I have a 62' Lesabre that I've been waiting on a title for. Well, I'm starting to think I may never get it. My idea is if I don't end up with a title, I'll bust it up and keep everything that I'd be able to use on a hot rod, and scrap the rest. I know the 401 nailhead and the finned brakes are keepers, but I figured I'd ask and see if anything else may be worth hanging on to. It does have power steering and brakes. Its a shame to strip and scrap a 58,000 mile car that I planned to make a boulevard cruiser out of. But no title is no title, and I've only got $500 into it so far. And damn, what an excuse to build a hot rod!
who are you waiting for with the title? go to the state with the bill of sale you got and explain your situation... you DID get a bill of sale right? if that fails, call broadway title or one of the other title services out there.
I Bought the car from a friend of mine. I did'nt get a bill of sale but he could give me one if need be. The trouble is, apparently, is that he lost the title and he has applied for a duplicate but he never gets it. He goes back to the DMV, says it never came and they say tough shit. He said that the last time he applied for it, he told them to hold it at the branch and he would come and get it. That dos'nt seem to have produced a title yet either. I cut him some slack because he's a friend but its getting a little suspicious. In Indiana you can get a mechanics title but I think you have to sell the vehicle to re-coup costs for repair and I believe they only issue them for businesses. I planned exhaust all options before tearing it apart if it ends up he cant get it for some reason. My mind was starting to wander into "what if" land....which is always fun.
In indiana, here's how it works, just went thru it with a trailer. You take the DMV the VIN#, and pay a fee for them to send a registered letter to the last owner (your buddy). Your buddy can either respond that he doesn't have the title and it's no longer his car, or he can just let it go unanswered. End of the waiting period, return to DMV, pay another fee, state issues a title in your name. You're looking at $40. Quit messing around with your buddy. If your buddy is in another state, the Indiana DMV will charge $80 additional, because the Indiana DMV will file legal forms thru the court forcing the other state to reissue them a title. Which they then re-reissue in your name. There may be a step in there with a police officer at your house signing a VIN verification form after inspecting the car's tag. Would probably save a trip to the DMV if you print it online, and take with for your first trip. Bill of sale too. good luck
Sounds like your "friend" isn't or he would have it done. Take him to the DMV and "help" him apply for his "lost title". Then hound him everyday until he produces it from the mailbox. He does have a permanent address doesn't he?
Good info. I'm glad to hear there is somthing I can do besides a mechanics title if he dos'nt get off his ass. I just keep wondering if theres somthing he's not telling me. I wish I had the time to hound him until I get it in my paws, but I dont unfortunetly. Thanks again all.
Just to add a little more, here's the form. http://www.in.gov/icpr/webfile/formsdiv/39530.pdf Call the local cops, they'll sign the form and include their badge number. They'll likely run it to make sure it's not stolen, so that answers that question. This form & a bill of sale and your first DMV visit will be fruitful. Had the police at my house 4 times in 3 years for these stupid forms, and the cops have been very cool about it every time.
Thanks! I'm sure the car is'nt stolen. He bought it off a guy he used to work with. He drove the car for about a year before the water pump went south, but I have a feeling he never plated or insured it in his name. Or somthing to that effect.