Rat Rod Idea

So, here in PA as long as a vehicle is old enough it can be registered as a "hot rod." This basically means it needs turn signals and all other modifications are fair game, provided you can prove that it is still the same car (retains VIN plates)

Therefore, I'm thing this:Body

On top of this:frame

or any similar setup, would result in an awesome rat rod that can actually handle and uses common circle track parts. As a bonus, the body can be REALLY rusty because none of it is structurally important.

Check your local laws VERY carefully. Here in FL, the CHASSIS is the part of the car that matters; i.e. if you make a new chassis, you have made a "new car", even if an old body is put onto it. If your street rod/historical vehicle laws match those that SEMA got passed in Arkansas, Ohio, Florida and elsewhere, you might find it easier to register the car as a "streetrod" or a "replica".

Talking to my friend who has a special inspection license, it sounds like as long as something has the VIN on it you're all clear here.

First off, PA doesn't have a "Hot rod" classification. There is a "street rod", which I believe is what you are actually thinking of.

Read http://www.pacode.com/secure/data/067/chapter175/subchapKtoc.html and http://www.pacode.com/secure/data/067/chapter19/chap19toc.html

PA is not as easy to play in as you'd think. For starters, VIN didn't exist on 48 and earlier cars. VIN didn't show up until the 50's. Some companies didn't use it until the late 1970's.

I love the look of the 48 Fleetlines. A guy near me has one and I keep trying to get him to price it.

The language in the stuff you posted seems to say that it only needs to resemble the vehicle which the title claims it is. Not sure if that makes it easier or harder, but the point is I think it would be doable and you'd end up with a pretty cool car. Anybody know of stuff like this already running around?

I believe there was a similar car entered in the 200x Challenge last year or the year before. It was a 1951 Chevy on a modern day Caprice frame, if I recall correctly. You may be able to find some posts on it here with a search.

lots of locost and kit car guys have to deal with this. you should check kit car forums