2 feet of 1.5 tubing.



I think this should fit the bill.

John

[jgmachine]

Originally Posted by Scarlett

Did Tom specify that the bumperettes were required in the pictures that you send to him for his inspection/approval OR if they are required for the annual NYS safety inspection? If just for him, the 3M tape idea would be perfect. If they are required for the annual inspection, that might also might be a simple solution. I do wonder, however, if the inspector at your local garage would be inclined to think that they were necessary. Especially if you didn't mention them, or if you knew him well....

Just sitting here wondering, ya know?

Good luck and be sure to let us know when you pull the trigger AND how the bumper issue is resolved.

Steve

Tom did not say if they were required for both, but I agree that the local garage may not know...

I did receive the NYS forms today on how to title... The section on bumpers reads as follows, " on the front and rear, each must be securely fastened with some part of the number located between 16 to 20 inches above the ground. The bumpers provide protection against damage affecting front and ear external lamps, body parts, and vehicle occupants during low speed impacts".

[samurai41]

I haven't been on forum in awhile. I built my car in 2009 and it was not an issue at the inspection station. just an fyi
lance