Contacting a former owner of an untitled car

[Eneto-55]

I bought a 49 (2nd series) P-15 in a salvage in 1981, for a parts car.  Well, I still have it, and it's actually a pretty solid car.  Coming out of a salvage, it was not at all complete, and I already had started restoring my 46, so at the time it didn't seem important to pursue getting a title for it.   Anyway, after moving back to the US 10 years ago, about 6 years ago (2007) I requested a title search in Nebraska where I bought it, and of course they didn't find anything.  It had a 1960 tag on it, so it had been setting for a long time already when I bought it.  The salvage is no longer operating, I don't think, but I believe I may have located the former salvage owner, or at least a relative.  I only have an unsigned, un-notorized bill of sale from the salvage, w/o any S/N listed.  Would there be a benefit in trying to get a notarized statement from him, if it does turn out to be the right man?  If so, what should it list/say?

 

I also found 2 payroll stubs in the car, which may have been from the former owner.  Believe it or not, I'm pretty certain that I have located him (this is more certain than the identitiy of the salvage owner), with his current address & phone number.  

 

Is there a danger of either of these men or their heirs trying to take the car from me, if I contact them?  (The car is no longer in Nebraska, and I'm in a state other than where the car is located.)

[Young Ed]

I would start by researching the laws for the state you are currently living in.

[jcmiller]

I think so too.

[Eneto-55]

As I understand the regulations for requesting an original type title, Ohio requires that the vehicle be road-worthy, and then inspected at one of several posts around the state, and I haven't even moved it to Ohio yet.  (This inspection is not a safety inspection, although there may be a required satety check as well.  The purpose of this inspection is, as I understand it, primarily to verify that it does not include stolen parts.)  I would rather avoid waiting until it is rebuilt, and I'm not sure that I even will rebuild it myself, as I still have my 46 project to finish.  I would just like to be sure that the paper work situation is rectified.

[wayfarer]

If you can find someone in your dmv system that appears helpful then tell them the same story and ask what options are available. I would also say that you should

do this at least three times (different offices) to verify whatever info you receive unless/until one of them offers to do the paper work to get a title in your name.

Remember that even though they all work under the same regulations they each may interpret them differently and, sadly, some folks don't want to do anything that actually might involve work...

[jcmiller]

As I understand the regulations for requesting an original type title, Ohio requires that the vehicle be road-worthy, and then inspected at one of several posts around the state, and I haven't even moved it to Ohio yet.  (This inspection is not a safety inspection, although there may be a required satety check as well.  The purpose of this inspection is, as I understand it, primarily to verify that it does not include stolen parts.)  I would rather avoid waiting until it is rebuilt, and I'm not sure that I even will rebuild it myself, as I still have my 46 project to finish.  I would just like to be sure that the paper work situation is rectified.

 

Look at the rules for lost titles as well.  Since the car is another state, you should check the rules of that state to see if they are more favorable than Ohio's.  It may be easier to get it titled there before you move it.  I wouldn't hesitate to contact the past owner after you do the research.  He may still have the title, or may have lost it and can sign an affidavit to that effect, or can at least sign a statement affirming he turned it over to the salvage yard.  I think the risks are low that the person would try to take the car, but if it turns out they have a legitimate claim it is better to find out now than after you spend more time and money on it.

[Lumpy]

How an agency interprets the regs or code can be "interesting" to say the least. I just went through licnensing a 1937 motorcycle, which the inspecting agency insists is a 2013, "homemade" vehicle. But when you read the code/regs, it clearly states that such a vehicle is an "assembled" vehicle, which could have been licensed as a 1937. The problem? A 2013 has to meet all current vehicle codes. The other problem is that you can't argue with the agency (in my case it being the State Patrol) no matter if you are right. (unless you want to blow any chance of getting a license plate on it) 

 

So, something to look out for. On the other hand, it's not likely anyone connected with the car remembers it, or wants to spend the time and money to claim it. Maybe if it used to belong to Elvis, or was perfectly restored and worth $50,000. As long as the VIN inspection doesn't turn it up as a stolen vehicle you should be good to go. Up until recently, stolen vehicles used to drop off the hot sheets after seven years, so many stolen older cars and motorcycles don't/won't show any records.

 

If a title/VIN search in the state it was last licensed in shows no records, it should be fairly easy to get it licensed as an abandoned vehicle, or something like that. I would not contact anyone unless a title search, or VIN inspection turns up their names, which it looks like it did not. It's certainly unlikely that they would have any proof of ownership...you could just as well pay Joe Blow to sign a notorized bill of sale in that case. ??

 

k.

Edited April 22, 2014 by Lumpy

[Grdpa's 50 Dodge]

I live in the state of Nebraska.  we have a form to fill out with last registration, previous owners, all KNOWN info on it,,,,  they look at itverify vin isnt stolen etc. and issue a new title.

 

Now what I dont know is if living out of state makes it different.  I am willing to bet they WILL help and not hinder your effort in title.  Once you have that can transfer to other states.  Might try googling Nebraska Motor vehicle licensing bureau or some variation and see what they say.

 

it is not a hard process.  When vehicles are coming in to this state from another state it must be inspected by the county sheriffs office which costs like $10.  depending on how good the inspector feels that day is how they look at it,,,had some say yep its a car or whatever to looking closely to info.  Think they are to verify vin number by looking for the hidden ones,,,that aint gonna happen

 

.What town was the salvage yard close to?  maybe somebody here knows somebody who knows them,,,or previous owner??? I really doubt anyone from here would claim a junk yard beauty at this point.  How long has it been?

[Eneto-55]

How an agency interprets the regs or code can be "interesting" to say the least. I just went through licnensing a 1937 motorcycle, which the inspecting agency insists is a 2013, "homemade" vehicle. But when you read the code/regs, it clearly states that such a vehicle is an "assembled" vehicle, which could have been licensed as a 1937. The problem? A 2013 has to meet all current vehicle codes. The other problem is that you can't argue with the agency (in my case it being the State Patrol) no matter if you are right. (unless you want to blow any chance of getting a license plate on it) 

 

So, something to look out for. On the other hand, it's not likely anyone connected with the car remembers it, or wants to spend the time and money to claim it. Maybe if it used to belong to Elvis, or was perfectly restored and worth $50,000. As long as the VIN inspection doesn't turn it up as a stolen vehicle you should be good to go. Up until recently, stolen vehicles used to drop off the hot sheets after seven years, so many stolen older cars and motorcycles don't/won't show any records.

 

If a title/VIN search in the state it was last licensed in shows no records, it should be fairly easy to get it licensed as an abandoned vehicle, or something like that. I would not contact anyone unless a title search, or VIN inspection turns up their names, which it looks like it did not. It's certainly unlikely that they would have any proof of ownership...you could just as well pay Joe Blow to sign a notorized bill of sale in that case. ??

 

k.

Wahoo, Nebraska.  My brother used to live in the next town back towards Omaha, and he said that he'd have some friends of his do a little checking.  I didn't know that he still knew people there.)  It was last tagged in 1960, so probably was put in the salvage soon after, and I bought it in 81. When I requested the title search back in 2007, I gave them all of the info I had: S/N, last tag number, the name of the salvage where I bought it, and the name of a person whose pay stubs I had found in the vehicle.  (These pay stub dates are only month & day, so no year date to determine how old they might have been.)  I don't know how much searching they did, because it only costed one dollar.  Yeah, that's it - One American Dollar!  Their statement: "There is no record found on the information listed above in the records that are held by the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles."

Edited April 23, 2014 by Eneto-55

[Lumpy]

I think you are good to go, and I personally would not attempt to dig up any names from the past connected to the car. Good luck.

 

ken.

[Don Coatney]

Having recently moved to Indiana I need to register all my vehicles here. Laws are different in Indiana than in Tennessee. However I have learned that it is legal to display year of manufacture tags. So I searched and found a nice 1948 Indiana tag. I think the blue color will look good on my blue car. 

 

[Niel Hoback]

   I think you will need a matching pair to register.  Indiana had two plates in 48 and the state will probably want you to have a pair.  If they do, and I think they will, let me know if you need a pair.  

[Don Coatney]

   I think you will need a matching pair to register.  Indiana had two plates in 48 and the state will probably want you to have a pair.  If they do, and I think they will, let me know if you need a pair.  

I was not aware that Indiana used 2 plates in 1948. So if you have a pair I am interested.

[Niel Hoback]

http://www.in.gov/bmv/2654.htm    This link clearly shows that I was wrong. You only need one plate to register. Sorry for the panic.

[Don Coatney]

If only 1 plate is needed how did you find a pair? I will need something to add to the front bumper once I remove my state shaped Tennessee tags.

 

 

[Plymouthy Adams]

some states do require two tags if the tag at the time was for front and rear..however not all do require two tags if todays tag is a single tag display...NOTE THOUGH...If originally a twin tag for that state that year be very careful on buying just one as the other matching tag could already have that number crosslinked to your current registeration...For instance...41 was a front and rear tag in Georgia..today is single state requires only one YOM tag for the rear..if you buy a single and the matching tag is already applied for YOM...you out of luck and the money for the tag..the DMV counter person can/should verify the tag as available or claimed already without saying who or where...

[Niel Hoback]

    That's true, Tim, they do check before registering, for previous registrations of that number, and condition, but Indiana plates are not expensive even for a pair.  I have two nice pairs that are in very good to excellent shape that I came from swap meets and even asset from an antique shop.  Being "frugal", (read cheap), I doubt that I paid more than $20 per pair.

   My problem with the state is that they require registering as an antique auto, they issue an antique plate that must stay in the car while you run on YOM plates.  Antique registration allows only for occasional use limited to parades, club activities and "testing".  I drive mine regularly and cannot be restricted.

[Don Coatney]

In Tennessee a regular (not antique) tag must be carried in the trunk. With a regular tag there are no restrictions. I do plan on going to a lot of test events here in Indiana.

[TodFitch]

It really is amazing how much the antique and/or YOM tag laws vary from state to state.

[Lumpy]

True, Washington is a two-plate state, but for antique, "horseless carriage" and vintage cars, they only require one plate. In Washington, law enforcement isn't worried about guys like us in our dinosaurs tearing up the streets, robbing banks, or making babies cry, and I notice that they rarely look twice at, much less pull over, classic cars. Muscle cars, yes, full out hot rods, sure, but they just smile and wave when Lumpy cars go by. I could probably have a five year old make a plate for me out of cardboard and crayons, and never get pulled over.

 

Wish I had me a real 48 plate though. One of these days.

 

ken.

[Don Coatney]

It really is amazing how much the antique and/or YOM tag laws vary from state to state.

I have been told that in California when running a YOM tag that the toll bridge scanners used for automatic billing are not programed to read and trace the YOM tags hence there are a lot of free passes. This is hearsay and may not be 100% accurate.

[Young Ed]

MN anything elligible to run collector plates only has to run 1 plate. 1946 was a one plate year anyways coming out of WWII so my truck could never have a pair. For Spot I do have a pair of 1948 plates and choose to only run the rear one. We do not have to carry any other plates. Now that my dakota is 20 years old the next time the front plate falls off I don't have to put it back on......

[busycoupe]

Massachusetts is a 2 plate state. However, the rule for YOM plates states that 1 plate may be used if only one is available.  The YOM plate must be inspected and approved and recorded by the DMV.  I now live in North Carolina.  In NC you can display a YOM plate on any car 35 yrs old or older as long as you carry the current plate and registration in the car.  The YOM does not have to be inspected or registered.  The car does not have to be registered as an antique. 

[TodFitch]

I have been told that in California when running a YOM tag that the toll bridge scanners used for automatic billing are not programed to read and trace the YOM tags hence there are a lot of free passes. This is hearsay and may not be 100% accurate.

I don't know for sure as I haven't taken my Plymouth through a FastTrak lane but I've not heard of this before so it seems unlikely to me.

 

Now that I have a FastTrak account and have put all the tag numbers on the account (they prefer you have the transponder in the car but apparently they will do plate recognition if there is no transponder) maybe I ought to give it a try.

[TodFitch]

MN anything elligible to run collector plates only has to run 1 plate. 1946 was a one plate year anyways coming out of WWII so my truck could never have a pair. For Spot I do have a pair of 1948 plates and choose to only run the rear one. We do not have to carry any other plates. Now that my dakota is 20 years old the next time the front plate falls off I don't have to put it back on......

 

 

Massachusetts is a 2 plate state. However, the rule for YOM plates states that 1 plate may be used if only one is available.  The YOM plate must be inspected and approved and recorded by the DMV.  I now live in North Carolina.  In NC you can display a YOM plate on any car 35 yrs old or older as long as you carry the current plate and registration in the car.  The YOM does not have to be inspected or registered.  The car does not have to be registered as an antique. 

 

Seems like many states have that bit about having current registration plates in the car. I guess that means that the police can't run the numbers until they actually pull you over and talk to you.

 

YOM plates in California are basically standard vanity plates: You pay full normal registration AND a special plate fee and the YOM tag number is listed on the registration slip. Since you are paying full fare and more, the state does not care how many miles you drive the car per year. Your insurance company might, but not the state.

 

Anyway, since the YOM plates are the plates the the car is registered with cops can run them on sight and the plate number recognition software at things like the bridge tolls should be able to read them.