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dubin Samba Member
Joined: July 30, 2010 Posts: 5 Location: uk
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Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2013 2:54 pm Post subject: Importing 1959 split to California - smog check? |
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I am moving to California from the UK and will be taking my 1959 split with me, I exported it from New Mexico 2 1/2 years ago so re-import is not an issue.
What I am wondering is about CA smog rules.
If the engine is original and the vehicle is older than 1976 then smog does not apply......but if I have swapped the engine for a subaru EJ20 from a 94 Legacy then what is the deal then?
Anyone done or doing Subaru Engine swaps in splits in the USA, it is quite common in the uk.
Have phoned a few VW garages in CA for similar advice. They all said at registration the DMV will not check anything so I can have any engine in there, but I am up sure whether this is just getting round the system or that it is legal?
I guess if I come to sell it that might invoke the rule? though i doubt i ever will sell it as it has taken 2 years to build!
If needed to get a smog test done on it, what is the difficulty in getting it passed? I have read you need the original ECU with the engine. I have that but not planning to use it, better and easier to fit a custom programmable ECU.
thanks for any advice you can offer. |
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joe56vw Samba Member
Joined: June 24, 2004 Posts: 3202 Location: Olympia wa
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Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2013 3:00 pm Post subject: |
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not sure about califroina but most of the US states don't do smog checks for any vechile over 25-30 years old
also there is only a few states that do a statewide smog check most of them are by county only
like in washington you only have to do smog checks if you live in the major 3 countys _________________ '60 15 window walkthrough
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=559931&highlight=
why is there no sarcasism button on here? |
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Hansolo99 Samba Member
Joined: December 04, 2010 Posts: 524 Location: So Cal
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CoastalAirCooledVW Samba Member

Joined: September 02, 2012 Posts: 1882 Location: Mckinleyville, CA (Humboldt County)
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Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2013 3:22 pm Post subject: |
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Even though CA has a lot of laws a car that is 1975 or older doesn't really need anything to be on the road. There are no safety checks (headlights ect) and no smog checks. Kind of scarry to think that no one needs working brakes, headlights, turn signals, horn, or anything else in CA to get it registered  _________________ 1966 Velvet Green Standard |
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66311 Samba Member

Joined: December 31, 2006 Posts: 1477 Location: Olive Branch MS
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Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2013 4:00 pm Post subject: |
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I will need pictures of your 59, including the engine.
Then I can give you my answer.  |
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TinCanFab Samba Member
Joined: April 04, 2006 Posts: 2743 Location: Waterford, California
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Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2013 4:18 pm Post subject: Re: Importing 1959 split to California - smog check? |
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dubin wrote: |
I am moving to California from the UK and will be taking my 1959 split with me, I exported it from New Mexico 2 1/2 years ago so re-import is not an issue.
What I am wondering is about CA smog rules.
If the engine is original and the vehicle is older than 1976 then smog does not apply......but if I have swapped the engine for a subaru EJ20 from a 94 Legacy then what is the deal then?
Anyone done or doing Subaru Engine swaps in splits in the USA, it is quite common in the uk.
Have phoned a few VW garages in CA for similar advice. They all said at registration the DMV will not check anything so I can have any engine in there, but I am up sure whether this is just getting round the system or that it is legal?
I guess if I come to sell it that might invoke the rule? though i doubt i ever will sell it as it has taken 2 years to build!
If needed to get a smog test done on it, what is the difficulty in getting it passed? I have read you need the original ECU with the engine. I have that but not planning to use it, better and easier to fit a custom programmable ECU.
thanks for any advice you can offer. |
You will not have to worry about the engine itself. In CA you do not smog 1975 or older vehicles whatsoever. On a newer year that does require smog, you must use the same type of replacement engine the same year as your chassis, or newer. There are other engine swap scenarios, but they only apply to newer cars.
Now, it's a hit or miss with other types of inspections. I bought a bug in 2001 and it hadn't been registered for years. I took a handwritten bill of sale and title to the DMV and they did a title transfer and gave me license plates on the spot. No inspection.
5 years later, I bought a bus in a similar situation. Bill of sale and title. I went to the DMV to show that in the past, the DMV printed the model year wrong on the title-1964 instead of 1967. Because I wanted to clear up the confusion, they made me go to the Highway Patrol office and have the bus inspected. The officer took out a book that told him where the VIN's should be. They only look at the chassis number in the engine compartment and overhead vent #. It was a huge hassle over a simple paperwork typo.
I should also mention that if you are having any bus inspected for a new title. PUT SEATS IN THE BACK. My bus was a standard and missing both bench seats. The DMV wanted to charge double for registration. They said with no seats, it's a commercial vehicle and therefore taxes were much higher. I put in a baywindow camper kit and it was now considered a passenger vehicle.
Other people have had to get the so-called "brake and light inspection". That may apply to you, I'm not sure. I've never had to get one. Now for a motorcycle, you will have problems if the engine number doesn't match.... _________________ Check out my truck brought back from the dead... http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=420762&highlight=sprayed+blood
They're never really ever finished 58 rag build...
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=658092 |
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Braukuche Samba Member
Joined: September 03, 2004 Posts: 11198
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Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2013 4:22 pm Post subject: Re: Importing 1959 split to California - smog check? |
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Most people actually run VW engines in their VWs here. _________________ Go Reds! Smash state!
Retirement is here!
1960 double cab
1960 Baja Bug
1963 stretched double cab
1962 Golde sunroof Ghia
1963 356 B coupe
1963 Notchback
1967 21 window less rusty now
1989 Westfalia |
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RHD Notch Samba Member

Joined: April 06, 2007 Posts: 1414 Location: Joshua Tree, CA
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Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2013 5:51 pm Post subject: |
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I believe all you'll need is a VIN verification at a CA DMV field office, the U.S. Customs/Homeland Security docs and proof of insurance to get it registered in CA...NO smog and NO nosing around the powerplant...not sure about the brake and light inspection. I had a car that was hit (not bad), but my insurance company deemed it totalled...I bought it back for $200 and had to get a salvage title...the CA DMV mandated a brake and light inspection in that situation...GOOD LUCK! _________________
Lind wrote: |
I am at the point where I hardly want to own anything that isn't original paint. |
campingbox wrote: |
I have some other projects I'd like to finish first and I want to drive this bus while I'm working on those to help stay motivated. |
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slayer56 Samba Member
Joined: June 03, 2009 Posts: 144 Location: San Diego
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Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2013 7:37 pm Post subject: |
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66311 wrote: |
I will need pictures of your 59, including the engine.
Then I can give you my answer.  |
you live in Mo. and you need more info to provide info in Calif. ... that's funny!! ... Your bus is smog exempt in Calif.!! |
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Fish Samba Member

Joined: December 05, 2000 Posts: 5899 Location: OB. It's beside the point.
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Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2013 11:07 pm Post subject: |
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44011. (a) All motor vehicles powered by internal combustion engines that are registered within an area designated for program coverage shall be required biennially to obtain a certificate of compliance or noncompliance, except for the following:
(1) All motorcycles until the department, pursuant to Section 44012, implements test procedures applicable to motorcycles.
(2) All motor vehicles that have been issued a certificate of compliance or noncompliance or a repair cost waiver upon a change of ownership or initial registration in this state during the preceding six months.
(3) All motor vehicles manufactured prior to the 1976 model-year.
And it keeps going. I think #3 should answer your question. Here is the link to the code book if you have any more questions.
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/veh_code.pdf _________________ Prosit!
.·´¯`·.¸. , . .·´¯`·..><((((º>
.·´¯`·.¸. , . .·´¯`·..><((((º>
# 303 and #156
Stop dead photo links! Post your photos to The Samba Gallery! |
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marksch Samba Member

Joined: April 25, 2007 Posts: 180 Location: Redondo Beach, CA
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Posted: Thu Feb 21, 2013 1:06 am Post subject: |
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I just brought my 66 from Florida to California and had no problems at all. I went to the DMV with some YOM Black plates and my Florida title. The biggest confusion was that the VIN wasnt on the dash but overhead of course. He didnt have a check box for this. lol
This was just last month, you will have no problems, definitely no smog or anything like that. I just got my new title and stickers last week. _________________ http://66split.com - My 21 window Seebau / Cumulusweiß bus restoration project and the crazy drive across the country that followed. |
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otis_bartleh Samba Member

Joined: August 19, 2009 Posts: 1151 Location: Burlington, WA
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Posted: Thu Feb 21, 2013 11:06 am Post subject: |
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When I registered my bus, I had the lien sale paperwork, and needed plates. Like mentioned above, get a back seat! They asked if I had one in, I stupidly said, not now, but have one going in. The dumbass' at the dmv made me go have my bus weighed before they would register it. And that was after talking to a supervisor.
Then I had to have it "inspected" at the dmv, but they didn't check any of the lighting, the guy seemed to just verify the VIN (I only showed him the M-code plate) and speedo milage... _________________ -Adam
'59 Mango Bus
'69 Bug - Cobalt Blue |
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woodslat Samba Member

Joined: March 13, 2004 Posts: 751 Location: Nor Cal
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Posted: Fri Feb 22, 2013 9:42 am Post subject: |
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otis_bartleh wrote: |
When I registered my bus, I had the lien sale paperwork, and needed plates. Like mentioned above, get a back seat! They asked if I had one in, I stupidly said, not now, but have one going in. The dumbass' at the dmv made me go have my bus weighed before they would register it. And that was after talking to a supervisor.
Then I had to have it "inspected" at the dmv, but they didn't check any of the lighting, the guy seemed to just verify the VIN (I only showed him the M-code plate) and speedo milage... |
Adam it's a blessing in disguise! You can park in ANY yellow zone for FREE! No more parking meters! |
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woodslat Samba Member

Joined: March 13, 2004 Posts: 751 Location: Nor Cal
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Posted: Fri Feb 22, 2013 10:05 am Post subject: Re: Importing 1959 split to California - smog check? |
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dubin wrote: |
I am moving to California from the UK and will be taking my 1959 split with me, I exported it from New Mexico 2 1/2 years ago so re-import is not an issue.
What I am wondering is about CA smog rules.
If the engine is original and the vehicle is older than 1976 then smog does not apply......but if I have swapped the engine for a subaru EJ20 from a 94 Legacy then what is the deal then?
Anyone done or doing Subaru Engine swaps in splits in the USA, it is quite common in the uk.
Have phoned a few VW garages in CA for similar advice. They all said at registration the DMV will not check anything so I can have any engine in there, but I am up sure whether this is just getting round the system or that it is legal?
I guess if I come to sell it that might invoke the rule? though i doubt i ever will sell it as it has taken 2 years to build!
If needed to get a smog test done on it, what is the difficulty in getting it passed? I have read you need the original ECU with the engine. I have that but not planning to use it, better and easier to fit a custom programmable ECU.
thanks for any advice you can offer. |
As well intended as all of the information about smog years is in all of the responses, it is INCORRECT. The cutoff for no smog inspection in California per the ARB is 1968 which has nothing to do with the DMV except for FOREIGN TITLED VEHICLES. The 59 is exempt from needing an EPA clearance letter to submit with the V5C to the DMV as it is manufactured prior to 1968. Vehicles imported in from another country 1968 and up need to go to a licensed smog laboratory and be brought to compliance with California Air Resources Board standards. Cost on this is $5-10K.
I understand in this case there is no problem as a 59 bus is too old to matter regardless of the powerplant. However if somebody was bringing in a 1970 bus from England it would cost too much to register it here with all the CARB hassles.
If anybody has any doubts about whether any of this is true, I have first hand experience running into this head on (as well as the actual DMV published requirements below). I was forced to sell a mint original paint Land Rover 109 tow truck out of state as it was going to cost 10K (all wheel drive=special dyno) to get the Certificate of Compliance from the CARB. I've imported several Land Rovers from England, all went out of state due to this issue as all were 1968 and newer.
Again, a 59 with a Subaru motor coming in from England or wherever is super easy, the DMV doesn't care but I just wanted everybody to have the correct information.
Read it yourself here in section 12.070 STRAIGHT FROM THE DMV WEBSITE.
https://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/reg_hdbk_pdf/ch12_nonresident_vehicles.pdf |
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Sniperx Samba Member
Joined: February 14, 2010 Posts: 777 Location: Japan
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Posted: Fri Feb 22, 2013 10:13 am Post subject: |
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Post-68 fix: Register it in another state then bring it to CA...then its not a foreign vehicle any longer.
Score one for the greenie weenies. Wait till new CARB rules start kicking in and old cars are no longer exempt and CA requires low carbon gasoline.
End chicken little transmission....
Edit: Another fix might be to just go in with a "bill of sale" from a friend and basically treat it as a barn find that has dropped out of the system.
All moot as this car is a 59.
F___ California |
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otis_bartleh Samba Member

Joined: August 19, 2009 Posts: 1151 Location: Burlington, WA
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Posted: Fri Feb 22, 2013 10:17 am Post subject: |
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woodslat wrote: |
Adam it's a blessing in disguise! You can park in ANY yellow zone for FREE! No more parking meters! |
Very true Eric, would have been really handy when I was a courier in L.A. when I was younger!  _________________ -Adam
'59 Mango Bus
'69 Bug - Cobalt Blue |
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dubin Samba Member
Joined: July 30, 2010 Posts: 5 Location: uk
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Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2013 9:45 am Post subject: |
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Thanks for all the advice, this ties up with what a few garages have said within CA, looks like the 59 is an easy import into CA, and as it came out of USA a few years back and I have the original title then customs is easy too.
Interesting about the Landrover thing, I was thinking about getting a whole 40' container to bring over possessions + van and was looking to buy a 70's landrover from Germany to import and sell to bring the costs down; will need to look into that a bit more I guess. I suppose I could still do that and never register it for use on CA roads, just sell it to someone out of state straight off.
Anyone got any other ideas of cars that people are importing in USA right now i could get hold of easily over in Europe? |
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Sniperx Samba Member
Joined: February 14, 2010 Posts: 777 Location: Japan
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Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2013 11:28 am Post subject: |
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Anything pre-89 diesel. This gets you past EPA and DOT safety problems.
California has different rules, but it can be worked around by registering in another state.
Early minis or vin modded late minis would go well especially commercial or odd ones. |
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