[sltchaser]

Hi All,

I'm looking for an expert that can help guide me through a situation. I have customized an extended passenger van (originally built to carry 15) by removing the stock seats and having them replaced with bucket/captain styled seating. Now the vehicle is only capable of carrying 8 people and this is a perm conversion.

I've been told that according to US Law (FMSCA) that since this vehicle is operated per a business and it was "originally" designed to carry more than 8 passengers - and since we do transport across state lines that I am required to obtain 1.5 million in liability coverage.

I think this is B.S., because even though it was designed "originally" to carry that number of people, it's no longer capable of doing so. And, further passenger vehicles that carry less than 8 people are not required to have this high volume of liability.

Thus, I want to change the registration from Chevy to "Custom" and have the vehicle re-titled as an "8 passenger vehicle". I'm in Oklahoma, but I have no clue where to start.

Anyone have any experience with this sort of thing? I know a lot of custom builders will take a 49 Ford and end up getting a "Custom" title for it... how do you do it?

[F&J]

I've been told

Okla may not have it online, but most states have all their regs on a website. If not, go right to your closest inspection/registation station.

Bring the title & old registration with you and I would think you could get it sorted out.

[cboy]

What F&J said. That's a pretty unique situation you have and probably doesn't appear to fit within the normal title procedures governing street rods. So the best place to get your info would be directly from the horses mouth...your DMV office or the state DMV web site.

There's an outside chance someone on this board has experience in this area...but seems unlikely. Sorry.

[302 Z28]

Actually ask to speak to the supervisor at your local DMV office. Chances are the person you see at the counter is clueless as to what you need to do.

Vince

[OneMoreTime]

It is an insurance issue not a titling issue..Unfortunately when we operate vehicles in commerce it really does not matter what kind of vehicle it is..We have to carry certain levels of insurance coverage..Sorry..

Sam

[sltchaser]

It is an insurance issue not a titling issue..Unfortunately when we operate vehicles in commerce it really does not matter what kind of vehicle it is..We have to carry certain levels of insurance coverage..Sorry..

First of all you're wrong. Different vehicles require different levels of insurance. 15 passenger vans require 1.5 million in general liability (each), 12 passenger vans require 1 million in general liability each. Less than 12 passengers is considering your ordinary old "family" type of van that only requires basic insurance that you can buy from any insurance company. Those are federal rules set forth by the FMCSA. Then you can purchase general liability to cover your entire company, and not for each and every vehicle.

I clearly understand the insurance issue because we've been in business for 30 years. I however believe it's an "unfair" insurance issue because we are not transporting more than 8 people and do not have the seats installed to do so, even if we wanted to. However, since the van came from Chevy as a 15 seater we get treated as if we are transported that number of persons. Thus, the vehicles have been customized extensively and I guess all I wanted to know is how street rodders get "custom" registrations. Does it require changing the engine to add more horsepower? Chopping the roof? of applying a flame paint job? (kidding on the latter of course), or is modifying the vehicle's seating enough. I can't be a 15 passenger van when there are only 8 seats, front included... So, surely there is a way to register it as such.

Thanks Anyway.

[Bad Rat]

Originally Posted by sltchaser

First of all you're wrong. Different vehicles require different levels of insurance. 15 passenger vans require 1.5 million in general liability (each), 12 passenger vans require 1 million in general liability each. Less than 12 passengers is considering your ordinary old "family" type of van that only requires basic insurance that you can buy from any insurance company. Those are federal rules set forth by the FMCSA. Then you can purchase general liability to cover your entire company, and not for each and every vehicle.

I clearly understand the insurance issue because we've been in business for 30 years. I however believe it's an "unfair" insurance issue because we are not transporting more than 8 people and do not have the seats installed to do so, even if we wanted to. However, since the van came from Chevy as a 15 seater we get treated as if we are transported that number of persons. Thus, the vehicles have been customized extensively and I guess all I wanted to know is how street rodders get "custom" registrations. Does it require changing the engine to add more horsepower? Chopping the roof? of applying a flame paint job? (kidding on the latter of course), or is modifying the vehicle's seating enough. I can't be a 15 passenger van when there are only 8 seats, front included... So, surely there is a way to register it as such.

Thanks Anyway.

What do you mean by CUSTOM Registrations?? like a business name like "JOE BLOW #2" ETC?? I have what the state of oregon calls a custom,' "personalized" plate on my 1 ton duelly,, the only thing CUSTOM on it is its lowered with a different grill, I also have 1 on my 69 Bonneville,, completely stock,, and 1 on my 51 chev,, CUSTOM just a little,,,,,, STILL this comes under the DMV in your state,,
You say your problem isn't a insurance problem because you have been in business for 30 years and know the scheme,, but yet you say you feel its" unfair" ,,, then I would think that this becomes a disagreement with the insurance statuates in your state, or with the feds ,, which ever applys to your situation,,

People on this forum.. try their best to help every body that comes on here asking all kinds of questions,, just like they did with you,, just trying to help you out,,

OH YEAH by the way,, Welcome to hotrodders >com

[classicautoresto]

Originally Posted by Bad Rat

What do you mean by CUSTOM Registrations?? like a business name like "JOE BLOW #2" ETC?? I have what the state of oregon calls a custom,' "personalized" plate on my 1 ton duelly,, the only thing CUSTOM on it is its lowered with a different grill, I also have 1 on my 69 Bonneville,, completely stock,, and 1 on my 51 chev,, CUSTOM just a little,,,,,, STILL this comes under the DMV in your state,,
You say your problem isn't a insurance problem because you have been in business for 30 years and know the scheme,, but yet you say you feel its" unfair" ,,, then I would think that this becomes a disagreement with the insurance statuates in your state, or with the feds ,, which ever applys to your situation,,

People on this forum.. try their best to help every body that comes on here asking all kinds of questions,, just like they did with you,, just trying to help you out,,

OH YEAH by the way,, Welcome to hotrodders >com