What are some basic requirements for a car to be road legal?

Question

I have an old 1977 Jeep Cherokee Chief that I want to make road legal, but I'm not quite sure where I should start. I know that right now it would not pass inspection; you can just look at it and tell it won't, and on top of that my father says it isn't; There are 3 windows missing, including the rear window, one window is just tarp covering the window frame, the rear fenders are rusting and rotting off, and the floor is hideous; there is even moss growing near the clutch pedal. On top of that the thing is just filled with junk. Many would argue there is no point of putting this on the road (especially with the gas guzzling, smoking 363 ci V8 that is totally impractical in these times where gas costs $3 a gallon) but I still want to do it. Any help?

Answer 1

You don't want to put out that kind of money.

One must have a windshield, operational brakes, legal exhaust system/muffler, catalytic convertor, proper lights, annnnnnd
Most states will run you off the road with fenders flapping.

The future will be a big hole in which to pour money.

Answer 2

It really just depends on whether or not your state has vehicle inspections. In my state you can take the body off your car and drive around on the floorpans as long as you install lights.