I didn't mention in my last post that this was all to be done without removing the vehicle from the property. And as mentioned, if this is a storage lot, via rental units, that's a whole different ball of wax, that 51MHF5 describes. I was thinking it was a private property of sorts. (I'm more familiar with the abandoned farm field type thing)

 

Even on private property you need to be careful. What you call abandoned might have been stolen first and then abandoned. Do your homework, make a couple of phone calls. Don't end up on the mug shot edition of the smoking gun!!

 

In California, any thing left on someone elses property for 45 or more days is considered abandoned, unless some other signal of intent or agreement has been made. I'm not sure what the time frame is in Colorado.

But since the truck is on someones land, and it has been abandoned there, it now belongs to them. I would offer them $100 for it and ask them to sign an Affadvit stating that "the vehicle has been abandoned on their property longer than 'XX' (you will have to find the time limit in Colorado - look online), they assume ownership of it and are selling it to you." Those affadavits are available at most DMV offices.

Chances are the DMV will not have a record of it and will allow you to apply for a new title. Once you do that, you will have to fulfill their requirements for a registration and plates. All states are different - you may need to get it road worthy and inspected there.

Here, the requirements are pretty tough - cash, checks, or credit card will get you pretty much whatever you want.

 

Here in Alberta you can take the VIN to the DMV and they will run it for you and tell you who the last registered owner was.

 

1947 and earlier trucks (1948 and earlier cars) were registered by the serial number, which was also the engine number.

The problem was...if the engine was changed, the numbers did not match, unless done by a Ford dealer, who would stamp the old serial number on the replaced engine.

But not all the dealers did this, even though Henry demanded it.

1948 and later trucks (1949 and later cars) are registered by the VIN = Vehicle Identification Number. The VIN registers the entire vehicle.

Beginning in the late 1980's, the VIN is also stamped on the engine. Prior years, it was rarely stamped on the engine except for some HiPo's.

Ford Motor Company:

17 digit VIN's: 1980 thru today passenger cars / 1981 thru today trucks.

11 digit VIN's: 1960/79 passenger cars / 1957/81 trucks.

10 digit VIN's: 1949/59 passenger cars / 1948/56 trucks.

97HY278840:

9 = 1949

7 = I-6

H = Highland Park MI Assembly Plant

Y = F3

278840 = Serial Number aka Numerical Sequence of Assembly.

Julie: How do I know about Kelley? I was raised in this business, as my family owned...for nearly 80 years: Oldsmobile & Cadillac dealerships.

 

I was taught about the Kelleys by the remarkable Number Dummy Bill in a previous post. But I couldn't find it to make sure I had all the facts straight. Thanks for your editorship! I'll save this to favorites this time.