The Stovebolt Site Forums The Side Lot Texas Connection Registering my truck

After all the hell from you guys I figured out my lights and think I am road legal and need to get my truck registered. Anything I should do, be weary about? Any advice? Thanks guys!

Help*

Your question is very unclear. Does it have a title in your name?How do you want to register it, such as full time driver or car events only? Why do you expect problems?

I have title in hand, not in my name, yes full time driver. I would like to register as a classic vehicle. I expect problems because I don't know what would make a vehicle this old road legal, my best guess is headlight, parking lights, brake lights, and good brakes?

Not in my name, yet. Bought it a few weeks ago. Haven't gotten around to getting that done, honestly don't know what to even do to get title in my name. I have the original title and bill of sale.

If you register as a 'classic', you can drive it anywhere, any time. It will require an inspection sticker. Yes, headlights, brake lights, and good brakes, plus parking brake, wipers, tires, etc.

It is all spelled out in the transportation code. Refer to Sec. 504.501 and Sec. 504.502 for the difference between 'antique' and 'classic' registration.

You can also get the title transferred without registration if you need time to get stuff done before it will pass. I recommend doing this before you put any more money into the truck.

I was recently at a local garage and saw a poster on the wall with inspection requirements. It said Pre-1960 vehicles do not require a parking brake. It was marked Form VI-78 (Rev 1/04)

In the few states in which I have registered "antique" vehicles, they did not require lights/brakes/equipment to meet modern standards. However, original equipment had to be working properly (lights and parking brakes, for examples).

see here, use the "select an inspection item" drop down

Bill

That is good to know. But I'm sure if one is there it must be working.

I found that interesting enough to look it up [page linked above], and it doesn't say the e-brake is not required, but says pre-60 it needn't be inspected, slight difference

Bill

Keep it simple. If you have modified your truck it could be frustrating.

My 46 was titled to the number on the engine block on the flat area to the left of the distributor. I had installed a used 235. So I had to take the rebuilt truck and the old engine on a trailer to the local multi-county task force so they could run all the numbers and ensure themselves that nothing was stolen. By the way, you leave a message for the Task Force and they call you back and offer you an appointment date and time.

Then those forms have to go to the regional office and they will assign a new "VIN". But since the motor was replace I had to produce a receipt for the motor and of course another form. It could have continued with receipts for a transmission, rear end, etc. so be careful how much information you volunteer.

Then you go to your local office and register and apply for title transfer. The local folks want the original from the Task Force guy. The Regional Office says they keep the original. This fun because I went to the Ft. Worth Regional Office since it was closest. But I am in Ellis County and they are bound by the rules of the Regional Office in Waco. Lots of phone calls and documents being faxed and lots of waiting.

Get all the right forms. Fill everything out correctly. Be patient and plan to spend the entire day.

Thanks for the help guys, I went over to the county tax offices and got the title transferred to my name for $100, it was supposed to be $65 but got fined because you're supposed to do title transfer within 30 days. They run the vin number of the vehicle and it came up clean, thank God!! Now I have the inspection to do before I get my registration, too bad my truck is up on jack stands because I just por15'd the rear chassis and fixin' to paint the rear axle and driveshaft too. Oh and install new shocks, shackle bushings, and paint the leaf springs. 😄

have you decided how you are going to tag it...

also you will probably need Ins before you get it registered.

Going to tag it as a classic. It will be a daily driver.

I guess you know there's an extra charge for a tag that says 'Classic' over the price of a regular tag.

Yes I do. Not much though.

charley, did you see where TX in now going to make a front license necessary or be fined....news reports say all vehicles
but wonder if that now includes antique ...if so I hope they remember to give the extra plate when registration is made

It has been the rule all along but I've known several people to get away with it.

it was a rule previous but you could not be fined so they did not enforce it, as of sept 1 now it has changed so they can fine you..

read here

In my little town the police are bad about running around with no front license plate.