55 Panel Body Removal
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55 Panel Body Removal
Well, I bit the bullet and bought a donor vehicle (eng/trans from 85 F-150)for my 55 Panel. And, with the help of this forum I even found my VIN number (never thought to look in the glove box!) My question (I'm sure there will be many more) is this: How difficult is it to take the body off a 55 Panel? Can 4-5 guys lift it off or do you need a hoist? I don't know if I'm up for a body off restoration but I'd like to get some idea how hard it is. If not too bad maybe I'd try it.
One other question: Anyone have any experience with title companys that get you a title with just a Bill of Sale? Looks to cost about $150 but I want to make sure they work. Any recommendations?
Thanks for all your collective expertise.
Jeff in northern Wisconsin
One other question: Anyone have any experience with title companys that get you a title with just a Bill of Sale? Looks to cost about $150 but I want to make sure they work. Any recommendations?
Thanks for all your collective expertise.
Jeff in northern Wisconsin
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,495
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From: Northwest Fl
Can't help on the body off questions but on the title issue I would suggest you talking with the folks at your local Department of Motor Vehicles. They can lead you in the right direction. Some have used out of state titling agencies but you may save little money and time by doing it locally, especially if you're in a smaller town where you aren't just a number to the folks at the local tag office.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,847
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From: Eastern shore,Salisbur,MD
I would like to tag along on ttpenman's post. I have a 54 f-750 fire truck, with just a bill of sale Actually, the las two bill of sales. My problem is that is was a fire truck, and in most states, they do not title fire trucks. The DMV in Maryland will not title it without a registration or a Mfg bill of origin. I am in a real jam. Thsi truck was in fire service its whole life. Never was titled anywhere.
thanks,
I would like to share ttpenman response
JimG
thanks,
I would like to share ttpenman response
JimG
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2005
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Several of those "title companies" were under investigation by the government a while back. I would recommend contacting your local DMV and getting it done legally.
There have been many discussions of this topic on hotrodders.com. Some states won't accept the titles from these companies either. You need to be careful and check it all ahead of time.
There have been many discussions of this topic on hotrodders.com. Some states won't accept the titles from these companies either. You need to be careful and check it all ahead of time.
Last edited by Brian_B; Jul 5, 2007 at 01:17 AM.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
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From: Durham NC
The "title companies" sell you the title from a scrapped vehicle the same year and model as yours that the title was turned in to the scrap yard, not your vin #. They are mostly for reconstructed from parts or to "prove" ownership of a vehicle that was obtained where the ownership could not be determined, i.e. an abandoned vehicle dragged out of a field or the desert. Boyd Coddington was slapped with a major fine for titling his newly constructed vehicles as old using "title company" titles. If you have a bill of sale and the original vin # it will be much better, cheaper and legal to go thru your DMV. Most early vehicles were not titled, titling is fairly recent in most states (primarily due to the banking industry lobbying), so most do not expect you to even have a "title".
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2001
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From: Waynesboro, Virginia
I have taken my 55 panel's body off 4 or 5 times. There are I believe just 8 bolts.
I just raised the body off the frame with a few automotive hydraulic jacks and 2x4s, etc. and it was relatively easy.
I just raised the body off the frame with a few automotive hydraulic jacks and 2x4s, etc. and it was relatively easy.
