So, im trying to transfer a title from TX to CA and i went to the DMV and they had said cars 69 or older need an emissions sticker?
They told me to contact a Ford dealer to get a replacement and when i spoke to Ford, i was told they dont produce those stickers as its too old and the DMV person had no idea what they're talking about as it shouldnt require one as its pre-76. Mine is a 72 bronco.
Has anyone encountered this issue with the DMV doing a VIN Verification check before?
Anyone have any ideas where i can get this replacement emission's label?
Yes. You have fallen into a VIN verification trap.
All passenger cars manufactured after 1968 require an emissions conformance category in box 9 of the Vin Verification Form.
All vehicles manufactured since 1970 require a Federal Motor Vehicle Safety certificate category in box 6 of the form.
The purpose of the Vin Verification categories is to ensure that the proper classifications are input into the DMV database, so that the DMV can extract the correct amount of money from you. (every year...) Although the original intent was to ensure conformance, reduce emissions, increase safety, and reduce theft...the only remaining function of the VIN verification is to DISCOURAGE importation of vehicles into the Republic of California.
There are vastly more VIN verifiers than you might think. Every major dealership has one. Every Law Enforcement Officer in the state of CA is authorized to perform a VIN verification...but many departments discourage the activity, and pawn it off to DMV. (under the guise of liability, or resource limitations, or just plain lack of courtesy) The DMV has two types of VIN verifiers. The one's that want to help, and the one's that don't. But regardless of which DMV person you get...it is important that the correct information be available and VERIFIABLE at the time the vehicle is presented.
If your vehicle does not have the appropriate documentation (in the form of labels under the hood, and on the door frame) then the DMV will remand to CHP. Then CHP will have to do the VIN verification. But since Covid, CHP is not allowing drop in appointments. So you have to make an appointment. In 2022, the earliest available appointment was 6 months out.
So you want to know MORE that the DMV technician / agent of the state. (this is never not true...) And yes, I have encountered this issue. And do not EVER, under any circumstance, go to the Pleasanton DMV for any vehicle verification needs. They absolutely suck.
The 1972 Ford emissions label is available as a reproduction thru most of the nationwide vendors. Unfortunately, not from most Bronco vendors. But the Mustang folks have sufficient critical mass to get them made, and the 302 was ubiquitous in 1972. So for your 72 Bronco, you can find the D2OE-9C485-AB label on Ebay for $9.00
I'm not telling you to buy the decal, and affix it to your engine on the left valve cover before going to the DMV. Because I would never tell you to tamper with or alter an emissions control device. And for some reason, that label is part of the emissions system. But I am telling you that if it is there...then box 9 gets checked...and you move on. You also need the FMVSS on the Driver's door post, and it needs to be legible, and it must have the vehicle VIN, and the year model.
