should i register as antique or classic in texas?

[justin4260]

im getting ready to register my 70 c10. im not sure if i should register as antique so i can skip inspection and insurance (although i will still put insurance on it) and if i get pulled over just say i was going to get gas or oil or something, or register it as a classic and just do the inspection to be safe. im not sure if my truck will pass inspection, the lights work, turn signals, reverse light, windshield wipers work i think, and it stops OKAY. but the parking brake doesnt work and i dont think the high beams work. what all is required to pass inspection?

[dfwright]

The thing about the antique registration is that you're only allowed to drive it to shows or to a shop, basically. It's very limited. If your truck isn't a "show truck" -- you might actually get questioned. If you plan to drive the truck very much, getting the inspection items working is a very good idea, since they are basically checking the critical safety systems on the vehicle. I would think you'd want all that in good shape regardless of the inspection.

From the TX DPS website, here's what they check:

* Check for evidence of Financial Responsibility

1. Horn
2. Windshield Wipers
3. Mirror
4. Steering
5. Seat Belts
6. Brakes (system) (Parking - beginning with 1960 models)
7. Tires
8. Wheel Assembly
9. Exhaust System
10. Exhaust Emission System (beginning with 1968 models)
11. Beam Indicator (beginning with 1948 models)
12. Tail Lamps (2); (1) if 1959 model or earlier
13. Stop Lamps (3) 1986 and newer; (2) if 1960-1985; (1) if 1959 model or earlier
14. License Plate Lamp (1)
15. Rear Red Reflectors (2)
16. Turn Signal Lamps (beginning with 1960 models)
17. Head Lamps (2)
18. Motor, Serial, or Vehicle Identification Number
19. Gas caps on vehicles 2-24 model years old
20. Window Tint.

[justin4260]

well my parking brake just needs to be adjusted i think, my horn is crap but still kinda works, my exhaust has a huge leak and is held up by clothes hangers mostly, my high beams dont work but the low beams do, and my emergency lights switch broke off. also i have just about 0$ to put into it and i need it to get to work. i can borrow money from my sister for registration but i hate to borrow anything much less more than i need to. so i was thinking get antique registration just so i can "legally" drive it to work and back and then fix things as paychecks come in then switch it to classic registration.

[Zeroman]

Sent you a PM

[Jason Banks]

Why try to cheat the system? It is not that big of a deal to get all the correct stuff working. The inspection only cost $7 because it is 'safety only'

I didn't get mine inspected in January because it had an exhaust leak and I was pretty sure the shop I usually use wouldn't pass it. I finally got the engine back in with a new manifold and took it to a closer shop for the inspection, where none of the 20 something guys could drive the 3OTT. I drove it for the guy and I don't think he looked at anything else. It took them longer to do the paperwork than the inspection.

[weq92f]

Go Classic. The Antique designation really is just for garage queens so that those cars can be "registered" for the road just for events, shows and other necessary trips.

If you'll insure it anyway, go ahead and fix the safety equipment and get the inspection. Note that I've been not-passed due to simple things like a dash light for the hand brake ( newer car ), license plate light, etc.. YMMV depending on who you get/where you go.

Hth,

-klb

[Barnfind46]

I agree with all of the above. I recently got a temporary pass on my truck to drive it to my mechanic about 40 miles away for repairs. It cost $9.00 but they wanted to know the route I was taking and when. It was a one time use permit that did not require inspection but did require insurance.While I was there I asked about the difference between classic and antique. Antique is very restricted and classic is just a designation on the plate but still requires inspection and insurance but without the restrictions. Best to get things right on the truck and go from there.

[azle]

I have antique tags and drive everywhere no problems. My truck IS NOT quiet either! Never had a problem and I have been pulled over before. I also have 1969 truck plates on mine. Oh and everything works except the P.B.

Azle

[Zeroman]

If you want to drive your truck daily then go with the Classic Truck plates.

I do not intend on driving mine daily so I went with the Antique plates.

Everyone I have spoken to who has the Antique plates has never been questioned if, and when, they were pulled over for speeding, being in an accident, or whatever. Officers don't seem to care just as long as you have current registration, insurance, no warrants, etc.

I have not skirted, or cheated, the system. The laws in place allow for the Antique designation. My vehicle would definitely pass the Safety Inspection, which in Houston and surrounding counties, is around $25. I would not drive it for liability reasons if it were not road worthy. That would be stupid on my part.

I do not consider it a “Garage Queen”, but I have spent considerable time, blood, sweat, tears, and money, on getting it where I want it to be. My daily driver takes the day to day abuse of Houston roads and other vehicles.

I tend not to drive it a night, or during inclement weather, as statistics show most accidents occur during those times. I do not want to be a statistic.

Also, as these trucks become more desirable it appears they are being stolen more often. I do not like leaving my truck where I cannot see it, or lock it in a garage.

I have driven mine to work once, or twice, and when I go to the auto parts store even though I am buying something even for another vehicle. I also test drive it when I have done work to it. There are plenty of shows around the Houston area on the weekend so it gets driven frequently.

Also, if you want to run Year of Manufacturer (YOM) plates the Antique plate is the way to go. Instead of receiving an Antique plate, the YOM plate (which you provide) becomes the plate for your vehicle forever. You get a sticker which is affixed to the YOM plate every five years. Plus, the state only issues you one Antique plate, so you do not have to run a front plate, just the rear. A lot of Hot Rod and car enthusiasts do not like the Texas requirement for running a front plate. There is a guy here in Houston who sells old plates. He is even tied into the state database so he can verify that the plates he sells will be accepted by the state.

Antique plates are registered every five years for everyone. Everyone's Antique plate will expire in Mar of 2018. You pay a prorated amount if you register in off years.

Just like building, restoring, and driving these fine trucks, do what you want.

[TBohne]

I use the YOM plates and it is registered as a classic, 68 GMC. Not a daily driver but is driven as much as possible. I explained what my intentions where when I got it registered and they told me this was the best route to go. It is a three year registration, had to have it inspected and show proof of insurance to get it registered.

[Hutch]

I run YOM plates on my 71 and it is registered as antique
I asked the same question at the DMV office and the lady said get antique if you have a plroblem you can always reregister it as a classic
She stated that most folk's run antique with no problems

[justin4260]

Originally Posted by Hutch

I run YOM plates on my 71 and it is registered as antique
I asked the same question at the DMV office and the lady said get antique if you have a plroblem you can always reregister it as a classic
She stated that most folk's run antique with no problems

thats what i was thinking. register as antique just so i can "legally" drive it a mile or 2 to work and back. then once i get a paycheck and i have money to fix the things it needs to pass inspection i can switch it over to classic to be safe. also, i forgot to mention, im 19 and in the process of getting a new job. i had to quit my old job for school.