Big Block
Active member
I have pretty much given up on finding an old street rod or rat rod due to Iowa's change in getting a car titled. Heard the new Iowa law that came into play this year with regard to getting an untitled car titled is ridiculous and near impossible. The new law states all door handles must be in place and functional, no electronic opening doors, engine must be completely covered or fenders big enough to prevent someone from reaching in and touching a hot engine, third brake light required, a mirror on each door and properly opening doors (no suicide doors), among other things. I have found a few cars I was interested in around here, but none of them were titled. It seems like to me the state is stepping over their boundaries. Customization is what separates these rods! There is nothing unsafe about shaved doors or electronic doors. As a firefighter/EMT, I understand the reason, I guess, but if I am in a wreck bad enough to require the door opening, my rod is probably totalled anyways and they would pry the door open. I also found out the guy in my district from the D.O.T. that use to inspect and title vehicles no longer does this. His only job now is to inspect the cars, take all sorts of photos, tell you what you have to change before he sends the paperwork in, and then he sends the paperwork in to a committee of six people with the state D.O.T. and they decide whether or not to approve a VIN. I just spoke to a customer of mine this morning who has two rat rods, one for sale that I am thinking of buying because it is titled, and he told me of a friend of his who has over $80,000 in a rat rod. He got it done after the state had chaned titling laws and the state declined to give him a title until the engine in totally encapsulated, a third brake light is installed, and outside door handles put back on all the doors and the electronic door openers removed. Anyone's thoughts appreciated. Now I am looking for a mid 50's to mid 80's muscle car to build into a Pro Street. 
