From this statement, it almost sounds like the lady at the DMV was being a smart *** telling you to get a court order, rather than helpful. That's unfortunate. There otta be a law...

 

In Texas we have a Bonded title process, maybe you have something similar. Its a bit more expensive but the 'help' you will get from your local DMV actually makes this easier. For example when I bought my truck the PO never had the title from his PO transfered to him all he had was a signed title. I was told I needed to find the PO's PO and get him to sign the title to me. Believe it or not people move in 50 years . Basically the bonded title allowed me to title the truck in my name, the bond is an insurance policy you take out, costs about $150 I believe and the state issues you a title. If no one else comes forward and tries to title or register the truck after 3 years the bond is released to you and you have a clear title.

You can also use this process if you have no title to start with. I used it on a kit car I built before the truck.

 

How long have you had the vehicle? You can also check on am Abandoned Title or as someone else stated a Bonded Title

 

Here are the tags off of the 51 F2, I noticed that the engine number has the "I" as well as the "1" in the same stamping. Is it safe to assume that the I is still a 1? Luckily I am not in a hurry as I have another project that I am finishing up, so I have a little time to sort this out.
Thanks everyone for your input.
Wade

 

You can only go by your States laws - None of the otherones count
Ford last used Engine Numbers on the 49 and older cars and the 47 and older Trucks - These were the engines that had the half bellhousing cast to the block.
SEMA put together the following information
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ents-sema.html