Wiper requirements for Connecticut dmv inspection

[Sixflyer]

I’m going through the Connecticut dmv requirements for a composite inspection of my Mk4 . The only requirement I seem to have a problem with is the wiper. It doesn’t require a defroster for an open roadster but lists an electric, air or vacuum operated wiper. I’ve been looking for a clip on one at the top of the windshield but haven’t found anything yet. Failing that, does anyone have the wiper kit from FFR that they’d sell? Has anyone here had any experience with CT DMV? Thanks in advance.

[Dave M]

You used to be able to get away with a manual clip on but I guess that’s changed. A friend has what I think is a single boat wiper that’s probably cheaper and easier to install. If you don’t come up with an FFR unit that would another option.

[Lidodrip]

If you decide to go with permanent wipers, you can also consider using the wiper kit (WWK-2) from Specialty Power Windows - https://www.specialtypowerwindows.co...eld-wiper-kits. Several report it is a higher quality kit than what FFR sells, but I don't have any basis for comparison. Installation was easy, operation is smooth and quiet, and it came with a rotary switch that I was able to change out the knob for a nice brass chromed knob. You do need to purchase the wiper arms/blades separately from Specialty Power Windows as well as a bezel trim kit - https://www.csxparts.com/p-1296-wipe...t-and-nut.aspx. Personally, I think wipers add to the finished look.

James

[Tbev]

I’m going through the Connecticut dmv requirements for a composite inspection of my Mk4 . The only requirement I seem to have a problem with is the wiper. It doesn’t require a defroster for an open roadster but lists an electric, air or vacuum operated wiper. I’ve been looking for a clip on one at the top of the windshield but haven’t found anything yet. Failing that, does anyone have the wiper kit from FFR that they’d sell? Has anyone here had any experience with CT DMV? Thanks in advance.

Hold off on bringing your roadster to DMV for inspection. I was there with my car a week and a half ago and they turned me away. I will make a very long story as short as I possibly can. Factory Five applied to be a recognized as a replica manufacturer with The National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration (NHTSA). I believe this is part of a new federal law. The State of CT passed a law based on the federal law that went into effect in January of this year. The CT law states that replica manufacturers who are on the NHTSA list of recognized replica manufacturers no longer require a DMV inspection (sounds crazy, I know). When I went for inspection, the supervisor told me that since Factory Five applied to be on NHTSA's list they could not inspect my vehicle and I would have to wait for NHTSA to approve Factory Five's application. At that point I would not need an inspection and could go right to a DMV branch for registration. I was the unfortunate one to be the first in CT to attempt inspection since the law change. While I was in the inspection line at DMV, I called FFR and they put me through to Dave Smith himself. Dave spoke to the inspector as well. Dave assured me that he would complete their application within a week and would try to get FFR on the NHTSA website within the next 3 weeks. Here is the link to the website so that you can check when FFR is listed: https://vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov/MID/Home/Search586/
So I would hold off on the wipers because it looks like you will not have to go through inspection. I will be attempting registration as soon as FFR appears on this list and I will let you know how it goes. The inspector from DMV has offered to call my local DMV branch before I go for registration to explain the new law since it is likely I will be the first one going through under the new law.

[JJK]

Not to hijack the thread, but this is interesting. Do you know if there is a list of states that will apply the NHTSA policy?

[Tbev]

Not to hijack the thread, but this is interesting. Do you know if there is a list of states that will apply the NHTSA policy?

When I was on the phone with Dave Smith he mentioned that CT, and I believe 2 or 3 other states, have changed their laws based on the new federal law. I apologize, but the only other one that I remember besides CT was Florida.

[JJK]

Thanks, but I can't imagine Texas would be high on the list to replace a state policy with a federal one , but that would be nice.

[Tbev]

Thanks, but I can't imagine Texas would be high on the list to replace a state policy with a federal one , but that would be nice.

I wouldn't think Florida would be either.

[Jasonandlynn5022]

I wouldn't think Florida would be either.

Will the registration requirements be the same. Register as a "component", try for year of 1965, don't leave without a VIN. With the new law will you be able to get "classic" plates. How, and when, will you get a "real" VIN. This is GREAT news..

[Tbev]

Will the registration requirements be the same. Register as a "component", try for year of 1965, don't leave without a VIN. With the new law will you be able to get "classic" plates. How, and when, will you get a "real" VIN. This is GREAT news..

You will register it as a 1965 "Replica". The VIN will be the 12 digit serial number on your certificate of origin and frame. They will not issue you a 17 digit VIN. And they will NEVER be eligible for "classic" plates.
Here is a link to where DMV explains it: https://portal.ct.gov/dmv/vehicle-se...language=en_US

When you read what DMV says in this link it seems clear that FFR would fall under the component car category and not replica. And they should. The replica category is meant for companies who assemble, to completion, small volumes of replicas in their factories and not for the guy building it in their garage. The State of CT apparently does not care, and as long as FFR appears on that NHTSA list you will not be required to go through inspection.

[Badfish]

CT DMV states they will not issue classic plates for composite vehicles, even when 20 years old.

Edited: I’ve been fighting for classic plates for our cars for roughly 4 years. Working with legislators, testifying, corresponding with DMV. No luck.

My FFR is registered as a 2004. Now 20 years old, DMV still stating not eligible for classic plates.

See my auto signature.

Will the registration requirements be the same. Register as a "component", try for year of 1965, don't leave without a VIN. With the new law will you be able to get "classic" plates. How, and when, will you get a "real" VIN. This is GREAT news..

[Tbev]

CT DMV states they will not issue classic plates for composite vehicles, even when 20 years old.

What new law?

Hi Jay,
I am not sure of the name of the new law. I am only reporting what was told to me by the head inspector when I attempted to get my car inspected a week and a half ago. I was told this new law went into effect on January 1st. And if you click on the link in my previous post you will see on the DMV website that it clearly states what you and I already knew, our cars are not eligible for antique plates.
Tony

Skyflyer-sorry to hijack your thread, but I wanted to get this info to you so that you don't waist your time and money looking for a temporary wiper solution to get you through inspection. Unless something changes between now and when FFR is listed on NHSTA, they won't inspect you even if you wanted them to.

[Badfish]

Hey. Interesting on their position on kit vs replica at the inspection lane. Seems like they are conflating the two.

Either way, without the classic plate, my wallet is still exposed.

Factory Five applied several years ago to be a ‘replica’ manufacturer, I think it went stale. Interesting to still it active again.

Hi Jay,
I am not sure of the name of the new law. I am only reporting what was told to me by the head inspector when I attempted to get my car inspected a week and a half ago. I was told this new law went into effect on January 1st. And if you click on the link in my previous post you will see on the DMV website that it clearly states what you and I already knew, our cars are not eligible for antique plates.
Tony

Skyflyer-sorry to hijack your thread, but I wanted to get this info to you so that you don't waist your time and money looking for a temporary wiper solution to get you through inspection. Unless something changes between now and when FFR is listed on NHSTA, they won't inspect you even if you wanted them to.

[Tbev]

Hey. Interesting on their position on kit vs replica at the inspection lane. Seems like they are conflating the two.

Either way, without the classic plate, my wallet is still exposed.

Factory Five applied several years ago to be a ‘replica’ manufacturer, I think it went stale. Interesting to still it active again.

The DMV supervisor in the Inspection lane told me they will not inspect Factory Five's because they applied to be on the NHSTA's list of replica manufacturers and their application is still pending. If Factory Five refused to complete their application with the NHSTA then no Factory Five vehicle going forward could be registered in CT. Fortunately, Dave Smith was great and told me he would expedite the completion of their application. The whole thing makes no sense but this is what I was told after waiting in the inspection lane for 3 hours a couple of weeks ago.

[Badfish]

That would be wild…

The DMV supervisor in the Inspection lane told me they will not inspect Factory Five's because they applied to be on the NHSTA's list of replica manufacturers and their application is still pending. If Factory Five refused to complete their application with the NHSTA then no Factory Five vehicle going forward could be registered in CT. Fortunately, Dave Smith was great and told me he would expedite the completion of their application. The whole thing makes no sense but this is what I was told after waiting in the inspection lane for 3 hours a couple of weeks ago.

[Sixflyer]

If you decide to go with permanent wipers, you can also consider using the wiper kit (WWK-2) from Specialty Power Windows - https://www.specialtypowerwindows.co...eld-wiper-kits. Several report it is a higher quality kit than what FFR sells, but I don't have any basis for comparison. Installation was easy, operation is smooth and quiet, and it came with a rotary switch that I was able to change out the knob for a nice brass chromed knob. You do need to purchase the wiper arms/blades separately from Specialty Power Windows as well as a bezel trim kit - https://www.csxparts.com/p-1296-wipe...t-and-nut.aspx. Personally, I think wipers add to the finished look.

James

Since I’m a few months away from having to deal with registration I’ll hold off wipers while I follow this thread. I had followed a similar thread about registration in Florida and FFR applying for the application last year but hadn’t heard anything recently. Since I’m putting a hardtop on mine I may decide to add them anyways. If I do they be the modernized ones instead of the MGB cable ones.

[Sixflyer]

Please keep us (me) posted on your progress, I should be ready this summer and hope to follow you to get my Mk4 on the road.

[Tbev]

Please keep us (me) posted on your progress, I should be ready this summer and hope to follow you to get my Mk4 on the road.

I will. I have an appointment scheduled with DMV in two weeks. I check the NHTSA website daily to see if FFR is listed. If it is not listed before my DMV appointment then I will have to delay DMV. I'll let you know how it goes.

[Badfish]

If i were you, I would email the following DMV employees BEFORE going to inspection again. Why waist your time...? Request they give you their position and status.

TIFFANY HARDWICK
Chief of Staff
Connecticut Motor Vehicles
Phone: 860-263-5386
[email protected]

Michelle C.H. Givens, Esq.
Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles
Legal Services Division, Room 164
60 State Street
Wethersfield, CT 06161
Phone: (860) 263-5130
Fax: (860) 263-5522
[email protected]

Audrey Hall
Division Chief
CT Department of Motor Vehicles
Vehicle and Business Regulation
Ph: 860-263-5232
Email: [email protected]

[Dave M]

I don’t see how or why they refuse to give you an inspection. Until such time that FFRs status has been approved and added to there list it should be business as usual. I suppose maybe they could be thinking they’re doing you a favor.

[Tbev]

Jay-I am not bringing it to inspection again. According to the supervisor in the inspection lane, once FFR is on that NHTSA list it will not need an inspection (according to the head inspector) and I can go right to registration. I appreciate the contact info though because I may need it if the DMV branch ends up turning me away because of not having an inspection.
Dave M-I agree with you completely. I was there with my car and FFR was not on the NHTSA list yet. They should of inspected my car and I'd be on the road right now. I asked the inspector if he could just inspect my car since FFR was not on the list and he said he could not because they applied to be on the list and their application is still pending. I believe the bottom line is they don't want to inspect FFR's anymore. He even told me that every one of these cars that comes through the inspection lane is a FFR. It is even more messed up than that but I won't go into it here. I have an appointment with DMV for registration on 4/16 and I just have to hope that FFR gets on that list soon and I get through it with no issues.

[Badfish]

@tbev - any updates?

[Tbev]

@tbev - any updates?

No. Per Dave Smith, FFR has completed their application with the NHTSA, but they still do not appear on the NHTSA website for authorized replica manufacturers. According to the supervisor at the DMV Inspection lane, every CT FFR owner will not be able to register their roadsters until FFR appears on that website. The DMV inspector has assured me that once FFR is on the website that I will be able to register my roadster without an inspection. Dave Smith, who has been super helpful by the way, told me that he had hoped FFR would appear on the website about a week ago. As of 5 minutes ago they are still not listed.

[Badfish]

Thanks for the update. I’ve been checking the NHTSA website as well. Crazy that CT DMV has stopped at FFR inspections, you should escalate. Our voice needs to be louder.

I’ve continued to email DMV, they stopped responding, but that won't stop me.

[Sixflyer]

I called FFR last week to get an update. They said they thought by June or July they would get the paperwork through. I’ve seen this talked about for quite some time and don’t know of any state that’s approved it. Looking at the current list they are all selling cars, not kits. Don’t see how FFR will fit into that category but can’t rely on Connecticut misinterpreting the directive to get my car registered. Mines going to paint soon but I’d like some clarity. It would be like the FAA saying all those homebuilt airplanes out there don’t need any inspection, just send us a few bucks and we’ll give you an N number. Not gonna happen.

[Tbev]

I called FFR last week to get an update. They said they thought by June or July they would get the paperwork through. I’ve seen this talked about for quite some time and don’t know of any state that’s approved it. Looking at the current list they are all selling cars, not kits. Don’t see how FFR will fit into that category but can’t rely on Connecticut misinterpreting the directive to get my car registered. Mines going to paint soon but I’d like some clarity. It would be like the FAA saying all those homebuilt airplanes out there don’t need any inspection, just send us a few bucks and we’ll give you an N number. Not gonna happen.

I don't know who you spoke to at FFR but Dave Smith emailed me a week ago and said the paperwork was all in and he expected FFR to appear on the NHTSA website very soon. I agree with everything else you said, but I am going by what the head inspector in the DMV inspection lane told me and that was that he would not inspect my car because FFR applied to be on the list of Replica MV with the NHTSA. Now I could make waves with higher ups because I have no means to register my car right now or I could be patient for a little longer and wait for FFR to appear on the NHTSA website. Then I can try and register it without inspection, like the supervisor in the inspection lane told me. I have already paid for a Uhaul once and brought my car to Wethersfield and sat in line for 3 hours only to be turned away. I am opting to wait and maybe I will get through the registration process like the head inspector told me, just like registering a daily driver. Funny you bring up the FAA. When I was in the inspection lane and called FFR they patched me through to Dave Smith. He spoke to the head inspector and told him that CT was misinterpreting the federal law. Dave even used an FAA analogy, which made total sense. It didn't change anything.
Any chance you would be willing to hold off a little longer with making phone calls to DMV for clarity? I have been dealing with this mess for two months now and I just want my car registered the quickest and easiest way possible. My fear is that calls to DMV at this point will delay me even longer.

[Badfish]

Guys - suggest we rally together, on both this topic, and classic plates for composite vehicles. I continue to push Tiffany and the DMV lawyers listed above, but think we need to go to Commissioner Tony Guerrera directly.

[Tbev]

Guys - suggest we rally together, on both this topic, and classic plates for composite vehicles. I continue to push Tiffany and the DMV lawyers listed above, but think we need to go to Commissioner Tony Guerrera directly.

My car has been done and sitting in the garage since February. At this point I want the quickest and easiest path to registration so that I can start enjoying it. I have tried reaching out to the supervisor in the inspectors office to attempt to reason with him. My hope was that he would allow me to bring my car back for inspection since FFR is still not on the NHTSA list. He has stopped responding to emails. My concern is that if I start making waves it could delay the process for me further. I am holding out hope that FFR will show up on that list soon and I can just walk in to my local DMV branch and register my car. If nothing changes in the next couple of weeks then I will join anyone else who is interested and start making phone calls.

[Sixflyer]

I’ll follow the thread for awhile and see where it goes before I start with higher ups at DMV. I’d like to be a position to get it registered as soon as it’s approved and before someone in government realizes what they’re doing. Please post when you have any progress.

[Tbev]

I’ll follow the thread for awhile and see where it goes before I start with higher ups at DMV. I’d like to be a position to get it registered as soon as it’s approved and before someone in government realizes what they’re doing. Please post when you have any progress.

That is my feeling exactly! Get it done before someone with brains realizes what is going on. I'll certainly will let you know as soon as I know something.

[rustyrim]

I am also waiting, but I know for certain that NOBODY in the legal department will ever help a civilian . Their job is to shield the department and then the employees.

[Tbev]

Just a quick update on the CT registration saga.....I heard back from the supervisor from the DMV inspection office. He did clarify one thing for me. He explained that the reason he can not inspect my car is because on the certificate of origin it lists the cobra as a "Replica" and not a "Composite vehicle". He said that if I reached out to FFR and had them issue me a new certificate of origin with my vehicle listed as a "Composite Vehicle" then he would be able to inspect it and I could then move forward with the registration. According to him, my other choice is to wait for FFR to appear on the NHTSA website of Replica Vehicles and go through the registration process as a replica. I am choosing to wait as I would like my title to show my car as a 1965 replica instead of a 1965 composite vehicle. For those of you planning on registering your cars soon I would check your certificate of origin to see what it says. If it says Composite, you will have to have it inspected and if it says Replica you may not. I know there is no guarantees, regardless of what the inspector told me, that I will be successful registering my car as a replica but at this point I will wait a little longer in hopes it works. This is still messed up but I guess it makes a little more sense.

[Badfish]

Insanity. I emailed Tiffany & Co. this morning, no response.