Hey guys, I have a little issue. I have a 1930 Model A and a title. The number on the title is for the engine that was originally associated with the body. However, this body was pulled off the original chassis, turned into a drag racer, raced, pulled off the custom frame, dumped in a field, dragged out of a field, and put on a chassis from another A prior to being sold to me. So the title is "for" the car, but the number doesn't exist anywhere on the car. Before I go to transfer this title to my name (which looks like it will be expensive ), should I even bother or should I just file for a lost title and try to get one issued with a new VIN?
Dunno about Texas but here in Calif you have to get a few forms filled out and verified by a peace officer or DMV employee. That title isn't worth squat without the engine or frame to go with it. The body has no numbers and cannot be documented, unless it has been documented extensively(pictures, past owners, etc etc, but that is highly unlikely). The frame, if it does have a serial number, would be the best course of action to see if you can get a title for the car. I would see what it would take to get the Model A frame serial number titled/registered, that would most likely be your most viable option.
Lost title using what number? Engine? Frame? What body description? Model A SERIAL ( NOT VIN) numbers were the serial number of the engine which was then stamped on the top of the frame, in the area of driver's side cowl mount at final assembly. This stamping is not visible with the body in place. Titles (in most states) were issued with this number PLUS a description of the body type (coupe, sedan, etc.). SO... it's a bit of a can of worms. What does the number on the engine indicate the car is (some research may disclose this)? What does the number on the frame indicate? It's a mish-mash, which was not uncommon due to engine swaps (less common were body swaps), but how your jurisdiction will view it is unknown until you try it. Many threads on here have (rightly) advised in the past: Don't invest ANY time or $$$ until you have a title in hand. Best case scenario is you can get a new VIN number assigned, worst case is you get accused of holding stolen goods and lose your investment. Good luck!
If it was me I'd buy a titled A frame with a visible VIN that matches. Least amount of headache for the best outcome.
I don't know the rules now, but a rebuilt title used to be the ticket for a clean "blue" Texas title. You might check the tax office and find out who to contact for info. Its a hassle, but anything other than an original matching title usually is.
My brother recently purchased a 61 impala from a friend's widow. He purchased it from the original owner but he never transferred title to his name and widow lost title. My brother went to DMV and was given temporary tags after an inspection was completed. He paid 50 dollars for new original title. Only catch is he has to wait 6 months to see if anyone claims car before title is issued.
Here in Iowa we have done bonded titles on a few different cars. Lots of paperwork, a bond purchased from your insurance man, and then either sending pictures of the serial number stamping to the DOT, or maybe you can get an inspector to come view it (it's been a few years since they did that). Then they will issue a title that is stamped "bonded" for three years. If nobody claims it was their car, you can get a clear title after three years. If somebody legally claims the car was theirs they get the insurance bond money from the insurance company. Save the title you have which matches no serial number, and frame it for your wall.
Thanks guys. Looks like I can't do anything with this title. I'll pursue the bonding method. Another method I heard of was having a mechanic's lien placed on the car, which apparently allows the lienholder to get a new title, but I'm not sure I can do that myself.
Check your state laws, but I'd think only a professional mechanic or storage facility could place a lien on a car like that.
I'll have to check with my mother, but she has a 29 A with I believe it has a S10 frame underneath it. She has a Texas title that says 1929 Ford on it. I'll look into it and get back.
In small towns like I live in they don't really even look into it that much. When I switched title on my 38 to my name it was super easy. They never asked to see it or look for #s . All mine were good anyway but I've done many the same way.
They went by the number on the engine in Texas until 1959 so I don't see a problem unless your looking to spend more money - in that case go with a bonded title.
I'd just go for a Texas rebuilt title and provide the necessary info that you need to on this list. Rebuilt Vehicle Statement (Form VTR-61) (txdmv.gov) The title just proves that you bought what was left of the original car. Any photos of it as a race car or a "photo of it when it was wrecked" would be a plus. Simply meaning that you bought this wrecked Model A that used to be a race car that had a frame that was so screwed up it got cut up, You have the bill of sale/receipt for the frame. You have the bill of sale/ receipt or documentation that you own the engine, trans and Rear axle. If you bought a donor and pulled the drive train you should make a copy of the title and keep the papers from the scrap yard where you hauled the hulk. Get a cheap 3 ring binder and some page savers and put the receipts, bills of sale and other paperwork for the components in the page savers pretty much in the same order as you list the items on that pfd. That you legally bought all of the major components and can show it goes a long way with the state.
https://www.classicautotitle.com/ This is what they do. They helped me get a title for my 49 merc. Flat Fee, they come to you. It doesn't get any easier.
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