I know the issues of ***les / VINs / Inspections is quite regular, but I need to bounce this off you folks cause I am really not sure of my next step. I purchased a '41 project back in march and have been digging into it since to see what all I need to repair and replace. The car has a ***le and a stack of paperwork back to the original "window sticker". I had looked over the car for the VIN, and found what I now know as the body tag, not the serial tag (thanks to some after the fact research on here). So I call the DMV yesterday to get the ball rolling on ***le/tagging it before I start dropping any more money into it. I knew it was going to go south when the woman on the phone sounded surprised about the year of the car. Never the less I explained to her what I had and asked what process was required to get it all squared away. She indicated that I would need it inspected (I was pretty sure about that) by the local PD for VIN verification. Then I would need to bring that paperwork and the car over the DMV to have the paper worked reviewed. All that still makes sense. At this point my balloon was popped - she indicated that I would need a court order from the judge indicating that the car was clear to re***ign a VIN to. After I get the new VIN it would then be ***led as a 2011 car, not a 1941 Chevy. I know this is done over and over and I also know that the answers you get from the DMV vary like the wind. I need to know who I talk to get a REAL answer and list of steps/ forms to fill out to make this right. I am pretty sure that the only place there is a serial number on the 1941 Chevy is riveted to the p***enger floor. Can anyone confirm/deny that? Thanks for your time, help and the soapbox - VOH
Is your ***le from another state? Then yes, you have to go to an inspection station to get a "green sheet" to make sure the ***le number and car number match. Are you saying you cannot find the number on your car? Sorry I'm no help on that Chevy.
Voh, this doesnt make any sense. You HAVE the ***le for the car, a paper trail INCLUDING the original window sticker, and now "that's not good enough"? I think (...and I'm just spitballing here) that you talked to an idiot. Call another DMV office and ask to speak to the manager of the branch. They USUALLY know a little more.
IT IS, BUT THAT ISNT THE ISSUE YET. iTS A PROJECT, SO THE TRANSFER CAN HAPPEN - IF I GO ANTIQUE, DONT NEED THE INSPECTION ANYWAY.
It has been my experience in life that whenever you speak to a government employee and it doesn't sound right then it probably isn't. Try another call to someone else at another office and you will probably get another answer. In government, you have to find the Right person. Ask your friends if they know anyone that works for the DMV that will actually take the time to treat you right.
I have registered several old cars(37 Dodge, 55 Olds, etc.) here in SA and have never had a problem. Over the phone is a waste of time, just take your paperwork with you and go to the local DMV, fill out the proper forms, and get it done. If the person behind the counter is an idiot, they will call the supervisor and get you worked out. Just make sure you print and fill out the ***le transfer form before you go in. Just don't mention the VIN tag.
Damn dude, TX has tough ***le laws. In WV all we would have to do is take the open ***le to the DMV, regardless of year and it would be transferred to our name for a $10.00 ***le fee plus 5% tax on the amount paid for the car. If we don't have a bill of sale proving the sale price then we pay 5% of the book value on the car. The only way we go through all of that is if it is an old car with no ***le. If we have a car with no ***le, then we have to have the police to a VIN verification and if the VIN shows clear and it hasn't been registered in the last ten years they will issue us a new ***le registered to the existing VIN. Texas sounds like the DMV laws are a little tougher.
that was one thought. What then happens "tomorrow" with the vin tag? I just dont want to get all the way down the road/$$ and have them buck something.
I really think it was the person on the phone. That said I want my ducks in a row if it gets to be an issue.
Don't take no for an answer.And if there's a goodlooking redhead,go to her.They just do **** because they feel like it.***ling a custom is not for the faint of heart.
thats awesome - I am married to a redhead I know EXACTLY what you are talking about. Sometimes they even do it cause they aint supposed to!
I guess I don't see a problem. You've got the most important piece, the ***le for the car. Every state is different, but with that, you should be golden. Here in MI it used to be easy to get ***le for an old car with no paperwork. Just walk up to the counter and say, "I can't find the ***le for this car that I've had for 20 years and want to get plates for it." Hand over 10 bucks, fill out a "Lost ***le application" form, and be on your way. Now, they've wised up, and a "surety bond" is required, vehicle inspection and verification the serial # does't show up as stolen. It's still doable, but it'd have been easier to ***le my Diamond T, which I've had for 20 years and want to get plates for, but can't find the ***le for, if I'd done this a year or two ago...
Michigan is always an option for me. My folks live there, and that actually where the ***le if last from. just hate to transfer it a few times to make it right.
...As many have said, I have the important part - the ***le. I may just go do the ***le/plates as an antique. I am just a bit leary about not having that serial number on the floor - thats what I am hung up on.
Those early Chevrolets, like Mopars & Model T & A Fords, are registered by their engine numbers, near the distributor on Chevy sixes, on the driver's side of the block on Mopars and Model T & A Fords. No engine...no number to combine with paperwork so no ***le. Many Model As have the number stamped into the frame rail under the front driver's corner of the body though. Just pull the body and there it is! However not true with Chevys and Mopars. I would go to your nearest Auto ***le Company with all your paperwork and pay them to handle your situation. This is what they do, they know the law, they know the people, they know the system, they get it done legally and correctly.
I have the original bill of sale that indicated both the motor number and the serial number. Its clearly been registered since 1941 via the serial number on the floor, not the motor number. I also called the ***le place that I have used in the past and they indicated that they dont handle antiques (however that might have been with the plates). EDIT - Just called them again, can only do antique ***les thru the county office.
Since the original for Michigan identification plate under the seat is missing...the question would be "WHY?". The answer would likely be "because the car you have is NOT the car that matches the paperwork". ***le company.
...I would like to ***ume its missin cause the floor is rotted all to ****. My understanding is that these were under the carpet. Michigan winter salt water has eatten the floors out on both side pretty good.
EASIER SAID THEN DONE I LIVE IN TEXAS. Dad lives in michigan so we could use his name. still dont get me a serial number on the car which is my problem.
VOH I am not sure who you called or who you spoke with. When I need information about ***ling a car here I call the state DOT in the state capitol (here that would be Jefferson City). When you go to the local office you speak with local people that they hired off the street. That is not to say that people off the street are bad people just they more often than not do not know all the rules.
Here, in MI, with those two things, ***le and bill of sale, you'd have no issue at all. Don't know how they do things in TX, but I'd waltz up to the DMV counter, hand over my paperwork, money, smile and make like you've never called and talked to anyone. Brian
Probably good advice from Brian. Unless it is an out of state car why would it be any different than any other car.
Just did the ***le transfer on a 40 chevy with an out of state ***le. I have a dealer friend here in Texas, had his tech do me a vin verification $15.50 and paid his ***le clerk a little to handle it for me. Dealers dont have to go through the same BS that the public does. If you know anyone who has a dealer license all they have to do is fill out the paper work as if they sold the car to you and they can trasfer the ***le. Mine just shows I bought the car from the dealer for $300. and it only cost me an extra $18.75 in sales tax. I did a ***le tranfer only not the complete registration. Once it is finished all I have to do is insure and register it.
you shouldnt need a vin tag... the body number should be fine that IS the VIN.. VINs were required until the late 60's anyways (69 anyone??) you shouldnt need a vin as a the body serial number would do. I could be mistaken for texas. ^real help.... right?!!
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