The Ford Barn - One (1) Lenghty Model A Title Experience

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One (1) Lenghty Model A Title Experience

Hi,

Apologies for the length of really the short version to maybe a very boring thread; however, I wrote it hoping this helps someone some day with obtaining a Model A title .... next to last resort in paragraph 20 below.

1. February 1958 gave former Model A owner $25.00 cash for a 1930 Coupe, & went to Clerk of Court's house to notarize title transfer, only to find out I was too young to legally own a car.
2. Returned home where my Uncle asked me to put it in his name & keep this car at my house as a gift where I kept it for 57 years until today. Official title back then came in mail with his name with no problems.
3. Immediately prior to my Uncle dying in 1985, he transferred the title to me and signed a Bill of Sale with both documents notarized by attorneys.
4. Later, in 1995 decided to restore car, went to local DMV who mailed paperwork to State DMV headquarters.
5. Supervisor sent me a notice asking for a VIN number whereby I called to tell her there was no VIN number. After her checking on her end, she called and told me to call for a deputy to inspect the car to look for a VIN or motor number.
6. Deputy came, could not find VIN number so he recorded the motor number which was different from the motor number on the title.
7. After her receiving same, the motor number was a lower number so she asked why. Tried explaining routine changing of overhauled motors, but somehow she found the lower number meant a 1929 motor and she then told me that I had to title the 1930 Coupe as a 1929 Coupe. Tried to explain it could be devalued, but she would not budge.
8. Next, I told her the same title number might be on the chassis; however, the body would have to be lifted to see it and if I lifted it, I may be able to see the original title number.
9. The following day, I received a letter telling me I could not just lift the body, so she enclosed an official "Permit to Dismantle" and told me I could lift the body with this "Permit to Dismantle."
10. Called to tell her I could see the number on the chassis; however, her next question was if this was not the original motor, and was a subsequent motor, I needed to get an official notarized Bill of Sale for the motor.
11. Tried to explain I had heard that the guy had died years ago whereby she explained there was no way was I going to get a title with no Bill of Sale for the 1929 motor.
12. At this point, I just gave up at the moment & concentrated on trying to possibly get my 4 kids through school & college without acquiring student loans ..... succeeded in not needing student loans, but no Model A title either.
13. In the meantime I just bought and totally mechanically restored a 1930 Town Sedan; however, in about 2012, I figured this lady had either died or retired, and got interested again in pursuing a title. Remembered three (3) greasy motors came with the $25.00 car plus lots of parts, so I removed grease and paint and found the "original" engine ...... luckily, former poor owner was a pack rat who had about 30 old cars around his house, about 30 TV's, refrigerators, etc.; and besides he was still living at age in lower 90's.
14. Went to his house down the road, where he gladly signed a Bill of Sale for this "original" engine. Had Bill of Sale notarized and presented about 2-1/2" thick color copies of original documents to local DMV who in turn mailed it to State Headquarters.
15. DMV says then said they are sending a state trooper to inspect and report; so trooper arrives, inspects, says no problem; however, when I call DMV, they tell me I have to assemble the car to obtain a title.
16. Asked DMV what about getting a Justice of the Peace Court Order whereby they report if done, it is out of their hands and they have to give me a title.
17. Sent everything to Justice of the Peace ... after calling every 2 weeks, I received a court order after waiting 2 years. I then hurried down to his recommended local DMV who calls the State ...... sorry, with a "Permit to Dismantle", your car can never be put back on the highway and you can only sell it in parts.
18. Back to Justice of the Peace who rewrites Court order to include "Permit to Dismantle" was issued in error by the State.
19. Back to 2 local different DMVs who call State DMV who says no title can be granted after issuance of a "Permit to Dismantle", however, last local DMV, calls the Justice of the Peace, and State DMV, and asked me to call State DMV.
20. I called DMV very calmly and asked if there was one Court System below the Federal Supreme Court where I could get a Judge's Court Order that DMV would be forced to give me a title no matter what. Her response was a higher District Court Judge. Called a District Court Judge, explained briefly, where he said he would do all in his power to help.
21 Stayed up all night to gather documents and typed a 4 page letter and hand delivered all to the judge the following morning.
22. Couple of days later, drove to State DMV to meet same DMV lady, with my letter to the District Judge and copies of all documents. Lady read everything, and asked me to immediately cancel the District Court Order, to fill out a form, mail it in, and a title will be forthcoming immediately.
23. Both Court Orders were offered for free.
24. Have at least 20 old friends who already asked for a ride last night at our local bar where we play music on Thursday nights.
25. Not my only hobby, but, hope to again be calling Bratton's, Snyder's, and Bert's soon.
26. "Gone with the Wind" may also be illegal soon, but frankly my dear, I just don't give a damn.