Nate Clowar Freelance 3D Artist Portfolio
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LOCOST RESOURCES

BOOK LIST:

RX-7 Specific -
  • Mazda RX-7 '79 thru '83 Haynes Manual
  • Mazda RX-7 '79 thru '85 Haynes Manual
  • Mazda RX-7 '86 thru '91 Haynes Manual
  • Racing Beat Rotary Performance Manual & Parts Catalog
  • How to modify your Mazda RX-7 - Dave Emanuel
MISC
  • Race Car Vehicle Dynamics - William F Milliken and Douglas Milliken
  • High Speed Low Cost (Terrapin story) - Allan Staniforth
  • Mechanics of Vehicle - Jaroslav J. Taborek
  • Race Car Aerodynamics: Designing for Speed - Joseph Katz
  • Competition Car Suspension - Allan Staniforth
  • Competition Car Downforce - Simon McBeath
  • How to build your own Tiger Avon sports car - Jim Dudley
  • Formula 1 Technology - Peter Wright
  • So-Cal Speed Shop's How to build a hot rod chassis - Timothy Remus
  • Stock Car Setup Secrets - Bob Bolles
Lotus Seven Specific -
  • Lotus Seven - Tony Weale
  • The Magnificent 7 Seven - Chris Rees
  • Lotus Seven & the Independents - Dennis Ortenburger
  • Colin Chapman, the man and his cars - Gerard Crombac
  • Lotus Elise: The Official Story - Jeremy Walton
Metal Work -
  • Ultimate Sheet metal fabrication - Timothy Remus
  • Metal Fabricator's Handbook - Ron and Sue Fournier
  • Metal Design and Fabrication - David and Susan Frisch

Last Updated ( Saturday, 05 January 2008 )
 
MSO:

Since I was told I'd need a MSO (Manufacturer's Statement of Origin) for my frame to register my locost in Hawaii, I've been looking into it. I can't believe how difficult it is to actually find information about this. I talked with many local, state, and federal employees and still haven't found really concrete answers. The best information I have so far on the subject is from David Coleman from NHTSA whom I called today (3.16.05) Even finding his name and contact info wasn't easy as I went through many people before I found him.

NHTSA -
202.366.5302
David Coleman

NHTSA - 888.327.4236
Dept. of Customer Services:
523-4385


Below is what he told me - this is from my memory and notes, so its NOT verbatim (but close)

NHTSA deals with motor vehicles on a federal level, states do inspections and licensing. Under the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act, a "motor vehicle" is defined, in part, as one that is "driven by mechanical power."

NO kit car manufacturer can legally actually sell you just a frame and provide a "real" MSO with a VIN number on it. A VIN number is ONLY used for a rolling vehicle with a powerplant. A kit without a powerplant is considered an assemblage of parts, until it is rolling and has an engine at which time it is a "mechanically driven vehicle."

Only about 7 types of certain manufactured parts fall under regulation of the NHTSA, windscreens, seatbelts, brake fluid, etc. Anything else and they don't even want to talk to you about it...until the part breaks and someone is injured. That then falls under their jurisdiction. They don't care if your manufacturing candlesticks or anything else, unless it is one of those parts. A reciept can be anything, it can be written on toilet paper.

He said what some kit car manufacturers do is provide a reciept, which they call an MSO (Manufacturer's Statement of Origin) and as long as they do not include anything that says VIN number, vehicle, car, automobile they do not fall under the regulations of the NHTSA. (Interesting...)

He also said if a manufacturer does make a rolling powered chassis it is then a motor vehicle which then falls under all the federal regulations for crash tests, airbags, saftey bumpers, etc. Unless you are manufacturing a rolling powered vehicle, you cannot assign anything a VIN number.

He showed me numerous websites to search and find additional information, which I've listed below. He said all 50 states have some way to deal with "specially constructed vehicles" there are 4 terms which the states use. (See below) Many times you will not be able to register a "car" you built, but when you say: "Specially constructed vehicle" well...thats an entirely different thing.

--------------------------------

Links he showed me:

--------------------------------

SEARCH: NHTSA for "kit car" AND "assemblage" you may have to paste this in:

http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/sssearch/Right.asp?advanced=yes&ct=Interps&ct
=InterpsGM&Q1="kit+car"+AND+"assemblage"&c2=@filewrite&o2=>&q2=&Search=SEARCH

The two documents I found the most interesting are:

A letter from Chief Counsel NHTSA - "There are no specific regulations that a seller of kits must follow in order to begin sales. "

and

Another letter this time to Kent Morris -

"Kit cars, especially those manufactured from a combination of new and previously used parts, have presented problems of interpretation for the agency from the beginning."

"As no qualifier is used in the definition, a "manufacturer" is any person assembling more than one motor vehicle, whether or not the parts are new."

--------------------------------

AAMVA -  (American Association of Motor Vehicles) Search page - Search for: "specially constructed"

The AMAMVA policy positions 2004 has some interesting information. There is also a page on their site specifically about MSOs or MCOs (Manufacturer's Cerificate of Origin). Actually, I went to this page very early on. There isn't too much information here, mostly about the very strict printing procedures for a "real" MSO/MCO. But, by contacting the printers (American Bank Note) listed on this page I eventually came in contact with David above. I had previously contacted the NHTSA, but not the correct person.

The American Bank Note company sent me more information in this document. They actually print MSOs/MCOs, the last page of the PDF has a sample. It also has contact information for:

SAE - Society of Automotive Engineers
Cathy Douds
724.772.8511
douds@sae.org

She is the WMI Coordinator and works with VINs. I believe specifically with Manufacturer's codes for NEW motor vehicles. When I talked with her, and mentioned kit car frames, she gave me David's information at the top of this page. Again, as a frame is not a motor vehicle, she couldn't help out with info on VINs for something that can't have one.


SAE -

Search "kit car" or "specially constructed"

-----------------------------------

Each of the 50 States use at least on of the following terms for kit cars: (each is of course different)

  • Specially constructed vehicle
  • reconstructed
  • salvaged
  • assembled "from parts"


State sites are in this format:

http://www.state.ks.us/

You can change the "ks" to the 2 letter code for your state. Search for one of the 4 phrases above.

UPDATE

I have been told kansas is now using: http://www.kansas.gov/, and it seems many of the states are using .gov domains. However california uses http://www.state.ca.us/ - just do a quick google search for your state.


For the state of Kansas David pointed me to this document: Which is the Specially constructed vehicle affidavit for Kansas.

 

Remember, a kit car company can put anything they want on a reciept, including MSO (Manufacturer's Statement of Origin) As long as it doesn't say:

  • Vehicle Identification number
  • Vehicle ID Number
  • Auto
  • Automobile
  • Vehicle
  • Car


It CAN have a model number or a serial number.
If you see any errors in the information I have gathered, or have additional information, let me know.

Last Updated ( Thursday, 19 April 2007 )
 

Hawaii Special Interest Vehicles:

http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/vol05_ch0261-0319/hrs0286/hrs_0286-0026_0005.htm

 §286-26.5 Special interest vehicles. (a) As used in this section:

"Collector" means an owner of one or more vehicles, including parts vehicles, who collects, purchases, acquires, trades, or disposes of a vehicle or its parts, for the owner's own use, to preserve, restore, and maintain the vehicle or another vehicle for hobby or historical purposes.

"Parts vehicle" means a vehicle that is owned by a collector to furnish parts for the restoration or maintenance of a special interest vehicle.

"Street rod replica vehicle" means a vehicle that was assembled from a manufactured kit, either as:

(1) A complete kit to construct a new vehicle consisting of a prefabricated body and chassis;

(2) Components manufactured before 1968; or

(3) Components manufactured after 1967 to resemble a vehicle manufactured before 1968;

and that has been modified in its body style or design through the use of nonoriginal or reproduction components, such as the frame, engine, drive train, suspension, or brakes, in a manner that does not adversely affect its safe performance as a motor vehicle or render the vehicle unlawful for use on public highways.

"Street rod vehicle" means a vehicle that was:

(1) Manufactured before 1968; or

(2) Manufactured after 1967 to resemble a vehicle manufactured before 1968;

and that has been modified in its body style or design through the use of nonoriginal or reproduction components, such as the frame, engine, drive train, suspension, or brakes, in a manner that does not adversely affect its safe performance as a motor vehicle or render the vehicle unlawful for use on public highways. The term does not include a motorcycle, an antique vehicle, or a restored vehicle.

(b) If a street rod vehicle was manufactured before 1968 and has been modified in body style or design, the make and year of the vehicle shall be the year the vehicle most nearly resembles. If a street rod vehicle was manufactured after 1967 to resemble a vehicle manufactured before 1968, the body type of the vehicle shall be street rod vehicle or "STRD".

(c) A state vehicle identification number shall be issued to a street rod vehicle that was manufactured after 1967 to resemble a vehicle manufactured before 1968, when no vehicle identification number is present on the vehicle; when more than one vehicle identification number is present on the vehicle; or when the vehicle identification number is absent from the body or frame, or both, of the vehicle. The state vehicle identification number shall be assigned by the director of finance of the county in which the vehicle resides; provided that not more than one hundred vehicle identification numbers shall be issued annually.

To obtain a state vehicle identification number under this subsection, the owner of a street rod vehicle that was manufactured after 1967 to resemble a vehicle manufactured before 1968 shall provide:

(1) A title of ownership from the previous owner of the vehicle's body or frame;

(2) A bill of sale or invoices for all major parts used in the modification of the vehicle; and

(3) A weight certificate issued by a state-certified scale for the actual weight of the vehicle.

(d) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary:

(1) Street rod vehicles and street rod replica vehicles shall be equipped with the following equipment:

(A) Hydraulic service brakes on all wheels;

(B) Sealed beam or halogen headlights;

(C) Turn signals and a turn signaling switch;

(D) Safety glass or lexan windshield;

(E) Electric or vacuum windshield wiper located in front of the driver;

(F) Standard or DOT/SAE-approved tail lights;

(G) A parking brake that operates on at least two wheels on the same axle; and

(H) Seat belt assembly as provided in section 291-11.6;

(2) Street rod vehicles and street rod replica vehicles shall be equipped in such a manner that no part of a vehicle, other than the vehicle's tires, will make contact with the surface of a flat highway when the vehicle is operated on the same;

(3) Bumpers, hoods, door handles, and fenders shall be optional equipment on street rod vehicles and street rod replica vehicles; and

(4) Bumpers, hoods, door handles, and fenders shall be optional equipment on vehicles manufactured before 1968, and on vehicles manufactured after 1967 to resemble a vehicle manufactured before 1968.

In the event of a conflict between this subsection and equipment requirements specified in chapters 286, 291 and 291C, this subsection shall control.

(e) If a street rod replica vehicle was assembled from a manufactured kit as a complete kit to construct a new vehicle consisting of a prefabricated body and chassis, the year of the vehicle shall be the year the vehicle resembles as reflected on the manufacturer's certificate of origin. If a street rod replica vehicle was assembled from a manufactured kit as components manufactured before 1968 or components manufactured after 1967 to resemble a vehicle manufactured before 1968, the year of the vehicle shall be the year the vehicle resembles as reflected on the manufacturer's certificate of origin. The certificate of title for a street rod replica vehicle shall be for the make and year the vehicle resembles, and the body type of the vehicle shall be street rod vehicle replica (STRD-RPLC).

(f) The state vehicle identification number of a street rod replica vehicle that was assembled from a manufactured kit as a complete kit to construct a new vehicle consisting of a prefabricated body and chassis shall be taken from the manufacturer's certificate of origin. The state vehicle identification number shall be assigned by the director of finance of the county in which the vehicle resides; provided that not more than one hundred vehicle identification numbers shall be issued annually.

The state vehicle identification number of a street rod replica vehicle that was assembled from a manufactured kit as components manufactured before 1968 or components manufactured after 1967 to resemble a vehicle manufactured before 1968, shall be taken from the manufacturer's certificate of origin or provided by the director of finance of the county in which the vehicle resides.

To obtain a state vehicle identification number under this subsection, the owner of a street rod replica vehicle shall provide:

(1) Ownership documents from the manufacturer of the kit or components;

(2) All shipping and freight documents for the kit or components; and

(3) A weight certificate issued by a state-certified scale for the actual weight of the vehicle.

(g) A state vehicle identification number shall be issued to a street rod replica vehicle when the vehicle identification number is absent from the body or frame, or both, of the vehicle; or when the vehicle identification number is absent from the manufacturer's certificate of origin. The state vehicle identification number shall be assigned by the director of finance of the county in which the vehicle resides; provided that not more than one hundred vehicle identification numbers shall be issued annually. [L 1997, c 246, §2; am L 2004, c 126, §2]

 

Sponsored by: KAWAMOTO, Espero, Adjua

http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/site1/senate/members/sen20.asp?press1=senate&press2=members was second sponser behind Kawamoto.

http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2004/status/SB2021.asp
Last Updated ( Thursday, 19 April 2007 )
 
Locost Resources - Hawaii
Written by Nate   
Saturday, 14 April 2007

Here is a list of Hawaii specific information I have found while researching my project:

Need to get rid of old gasoline in Hawaii?

Call: Household Hazardous Waste - 808.692.5411 - M-F 7:45-4:30

As of 2-4-05 you can take 3 gallons for free and each additional is $6.00. The limit is 10 gallons total. Apparently you have to schedule it, and they only have dropoffs 4 times a year. Also, the location is a secret, they won't tell me until 1 week before the date, though it is near the airport. The next date is March 19th, 2005.

Traffic Violations Bureau - Call to make sure your donor doesn't have any outstanding tickets/violations : 808.538.5500

When your done with the donor:

  • MVC 808.733.2530 - I am told its free, and you just need to sign the car over to the county. We'll see how that goes after the donor is stripped. Looks like it takes 6 weeks to be towed. You need to go to a city satellite and fill out some forms. Call 532.4325 for info.
  • Ace Iron - 874.3322 - 124 Puuhale Rd. - Nimitz/Kalihi (Scrapyard)
  • HMR - 682.5810 - 91-056 Hanua - Vehicle can have no tires, fluids, battery.

Also need to call the CID Autotheft Division. (what does that stand for?) Hawaii seems pretty strict on where you get your parts, so I have to find out what they want to know about the car.

For about $3.00 you can get an oil change box, that is approved for Hawaii. Just change the oil into the box (up to 5 quarts) and put it out to the trash. Cheaper than some of the service stations that want to charge to drop it off.

Find a donor car in Hawaii??

 

Machine Shops

  • Ted's Automotive Machine - 414 mokauea 845.3488
  • Redline Auto - 379 Kamehameha 487.0045

Suppliers

  • Hawaii Nut and Bolt - 834.1919 - 905 Ahua - 7-4 m-f
  • Universal Manufacturers -

MISC HAWAII MSO

Budget and Fiscal Services Dept.
523.4617
Was Dept of Finance?

Will Espero is one of the Senators that sponsored the bill for Hot Rods and kit cars in Hawaii.
His office number: 808.586.6360
Email: senespero@Capitol.hawaii.gov

DOT in Hawaii
808.532-4324
808.733-2530

Motor Vehicle Registration Forms for Hawaii

City and County of Honolulu website