Thanks everyone for the comments and ideas. It is done. I passed the inspections and the car is registered and insured.
So for future reference and other BC builders, I will recap my experience.
The application form to get the process started is MV1325 (Application for BC Assigned VIN). This has to be submitted with pictures of the finished car, all sides plus hood and trunk open, and a cheque for $ 25. On this form, one also has to name the Designated Inspection Facility. Then I had to file a statutory declaration, MV1484, with details of the major components, when and where bought, and the cost. I submitted information for frame, body, engine, transmission, rear axle, seats, tires and wheels, and suspension, steering and brakes. They also wanted copies of the invoices, but it was in excess of 50 receipts, so they accepted the major ones for each category. It was still 15 or so receipts.
Once the VIN is issued, it is sent to the Inspection Facility, and the inspection can be done. The mechanical inspection form was printed out by the inspector. ICBC also required a structural integrity inspection, which has to be done by a Autobody Tech Trade Technician. The form he used was CVSE0032; part of it is a 4 wheel alignment, that was required. Even so the form is used for re-builts, the inspector confirmed with the CVSE that it was also required for a new ubuilt. Once the inspection is done, the VIN can be installed. It is a stick-on, metallic foil, but it also has two safety rivets. I brought regular rivets along, but there was no need. I had it installed on the rear bulkhead upper tube; easily visible from all sides.
After that, a weight slip from a trade approved scale has to be obtained to confirm the weight. I got a permit to drive the car there, although none of the paper work had yet been entered in the computer; however, the VIN had been installed at that point. Once all the papers are signed off, it is easy to finish off at an ICBC office.
As I mentioned before, the little presentation that raceral had suggested, worked really well. I sent a copy with my application, and gave copies to both inspectors. I included various pictures from my build log and it gave them an idea of what I was talking about. I'll try to zip a copy and attach it to this thread, in case someone wants to use something similar.
It was a bit frustrating, but in the end, it got done. My total cost was $ 450 plus enough Scotch to soothe my nerves during the ordeal.