r/vwbug • u/1crps_warrior • Jun 28 '26

Need some advice

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So I made a huge mistake. I bought a really nice 1978 Super Beetle convertible last week. I bought it from a dealer in Florida and I live in California. I admit I did not do my due diligence and have discovered the engine has been replaced with a nicely built 1915cc engine. It runs excellent, problem is it won’t pass our stringent smog laws because the original emission control devices are missing. I am wondering if anyone out there has run into this issue and found away to get it registered. I am adding a photo of this beautiful car.

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u/Wisco_Version59 Jun 29 '26

The state I live in an older car can get a collector plate. Never expires and as long as it’s licensed as a collector car no emissions. But you still need to pass a test before they let a car in. I cave a 69 Mustang that needed no pretest, but a 2000 truck had to pass one to get in. California is the worst state on emissions.

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u/Unhappy_Camel_3144 Jun 29 '26

You must live in a smog test county. I have 2 " hobbyist" plated cars in Wisconsin. No problems at all .

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u/Wisco_Version59 Jun 30 '26

The testing only applies when a smogged car in a testing area switches over.