Dune Buggy's & Inspection

[scarecrow]

Are Dune Buggy's legal in NJ ? If so does anyone know what you need to get through inspection with one. I searched the DMV sight could find nothing that answered my question ???

[jthw8]

Are Dune Buggy's legal in NJ ? If so does anyone know what you need to get through inspection with one. I searched the DMV sight could find nothing that answered my question ???

Short answer is, they can be.  There are a few of us in the club with them.  However I took the cowards way out and have mine under the Collectors program (grandfathered in) so I dont have to have it inspected.

If done correctly you will have to have a reconstructed title (a whole 'nuther mess) unless you buy one already titled as a reconstructed.  Once that happens unfortunately the year of the vehicle becomes the year you title it (so my buggy is a 2001 in the eyes of NJ) making you "eligible" for all the inspection requirements for that year.  The only caveat is you are only held to the emissions requirements for the year of the engine, so get a marked case not an aftermarket for your engine.

I dont know if anyone here is inspecting theirs in NJ but hopefully if they are they will chime in.  Its possible but its a bit of work.

And getting insurance is no picnic either.

[scarecrow]

Bummer, sent an email to DMV, can't wait to see what kind of convoluted answer they give

[Beetleboi -Greg-]

Marc you have any friends in PA to get you to title it there?! I think there is a way you can do that titling it is a real B.

[Baha (Shawn)]

My  2CENTS... Here's an easy way

http://www.broadwaytitle.com/

Found it on a collector board a while ago. Apparently Alabama MV laws are simpler.

I dont know about inspection... I do know NJ wants to inspect the weld job on all cars with chassis modification

[dawelder]

Does nj dmv even have certified welding inspectors? I have never seen a code that would cover cars.

[jthw8]

First of all PA is just as bad so that's no help in the titling department.  Might have similar issues with broadway or ITS, we're not talking about getting a title, we're talking about having the reconstructed title which properly shows the car as a buggy (although alot of folk do get away with titling it as a beetle and being done with it its very risky to do so)

Dawelder, on a reconstructed there are 3 special inspections stations in the state where you have to take the car to get the first title issued.  Supposedly they inspect the welds and such but since I didnt go through it I dont know the details.

Scarecrow, dont let me scare you off, just know that it takes a little work and alot of patience.  If you can find a buggy with a properly done title for sale it will make the process much easier.  If you dont tell my wife I'll sell you her's (actually she'd trade it for a nice Thing if you know of any)

[Baha (Shawn)]

From NJ DMV site:
Reconstructed vehicles such as dune buggies and kit cars are included, as might be salvaged vehicles. If you built or modified a vehicle to such an extent that it needs to be reregistered, you'll be asked to provide bills of sale for every major component that you used―so keep diligent records.

Once these vehicles are titled (or before they are titled), they might need to undergo a vehicle identification number (VIN) inspection. If the vehicle doesn't have a VIN, the MVC can issue you one.

Custom-built vehicles might also be subject to a safety and emissions inspection as part of the registration process.



"Special vehicle" titles
The following are designated as "special vehicles". They require titles but the process for titling them is unique.

Reconstructed vehicles-dune buggies, kit cars, etc.
Glider kits
Salvage vehicles
Vehicles with missing VINs
Vehicles registered to the military
Vehicles purchased from the federal government

All initial titles for the special vehicles listed above are issued by MVC Central Office in Trenton. Call (888) 486-3339 toll free in New Jersey or (609) 292-6500 from out-of-state.


I think these apply to first time & needing a title couldn't fint the chassis inspection part but I'm still looking. I found it when I was researchin just before I bought the Baja. I WAS going to buy a buggy but what I read scared me off 

[VWPANZER1]

 
  Scarecrow:

  I asked two Dune buggy owners at Atco how they got vintage tags on their Dune buggy?

They said they registered them as Volkswagens (which means they sent a picture of a beetle). Illegal, but it works.

  I have Collector’s tags on mine. You can’t get them anymore.

But I can get you a name of a company that will sell you cheap insurance for a Dune Buggy.

  I think I would buy a used wreck of a Buggy just to get a bill of sale rather than going through the ordeal of jumping through the entire NJ hoops and quagmires.
   Then if you have a bill of sale and you want to build it from scratch you have the biggest hurdle done-You may have to use the tunnel with the number on it.

Some states registered Dune buggies as VW’s followed by the Dune buggy name. I even heard of some states register them as sports cars.

Believe it or not in NJ that how my dune buggy was first registered (1967) it was listed as “1967 Ocelot VW”. I was one of the first in the state to get one registered.

  Then, as the story goes some kids buggy came apart on the road where it was welded together and the state started the reconstructed and welding inspection program. You can talk to Frank Totino (He’s not on line) as to how much trouble he had getting a reconstructed title and this is with a top end high dollar Beck Porsche Spider kit.

Anyway if your going to Englishtown I would asked the Dune buggy owners with NJ tags how they did it. Actually it was at Atco 2 years ago where I got the name of the insurance company for Dune buggies and kit cars. Before that I had hit a brick wall.

  Lots of luck.

jt 

[scarecrow]

Thanks for all the info guys, Bajaha seems to be on the money. What I have is a '70 pan, going to go long wheel base body though. I just feel safer that way. Here's the reply I got from DMV. I'm going to call & get the scope & will post. I thought about lieing & going the QQ route but not comfortable with it. If it's too much hassle I just look for a Type I body to put on the pan....

Dear Mr. Andrews:

Thank you for your email inquiry.  Please be advised that you would need to contact our Special Title Unit at 609-486-3339 ext. 5064 (if calling within New Jersey) or 609-292-6500 ext. 5064.  They will be able to assist you.  In addition, your first inspection would need to be done at one of the three specialty sites: Morristown, Asbury Park or Winslow (please visit our website at the following link for addresses and hours), http://www.state.nj.us/mvc/Location/index.htm

[Baha (Shawn)]

Try these guys for insurance. They did the Baja before I bought it. ($80 bucks a year!)

http://www.americancollectors.com/

BTW I was talking with Rick today about buggies. He said a 4 seater isn't as hard to push through because it's not modified

[jthw8]

Try these guys for insurance. They did the Baja before I bought it. ($80 bucks a year!)

http://www.americancollectors.com/

Here's a hint.  ACI will tell you they don't insure dune buggies.  They are very adamant about it.  But they insure mine....so it *is* possible.  But again it was alot of jumping through hoops to make it happen.

Joe T. has found a good provider of buggy insurance so I'd check with who he is using.

[VWPANZER1]

Here is the contact for Dune Buggy Insurance. I'm think it was about $170.00


   Chris Keenan
Rally Insurance Group
Collector Auto Specialists
188 Industrial Dr. Suite 215
Elmhurst IL 60126
W    630-617-9960
F    630-617-5149
TF    800-801-1823 Ext. 28


jt

[njgt-1]

Just noticed this thread,

My Bradley GT has an R title. I think from day 1 anything considered a kit car or buggy was given the R regardless of how it was built. I have a VW vin on the title but its still considered a salvage title. I think anything thats going to be a "rebody" thts a buggy or kit car is going to have to be certified by the state.

In addition, your first inspection would need to be done at one of the three specialty sites: Morristown, Asbury Park or Winslow (please visit our website at the following link for addresses and hours), http://www.state.nj.us/mvc/Location/index.htm

When NJ went to the "Classic Collector" sticker with no inspection I had to take my car to the specialty inspection station over in Winslow for the first inspection. the guys who ran it weren't the usual " NJ Inspector Zombies" they actually were state employees and also "Car guys" I wouldn't have a problem stopping in and asking them a question on construction since I think they could guide you as to what they are looking for better than just guessing. They are also the ones who will determine if the car is "streetable" by the current codes.

[scarecrow]

Do you think that thier is any way to get those build codes. Not on the DMV sight. Sure would make the build a lot easyer if one knew what was needed