The Ford Barn

rdscouple · 03-03-2013, 08:45 PM

About 4 years ago I bought a basket case 28 roadster from the son of a man who had passed away several years before. He gave me a bill of sale. I'm concerned that the estranged wife of the dead guy, (the son said he didn't know where she is), may be the legal owner of my roadster. Is there some way I can research this, using the frame number, without making waves, and possibly loosing my roadster?

wrndln · 03-03-2013, 09:03 PM

Does the frame number match the engine number? Normally the engine is the number used for the vehicle id for model A's. Originally the engine number and frame number were the same, however over the years, many engines were replaced with rebuilt engines. After checking the engine number, you could contact the DMV in your state and see if the number of a 28 Ford is registered. It could be that the basket case didn't have a title for a long time. If it didn't you could apply for a new title. In some states, that is a costly and time consuming endeavor, but it can be done.
Rusty Nelson

1st_model_a · 03-03-2013, 10:01 PM

Don't really have any ideas on the research aspects, but do know that different states DMV handle the vehicle id differently. My dmv required the frame number and totally ignored the engine number.

28-31 · 03-04-2013, 08:08 AM

Call up your local Title Bureau office and ask them the procedure for running a title search using the car's serial number -- most States charge a fee and send you a report. With current privacy laws, you may/may not be able to see any owner names, but at least you would know, if it was currently titled.

If you do this, run searches on both the frame and engine numbers, if they're different.

Also note that many States only maintain Title information for a certain amount of time (typically, but not always, 7 years). That may have changed now that most maintain historical records electronically.

Richard Wilson · 03-04-2013, 08:23 AM

Bill of sale could become slippery slope when you try to get a title in your name. Stories of people getting their "stolen" cars back come up every year in Old Cars Weekly newspaper. I think you may have a reason to be concerned.

Uncle Bob · 03-04-2013, 08:49 AM

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As stated, each state has it's own set of rules...............and unfortunately each licensing office can have different interpretations or knowledge level. That said, some states have a "bonding" process that works something like, you have the car titled in your name (sometimes an inspection is necessary to verify numbering), they have you post a bond for some period of time, typically 3-5 years, and you have what I would call a provisional title that functions pretty much like the normal title. At the end of the bonding period, if no other party with proper ownership documentation challenges your ownership, you're free and clear.

bart78 · 03-04-2013, 09:09 AM

They might require a bonded title. Texas will do that some time. It's not that hard to do.

03-03-2013, 08:45 PM	#1
rdscouple Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 69	28 roadster title About 4 years ago I bought a basket case 28 roadster from the son of a man who had passed away several years before. He gave me a bill of sale. I'm concerned that the estranged wife of the dead guy, (the son said he didn't know where she is), may be the legal owner of my roadster. Is there some way I can research this, using the frame number, without making waves, and possibly loosing my roadster?

03-03-2013, 09:03 PM	#2
wrndln Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Lakeville, MN Posts: 5,159	Re: 28 roadster title Does the frame number match the engine number? Normally the engine is the number used for the vehicle id for model A's. Originally the engine number and frame number were the same, however over the years, many engines were replaced with rebuilt engines. After checking the engine number, you could contact the DMV in your state and see if the number of a 28 Ford is registered. It could be that the basket case didn't have a title for a long time. If it didn't you could apply for a new title. In some states, that is a costly and time consuming endeavor, but it can be done. Rusty Nelson

03-03-2013, 10:01 PM	#3
1st_model_a Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 29	Re: 28 roadster title Don't really have any ideas on the research aspects, but do know that different states DMV handle the vehicle id differently. My dmv required the frame number and totally ignored the engine number.

03-04-2013, 08:08 AM	#4
28-31 Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 93	Re: 28 roadster title Call up your local Title Bureau office and ask them the procedure for running a title search using the car's serial number -- most States charge a fee and send you a report. With current privacy laws, you may/may not be able to see any owner names, but at least you would know, if it was currently titled. If you do this, run searches on both the frame and engine numbers, if they're different. Also note that many States only maintain Title information for a certain amount of time (typically, but not always, 7 years). That may have changed now that most maintain historical records electronically.

03-04-2013, 08:23 AM	#5
Richard Wilson Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: NC Posts: 908	Re: 28 roadster title Bill of sale could become slippery slope when you try to get a title in your name. Stories of people getting their "stolen" cars back come up every year in Old Cars Weekly newspaper. I think you may have a reason to be concerned.

03-04-2013, 08:49 AM	#6
Uncle Bob Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Salado, TX. Posts: 733	Re: 28 roadster title Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) As stated, each state has it's own set of rules...............and unfortunately each licensing office can have different interpretations or knowledge level. That said, some states have a "bonding" process that works something like, you have the car titled in your name (sometimes an inspection is necessary to verify numbering), they have you post a bond for some period of time, typically 3-5 years, and you have what I would call a provisional title that functions pretty much like the normal title. At the end of the bonding period, if no other party with proper ownership documentation challenges your ownership, you're free and clear. __________________ Luck occurs when preparation and opportunity converge.

03-04-2013, 09:09 AM	#7
bart78 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Stephenville tx Posts: 1,019	Re: 28 roadster title They might require a bonded title. Texas will do that some time. It's not that hard to do.