I live in New York and am about to place an order for a Thunder Ranch 550 kit. Any words of wisdom (or warning) about a)realistic time to complete, and b) registration process in NY state?
Original Post
Replies sorted oldest to newest
I live in New York and am about to place an order for a Thunder Ranch 550 kit. Any words of wisdom (or warning) about a)realistic time to complete, and b) registration process in NY state?
Ken,
I live in the Rochester, NY area and have had the experience of building an RSK Spyder. My Spyder wasn't a TR kit so I can't advise about the time it will take to build your particular kit. I elected to buy my kit in stages (a big mistake!) because I wanted to spread the cost over a few years. I actually built the frame up into a rolling chassis that I was able to trailer to autocrosses and such. It took me a little over a year to get it running sans body. After I installed the body and tried to get it registered I ran into my first problem: no manufacturer's certificate of origin (despite having every car part receipt). I recommend making sure you get the MCoO ASAP. Let me know where you live in NYS.
John Zoltner
I live in the Rochester, NY area and have had the experience of building an RSK Spyder. My Spyder wasn't a TR kit so I can't advise about the time it will take to build your particular kit. I elected to buy my kit in stages (a big mistake!) because I wanted to spread the cost over a few years. I actually built the frame up into a rolling chassis that I was able to trailer to autocrosses and such. It took me a little over a year to get it running sans body. After I installed the body and tried to get it registered I ran into my first problem: no manufacturer's certificate of origin (despite having every car part receipt). I recommend making sure you get the MCoO ASAP. Let me know where you live in NYS.
John Zoltner
John,
thanks for the reply. I live close to New York City, in Westchester County. What ever happened with your registration? Did you get it done?
Kenneth
thanks for the reply. I live close to New York City, in Westchester County. What ever happened with your registration? Did you get it done?
Kenneth
Ken,
Yes. I was able to finally get it registered (despite having my application paperwork returned to me by the NYS reviewer) but I'd rather discuss the details privately. Since you will no doubt have a bonafide MCoO from TR and all of your purchased parts receipts, you shouldn't have any trouble. Unfortunately, the application examiner I got stuck with - thought all of my parts were stolen and could not get past the MCoO thing even though I got her to speak directly to the manufacturer who sold me the frame and body. It is no wonder some frustrated car owners resort to buying titles to junked cars to avoid having to deal this issue. I, of course am patently against this unlawful practice and urge you to have nothing to do with it.
John
Yes. I was able to finally get it registered (despite having my application paperwork returned to me by the NYS reviewer) but I'd rather discuss the details privately. Since you will no doubt have a bonafide MCoO from TR and all of your purchased parts receipts, you shouldn't have any trouble. Unfortunately, the application examiner I got stuck with - thought all of my parts were stolen and could not get past the MCoO thing even though I got her to speak directly to the manufacturer who sold me the frame and body. It is no wonder some frustrated car owners resort to buying titles to junked cars to avoid having to deal this issue. I, of course am patently against this unlawful practice and urge you to have nothing to do with it.
John