I have searched the title threads, took a break, then searched some more, but didn't find what I was looking for, so here is what I am wondering... Has anyone had positive or negative experiences by attempting the following: Build a car: Take a bare body (like a Ford), build a frame from scratch, add a motor from something else, or even a crate motor, then buy a bunch of new parts to complete the car. Buy a "historical document" that is a different make (like a Buick or a Whippet, or something else) Use that title to title and register the car as the Buick or other make. Any thoughts or feedback (positive or negative) would be appreciated.
I can't imagine that it is easier to get a clean title for a Whippet than a Ford. I can't see much point myself and it's probably not worth the hassle.
yes you can do it...I have titled a RPU as a 38 ford 2 dr convertible....well it was a 2 dr and had no top so I wasn't far off. I know a guy driving a 38 dodge that looks amazingly like a 32 ford roadster. I don't know the real legalities other than the taxmans long arm (driving the cars with red and blue lights on top) will get ya if they know their shit...probably some fines involved and maybe lose your car even if they feel you have committed fraud...so if it's titled as a 48 ford and looks like a 27 T bucket and a cop that knows cars pulls you over....good luck, if he's like a lot of rookie cops you may have a day in court with your name reserved. Just do the legwork and get a real title for the car you are building. DMV is actually there to help and someone knows the correct answers at DMV. Besides...questions are free there..I usually just call and ask...then decide how I want to go from there.
I forgot to mention that my question and possible scenario was purely hypothetical Thanks for the replies and keep them coming if they are applicable.
I've got a buddy that has a VW powered T-Bucket that was titled as a 1911 Model T Ford. The car was featured in a kit car magazine, and a representative of the California DMV took it upon himself to look up the license plate knowing it was basically a VW not a Ford.... They would not let him renew the registration on the car, and finally had to win the DMV lottery on January 1st. for one of the few "specialty construction titles" that they hand out each year!
I think it shouldn't be a problem if you are reasonably close. May be an issue to some when you go to sell. I have a bastardized RPU, based on '34 ford glass body. It's titled as a '28 Graham truck. I figure if questioned I'll say the frame is from the Graham. If you happen to come across the one cop who knows rods, he'll probably be real cool about it all - as long as you didn't do something really f'n stupid to break the law. Though I have not yet done so, might be good to make up your own body tags to rivet to the frame and cowl somewhere so it matches the title's info.
I titled my 28 Oakland coupe as a 32 Essex coupe without a hitch. How many people can tell the difference? I know,,,, you can.
My buddy took his " Star" 4 door touring to the DMV. We had removed the rear doors so technically it wasn't a 4 door touring anymore. so the lady asked him "if he wanted it titled as a coupe"? He said "yes". Now it's a coupe. He should have asked if it could have been a roadster. My insurance calls my Model A pickup (which it is) an "other make" Don't ask me why, cheap insurance though. Farmers Ins. Group. Got to love Oregon.
what if you completely hand built a RPU body and titled it as say, a 1933 chevy truck or 1931 ford truck?
DMV fraud in California is a felony if your caught. With all the license/insurance check points, I don't don't know if it would be worth the risk. I know I wouldn't buy a car if the title was wrong.
back in the late 60's I had a t-bucket titled as a 58 chevy. Got stopped once, and the cop asked what part was 58 chevy. I told him tranny, motor, rear end, brakes, wiring, steering, and vin number was located on rear frame cross member. Numbers matched the title. He wasn't happy, but he did concede. He chaulked it up as a HIGHLY modified 58 chevy. Must have passed the word too, because I and the future owners were never hassled. Gotta love the good old days.
Many parts-built cars are titled as some make or model they are not. Many Tbuckets and track roadsters and other forms of T are titled as Chryslers, Whippets, Grahams, Studebakers, Stars, etc. There are many Model As, and early V8s and Chevys and others in the 30s titled as different makes as well. The most im portant thing is that the car has numbers that match the registered title paperwork and plates.
I drove a '51 Chevy Sport Coupe titled as a '55 Chevy 4 door for 5-6 years. It had a '55 265 and the numbers stamped on the block matched the VIN on the title. I only got stopped once and told the officer that it was a '51 body setting on a '55 frame. The officer wrote me a ticket for speeding, smiled and sent me on my way.
I have a 49 Merc title registered and insured. So....anything I have is a 49 Merc haha. My most recent daily (51) was a 49, my current 51 will be a 49 and so on and so forth...
The acid test is when you (G_d forbid) centerpunch a schoolbus, and the insurance company notices that if they claim you committed fraud when you identified the vehicle they don't have to indemnify or defend you. Tough choice. On one hand, you have the trust and friendship of an insurance company towards a policyholder. On the other hand, several million dollars. What do you think they'll do?
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