Help me get my buggy titled in crappy Pennsylvania

[volkswagen69]

I have a manx type buggy that is all ready to go on the road. It has a title from Massachusetts and I am trying to get it titled in Pennsylvania. I had the car inspected and had the title application booklet filled out by a local certified mechanic stating that it is road worthy. Even though I was already issued a plate by the local messenger service, I got my application rejected because some beaurocrat in my state capital said he or she doesn't like the way my engine isn't covered ( no more or less than any other manx type buggy) or the way the wheels are exposed.(not enough fender for them) Now, I've seen other people in Pennsylvania with dune buggies the same as mine. Why would mine draw a red flag? Is there an argument to get around this? The car has all the essentials...turn signals, wipers, tail lights, head lights....Please! Someone help me so I can enjoy this car and not have to sell it out of frustration.[/url]

[Letterman7]

I, too am in PA, vw69. the problem is stemming from some new laws that had been passed a few years ago concerning the tire coverage and motors. Heaven forbid if a pedestrian tripped and fell into the motor! In any case, check with your local title company or wherever you got your registration from. You may have to register it as a 'specially constructed vehicle' that may make it exempt from those 'safety' laws. The problem is it may restrict you to either daylight hours or limited hours per year you can drive it. But check with the company. Or, better yet, call PA's DOT directly and see if you can get a hold of someone there who can give you the right answers. Doubtful, but it's worth a shot. Check the website at www.state.pa under driver services.
Good luck!

[Baja76]

I have a 70 Baja bug and I'm having the same problem with my title. LEt me know what you did and if it worked out for you. I'm getting really frustrated cause I just want to drive my car. Thanks

[volkswagen69]

I called Penndot and all the lady said is "I want the engine covered and the fenders extended". I explained to her that the body is the way it is . I just can't magically make new fenders and a create a locking hood for the engine. ITS A DUNE BUGGY! What the f***! She said in a snotty way that was my problem and until I do what she commands, they won't give me a title. I'm gonna try to go over her head to someone not suffering from PMS. If that doesn't work, my neighbor is a state representative and I'll see if he can't pull a few strings.

[Letterman7]

OK, go here: http://www.dmv.state.pa.us/pdotforms/mv_forms/mv-426B.pdf and print out everything. Page 18 details registrations for dune buggies. What should happen is they will (PADOT) issue a new VIN plate. In reading those pages, you will note that the regulations state no exposed air cleaners, etc. BUT, they make provisions for 'specially constructed vehicles' such as street rods.
Read everything carefully, make copies, and send it in. Provide as much info on the kit as you can. If push came to shove you could try to register it as a 196?? Bug, but then you get into insurance hassles.
The person you dealt with was out of line. You should have demanded her supervisor.
Keep us posted. Good luck. I'll keep digging around on my end as well.

Rick

[volkswagen69]

Ok, today I talked to another guy at the specially constructed, reconstructed division....the people who shot me down. This guy was helpful and explained what I or we need to do. He said the engine must be covered and the fenders need extended which sucks, but he did say in a vague way that there is a way around this without making permanant modifications to the car. First off, he said he was aware there are cars like mine running around Pa. and that they are technically illegal as they are. He said a lot of people "make" fenders and engine covers and attach them to make it "look" legal for the Penndot photos. He said he does not condone this, but it is done, and if it looks like it was done believably, it will pass the test. What you do after the photos is up to you. Attach the damn things with velcro. He told me one guy painted cardboard for the photos and attached it. He said it wouldn't be his first choice of body material, but never the less he did. Heavy rubber mud guards can be used as fender extensions. They just cant' rub the tire. He also explained how the fender coverage works. If you look at your car from the side, with the front facing the left, the front tire should have fender coverage to to the 11 o'clock position if you looked at the tire as a clock. The rear should have coverage to the two o'clock position. I know it sounds like a lot of $h!t to go through, but this ain't Ohio. He even gave me his email address so he could review the pictures before I send a formal copy so he can okay them.

[Letterman7]

Well, at least you got an answer and someone to work with. Now depending where you are in PA, you just have to hope our local troopers don't decide to enforce it. The bigger cities may say something, unless you are on your way to a meet or something. Keep us posted!

[54taterbug]

I bought a junk buggy with a pa recon. title to by pass all that crap.State farm insured it for me but they wanted pictures too .So after that the bumper-cages came off. A friend inspects it for me each year. You know it's illegal to have fun in PA.

[sweetbus]

I have a fix for the fender problem..... put a set of real skinny tires and rims on it , that should take care of that problem, then just put them back on after its all said and done

[Ragman]

This discussion raises some issues for me as an American. How can one car be perfectly legal in Florida or California, but in Pennslyvania they won't allow it. Sounds like a bunch of BS to me.

Good luck getting it to pass, and then reverse all the changes.

[Class 11 wannabe]