Getting a car titled in california

Ok so Im new to this and looked through lots of posts about horror stories and all that. Currently I drive a 67 bug that I bought with a title, easy switch. But now Im going to be getting a 59 edsel with no title, just a bill of sale. How do I get a title for it? Is the bill of sale enough to say that I am now the legal owner of the car?
school me on this

 

Your bill of sale should be fine. Get the VIN # off the car and apply for a lost title. I've done this (in Cali) and it should be no problem. Good luck.

 

Get yourself an appointment @ DMV, let THEM tell you what you need. DON"T ARGUE!! Be nice! You may have to have VIN verified, they do some, some have to be verified by CHP Officer that has that authority. Again, do what they tell you!!
I just got an out-of-state motorcycle registered in CA (an impossible task according to many) here locally @ DMV, was in and out of office in less than ONE hour! Had plate, new registration, ready to ride NOW.Had to be verified (I brought m/c on trlr.) did it all. No back fees, only current reg and tax. Held my breath when she verified the mileage (it didn't qualify) but an off-road sticker did something to exempt that. Had to pay for Green Sticker also, but that was small price to pay for legal registration in CA. FWIW