Your other thread said it is a 73, there is no way a 77 will get registered, you are better off buying one already registered in California imo but even then it is risky.

Don't.

You won't be able to register it in California. PERIOD.

Move on.

Look for a pre 1969 model (is that correct Cal. readers?)

 

I'm thinking about buying a classic mini cooper.  guy says it is titled in oklahoma as a 1977 with a 1998 build. on the title the vin # says:  1278260

does this number seem odd? any thoughts on registering it in california

thanks for your input

 

I'm about to go through the same CA DMV / VIN verification process on my new-to-me '59 Morris Mini. The car had been completely stripped for a repaint, so 1) the original tag was removed and I had to reattach it with pop rivets, and 2) any other stamped bit of metal was now covered up with a lot of primer and paint. I hated to do it, but after seeing the faintest of outlines on the paint at the top of the triangular piece in the engine compartment, I sanded down the paint until I found bare metal with very faint numbering stamped in it. Thankfully, the numbers match the VIN (tag + WA state title), though it's just the final digits after the usual series of identifying codes. In my case, it's MA2SL followed by 12334. Only the 12334 part was stamped on the body. See photo for VIN location, and thanks to many of you for sending me in the right direction. I hope this makes the DMV process go more smoothly.

I had a 72 from Oregon, had CHP vin inspection, and that was it, just like my 69 from KY via UK. Same deal, CHP vin verification. If you add another VIN tag, prior to coming, you can avaid the CHP inspection, DMV will then sign off per DMV Inspector.

No, I do not work for the DMV or the CHP, but I have registered a "1971" mini in California that was brought in from out of state, and did a lot of research before bringing it to the DMV, and I was able to complete the process fairly easily, so I thought I would try to add what I could to the thread.

contact Cecat on this board.....he may be able to verify it for you.

Miniblaze:  I have read your 4 or 5 posts on this thread...what qualifies you as an expert on this subject???  Do you work for DMV or CHP???

They must have stopped doing vin verifications between 5 years ago, when I moved in to the state, and now.  Or maybe your local AAA just doesnt have a person qualified to do that particular task. 

They needed to do a verification on my car because the vin on the vehicle title didn't match the one on the paperwork I filled out (I used the actual numbers on the car when filling out the forms).  The previous state's title had the S/5 mix up.  The AA folks, after verifying the vin also did a title vin correction for me.  And they verified the car with only 1 vin plate location....since that is what early-ish MK1's have.   

 

Good luck Nichole.  Let us know how it all turns out.

 

Taking it to the CHP is a terrible idea.

If you need help, you can e-mail me if you like.

Won't cut it in ca.

If the paperwork says '73, then its a '73 as far as the DMV is concerned.

I called my local AAA they said they would not do out of state vin verification.

Hi everyone, thanks for all the tips - I think I have it figured out and will hopefully have the car registered soon. Thanks again!

Make a 14 digit vin plate to match the documents, mount it and go get it registered. Consider it a small error that you're correcting. Like mine that has the S listed as a 5. 

I have a friend here in Kalyfoornnya that created his own vin number and stamped his own plate to match. His car didn't come with any vin numbers at all noted on the documents or on the car and needed one to get it registered.  A real MkI award winner it was too.   dan 

In short, you need to talk to the person who sold you the car and see if that person is willing to help you sort this out. If it's not already obvious to you, the remaining coversations should be between you and the seller and in private. If your issue cannot be resolved amicably, only then would I suggest that you bring this back into the public forum.

This is quoted from an article in the ARTICLES section of this site.

VIN, First Three Positions (“SAX” in the above example):

 

            This is the World Make Identifier. The factory microfiche indicates this was started on these cars in Feb 1981.

 

            SAX = MG-Rover

 

 

 

Yes, the first three left off are SAX - what does that mean?? Geez, this just keeps getting worse and worse :(

That will be a problem. The supporting documents should match, otherwise it will get flagged.  You may have to take it to the CHP, as they are the ultimate authority in these matters.  They can even add vin's when there are none.  But it may not be pleseant.  If you have 17 digit vin you probably don't have a 73.  Are the first three letters they left off SAX?  

I can definitely drive to Half Moon Bay, but there on little weird thing - the Florida title matches the VIN except it is missing the first three letters - there are only 14 digits on the title (although those do match the VIN exactly). Is that a problem?

If you can drive it to Half Moon Bay, I can complete the vin verification paper work at my work.  As long as the vin is unmolested, and it matches the paperwork you shouldn't have a problem.  Mark