VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1912-1928 Confused... What to do with my '28 Chev

I trying to make a decision about my 28 Chev Capital.

A. I am pretty convinced that I am going to make it into a Coke truck. I like that era, I like the colors, it suits my style.
B. I want to use it as a display in front of my insurance office. But driving it to my office daily will frustrate the local Police Department as it is currently titled as an antique.
C. If I change the registration to a "regular" vehicle, I am sure that I will have a number of problems as far as inspection requirements... Pennsylvania will probably see to that.

Does anyone out rhere have any experience with this type of conversion? Do you recommend it? Do you recommend against it?

Thanks

Don Rumbaugh

Insurance man I would ask the Pa. Dept.of Motor Vehicles. If there is going to be any problems, they are the people who could answer all your questions. After all, they will be the ones who will have the final say. Just ask them what you can and can't do before you start your project. It would be a real let down to put a lot of work into a project , just to find out after the fact that you can't put it on the road. Good luck.

In my office, we do title and tag work for good 'old PA, and I have learned 2 things. The information that you get from DOT is almost always well meaning but sometimes it is so wrong you can't believe it. That's why I was asking if anyone had experience with this type of project in PA...so that I don't get trapped by bad info.

From where I am sitting, if I had good hydraulic brakes, good lights, and some sort of windshield wipers, I would be safe enough to do what I have in mind. But what are they going to say about wooden spoked wheels? What about Max speed of 32 MPH? What about no seat belts, or heater, or defroster?

Just wondering.

Thanks

Don

Sorry but I can't comment on PA law. Here in Texas and all other states that I am aware vehicles are only required to have the safety equipment that was required when built. Wipers, mirrors, seat belts, emission equipment, bumpers are among those items.

I would expect that would be the same in PA. As long as it was kept as a 1928 vehicle then that would be all that was required. If it was updated with modern power, brakes, etc. it might need to pass more stringent requirements.

If you get any interpretation from the PA DOT or Police then request it in writing. That way you have some documentation if questions arise. Also check the motor vehicle code your self if in doubt.

I have one bit of advice on this that might apply to most states. In Oklahoma we have local Tag Agents. They seem to have their own agendas and there is no slack in the interpretation of the laws. Sometime, going to a different, more old car friendly, tag agent might help. However, with any grey area tagging situation, I go to the Motor Vehicle Division of the Oklahoma Tax Commission is Oklahoma City, 60 miles away. They are friendly, very knowledgeable and are absolutely the source. I can explain special circumstances and what I'm trying to accomplish. How we tag a car determines the restrictions, if any, in its use. And it always seems to cost less there. I hope you will try this.

For years, when I was heavy into buying and selling cars I went to a sub agent. Cost more that way, (subagents fee), but when I had a questionable case it was always resolved in my favor. Pays to grease your path.

I am the local "good guy" title agent. I work with a lot of antique/classic owners. Sometimes, I have a street rodder try to tell me that his 57 chevy with a blower and $6,000 mural is an antique. I have the distinct pleasure of trying to tell him NO.

The basic problem is that there aren't a lot of people in the employ of PA who really know the laws... as they pertain to this situation. In my business of insurance, I evaluate contracts with adjusters and attorneys daily...so I am pretty familiar with contracts. BUT to put it crudely, these SOB's won't answer the phone, and they won't return their phone messages.

After repeated calls to PA, I am proceeding to go through my local legislator and I will get a copy of the law. Then if anyone needs to know, I'll be the resource. Problem is that I must invest the time, to get what should be availble via a Fact Sheet. But I'll get it done.

Just for the record, the police departments are almost always wrong on this stuff. They simply don't know the laws.. it isn't that big a deal as we don't threaten society. But in PA, antique vehicles are not subject to safety inspection and therefore they can only be used between the hours of dawn and dusk. The state police officer simply didn't believe me, until I sent him the appropriate proof.

Whatever...I'll let you know.