I just got back from the DMV where I registered my '74 914 without needing a smog certificate. There were rumors suggesting that the 30 year rule actually applied to the car's build date or first registration date (that would have meant my car wouldn't be exempt until October of this year). Apparently those rumors aren't true. I suppose others could have different experiences depending on how well informed your DMV agent is.

Anyone else out there with a '74 in California I would say the value of your car just went up a little. _IF_ the legislation holds this will be a good thing for owners of '75s and '76s in the next few years.

Jon

My last smog check (mines a 74)was in 1998, here in WA....it was every 2 years.
The winter after that, I dropped in the 6er knowing that by
2000, it would be exempt (we have the 25 year rule, but it didn't take effect till 2000).
That's called betting on the come......I also draw to inside straights.

If you go to a smog station in Ca, as of today, the printout on a 74 states "no longer required" do too the fact that most 74's are manufactured in 73. Rich at hph showed it to me last Thursday. Time to put the 6 in!!! woooohhhoooooooooo!!!

Jeff

Jon - Your car is a 74 and it was built on October 74? Did I misunderstand? An October 74 car would be a 75 model year car...

'the fact that most 74's are manufactured in 73' - Huh? Where did that information come from? The 74 model year cars should been made through July 74...

Maybe I mis-understood myself. I don't recall the build date and Mueller owns the car now, he can check the door jamb.

At one time I heard the DMV was dating the 30 years to the first time it was registered in California but that is (and even sounds) bogus.

Jon

The way the DMV site reads, it has been indexed to the model year, not the initial registration date.

I guess its pointless now anyway right?

I doubt the issue is entirely put to rest. Nothing is permanant and I don't put it past someone to raise this issue in legislature again someday. I'd say the '74s and earlier cars are safe now because they will always be grandfathered to newer laws.

YAY Gov't!!

Jon

Year of Model
2003=1
2002=2
2001=3
2000=4
1999=5
1998=6
1997=7
1996=8
1995=9
1994=10
1993=11
1992=12
1991=13
1990=14
1989=15
1988=16
1987=17
1986=18
1985=19
1984=20
1983=21
1982=22
1981=23
1980=24
1979=25
1978=26
1977=27
1976=28
1975=29
1974=30

The 30 year old rule applies to the year of the car. 30 years old or older are exempt "as it is written, so shall it be"!!

Jeff

I have struggled with that math actually. It seems so easy presented that way, but to me a 1974 car, +30 years, would only be 30 year old in 2004...next year.

The counting issue is during the year 1974. I would count that as year 0, the car would only be a year old in 1975, but the above math counts 1974 as year 1. As long as the Gub'ner believes its 30 years old, then thats good enough for me...its his rules and he can count them anyway way he wants.

OK its official!!

I recieved my tags yesterday for my 74 that was labeled "Grose Polluter".

The last time I tried to smog it the guy sent it without talking to me. I put a non op on it and when I recieved the renewal notice this year it didn't mention the Smog Cert. so I paid the fees and it worked!!!

Jeff

My Registration just came in the mail last week, NO SMOG CHECK REQUIRED. 1974 914 2.0 - WAAAAHOOOO!!!!

It was last smogged in 2001 and cost me $180., if you know what I mean... ...I was damn sure I have to go through smog one more time, but no...I WIN! HA...

AD should read - For Sale, 1974 914 2.0 Orange, all stock with FI, NO SMOG REQUIRED. $7000. -

Happy Camper,
Mike D.