I've got a doozy here. Looking to buy a 1984 Ranger off a guy I work with. We are stationed together in North Carolina and the truck is back home for him in Indiana. We have run into some troubles. I asked for the VIN so I could make a small legal agreement so neither of us gets screwed if I loan him some money to help get the truck down here. The way it was explained to me is there are really minor issues with it such as tires and worn springs in the shifter. The problem arises in that the dash has been swapped out therefore there is no VIN there, and the door sticker has been sanded off and painted over. Also the original diesel motor was pulled (whole different heart ache there) and it was replaced with one of the four cylinders for that year (unsure as to which one). Now I'm feeling real uncomfortable about buying this truck off of him. Is there another permanent VIN anywhere on the truck that I can find to match the title? We have discussed a very low total price (around $500 total) but it still wouldn't be worth it if I run into too many issues while trying to register it. I appreciate any and all help you guys have to offer.

 

First of all get a new buddy, or at least a new ex-buddy.

Second, don't buy this truck without the title with matching easy to find vin.

Just save yourself the time trouble and expense.