Titled Frame, but can't seem to transfer the title...

[jeffncs]

@jamesroney @ColoradoBronc

im in a similar spot here in NC. Do either of you have info on how to research a VIN before I take any steps forward?

 

[1970 Palmer]

@jamesroney @ColoradoBronc

im in a similar spot here in NC. Do either of you have info on how to research a VIN before I take any steps forward?

Not sure this is a good answer for you but keep in mind we are talking about vehicles with old identification numbers which make them hard to track.

Let's just call them serial numbers for this discussion. The vehicle you might consider purchasing has or had two different tracking numbers. First is the "short by todays standard" FORD identification or serial number stamped on the frame and also on the door jamb sticker/glove box door. The second set of tracking numbers is the local state title, or license plate and registration numbers. The state's numbers IMO are not permanent like the FORD number, as in California they drop off of the state DMV registration system after seven years of registration non activity. So, if you're trying to check if a California "barn find" old vehicle was stolen or has back DMV fees against the registration number the state records only go back seven years which is not very long since we are talking about fifty-year-old vehicles.

The reason I call them serial numbers is because the national DOT vehicle identification numbering system did not begin until around the early 1980's (my best guess). This is the universal seventeen-digit VIN# system that all motor vehicle manufacturers are required to use today. When you go to a DMV office today, the majority of the employees were born after 1980 so they have no idea what they are looking at when they see a old vehicle with a short identification number. The first thing they think is ALTERED VIN#, and you need a BONDED TITLE before they will move forward. They are just doing their job but with a lack of full understanding of the numbering history.

I'm not a licensed DMV person but have been licensed by the state as a motor vehicle distributor sales representative in the past and we were required to abide by the state motor vehicle laws. I'm sure your aware that every state has their own view as to how they handle old vehicle registrations. The only reason for California to have a DMV is to suck registration money out of us.

John

 

[bmc69]

If I took that title in to one of our state (Maryland) MVA locations, I'd be facing the exact same issues with that signature match. However, we have privately owned licensed "title and tag" services too, and I've been dealing with the same one for almost 30 years now. The gal that runs it is not the least bit picky about things like a minor mismatch of a signature....and gets the title work done. Point being...as Randy suggested...find someone that wants it that has same "more flexible" title service as I do. ;-)

 

[sprdv1]

If I took that title in to one of our state (Maryland) MVA locations, I'd be facing the exact same issues with that signature match. However, we have privately owned licensed "title and tag" services too, and I've been dealing with the same one for almost 30 years now. The gal that runs it is not the least bit picky about things like a minor mismatch of a signature....and gets the title work done. Point being...as Randy suggested...find someone that wants it that has same "more flexible" title service as I do. ;-)

definitely would not hurt to try

 

[bax]

If I took that title in to one of our state (Maryland) MVA locations, I'd be facing the exact same issues with that signature match. However, we have privately owned licensed "title and tag" services too, and I've been dealing with the same one for almost 30 years now. The gal that runs it is not the least bit picky about things like a minor mismatch of a signature....and gets the title work done. Point being...as Randy suggested...find someone that wants it that has same "more flexible" title service as I do. ;

Say you did this for him, would you have to have the frame with you to show your title person? Just seems like it hard to do if you don't have the frame when you re title?

 

[Pa PITT]

Do you have any family here in Texas . SO You'd have an correct address.. I have a guy here in Ft Worth that I got a title through about a year ago. His office is in the same building that the title office is in , SO I'd be sure he's a leget office .
Then after you got your title in your name from Texas . You could then go back into the Colorado office & TRANSFER IT INTO YOUR COLORADO ADDRESS.
I think here in Texas YOU'LL just need your bill of sale You got with it back in the day you got it..
good luck .
& I'm not your long lost Grand PA.

 

[ColoradoBronc]

Just wanted to update this thread, and say a huge thank you for each of your replies. Some info that proved useful for now, and some new info I'll keep for later for sure. (such as hiring someone if needed in the future).

This time around, it so happened that the lady I ended up with...just put the title right through, printing me out a new one on the spot(!). Could hardly believe it, walked out with a huge smile on my face!!

Thanks again, everyone! Now...on to restoring the '68! Sure I'll have questions come up soon in that regard. Cheers!!

 

[ba123]

Awesome, it often works out that way. Glad it did for you!

 

[nvrstuk]

Don't give up. I bought a motorhome in NV. Title was clear, got it from the bank down there. Came up to my local County seat to transfer the title and put it in our name and they wouldn't transfer the title w/o getting documentation from Winnebago that the coach was actually "installed" on the E450 chassis by them almost 14 yrs BEFORE!! No joke.

Our County is very small also but we now have 2 private title transfer stations to help with the overload. I walked in and they transferred it w/o any issues saying absolutely nothing was wrong.

Keep trying, good luck.