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New Every owner from Vermont, with a registration issue

Discussion in 'Introductions' started by Eiger, May 18, 2021.

  1. Eiger

    Eiger New Member

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    Hi, everyone.

    I'm a new owner of a 1996 Suzuki Every Joy Pop van. It's not even home yet!

    Hopefully it won't be a short term relationship, but things haven't started off well. The state of Vermont (where I live) refused to register my van, stating micro vans are not allowed on Vermont roads. Really???

    Does anyone have a suggestion regarding getting plates for my van? I'm looking into South Dakota, as one option.

    Thanks.
     
    Last edited: May 18, 2021
  2. Eiger

    Eiger New Member

    My experience at the Vermont DMV yesterday established that I can't register my mini van in Vermont, since they forbid mini trucks on their roads. There are other states which do allow them, but all 50 states forbid them on the interstates.

    Here's my concern. If I register the van in South Dakota, I will most likely be issued plates. Obviously, I can drive the van in South Dakota, but will I be allowed to use the van on secondary roads in other states? I don't want to be harassed by law enforcement and be fined or even arrested, and have my van impounded in a state that forbids them. I thought the 25 year law would protect me from something like that?

    I need to talk to a legal expert, but I haven't a clue as to who that might be? I'm trying to decide whether the van is worth keeping, or if I should sell it, and buy a vehicle that won't be a ticket magnet? Can anyone recommend an expert on this subject?
     
  3. Jigs-n-fixtures

    Jigs-n-fixtures Well-Known Member

    Idaho, will give minitrucks off highway/UTV plates. And, with them you can drive on city, county, and forest roads, but can’t drive on State or Federal Aid highways. I drive about a mile on US93 every day, and the Highway Patrolman just waves and smiles when he sees me. The part I found almost humorous, is they don’t seem to have any problem licensing the mini vans. The statute which bans the trucks, has a very specific description/definition of an off highway vehicle not designed for on road use.

    I hooked up my dumping trailer to the back of my mini truck, and made a run to the dump one weekend, with both of them full of branches from trimming trees. I was only making 55 in a 65 so I turned on my rear light bar in flash mode. Highway Patrolman I didn’t recognize came by going the other way, whipped a U and came back with the lights on. I was at the turn off to the dump, and made the turn, then pulled over. He thanked me for having the rear light bar, and we talked about the mini trucks, and I gave him the card and brochure for a gal who sells them, and he went on about his day. I was certain I was going to get a ticket, when I saw the lights...

    So, check and see if you could drive it on the off system roads.
     
    bentresearch likes this.
  4. tdrich7

    tdrich7 Member

    Welcome Eiger. I'm also in Vermont and my mini truck is registered and I have antique plates. I believe there are several others here as well. I would keep fighting. I attempted to get my truck registered during the pandemic and was dealing with the mail in process. I forget exactly why but the paperwork got sent back the first time - I think they wanted to see the import papers. Anyways, I ended up buying some CO2 tanks off of a guy who wanted to meet at the DMV - he ended up being the director. I told him what was going on and said to address the paperwork with attention to him and 2 weeks later I had my plates. I know that isn't much help for you, but I would keep trying, it definitely can be done.
     
    bentresearch likes this.
  5. Eiger

    Eiger New Member

    Thanks for the encouragement, tdrich7. Is the director's name Anthony Facos? I did a Google search, and that's whose name came up. Do you think I should follow the same path as you? My alternative is to leave Vermont, and move to a state that will register my Suzuki van. I have long term travel plans, and my intention is to turn it into a micro camper.
     
  6. Eiger

    Eiger New Member

    I appreciate your advice, Jigs-n-Fixtures. That's quite a story about the patrolman! I realize that vehicles like ours are definitely going to capture a lot of attention. I used to have an '84 VW Westfalia, and people would come up to me no matter where I parked--even while I was getting gas! I'll keep Idaho in mind, if my registration efforts fail to bear fruit, locally.
     
  7. tdrich7

    tdrich7 Member


    https://secure.vermont.gov/phonebook/department.php

    When I selected the Motor Vehicles Department there Michael Smith came up as the director. That sounds right to me, but I honestly don't remember his name and I could have the title wrong too - could be commissioner or something like that. I'm sure it also helped me a lot that I met the guy in person and had a conversation with him and he said to contact him directly - you might not have as much luck with a random email or phone call but who knows it's probably worth a shot. If you have the option of registering in a more mini truck friendly state might be worth it if you don't plan on being in VT anyways.
     
  8. Fasha

    Fasha Guest

    Welcome!
     
    Eiger likes this.
  9. Eiger

    Eiger New Member

    Thank you, Fasha! :)
     
  10. Eiger

    Eiger New Member

    The past couple of days have been an experience, shall we say.

    I flew down to DC from Vermont, took the train to Baltimore, then a taxi to a port escort service. We then ventured into the Port of Baltimore, found my van, and off I went! The plan was to drive my van home to Vermont, but alas, it wasn't meant to be. The van is a manual, which was one of the reasons I bought it. I've been driving manuals my entire life. I noticed that shifting was difficult, and at times, the van seemed to miss a gear. I had an 11-hour drive ahead of me, so naturally, I was concerned. The farther I went, the worse it got. With 50 miles under my belt, I pulled into a convenience store, and realized I wasn't going to make it home. The clutch was shot, and the van wouldn't go into gear at all, after I stopped. I ended up calling for a tow, and while I waited, I researched foreign car mechanics in the area I wanted to be towed to, which was near a friend's place. The tow truck driver was very accommodating, and a nice guy. We arrived at the garage at 10 pm, and he even called a hotel for me, so I'd have a place to crash. He went beyond the call of duty, and I appreciated his help.

    The next day, I rented a car, and drove home. My Suzuki Every will be worked on by the end of next week. Aside from replacing the clutch, the garage said they would go over it, to ensure it won't strand me again. What was originally a bargain, has turned into a lot more money invested than I had imagined. But, it is 25-years-old, so of course it's going to have some issues, with 70,000 miles on it. Hopefully, once it's repaired, it will be up for the 400 mile drive home.

    By the way, I will be using secondary roads, only. The van is seriously underpowered--three cylinders, with 42 horses. I'm wondering if adding a turbo might help, or if transplanting a four banger into it might improve performance? I haven't had good experiences with engine swaps, but I'm curious about what other people might do in this situation?
     
    Last edited: May 27, 2021
  11. AttackCRX

    AttackCRX Member

    For what it's worth, I had zero issues in PA getting my truck titled and registered. Sent the paperwork in through a local notary, NOT the DMV and in about 2 weeks I had a title.

    Also, there is no way I'd want to drive a mini-anything 11 hours, these things are not comfortable and severely under-powered on anything around 55mph. Keep working at it and good luck with your endeavor man!
     
  12. tdrich7

    tdrich7 Member

    Driving the mini home 11...or 12 or 14 or 15 hours by the looks of it and knowing what these things are like going up hill...is something I would probably do just because I needed to get it home somehow and it would be a hell of an experience that's for sure.

    But I wouldn't ever drive mine on the highway or depend on it for regular longer distance trips. I know some people report good results - I think some of that have turbo charged versions. My truck - with a 2 inch lift and oversized wheels - does OK on US route 2 in Vermont. Sometimes I'm cruising along at 45-55 mph, sometimes I'm the slow guy on the road trying to make it up a hill. Like I said, I would never dream of taking it on something like 89 or 91. I've often thought about taking it on Route 2 as far as Burlington or Littleton, NH since I can get there semi-efficiently utilizing Route 2. But so far most of my longer trips (45 minutes max) have been through rural VT and through town forests.

    I think you should make sure this is the vehicle you actually want and is going to fit your needs before you throw a bunch of money at it. I would not try to put in a different engine. Just seems like way too much money to spend on something I wouldn't depend on for my main vehicle, for every reason from the reliability (of a 25 year old vehicle with hard to source parts) to the comfort to the speed to the safety. I bought mine as a farm truck and am happy with it for that purpose. I can take it out on the road 10 minutes to pick up a free load of sawdust mulch and then take it anywhere on my property I need it. It's perfect for that. I recently bought another truck though and am actually considering scrapping the plates and insurance to save money as I can always just slap an orange triangle on it and be good up here. Hell I never even ended up getting the truck inspected and no one's ever bothered me for that.

    Hope you get some good news on the van soon!
     
  13. Eiger

    Eiger New Member

    The van was purchased as a second vehicle, which I hope to use for camping trips. I'm planning to change the carburetor to a Weber. I had one on another vehicle in the past, and it proved to be the most cost effective option for improving performance. For its age, the van is in great condition, and it is fun to drive. No rust, and if I can get the motor and clutch squared away, hopefully it will fulfill the purpose I bought it for. I'm staying within a budget I've set for improving the van's drivability. It is a project car, and if it doesn't work out, I can always sell it. The van attracts a LOT of interest where ever I stop, so if I do end up selling it, I'm not too concerned about finding a buyer. That said, even though I've had a less than ideal start with it, I do hope I can get the wrinkles ironed out with it.
     
  14. Ronin

    Ronin Active Member Supporting Member

    Nice looking van.

    Surprised at the clutch... I've had to replace very very few here in Japan over the course of 30+ years... like one or two. How many kilometers are on it?

    The power aspect may well be at least partially solved with a good tune-up. No it won't start smoking the tires but should give you sufficient grunt to get around.

    My first ride here was a Daihatsu van... more fun than a barrel o' monkeys. Enjoy.
     
  15. Eiger

    Eiger New Member

    Thanks, Ronin! There's 115,000 km on the van. I am planning on getting the engine tuned up, even though it's running smoothly. The new clutch has worked well, and seemed to be the only mechanical issue <knocks on wood>.

    The rear hatch is pretty banged up, as well as the bumper below it. I'm planning to get that taken care at a body shop in a month or so. I ordered a used rear bumper cover, and the body shop felt the dents in the hatch could be repaired. My goal is get it restored as close to original as I can. I am enjoying the van, and when I bought it, my eyes were wide open to the ancillary expenses I would incur.

    By the way, after the clutch was repaired, I drove the van for eleven hours straight on secondary roads, back to my home in northern Vermont. The van performed flawlessly, and didn't burn a drop of oil (unlike my high-mileage Subaru Forester). It was actually a very pleasant drive, scenic, and engaging.
     
    Last edited: Jun 24, 2021
  16. Ronin

    Ronin Active Member Supporting Member

    Ya... they grow on you fo' sho'. I'd take mine up into the mountains when it got too hot to sleep in my apartment back then, sleeping bag, lantern, book and coffee making stuff.

    If I was lucky I wouldn't be alone... good times.
     
  17. t_g_farrell

    t_g_farrell Active Member

    Saw your other post and dropped in to say welcome to the Joy of Joypop ownership. That new clutch may have just been a clutch cable adjustment. Mine is a bit hard to locate in gear and I think a clutch adjustment is in order. Its a cable and stretches over time. It also doesn't dis-engage until its more than halfway to the floor.

    I have a thread in the carry van section https://minitrucktalk.com/posts/124929/ . Drop in any time!
     
  18. Clauss

    Clauss New Member

    Have you considered your nextdoor neighbor New Hampshire? I had no problem registering my 1995 Hijet truck here and I've had zero problems with police, state or local. Like Vermont, we have lots of good roads for them.
     
  19. thatbluebenz

    thatbluebenz New Member

    I know this is an older thread and I'm more than late to the party, but I have some concrete info on Kei truck registration in Vermont.
    First, my story: Back in march, I started fixing up my Sambar and sent off the Vermont application and check to the DMV in Montpelier. Three weeks later....Denied, "This vehicle does not meet US safety standards and cannot be driven on US roads." or something very close to that. I called up the Montpelier DMV and finally got thru to a desk monkey so I could ask my questions. I was told that they haven't been registering them (Mini-vehicles) in over 10 years and that all of the people I know of with Vermont plates don't actually exist. So I was defeated and I waited and waited and randomly came across THIS thread where tdrich7 mentioned the commissioner's office being the key to success for them. I phoned up the commissioner's office and I explained I have a vehicle that should be completely legal and registerable, but that my application was denied last time despite me thinking I did everything correctly, and that calling the DMV provided me with no real reasons. She told me to send all my paperwork back in with my contact info in the envelope and she would take a look and give me a call if there were any problems. So, I did...and two weeks later I had a Vermont Antique plate registered for my Subaru Sambar. There is hope, it can be done.

    TL;DR
    • Vermont is still issuing plates to mini trucks as of August 14, 2022
    • The regular Montpelier DMV address rejected my application for seemingly fake reasons
     
  20. OhDeer

    OhDeer Active Member Supporting Member

    Congratulations and Happy Motoring!

    Thanks for posting how you got around the obstacle to registration
     
  21. givmedew

    givmedew New Member

    What kind of paperwork did you have to include? Just a bill of sale or more?
     
  22. Heather Davis

    Heather Davis New Member

    Hi everyone, I'm closing in on purchasing a '90's mini truck (dump)! I've been dreaming of this for about three years, so I'm excited that this year is the year!

    I'm also very interested in how to make it street legal. I've spoken with DMV a few times and the first time they said no - the second time, a few weeks ago, they felt a bit more cagey and in the end said that it would mean figuring out the VIN number issue and making the emissions standards work. It seems as though the second "issue" is a moot point because aren't antiques exempt from this requirement? How do I make the first issue work?

    I'm working with a dealer in CT and they're unclear about Vermont requirements too. He's heard some of the same rumors I have - antique plates? It can't be done? Getting lucky with the right person? It looks like some people here maybe went to the commissioners office? Any help is much appreciated! Should I even buy it without being clear about how this could work? I will use it on my property, but would like to be able to take it to the saw mill or around town here and there.
     
  23. Jigs-n-fixtures

    Jigs-n-fixtures Well-Known Member

    The JDM serial number, needs the country and manufacturer codes from the correct year added to the front of the stock one. The extended VIN is really helpful when getting insurance. The stock JDM VIN isn’t long enough and confuses their computer. Add the correct 3-character leader, and pad a zero or two, if needed to get the length correct, of 17-characters, and it went right in.

    You don’t say what you bought, bought this link should help: https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Category:Book:Vehicle_Identification_Numbers_(VIN_codes)

    Emissions, the dealer should have the import paperwork for the exemption to import it. Mine was a few years short, so the exporter had done the emissions testing. They put a sticker next to the VIN plate, and provided paperwork, in English and Japanese. To take to the DMV, who were completely confused. I’m in Idaho so they regulate them as off-highway vehicles. Which is fine for me, as I drive it on City, County and forest Service or BLM roads, and not on the State Highways.

    I occasionally make a highway run of a few miles out to the dump or the weight scales. I’ve encountered the Highway patrol twice, and they gave me no grief over driving it on the highway. When your running close to the speed limit of 65-mph, or having a good set of flashers set up and on when you can only make 45-mph, headed to the dump with a full load in the bed and utility trailer.
     

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