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Old 02-12-2019, 02:05 PM   #1
robert shreveport
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Default Title change

My question is: what options do I have at my future time to sell my car. It is a 31, it came with a 28 engine and titled from the 28 engine. Had the car now 15-20 yrs. and the old engine is long gone with a 36 engine in it now. No access to the old engine. If I sold to anyone on this forum I would like to be honest with all. Suggestions please!
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Old 02-12-2019, 03:18 PM   #2
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If your car was totaled how would you convince the insurance adjuster that it was the car they insured? If you were stopped by a law enforcement officer how would you convince them car on the registration he asked to see was the car in front of him? Jumping ahead to when you want to sell the car you will have an uphill battle. I would not buy a car without proper paperwork so you would have at least one less person interested in buying it. Other people would buy it but probably at a discount. I would suggest talking with your local DMV and ask how to handle the problem.

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Old 02-12-2019, 04:36 PM   #3
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Tennessee issued me a vin on a decal. I would have preferred something a lot more permanent, but beggars cant be choosers.
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Old 02-12-2019, 04:40 PM   #4
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When you talk to your DMV be very careful and present the question from the perspective of a buyer and DO NOT provide any specifics regarding the vehicle in question! I heard of one case in California where an owner was very forthcoming with the DMV and soon after he received a notice that they planned to revoke his registration. The DMV may not be your friend in a situation like this.

I have a situation like yours car but have been careful to keep the engine for which my car is registered, just in case an issue arises later.
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Old 02-12-2019, 04:59 PM   #5
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You hopefully have 15 to 20 years of paperwork that will confirm your ownership. You might also have the Bill of Sale or Title from the previous owner.

Get it all together and head down to your local DMV. Be humble, you should have taken care of this when the 28 engine was swapped out.

I don’t believe you will have to much to worry about. Check on line for your states engine change requirements.

There are a lot of old car owners out there in the same position your in.
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Old 02-12-2019, 05:10 PM   #6
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In NJ you would have to go through the process for reconstructed vehicle, showing paperwork on the origins of the components
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Old 02-13-2019, 02:04 AM   #7
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It doesn't matter what other states do, but you need to find out what options are available to you in your state. I think that I'd talk to your licensing agency in your area. They might refer you to a police department that deals with old cars in the area.

Tell them you are thinking about buying a car similar to what you mentioned in your initial post. You could describe it like you were buying the car from yourself, just don't tell them that it is your car.


Charlie brought up a great point, what if your car was totaled. I'd take it one farther, what if it was stolen. How would you prove it was yours? I've thought about this myself, as I have a car in a similar situation.
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Old 02-13-2019, 05:19 AM   #8
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Just go thru the steps for a new title
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Old 02-13-2019, 06:40 AM   #9
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Originally Posted by fordcragar View Post
It doesn't matter what other states do, but you need to find out what options are available to you in your state. I think that I'd talk to your licensing agency in your area. They might refer you to a police department that deals with old cars in the area.

Tell them you are thinking about buying a car similar to what you mentioned in your initial post. You could describe it like you were buying the car from yourself, just don't tell them that it is your car.


Charlie brought up a great point, what if your car was totaled. I'd take it one farther, what if it was stolen. How would you prove it was yours? I've thought about this myself, as I have a car in a similar situation.
Sign your name and date, and any other information some where on the car that only you and one of your love ones know about. Plus try to get the proper paper work.

Last edited by George Miller; 02-13-2019 at 11:59 AM.
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Old 02-13-2019, 07:53 AM   #10
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I do have the car titled in my name since probably 15 years ago. I drove it 7-8 yrs. before not running so much. Then I had the engine rebuilt which is then when the rebuilder swapped the engines out. Are you guys with me now. Options on selling? To make things ok. Apply fo a new title, try and see if the old engine is around somewhere and get a statement from the rebuilder. Thanks
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Old 02-13-2019, 08:18 AM   #11
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It’s not up to us. It’s up to your states DMV or what ever department is responsible for doing what has to be done to correct your paperwork.

Do you have paperwork from rebuilder? Get all your supporting documentation together.

There’s only one way to get this taken care of. The right way, and you are the only person who is in the position to get that done.

Contact you DMV. They will help you get it done.
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Old 02-13-2019, 08:40 AM   #12
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I would agree on the trip to the dmv but do not divulge personal information. You say you have a paper trail going back 15 yrs, I doubt that makes any difference. For all you know the car may have been stolen in 1960! I have read of just such instances. Good luck trying to get info though, in my state (MD) dmv is horrible on that front. I have title issues with one of my cars right now and they pretty much just turned there head and said 'so what'. In my case a letter was changed to a number, and a number was changed to a letter. I showed them several different pieces of evidence including factory info. as to why it could not be that way. All they said was the original issuing state must change it. That state is Maine and they do not have records for older cars. I have been tempted to contact one of the advertisers in Old Cars that say they will clean up title problems.
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Old 02-13-2019, 10:19 AM   #13
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I would agree on the trip to the dmv but do not divulge personal information. You say you have a paper trail going back 15 yrs, I doubt that makes any difference. For all you know the car may have been stolen in 1960! I have read of just such instances. Good luck trying to get info though, in my state (MD) dmv is horrible on that front. I have title issues with one of my cars right now and they pretty much just turned there head and said 'so what'. In my case a letter was changed to a number, and a number was changed to a letter. I showed them several different pieces of evidence including factory info. as to why it could not be that way. All they said was the original issuing state must change it. That state is Maine and they do not have records for older cars. I have been tempted to contact one of the advertisers in Old Cars that say they will clean up title problems.
Get a Bonded Title. Go on line, Maryland lists everything you need to do. It’s not a big thing, this is done quite offen.
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Old 02-13-2019, 10:34 AM   #14
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I'm also trying the Bonded title route, truck was sold in the state of Maine and now in Illinois. All I have is a Bill of sale, last guy never got registration and plates for it. Claims to not know the name of the person he bought it from. I contacted the local club in the area no one recognizes the truck.
I got the paperwork back twice now for minor errors, been waiting for a month now to hear something.
If anyone recognizes this truck please let me know, any info could help.
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Old 02-13-2019, 10:52 AM   #15
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Default Re: Title change

Robert, You say the car was titled off the 28 motor. So I assume it is stated as a 28 Model A. The trooper who use to do the inspections retired and was fairly knowledgeable. The best way of course is the frame number--UGH! Getting an old car titled with only a bill of sale in Louisiana is not hard but you could opening a can of worms with this. Check your PM
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Old 02-13-2019, 12:00 PM   #16
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I would try AAA before the DMV, AAA will work for you not against you.


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Old 02-13-2019, 01:06 PM   #17
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Robert, You may have a 28 frame. I would check the number on the frame and see if it matches the title number. I know it is a lot of work but it may resolve your problem. Just my thoughts. Good luck, Gary
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Old 02-13-2019, 03:15 PM   #18
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You didn't here it here but.............re-stamp your 36 engine with the previous number. Only you will know, and I'm sure it's been done thousands of times in the past 90 years.
Paul in CT FWIW
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Old 02-13-2019, 04:28 PM   #19
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Get a Bonded Title. Go on line, Maryland lists everything you need to do. It’s not a big thing, this is done quite offen.
Pardon my ignorance but what would a bonded title do? Not sure what it means.
I do have a clear title in my name, problem is that where it should be an "S" someone typed a "5" and where there should be a "3" someone typed an "E". I brought this to the clerks attention, after looking into it, she said the issuing state screwed up and that's whom had to fix it, in this case Maine. I called ME and they do not have records for older cars, told me there was nothing they could do.
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Old 02-13-2019, 04:51 PM   #20
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This is not ment to be a recommendation.

Call Maryland Auto Title Company, 877-845-2368.

Explain your situation. See what they have to say.

They service most of the country.

Also go on line and Google Maryland DMV Bonded Title. I think you might be very surprised.

Bill
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Old 02-13-2019, 04:53 PM   #21
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Pardon my ignorance but what would a bonded title do? Not sure what it means.
I do have a clear title in my name, problem is that where it should be an "S" someone typed a "5" and where there should be a "3" someone typed an "E". I brought this to the clerks attention, after looking into it, she said the issuing state screwed up and that's whom had to fix it, in this case Maine. I called ME and they do not have records for older cars, told me there was nothing they could do.
Loose lips, Sinks Ships !!
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Old 02-14-2019, 08:29 AM   #22
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This is not ment to be a recommendation.

Call Maryland Auto Title Company, 877-845-2368.

Explain your situation. See what they have to say.

They service most of the country.

Also go on line and Google Maryland DMV Bonded Title. I think you might be very surprised.

Bill
Thanks Bill, I will look into this. My local legislature is a car person, I thought about going that route, my wifes boss also is good friends with highly respected government official whom is also a car guy, I figured between these 2 I may be able to get somewhere. Only problem I forsee is when I try to sell it.
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Old 02-14-2019, 07:19 PM   #23
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Thanks Bill, I will look into this. My local legislature is a car person, I thought about going that route, my wifes boss also is good friends with highly respected government official whom is also a car guy, I figured between these 2 I may be able to get somewhere. Only problem I forsee is when I try to sell it.
Well you will probably be able to sell before you hear back with anything you might want to hear form ANY Government Official !!.. Think About it..
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Old 02-14-2019, 09:16 PM   #24
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Thanks guys for all your replies.
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Old 02-14-2019, 09:31 PM   #25
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google Vermont title loophole. get in contact with the guy you got it from and have him write you a bill of sale for the number on the frame. this guy explains it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_sg3oALtGc


i havent needed to do this but it sounds easy enough.


and legal as long as you are not lying about it.
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Old 02-15-2019, 11:25 AM   #26
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leave all alone and go enjoy your car.

life is too short.............
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Old 02-15-2019, 12:44 PM   #27
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I agree that life is to short and we should all enjoy our great cars. BUT!

At some point we become a seller or buyer. If you don’t have the correct paperwork, your buyer could walk and you have a no sale. Or you could walk from a car you really would like to buy.

The path of least resistance is the way a lot of our cars have had there paperwork maintained over the years. Change an engine, no problem, I’ve got one in the barn. Numbers don’t match, no problem, I’ll just grind down the block and re-stamp.

The lack of federal guide lines prior to 1954 also don’t help the antique hobby.

If we really do own the car but it has some issues as far as paperwork goes. Getting it taken care of is really not a big thing. It might cost you some money, but once done the car is no different than a 2019, buy, sell, or trade. Your ready.

100 million cars are registered in the USA. There are multiple problems out there every day at every DMV in every state. Engines are changed all the time. Just watch Velocity Channel or the auto auctions on TV.

Remember the cable guy saying, “get er done”? Enjoy.

Last edited by WHN; 02-15-2019 at 08:28 PM.
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Old 02-16-2019, 11:28 AM   #28
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I'd take it one farther, what if it was stolen. How would you prove it was your.
I always wondered about the theft angle. What would be stopping someone with an engine and registration, say from a destroyed '30 coupe from stealing a real nice '30 coupe and swapping out the engine and calling it theirs?.
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Old 02-16-2019, 12:54 PM   #29
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I wonder what kind of a nightmare I'm creating for someone in the future ? I have a 1930 coupe title with proper numbers for the frame I'm using but I'm building a 1929 standard coupe . I asked the DMV clerk about changing the year on the title and got a head shake and raised eyebrows . I have plates to match title also so maybe just have frame numbers verified ? and not worry about what the future holds .
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Old 02-16-2019, 01:52 PM   #30
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I wonder what kind of a nightmare I'm creating for someone in the future ? I have a 1930 coupe title with proper numbers for the frame I'm using but I'm building a 1929 standard coupe . I asked the DMV clerk about changing the year on the title and got a head shake and raised eyebrows . I have plates to match title also so maybe just have frame numbers verified ? and not worry about what the future holds .
I would think that if you have a frame that has a confirmed 1930 date stamped on it. No matter what body year, style, or make you put on it. It’s a 1930 by law.

That’s one of the problems with pre 1954 manufactured cars. Each manufacture had their own idea of vehicle ID. Some used the engine number, most used the frame number, and some like Ford used both.

Think of the problems that Hot Rodder’s in California caused with there custom cars registered as antiques. Boyd Coddington and others. They are great cars.
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Old 02-17-2019, 04:21 PM   #31
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Think of the problems that Hot Rodder’s in California caused with there custom cars registered as antiques. Boyd Coddington and others. They are great cars.

why it is sometimes good in life to leave well enough alone. we arent talking big money here. Would understand if it were a Mercer or a Stutz.
Many people in life create their own problems and headaches.
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Old 02-18-2019, 05:44 PM   #32
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Dennis; Go WITH the engine number and register ir as a 29 which for all practical purposes it will be. JMO

Paul in CT
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Old 02-18-2019, 06:01 PM   #33
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Dennis; Go WITH the engine number and register ir as a 29 which for all practical purposes it will be. JMO

Paul in CT
Already registered as a 1930 on non opp I think I'll just have frame number verified before I drop the 1929 body on engine number does not match .
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Old 02-18-2019, 06:16 PM   #34
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Already registered as a 1930 on non opp I think I'll just have frame number verified before I drop the 1929 body on engine number does not match .
Dennis: talk to a car title company. They may be able to get this done the way you would like. Phone call can’t hurt.

Good luck, and enjoy your car.

Bill
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Old 02-18-2019, 06:21 PM   #35
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Already registered as a 1930 on non opp I think I'll just have frame number verified before I drop the 1929 body on engine number does not match .
You might want to call the DMV. Since the frame number is not visible without removing the body they are probably going to want to install an identification plate to the door jam and register with that number, but CALL them!

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Old 02-19-2019, 07:31 AM   #36
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Take pics of the frame # BEFORE you drop the body back on.

In my opinion the State issued VIN plate decreases the value of the car...........


Paul in CT
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Old 02-19-2019, 12:44 PM   #37
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I'm also trying the Bonded title route, truck was sold in the state of Maine and now in Illinois. All I have is a Bill of sale, last guy never got registration and plates for it. Claims to not know the name of the person he bought it from. I contacted the local club in the area no one recognizes the truck.
I got the paperwork back twice now for minor errors, been waiting for a month now to hear something.
If anyone recognizes this truck please let me know, any info could help.
I used to work for a licensed NH dealer. I did lots of title work. It is very difficult to get a title in Maine unless you already have some sort of title. That's may be why the previous owner didn't have a title.

Good luck there in Illinois. If your were here in New England I think there would be an easier and legal way to get you a title.
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Old 02-19-2019, 05:36 PM   #38
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I just bought a body number plate from a supplier, and stamped the serial number on it. When moving to another state had no issues with in during VIN inspection.
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Old 02-19-2019, 08:06 PM   #39
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I understand your situation, and wanting to do the honest thing here.

But tread carefully, because sometimes that VIN you are dealing with comes up on somebody's stolen car list, the cops show up at your door with a flatbed and if they don't bust you on the spot they will let you wave 'bye bye' to your car as it is taken away. And you get nothing.

It has happened before.

I'm just saying, be very careful what you do.
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