TheSamba.com :: View topic - 1967 Split Window on ‘74 Bay Frame

Tue Oct 14, 2025 3:12 pm

Hello All,

Long-time follower — figured this would be the best place to ask for some perspective on a predicament I’m in. I also posted this in the off-road forum, since it may pertain to that as well.

I recently picked up a new bus — my first split window — mainly because the body is incredibly solid and the price was too good to pass up. The twist is in how it was modified.

It’s a 1967 split window body mounted on a 1974 Bay Window frame that’s been stacked and welded underneath. The setup gives it a huge lift and it’s currently running Jeep tires. I’ll admit, I love the look and would ideally like to keep it this way (or close to it).

Here’s the issue: I live in a state with pretty strict vehicle reconstruction and titling laws. I bought the bus out of state, where they’re much more relaxed about custom builds. To get it legal here, I could apply for a reconstructed title, but the process involves extensive inspections and proof of origin for the donor frame — which I don’t have. Without a VIN or title for the ‘74 frame, it’s considered unverified (or “stolen”) under state law.

So I’m trying to decide:

Is it worth going through the reconstructed title process and petitioning to keep it as-is?

Or should I separate the two and rebuild the bus on its own frame or a modified setup that’s easier to title?

Right now I’m just tuning the engine and adjusting the brakes to get it running. It sits about 13 inches off the ground at the lowest point, and I’d really like to maintain that stance if there’s a legal way to do it.

For context, I’ve owned a ‘70 and a ‘77 Westy before, but this is definitely a new kind of challenge. Any insights from folks who’ve navigated similar frame swaps or state inspections would be appreciated!

Thanks in advance,

Tue Oct 14, 2025 5:19 pm

Is not the spit serial number on a plate attached to the body? (near front seats) And perhaps stamp on the body too maybe in the engine bay? I dont think it is on the frame part of the vehicle (uniframe).
Do you have title to the split bus?

OK, Now PLEASE post some photos of this vehicle, sounds like it is cool, I am sure many will like to see it. Click on the Gallery tab near top of page for instructions on how to upload a photo. It is easy

Thanks!

Wed Oct 15, 2025 4:55 am

The only surviving VIN for the split is on the overhead vent, and I have the title for it. The issue is that the previous owner used a frame from a ’74 Bay years ago, but he no longer has any documentation or remaining parts from that bus. There’s no VIN or M-code on the ’74 frame itself.

In my state, I need proof of VIN or documentation showing where that frame came from to verify it was legally acquired in order to get a “reconstructed title” and a new VIN issued. Along, with a lengthy state inspection showing it was "built" well and safely.

I’ll try to post some pictures later today.

Thanks again for quick reply and help!

Wed Oct 15, 2025 9:25 am

Perhaps, seeing as the frame has no serial number, it wont be a problem, as both vehicle as uniframe construction. Maybe the later "frame" will be considered like a body part, like a fender. Can you do a title search for the serial number on the Bus body? Is there a serial number on the body in engine bay on the metal near where the rear apron attaches?

I suggest you pose this question to the authorities, see how they will handle it.

Or maybe buy a dirt cheap wrecked later Bus, with title, and well you know, go from there.

Of "sell" your bus to a buyer in a more lenient state, get it titled there, then "buy" it back and then register in in your state, using the other states title.

Of course you should probably do some sort of preinspection for the safety requirement to assure this bus will pass the real safety inspection. It might be they wo t lass it as is even if you had title to both vehicles

If you arent getting a good answer on this forum, try posting also on the kit car part of the Samba

Thu Oct 16, 2025 5:22 am

Move. :wink:

Thu Oct 16, 2025 8:35 am

What if you just walked into the local DMV and asked to register it with the VIN on the airbox? Don't mention the later model frame?

Fri Oct 17, 2025 9:46 am

It would be no different than buying new frame sections from someone to build or repair a car. Just don’t mention you know where the parts came from. There is not a VIN on the frame it follows the body. There should be a stamped VIN in the engine compartment if you need a second VIN to verify. It’s no different than an engine swap.

Mon Oct 20, 2025 6:18 pm

Virginia DMV can be a royal PITA.
Did you get a title at all?
I successfully registered a truck with no title from Texas by going through an abandonment process. It was pretty hokie but I made it work with help of the PO. It required no inspection.
I once bought a Baja with no title in Virginia and then deployed for a year.
Some how my Dad got it registered in VA for me. He persevered and was not happy about it.
I have a buddy who owned a Jeep in Georgia with no title and then moved to Virginia. It was a mess to get it titled and legal. I currently have a Ghia with no title since GA is a Bill of sale state for vehicles over 25 years. And it is reconstructed which makes things worse.
Obviously swapping vins around is not legal and I would never suggest that. But situations all have different solutions depending on what paperwork you possess for what parts of an auto. And there are title services.

Thu Oct 23, 2025 10:44 am

Register it in Maine. You may need to make a trip to Maine. The town clerk's office in larger towns issues tags. They're not picky about pre- Y2K vehicles.

You'll need proof of insurance from a Maine carrier.

If this sounds sketchy...

Maine has quite a bit of revenue from out of state entities. Watch for "Maine Apportioned" plates on semi- trailers on the highway. Maine offers semi- permanent tags for semi- trailers. They don't care where you're based. Pay their fee, get your tags. Drive legal.

For example the Sanford Maine town clerk will issue tags and send the renewal to your home state when the time comes.

Vermont used to be the "go to" state for funky registrations. They now require VIN verification which can be a hassle for a special construction or rebuilt vehicle. The good new is when you jump through their hoops you get a real Vermont title you can take anywhere.

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Thu Oct 23, 2025 5:26 pm

Dusty1 wrote: Register it in Maine. You may need to make a trip to Maine. The town clerk's office in larger towns issues tags. They're not picky about pre- Y2K vehicles.

You'll need proof of insurance from a Maine carrier.

If this sounds sketchy...

Maine has quite a bit of revenue from out of state entities. Watch for "Maine Apportioned" plates on semi- trailers on the highway. Maine offers semi- permanent tags for semi- trailers. They don't care where you're based. Pay their fee, get your tags. Drive legal.

For example the Sanford Maine town clerk will issue tags and send the renewal to your home state when the time comes.

Vermont used to be the "go to" state for funky registrations. They now require VIN verification which can be a hassle for a special construction or rebuilt vehicle. The good new is when you jump through their hoops you get a real Vermont title you can take anywhere.

.
.
Don't you need a Maine address for that?
A buddy actually leased a 12"x12" square in an office to register a bunch of gray market vehicles in Maine because they registered those at 15 (I think) years old instead of the usual 25. He has since either sold them all or registered them in Texas as they have aged enough now to do so.
I am going to wait and see how my Ghia build goes and if it goes as I hope I am going to probably pay a title company to get me a new title sorted. Like cartitles.com does - although I have not done any research on them.
Years ago it was the Delaware Title Company wasn't it? A couple hundred bucks and you would get a title from there signed over to you and then you re-register the car and, tah-dah!

Sun Oct 26, 2025 7:27 pm

Heiferman wrote: Dusty1 wrote: Register it in Maine. You may need to make a trip to Maine. The town clerk's office in larger towns issues tags. They're not picky about pre- Y2K vehicles.

You'll need proof of insurance from a Maine carrier.

If this sounds sketchy...

Maine has quite a bit of revenue from out of state entities. Watch for "Maine Apportioned" plates on semi- trailers on the highway. Maine offers semi- permanent tags for semi- trailers. They don't care where you're based. Pay their fee, get your tags. Drive legal.

For example the Sanford Maine town clerk will issue tags and send the renewal to your home state when the time comes.

Vermont used to be the "go to" state for funky registrations. They now require VIN verification which can be a hassle for a special construction or rebuilt vehicle. The good new is when you jump through their hoops you get a real Vermont title you can take anywhere.

.
.
Don't you need a Maine address for that?
A buddy actually leased a 12"x12" square in an office to register a bunch of gray market vehicles in Maine because they registered those at 15 (I think) years old instead of the usual 25. He has since either sold them all or registered them in Texas as they have aged enough now to do so.
I am going to wait and see how my Ghia build goes and if it goes as I hope I am going to probably pay a title company to get me a new title sorted. Like cartitles.com does - although I have not done any research on them.
Years ago it was the Delaware Title Company wasn't it? A couple hundred bucks and you would get a title from there signed over to you and then you re-register the car and, tah-dah!

I bought a few cars in Maine with nothing more than a hand-written bill of sale. I was a resident at the time so that might make a difference. I am pretty sure you can do same in Vermont without being a resident.

Sun Oct 26, 2025 8:12 pm

Lidpainter wrote: Heiferman wrote: Dusty1 wrote: Register it in Maine. You may need to make a trip to Maine. The town clerk's office in larger towns issues tags. They're not picky about pre- Y2K vehicles.

You'll need proof of insurance from a Maine carrier.

If this sounds sketchy...

Maine has quite a bit of revenue from out of state entities. Watch for "Maine Apportioned" plates on semi- trailers on the highway. Maine offers semi- permanent tags for semi- trailers. They don't care where you're based. Pay their fee, get your tags. Drive legal.

For example the Sanford Maine town clerk will issue tags and send the renewal to your home state when the time comes.

Vermont used to be the "go to" state for funky registrations. They now require VIN verification which can be a hassle for a special construction or rebuilt vehicle. The good new is when you jump through their hoops you get a real Vermont title you can take anywhere.

.
.
Don't you need a Maine address for that?
A buddy actually leased a 12"x12" square in an office to register a bunch of gray market vehicles in Maine because they registered those at 15 (I think) years old instead of the usual 25. He has since either sold them all or registered them in Texas as they have aged enough now to do so.
I am going to wait and see how my Ghia build goes and if it goes as I hope I am going to probably pay a title company to get me a new title sorted. Like cartitles.com does - although I have not done any research on them.
Years ago it was the Delaware Title Company wasn't it? A couple hundred bucks and you would get a title from there signed over to you and then you re-register the car and, tah-dah!

I bought a few cars in Maine with nothing more than a hand-written bill of sale. I was a resident at the time so that might make a difference. I am pretty sure you can do same in Vermont without being a resident.
Were you able to get a title or did you just register it on the BOS? I think that is the main (pun intended) question.
Converting from a BOS to a title is the issue. It does get confusing when there are two vins.
I would expect a salvage title could be obtained but no idea how that works.
Georgia is a BOS state but getting a title without intervention is nearly impossible here.

Sun Oct 26, 2025 10:05 pm

SabbathSplitty_67 wrote: ... the price was too good to pass up.

Over the years I have passed on several very nice cars, all at great prices, because of paperwork weirdness. I got burned once ... it took over 6 months of DMV gymnastics to get a clear title in my name. So maybe you didn't pay much up front, but you will in other ways.

If your state doesn't have a clear procedure and pathway to creating a title in your name for your specific situation, the next best solution would be something like Dusty1 has suggested ... but that's probably going to require having an address in the other state (like a vacation home/condo) and no doubt several other boxes to check off. Until you can get it titled/registered/insured, it's pretty much just sculpture ... and you sound more like a car enthusiast than an art collector. :wink:

Mon Oct 27, 2025 6:41 am

He has a title for the bus and a matching VIN tag on the airbox. The title isn’t the issue he’s worried about an enhanced inspection where you have to show where any major parts that were changed came from.

Mon Oct 27, 2025 7:28 am

pondoras box wrote: He has a title for the bus and a matching VIN tag on the airbox. The title isn’t the issue he’s worried about an enhanced inspection where you have to show where any major parts that were changed came from.

My understanding is that the title he has is from the PO with the PO's name on it, probably signed by the PO releasing it to him.

"To get it legal here, I could apply for a reconstructed title, but the process involves extensive inspections and proof of origin for the donor frame — which I don’t have. Without a VIN or title for the ‘74 frame, it’s considered unverified (or “stolen”) under state law."

I was referring to the OP having it titled/register/insured in his name. I believe that is what he means by "to get it legal". If his state is super uptight about title transfers on modified vehicles, I suspect it probably frowns on operating a vehicle without proper documentation for the current owner. Likewise, somewhere down the line the OP will probably want to sell this vehicle. Without the proper paperwork, this could be pretty challenging.

Mon Oct 27, 2025 7:38 am

OldSchoolVW's wrote: pondoras box wrote: He has a title for the bus and a matching VIN tag on the airbox. The title isn’t the issue he’s worried about an enhanced inspection where you have to show where any major parts that were changed came from.

My understanding is that the title he has is from the PO with the PO's name on it, probably signed by the PO releasing it to him.

"To get it legal here, I could apply for a reconstructed title, but the process involves extensive inspections and proof of origin for the donor frame — which I don’t have. Without a VIN or title for the ‘74 frame, it’s considered unverified (or “stolen”) under state law."

I was referring to the OP having it titled/register/insured in his name. I believe that is what he means by "to get it legal". If his state is super uptight about title transfers on modified vehicles, I suspect it probably frowns on operating a vehicle without proper documentation for the current owner. Likewise, somewhere down the line the OP will probably want to sell this vehicle. Without the proper paperwork, this could be pretty challenging.

I think the question on everyone's mind here.....is you are pulling up in a split. The split from the factory had its vin on the body. It's there right? The title says its a split and lists that Vin # right?

So, unless something is horribly obvious.....how do they KNOW you have a different under frame on the bus?
Why would you HAVE to go for a "reconstructed" title if the vehicle is visibly complete and looks correct?

Unless.....it was originally bought under a salvage title and completely wrecked?

Ray

Mon Oct 27, 2025 7:40 am

pondoras box wrote: He has a title for the bus and a matching VIN tag on the airbox. The title isn’t the issue he’s worried about an enhanced inspection where you have to show where any major parts that were changed came from.
Does he have a title though?
He never said he did and did not respond when asked.
If he has a title all he has to do is walk in to his DMV and do the paperwork as normal. They won't even look at the car. (Even in VA.) However, if he only got a BOS it is far more difficult.
I just assumed (maybe incorrectly) it was a BOS deal.
I had to get a vin inspection for my Ghia and it had two vins. But Georgia is pretty loose on old car regos. (BOS only.)

Mon Oct 27, 2025 5:19 pm

Hi All,

Sorry I’ve been a little tied up with family matters and building our house. I was able to get the bus titled here in Virginia since the VIN matches the title, so technically it’s legally registered now.

The issue is that once it’s running again, it sits quite high off the ground — you can clearly see the second frame welded under the original. My concern is driving it and getting pulled over, since the title doesn’t reflect the “reconstructed” nature of the build. Virginia State Troopers can be pretty strict around here.

I’ve had issues before just driving a bay window with antique tags on a Sunday, only 10 miles from home — but in this case, I’m worried it could actually be considered a felony offense.

I’m posting pictures for reference.

Mon Oct 27, 2025 7:23 pm

Just tell them you’re running bigger wheels and tires. No one knows how these things looked stock anymore. You’re telling me with all those raised 4X4’s with the rims and tires sticking way out from the fenders get pulled over and check for reconstructed vehicle titles? As long as you have valid registration and insurance you’re going to be fine. They have enough issues dealing with super speeders and take over crowds.

Mon Oct 27, 2025 9:11 pm

I think you are manufacturing a crisis where none exists.
Earlier in this thread, I suggested you simply register it using the VIN that was on the vehicle. I am glad that worked.
It seems there’s only one person talking about “reconstructed vehicles”. You.
As noted above, if the local law enforcement asks, tell them you have lifted the bus and have larger wheels and tires. Do not start running your mouth about a reconstructed vehicle.