Technical Car Deal gnawing at me ...Help

Folks, the lack of a title may be a deal killer in one state, and no problem at all right on the other side of the state line. It depends on the state law. We have fifty states and a number of "territories" in the United States, and every one of them has its own laws. If the lack of a title is a problem in California, or the Carolinas, that's fine. In Alabama it sounds like it's not a problem. I've practiced law in both Wyoming and Colorado. Lack of a clear title is a deal killer under Wyoming law, but it creates only very minor trouble right across the state line in Colorado. As long as the car isn't stolen, you can get a title in Colorado.

Please realize that the United States is a republic. You state's motor vehicle laws are entirely meaningless outside your state's borders. What the folks at the DMV told you about getting a title is meaningless outside your state.

 

Just what the Hamb doesn't need,..... a lawyer!

 

Well, no title don't mean squat here in Alabama so that doesn't even matter. Just get the cops to run a check to see if it is stolen.
But it sounds like you would just be buying a modified 427 and 4 speed since the car sounds like it isn't much. The 427s are gold if you can even find one. I would bet the engine/trans is worth more than what you think the whole deal is worth. If you can get it for around 5-6k I think you could either get your money out of it or come out with a great engine.
I have a soft spot for 63-63 Galaxies also so it doesn't sound bad to me.

 

Just what we DO need, considering all of the shaky legal advice that seems to get handed out around here, I'd say.

 

You'd be surprised to find out who's on here, my friend; not all "car guys" are mechanics.

Mass. has TOUGH title laws, lots of paperwork, lots of money, and a pound of flesh!
NH you write a bill of sale and register the car ( no title.)
I live 5 min from the border.

If you gotta have it, ask the guy what's the LEAST you'd consider taking? ( he doesn't want it anyway, and the guy that owes him money is history- try to run the numbers and make sure it's not HOT)

 

Does it make you like me any better to know that I was a Navy diesel mechanic before I went to law school?

 

Check that 427 out the best that you can,thats the money shot. If it's truly your dream car and you know what it needs ,more or less,then do it. Last i heard they stopped making em'

 

Maybe it was the diesel fumes.

 

I feel a little better about it.
A car's value is what someone will pay. Someone might give 5000 for it, another might give 20,000 for for it. My limit on this car is 5000.
I felt like I was ripping the guy off for that but.....I'm not. If he wants more for it, let him find a buyer.
Here's why 5 is my limit.
1. The shady stuff. If it comes up clean, I'm good. I'm in a no title state but it will be mandatory to have the numbers checked by the law in this case. That in itself is a PIA.
2. The Purple and black interior and exterior.....not my style. Violet Scallops on a poorly done (wrong sedan..should be the base model) 427 Galaxie Clone.
3. The pro-street 427. I would much prefer this engine as it was in 63-4 before someone put all this aftermarket 90s race crap on it. Honestly I would prefer the stock 289, a 352, or 390 to this full house 427. To me it's stupid to do that race stuff to such an engine when in it's factory trim it was so legendary. The period vibe is just not there. The pro street stuff kills the mystique of the factory 427. You do that race crap to a 302/351 not an original 427.
4. There's a lot a difference between a hot rod and a race car. The idea of a race car seems fun in theory but I feel being set up for race makes daily or even weekend driving problematic.
I'll keep you all posted if I get the car...
Thanks for all the interest.

 

I'm not sure what you mean by "Pro Street Race Crap". Pretty much all 427 blocks are cross bolted and have screw in freeze plugs, that the easy way to tell. The 427 was the basis for the High Riser cylinder head, the best FE head short of the Tunnel Port or the SOHC - neither of which are great street choices. There also was the ultra rare S.K. Medium riser head, which was different from the production Medium Riser and you probably won't ever find one. But the reality is there are much better heads in the aftermarket today, most in Aluminum. And most of those are very streetable products, and if you are worried about what they look like, paint them engine color and no one will know. As for the Dual Carbs, unless it's a tunnel ram, this is also correct for a High Performance 427 of the day. That was the ultimate option and the factory dual manifolds were aluminum.
My point is I don't see, from your posts anything about that motor that "Kills the Vibe" or is something that shouldn't be done. If it's cosmetic stuff like valve covers or whatever, just change em.
As for the paint? Who cares? the car has body damage and will have to be painted anyway.

Just my random thoughts

 

If he only wants what he has into it (under $5k) , OFFER him that amount! He is money ahead no matter what.

 

All this sounds like an "I gotta have it" dream car nightmare about to happen, to me.

If its all about making money, or getting a real cheap car once the unwanted parts are unloaded deal, have him get the numbers checked before you invest your hard earned money, and then be sure its a real 427. Once it clears the "hot car" hurdle, and the real 427 is sold off, buy what ever motor you want, and get the car painted as you think it should be, and be done with it. Gene

 

All the others have covered the practical reasons one way or the other.
This posts of yours reads like you know that it's not the car for you but the dream still nags at you.
You just want to be talked into walking away which is what your instinct tells you
Advice from a dreamer (me)

 

^^^I agree....the dream may still be nagging at you, but there are other nagging dreams to be had.....I've bought a couple cars that quickly & very rudely killed off the dream enough times to take a step back, and think with a little more clarity of what money is actually buying....as if, "maybe if I just change-the-channel'' so to speak, and let another, more ''feel better about it'' car with the right personal attitude that you are wanting (without the nervousness) fit the bill instead....there are many cars out there to fit more precisely what you may be looking for, and not leave you with a sour taste in your mouth about answering too many questions right from the start.......man, I've been there....if you don't ''feel it'' ...don't go for it.....the famous 2 cents worth of advice

 

Apparently the OP has never bought a "headache" before. I learned on my first one. I want to enjoy my hobby and running all over to get it legal isn't worth the price of one's time AND money. Yeah....the car may have some rarity....but there is always something more rare. Don't fall into the "buyer's remorse" void......find your "next" dream car and be done.