NYS Registration Process - FFCars.com : Factory Five Racing Discussion Forum

P Wyman · 06-24-2009, 08:46 PM

Guys,

I wanted to post about the process of registering my Roadster in NYS. The process of getting my car 100% road legal took 7 weeks from when I first sent my paper work in. Yes it seemed longer but patience was the key.

There are TWO State DMV departments you have to deal with. At Technical Services Bureau only talk to Tom Noonan or Mark M, tell them what you are building and they are very helpful. They only want to see pictures of you car with the proper safely equipment, mirrors, back up light, wipers (yes, mechanical wipers from Speedway and a plug in defroster will work). Call them and they will send you a packet with everything you need to register you car. PM me if you are having problems finding your SAE markings on your lights. They will issue you a VS-103 allowing you to get your car inspected. Only after you get a completed MV-272.1 from Field Investigations.

The other department is Field Investigations (VIN Assignment), you send $25, the MV-272.1 form and photo copies of your invoices (both sides of your COO and donor title). I got my appointment about 4 weeks after I first sent my paper work in. You will have to trailer your car there. They are ONLY looking for stolen parts, so have clear title to all of your parts. They had trouble reading my numbers on my engine, so make it easy for them (remove any paint on that part of block). They were very nice and easy to deal with, whole inspection took 1:15 minutes. They will attach the VIN and you then send your completed MV-272.1 to Tom Noonan and he'll issue you your VS-103.

Then get your car inspected (they have to sign your VS-103). As you know, this is different from the normal process.

Get your insurance and take everything to DMV and register your car.

HTH, Pat

AZFBcobra · 07-02-2009, 08:42 PM

Hey Pat,

Thanks for this post. I'm in NY and was wondering about the whole process as well, so this was very helpfull. Here's a detailed question for you though. I am goig to be doing a 4.6L DOHC 2003 Mach1 build. What emissions will be required for me to keep on the car? Meaning, can I get rid of the cats (and go 4-into-4?), the air sensor's, and everything else? I'd like to keep it as simple and clean as possible, but still pass the DMV's testing.

Thanks,
Alex

STEVO · 07-02-2009, 09:19 PM

Alex.... I believe that if you are hung up on having it registered as a 65-66 than you will probabley have to be emmisions complient for the year of the motor.. If you let them deem it a "custom", that just the min. has to be saved (pvc)... The push is to register these cars as "custom".. If you have an old coupe say a 32 ford etc and you have the original registration, than you are golden, no need to go through the process..
Pat, double check me on this....stevo

AZFBcobra · 07-02-2009, 11:36 PM

Thanks Stevo, but I really don't care how it's registered. Actually, if I was one of these guys intent on it being registered as a 65, then I probably wouldn't be installing a 4.6L in to. As long as I can drive it in an unlimited fashion, I'm a happy camper.

So now the question is, if I register it as a "custom", do I have any restrictions on it and do I need any emissions at all? Please let me know cause once I commit to removing them, it will be a nightmare trying to add them back in later to get it passed.

Thanks,
Alex

Scarlett · 07-03-2009, 01:22 AM

Pat has the NY registration process down. It is intimidating at first, but once you get through it, you realize it really isn't bad. The thing that I would add to his description is that you send the papers to both departments at the same time. No need to wait until the first department approves you to mail to the second.

As far as NYS is concerned, any thing like a cobra will be registered as a 20XX Custom. Unless you are registering an old car that you have restored, it will be a custom. The only stipulation that Tom in Albany identified about emissions is that whatever you manufacture it with must stay on it. So if you don't want cats, lose them now.

A few years ago, the NY DMV set about catching up to all of the replicas that were registered as something other than a custom. (For example, an FFR registered as a 65 cobra or 65 Ford...) A number of guys had to go back through the process Pat described and it wasn't comfortable. Nobody got in trouble that I know of, but there was time, energy, and consternation in the process. So, don't worry about it being anything other than a custom in NYS.

Feel free to ask here or Tom in Albany if you have any other questions. Regardless of where you are in your build, it pays to understand the process and be able to plan ahead. Like Pat said, it will take 6-8 weeks. The car does not need to be totally finished for you to send in the paperwork.

Steve

AZFBcobra · 07-03-2009, 10:30 AM

Steve, that is AWESOME!!! That's what I wanted to hear! I'm now comfortable getting rid of everything I don't want on it knowing that its not needed if registered as a "custome". That is really good news.

Thanks everyone...

Alex

Cobra Moe · 07-03-2009, 11:38 AM

does the car have to have paint to get title and registration

Scarlett · 07-03-2009, 03:12 PM

Officially, yes, the car needs to be painted. However, then you have to define "Paint". I went through in finished paint. One guy in Buffalo went through in a brushed on rusteoleum jub that was not even an attempt at looking good. He put the stripes on as an afterthought with chalk, I think. They let him. Others have gone through in primer and FF with no trouble. From what I have surmised, the only thing that is not acceptable is a raw gel-coat body with the seams unaddressed. Again, here, I believe this has to pass in the judgement of Tom in Albany from what he sees in the pictures that you send in. Quality of paint doesn't seem important. From the detail that he can see in the pics, he won't see the brushmarks from you broom.

Steve

P Wyman · 07-05-2009, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cobra Moe

does the car have to have paint to get title and registration

Just how mine came back from inspection...

sspano01 · 03-21-2010, 10:08 PM

Hello

This sounds like just what I am looking for.
I am nearly complete with my cobra build in Upstate NY
I have had the package from the state but was wondering how much of an actual hassel it would be when it comes time for people to actually inspect the car.

sounds like it should be fairly straight forward?

mctavish · 03-21-2010, 11:23 PM

Absolutely no offense to anyone here, but I would strongly suggest any and all emissions and equipment questions should go to Tom Noonan in Albany. He is the one that makes the determination and signs/approves your forms. There has been alot of confusion regarding emissions requirements. Best to get it from the guy who makes the decisions. He is a great guy and will talk to you at length about your particular situation. The Field Investigation guys not only are looking for stolen parts, but they also look at basic structural integrity. These are the same folks that are looking at salvage vehicle rebuilds all day. For equipment you will need wipers and a defroster of some sort. The directional lamp lenses (marked SAE Jxxx) that have come with the complete kit will not be compliant. They do not have a "legal" SAE number. Tom will probably bring this up before you do.
I went through the process last November.
Rick

gteaeye · 04-25-2010, 01:38 PM

So here is my question.
I'm building my engine now, it's a 1985 302 sbf built up to around 380hp when I'm done. My question is: does the emmisions need to be compiant with 2010 new cars? I'm about to order all my stuff for te engine buildup, and don't want to be wasting my time. Do I just call up Tom and let him know? Btw, I'm on long island. Thanks
Posted via Mobile Device

Arrowhead · 04-25-2010, 01:59 PM

Yes, the requirements are more strict "downstate" and yes, a call to Tom would put your mind at ease. He's very helpfull and easy to talk to. I believe you will need cats and be subject to a snif test, but I'm going by memory which sucks.

lkrug1 · 04-27-2010, 01:42 PM

Mctavish: I have coupe #355 65% complete. Does the SAE # problem apply to the turn signal lens on the coupes? If so is there an easy fix? Thanks, Larry

mctavish · 04-27-2010, 04:18 PM

Hi, Larry. To be honest, I'm not familiar with the coupe's lenses. If you want to know in short order, call Tom Noonan in Albany (514-474-5282). The problem with the lenses that came with the complete kit was that the markings were not valid SAE/DOT numbers, rather they were the paragraph numbers of the subsection of the SAE standard (i.e. SAE J588/587 or something similar) Valid SAE/DOT numbers for rear lights will be something like STP-1531 or something similar (STP meaning stop, tail, park) sealed beam headlights are H-3 or H-4, license plate lights will have an L in it somewhere, front turn signals will have an "I" (indicator). Reverse lights have an "R" designation. All of these will likely be jumbled up with other letters and numbers. These are the things that Tom will be looking for. Give him a call if you're still not sure...he'll be glad to help.

Rick

daveh702 · 05-27-2010, 02:22 AM

P Wyman asked me to respond to this thread concerning NYS emissions....I was told by Tom Noonan NYSDMV/FFR liason that if you register it as a new 20** custom/ homebuilt that you will not need emissions test as no brand new cars do. HTH....Dave

captalny · 06-22-2010, 09:15 PM

Started my build on my mkII back in Sept 2002.
Got Busy @ work and Threw a Tarp over it and finally got to finish her Last week.

Called Tom Noonan last week for the NYSDMV package and with the Help found in this Thread, I mailed it back to Tom.

He called today and said I was Good to Go with all my Forms.

Just waiting for the Vin Assignment appointment.

Happy Days ahead................................

P Wyman · 06-22-2010, 11:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by captalny

Happy Days ahead................................

Yes they are! Good Luck with the inspection!

Pat

mctavish · 06-23-2010, 01:25 AM

Hey, great news Cap.....best of luck on your DMV inspection. Just make sure you have all your paperwork correct (and your receipts) and you should be OK!
Rick

captalny · 07-02-2010, 11:06 AM

Just a Head-up on how long it took for me to get my Vin# assignment Appointment.

Mailed in All Paper Work to DFI (Division of Field Inspection) on 6/21/10.

Received confirmation via Email on 7/1/10 for my Field Inspection scheduled for 7/15/10.

Total (25) Days

Life is Good...............................

P Wyman · 07-02-2010, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by P Wyman

....Field Investigations (VIN Assignment)... They are ONLY looking for stolen parts, so have clear title to all of your parts.

I wanted to highlight this statement, because of recent problems a fellow builder has gone through with Field Investigations. George (Arrowhead) had to remove his engine from his '33 Hot Rod because his paperwork didn't match up. He does a great job telling his troubles in his thread:

DMV Inspection - Epic Failure

captalny · 07-15-2010, 09:15 PM

I received my Vin # Assignment from the NYS DFI Today and just want to thank Everyone for all the Great info found in this Thread.

I have Insurance and an open Appointment for the NYS Safety inspection.

Only thing left is to get the MV-103 from Tom Noonan.

Almost there...........................

smithtlw · 09-02-2010, 01:27 PM

I have a 1970's engine that was given to me (a core) long ago. I have no paper trail on this. Is there no way to use this in an FFR kit and have it registered in NY?

P Wyman · 09-02-2010, 03:09 PM

I would call Tom and get an answer from him before you spend any money building up you older block. Remember a late model Explorer blocks can be purchased from a junk yard for <$400 with proper paper trail and no questions asked.

HIH, Pat

smithtlw · 10-01-2010, 06:45 PM

I ended up calling the DMV DFI at 518-474-2019 and the woman was very friendly and helpful. I explained the situation and she indicated that it was not a problem. I was told to write up an affidavit explaining how I received the engine and it would not be an issue. Obviously, if the numbers on the block show up in the database as potentially stolen there would be an issue (I would imagine this is true even if you do have paperwork).

I am a bit on the fence at this point. The engine in question is a SB Chevy 400 (don't flame me please). At the time (20 years ago) my father purchased pretty much everything (pistons, cam, intake...) needed to complete the rebuild and the machine work is done. I do not have receipts for this stuff either. So, it is not "just a core" because if I were to purchase a new rebuild-able core it would not be a SBC so I would not be able to use all of the components.

I guess I would be very nervous going into the inspection with this combo even though it is legit especially after following Arrowhead's story. I will probably find a donor that is usable as-is and look to upgrade later.

Funny how I can swap the very same engine into my '72 Cutlass without any hesitation or potential problems. In fact, the '72 does not have the original engine in it now. Once, I put it into a new kit it suddenly comes under intense scrutiny. Gotta love NYS.

mctavish · 10-01-2010, 11:28 PM

LW, you have the benefit of knowing exactly where that motor has been for the last 20+ years. I would think the odds of it showing up on a stolen parts database are pretty slim to none. I would suggest following the DFI advice and write up the affidavit knowing that it's 100% true. I think the risk of it being an issue is pretty small.
If you really want to be anal about it, you can attempt to reconstruct the VIN for the car the motor came out of by it's serial #, plug it into Carfax and see what comes up. Granted on a 70's motor that is more of a formidable task than my 90s Ford engine. It took me about two days to figure it out.
Yes, they want to see receipts, but I don't think they'll jack you up if there are no red flags.
Rick

P Wyman · 05-26-2012, 02:01 AM

TTT, any new success stories? Lets keep this thread current.

TeeBee9320 · 06-21-2012, 11:05 PM

I just want to chime in on this thread and say that if you have any questions at all call Tom Noonan. Everybody is right he is the only person I have ever spoke to in the DMV that knows what is going on and actually cares about cars. He is super nice and he informed me that the emission requirements are the same down state as upstate (it changed a couple years ago). He said all you need on your roadster is a working gas cap lol

Just an update though the number in this thread has the wrong area code (it's a Canadian one). The actual number is (518) 474-5282

I am hoping to send my paperwork in tomorrow or Monday. I can't wait!!

Thanks for everything!! This forum is great and I could not have done it without it. This thread especially was great for anybody registering in New York.
Thanks!!
Theo

Sent from my iPhone