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914World.com _ 914World Garage _ Pittsburgh, PA 914

Posted by: srb7f Apr 4 2006, 07:49 AM

It's official, I'm moving to Pittsburgh in early June. The 914 will be coming with me, but I am wondering what sorts of options I will have with registering it.
I know PA has inspections, but is there any way to get historic plates and not have to deal with them?
My car is a 74 which will only be driven on nice days under collector insurance. Any help is appreciated, Steve

Posted by: JerryP Apr 4 2006, 07:55 AM

you can avoid the inspections even though its only $22 per year.

http://www.dmv.org/pa-pennsylvania/vehicle-registration.php

you can check the rules and get forms here.

Welcome to PA....even if its the wrong side of the state

Posted by: Kerrys914 Apr 4 2006, 08:11 AM

I guess the 914 gods needed to keep the world in balance. I moved from PA to VA and you move to PA from VA..... Very ZEN don't you think..

You better still plan on attending the East Coast Cookout in DC this year..

Cheers and GO EAGLES

Posted by: Spoke Apr 4 2006, 08:14 AM

Welcome to PA, the land of taxes. If you want to fit in right away in the 'burgh, buy plenty of Steeler stuff and don't wear or show other team's stuff, especially Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys, Cincinnati Bengals, and Baltimore Ravens. Eagles are ok (PA team), Jets (because of Joe Namath from Beaver, PA), and the 49ers (because of local son Joe Montana).

About registration, go to

http://www.dmv.state.pa.us/

Here's a fact sheet on Classic and Antique cars in PA

http://www.dot10.state.pa.us/pdotforms/fact_sheets/fs-ant.pdf

I have my 74 fully registered and insured for year round driving. I didn't do the classic/antique thing because I drive the 914 every day to work. I find that the weather is more stable in the winter as far as rain/snow is concerned than in the Spring/Summer where frequent afternoon showers ruin a nice trip to/from work. As far as emissions go, PA only goes back 30 years so this year 1976 models must pass emissions. Your 74 is exempt.

The car inspection is a piece of cake if your car is properly maintained. They look for common sense items like loose ball joints/tie rod ends, bad shocks, good brakes including pads and rotors, working lights, windshield wiper/washer, and tire tread depth. All common sense stuff. I've gone through 3 914 PA inspections with no issues. I've actually found the yearly inspection to be a good thing as many times I was reminded of worn brake pads/rotors, bad brake lines, and even uneven tire wear. The key is to find a reputable inspection station. Ask your neighbors where they go and decide for yourself.

Spoke

Posted by: JerryP Apr 4 2006, 08:41 AM

with spoke. I like the yearly inspection. The shop I use is right near my house and an old car buff owns it. I give them the work for my wife's car and most stuff for my work truck and, in turn, they will pass the 914 or alert me to any present or potential issues they find, letting me do the work myself. I just bring it back for the sticker if its anything important, so they don't have to stick their necks out. It also gets me motivated to work on the car.

Posted by: fitsbain Apr 4 2006, 10:46 AM

Welcome to Pittsburgh (soon anyway). Now I willn't have to be the newest teener in Pittsburgh. But I still willn't be able to drive mine anytime soon.

Yell at me if you need any help moving, and be sure to bring all your spare parts. Someone (me!!!) can always use them. I havn't yet found any source of parts (junkyard) near pittsburgh that has anything (cept one with like 5 or 6 beetles).

Posted by: nylart Apr 4 2006, 10:49 AM

I agree that the safety inspections are well worthwhile. If however you want to avoid the cost and annoyance of the yearly emission inspections, apply for an antique license. You will still need to have a safety inspection but emissions checks are not required. The plates will cost $50 - 100 but are a one time charge so you then don't have to tithe the state $36 / year for an annual registrations. (I think there may be a limitation on the miles you can put on the car each year, but if there are, no one checks it.)

Welcome to the Burgh. First rule: don't drop the "h". If you're not already a member, why don't you join the PCA. We have a pretty active club for both social and track activities. You'll find a few ARPCA members with teeners (but not a lot). There are also a few 914 clubbers but they might be harder to find.

If you're into DE, there are 4 tracks within a 4 hour drive so you can get on the track pretty much every weekend.

Art

Posted by: boboli914@att.net Apr 4 2006, 12:19 PM

Its nice to see another Pittsburgher and a 914 in the same sentence. Maybe a summer run??? Welcome!

Posted by: dheinz Apr 4 2006, 05:03 PM

Pittsburgheese spoken here.
A summer fun run sounds like a great idea.

Posted by: boboli914@att.net Apr 4 2006, 06:20 PM

QUOTE (dheinz @ Apr 4 2006, 03:03 PM)
Pittsburgheese spoken here.
A summer fun run sounds like a great idea.

We will have to get one together when it warms up again. Also, Just spotted a orange 914 in wexford at the Mccandless town hall office in north park. Anyone??? It was very nice.

Posted by: fitsbain Apr 4 2006, 07:07 PM

I'll have a party at my place if people are interested.

I'll supply beer and beef.

Maybe some of you could even help with my car (<-------- alterier motive)

After it is warm of course.

Posted by: wilchek Apr 4 2006, 07:59 PM

If you register as antique(25yrs old) in PA, you never need to get it inspected or have emissions forever. I think the registration is permanent also.

Posted by: srb7f Apr 4 2006, 10:13 PM

Thanks for the warm welcome! I think I may end up going with the antique route, as I don't drive the car everyday (though sometimes more than once per week- but I think this would be next to impossible to enforce). I think the yearly inspections would probably be a good idea, but the hassle of renewing registration and having to take the car to the shop to get it done may outweigh the benefit (as I will be working strange hours).

It would be awesome to meet the local 914 guys once I finally get settled in town.

Posted by: boboli914@att.net Apr 5 2006, 06:31 AM

QUOTE (wilchek @ Apr 4 2006, 05:59 PM)
If you register as antique(25yrs old) in PA, you never need to get it inspected or have emissions forever. I think the registration is permanent also.

All True!!,but the car has to be 100% stock.I tried that with my flared car and they laughed at me needless to say I am going to try it again this year

Posted by: Kerrys914 Apr 5 2006, 06:37 AM

I had no issues with my flared 914 getting the antique plates.

They asked for 4 photos (one of each side) and never said a thing. Now if you tell them it's all moded and has non-original parts you are asking for issues.

Cheers

Posted by: boboli914@att.net Apr 5 2006, 08:04 AM

QUOTE (Kerrys914 @ Apr 5 2006, 04:37 AM)
I had no issues with my flared 914 getting the antique plates.

They asked for 4 photos (one of each side) and never said a thing. Now if you tell them it's all moded and has non-original parts you are asking for issues.

Cheers

When I gave them the photos the girl was like I love this car! What is it? Blah,blah,blah,which then caused a scene,which lead to a huge series of questions which lead to we are sorry,but the car needs to be 100%stock. Not even chrome aftermarket wheels,but I think I have my bases covered for this years try!?!?

Posted by: Dr Evil Apr 5 2006, 08:42 AM

Antique = only legal to drive 1 day a week, to/from events and in parades. Smog is just visual up to and including 93. The only trick is finding a reputable shop. I perfer small businesses. I did this yesterday with the Benz and it was easier than I expected.

Check the web sited provided for all fo the details of the inspection. God help you if you are registering a salvaged (reconstructed) vehicle here My 4runner is and I have driven it for a while, but when I moved her they acted as if it were junk. Many crappy steps.