Quick ? on building a streetable rig from scratch and getting it titled/registered

OBXJ

Member
Joined
Jun 13, 2006
Location
Raleigh
So Im going to be parting out my 98 XJ for a more streetable rig the family and I can enjoy more often. Ive been wanting a Scrambler for some time now and, unfortunately, anything in good or better condition is more than i want to spend. Ive been doing some research and figure I can buy a frame, tub, and assorted body panels. Swap the drive train from the XJ and pick up some stock axles or 44's relatively cheap.

My question is this. How do i register it? I have family in Mass that have a clean title, CJ-8 rotting out under a tree in the back yard. I'm sure I can buy the VIN plates from them. Is this legal? If so, anyone know the process in more detail? Much thanks in advance.


Keep an eye out for my part-out thread in the near future - built 60's on brand new 39.5" Irocs.
 
Can you not use anything from that family CJ8?
You have a place to get a frame from? Typically thats what the title follows.
 
RatLabGuy said:
Can you not use anything from that family CJ8?
You have a place to get a frame from? Typically thats what the title follows.
Click to expand...
The CJ8 up in Mass is in terrible condition. last time I was there, (2 years ago) I was able to push my finger through the frame with little resistance. The salt air on the Cape and outdoor storage has taken its toll on the old girl.
I was looking at a new, mandrel bent frame from Throttle Down Kustoms. I'll call them later this week to see if they issue VIN's with their frames.
 
I may or may not have heard of people buying Jeep VINs and turning, say a mid 90's YJ into a '78 CJ7. Apparently, if you swap the front clip, some inspectors don't seem to notice. ;) For the record, I didn't do this.
 
Scrap book
I bought this scrambler to rebuild (insert picture)
here's some pics of the frame, and body(insert pictures)
After much thinking, I decided the frame and body were to long gone.
I found this frame, and body(insert picture)
After some testing, I found that the drive train was just too far gone. I happened to have these pieces around, and decided to swap them in.(insert pictures)
I decided to replace the 30 year old wiring with a painless set up, much nicer and more reliable(insert pic)
All new fuel system, new lines and tank, (insert pictures)

inset other items to be replaced or upgraded.

Final result, rebuilt,restored CJ-8 Scrambler

All legal
 
Thank for the feedback everyone. I'll be sure to start a build thread once i start picking up pieces.
 
You should probably read through the NC Chapter 20 or at least thumb through the NC title manual before you get started on this.

If it's a question of what's *legal*, you can't even change the motor without applying to the DMV for a substitute title that indicates that the motor no longer matches the VIN. Likewise, you can't swap bodies without submitting to the DMV for a "reconstructed" title.
 
Get a frame w/ clean title, have title put in your name (or better yet a tub & frame).
Get tub w/ clean title, have title put in your name.
Use existing engine, tranny from XJ (already titled in your name).
If every thing is titled in your name you will not need to have it bonded to get title for build.
Have DMV License & Theft bureau inspector come out before you dismantle XJ to verify engine & tranny in it. Tell inspector your intentions of build.
Keep receipts of all major parts used, take progress pics from start to finish.
Fill out an MVR-55 "Affidavit for Custom/Replica Built Vehicle", have it notarized.
When build is complete & road worthy have inspector to come back out for inspection. He'll verify VIN's from your tub & frame (already titled in your name), verify that you used engine/tranny from XJ (titled in your name) he previously inspected. Inspector will then decide what to title it as. Tell inspector you built it to be a 19?? CJ-8, per your MVR-55. It should be titled as "Specially Constructed Vehicle", "Replica" as Model.
Inspector will then apply for a NCS# that combines all of your titles into one.
When NCS# returns inspector will attach one to door jamb & other to firewall (its just a sticker so be sure not to mess it up b/c they do not reissue them). Inspector will also give you an MVR-31 "Assignment of Special Vehicle Identification Number" & an LT-270 "Report of Examination of Vehicle".
Then you take titles, MVR-55, LT-270 & MVR-31 to license plate office pay your fees & they send all paper work to Raleigh where the VEU goes over it & then ok's it for the Special Title Unit to issue your title.
Any more questions, just ask.
 
That's the legal way to do it.

And it's likely cheaper than getting caught with an illegally altered VIN #.
 
altoids said:
Get a frame w/ clean title, have title put in your name (or better yet a tub & frame).
Get tub w/ clean title, have title put in your name.
Use existing engine, tranny from XJ (already titled in your name).
If every thing is titled in your name you will not need to have it bonded to get title for build.
Have DMV License & Theft bureau inspector come out before you dismantle XJ to verify engine & tranny in it. Tell inspector your intentions of build.
Keep receipts of all major parts used, take progress pics from start to finish.
Fill out an MVR-55 "Affidavit for Custom/Replica Built Vehicle", have it notarized.
When build is complete & road worthy have inspector to come back out for inspection. He'll verify VIN's from your tub & frame (already titled in your name), verify that you used engine/tranny from XJ (titled in your name) he previously inspected. Inspector will then decide what to title it as. Tell inspector you built it to be a 19?? CJ-8, per your MVR-55. It should be titled as "Specially Constructed Vehicle", "Replica" as Model.
Inspector will then apply for a NCS# that combines all of your titles into one.
When NCS# returns inspector will attach one to door jamb & other to firewall (its just a sticker so be sure not to mess it up b/c they do not reissue them). Inspector will also give you an MVR-31 "Assignment of Special Vehicle Identification Number" & an LT-270 "Report of Examination of Vehicle".
Then you take titles, MVR-55, LT-270 & MVR-31 to license plate office pay your fees & they send all paper work to Raleigh where the VEU goes over it & then ok's it for the Special Title Unit to issue your title.
Any more questions, just ask.
Click to expand...
THIS Advice above was spot on. I called the ncdot inspector and this is what he told me. There is A LOT of shaky info out there on how to get this done but this is exactly right. Thanks.
 
skeleton-grave.jpg
 
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