RESTORATION IN MISSOURI

vehicle identification number. The title will be branded “Motor Change Vehicle”.

SPECIALLY CONSTRUCTED MOTOR VEHICLE - A motor vehicle which has not been originally constructed under a distinctive name, make, model, or type by a manufacturer of motor vehicles. The term “Specially Constructed Motor Vehicle” includes glider kit vehicles. The Missouri certificate of title issued will be stamped “Specially Constructed Motor Vehicle”.

REPLICA MOTOR VEHICLE - Effective January 1, 2005, the Department will issue a certificate of title with a “Replica” brand code to a motor vehicle that has been constructed or reconstructed to resemble a vehicle that is at least 25 years old. If the model year and make of the vehicle has not changed after the reconstruction, the title will not be branded as “Replica.”

NON-USA-STD. MOTOR VEHICLE - A motor vehicle not originally manufactured in compliance with United States standards. The title will be branded “Non-USAStd. Motor Vehicle.

The list of “Major Component Parts” and “Essential Component Parts” is under Mo Revised Statute 301.010, and is important to know exactly how what is being referred to as what so you’re not getting caught up in some BS during your filing process. It is never to be assumed anyone knows an elaborate definition of these outside of the law. So I’m giving them to you here. Better to be safe than sorry.

Major Component

PARTS OF A MOTOR VEHICLE:

1.COWL- Sheet metal formed by severing the vehicle across the floor in the vicinity of the front seat, severing the windshield posts (not including removing the parts forward of the firewall)

2.REAR CLIP - The complete rear sheet metal assembly formed by severing the vehicle across the floor and either through the windshield post or through the rear window post.

3.FRAME - The steel basic structure which runs the entire length of the vehicle onto which the suspension parts are bolted to the lower side and the body is bolted to the top side.

4.BODY - The shell, either of a unibody or frame-type passenger vehicle, which consists of a onepiece, integrated sheet metal construction extending from the firewall back. The body includes a cowl but not a front-end assembly. It may or may not include an interior, doors, and deck lid.

5.CAB- The passenger compartment of a common truck. It is a one-piece sheet metal construction which may or may not include glass, instrumentation, steering column, and seat.

6.FRONT CLIP - All parts of the front end assembly plus complete cowl, and may include instrumentation and steering column. Requires cutting of floor and windshield post.

7.FRONT END ASSEMBLY - An entire unit consisting of that portion of the body from the firewall forward (i.e., hood, both fenders, inner skirt or fenders, radiator or core support, grille.)

MAJOR COMPONENT PARTS OF A MOTORCYCLE:

1.FRAME- The basic skeletal structure onto which the major and essential component parts are secured for the construction and completion of the vehicle.

ESSENTIAL COMPONENT PARTS:

MOTOR VEHICLE - May include (but are not limited to) bumper, doors, fender, grille, hood, trunk lid, motor or transmission.

MOTORCYCLE - May include (but are not limited to) driveline, fenders, gas tank, front fork assembly, motor, transmission or suspension parts.

You must have a notarized bill of sale and copy of the front and back of corresponding title for each part replaced. A copy of the title is not needed for a motor or transmission that is replaced on a vehicle or motorcycle since those are considered as “Essential Component Parts”. There is something that you will have to do if there is no current record in the DMV system for the VIN; even if the vehicle is clear as a bell and the cowl tags are in place. You need to get a Salvage Certificate of Title assigned to you.

To do this you need a bill of sale indicating the purchase price of the vehicle, an application for Missouri Title and License (DOR Form -108) completed and signed, and finally you need to have an inspection performed by the Highway Patrol; (DOR Form -551) Vehicle Examination Certificate.

The 551 Inspection cannot be done until the vehicle is actually running and drivable. You will not be granted title of ownership if it doesn’t pass. Word of warning -- you need to be prepared to have a file of documentation from where you got the shell to what store you bought a part from, down to the last bolt, if it didn’t come made with it. Worst case scenario if you have complications proving any piece of documentation is creditable, you would have to go through the hassle to file for a Declaratory Judgment with the county court you reside to plead your proof of ownership to a Judge.

If the inspection reveals that a replacement VIN plate is required, you must submit an application for a new one with form DOR-5062 that is to be completed, signed, notarized and certified by an authorized law enforcement officer. It’s only $7.50 for the replacement plate, and a $2.50 processing fee.

Also if the title is not a “conforming” title that meets federal odometer disclosure requirements, you have to attach a statement to the salvage title for a vehicle less than 10 years old.