What is a title worth?
MSEE
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,386
Likes: 35
From: Austin, TX
I'm almost positively sure it's illegal to sell a title and VIN tags. If you have a frankenstein truck that has multiple or missing VINs and\or no title, you need to go through your DMV to find out what are the proper steps to take. I know at the pick-and-pull yards I've been to, there are signs everywhere saying they will prosecute you if you pull off VIN plates off dash boards and doors, etc.
The reason this is illegal is because as far as paperwork goes, this really is no different than someone stealing a truck, taking all the VIN tags off, and then buying a legit VIN and title and rebadging the truck. I'm not saying this is the situation here, but there are people out there that do that - and in the state's eyes, there isn't much of a difference. If you swap titles and VINs like that, the state has no way of knowing if you're doing it just because you're piecing together a salvage truck, or if you're trying to cover up an auto theft.
In other words, don't buy one. Contact the DMV in your state to find the proper way of handling it. It will cost more, but unfortunately in this world you pay a price for being honest.
The reason this is illegal is because as far as paperwork goes, this really is no different than someone stealing a truck, taking all the VIN tags off, and then buying a legit VIN and title and rebadging the truck. I'm not saying this is the situation here, but there are people out there that do that - and in the state's eyes, there isn't much of a difference. If you swap titles and VINs like that, the state has no way of knowing if you're doing it just because you're piecing together a salvage truck, or if you're trying to cover up an auto theft.
In other words, don't buy one. Contact the DMV in your state to find the proper way of handling it. It will cost more, but unfortunately in this world you pay a price for being honest.
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 5,181
Likes: 3
From: Across from the neighbors
Ok then i ask you this: There is a VIN# on the door and 3 or so on the frame. So what if you swap cab because yours is rusted? Then technically you have two trucks. In your words if you use the title from the cab then its not the title for the frame or vice versa.
MSEE
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,386
Likes: 35
From: Austin, TX
Originally Posted by crazyredneckanyhow
Ok then i ask you this: There is a VIN# on the door and 3 or so on the frame. So what if you swap cab because yours is rusted? Then technically you have two trucks. In your words if you use the title from the cab then its not the title for the frame or vice versa.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 1,172
Likes: 2
From: SW Missouri
when I lived in california, a 73 VIN tag and Title with no overdue fees was worth upwards of $600. (a 73 didnt need to be smogged then, now its up to 75 and a few early reg 76s, so I suppose its similar for 74-75 as well.)
here in the heartland its much easier and cheaper to do the right thing...
here in the heartland its much easier and cheaper to do the right thing...
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 3,312
Likes: 1
From: Eldorado Ca. USA
Its a federal offense to sell (and buy) vin plates and titles with the intention of putting them on another vehicle. However, if you were to sell a significant portion of the frame and body, you can do so, OR sell them as a collectors item, in a fancy frame (thats how you do it on ebay). For complete vehicles, leave the option to ship as much or as little as the buyer chooses. What the buyer does with their package once you ship it off is none of your business.
With all that said, Offering to sell or buy them in a public forum is dumb, is probably against the rules, and might get this thread axed. Not to mention the possibility of a few people being awarded an all expense paid involuntary weeks vacation. (visit to the band)
For a 73-75 titled JUNK parts truck, I wouldnt pay more than $100 for that particular model. For other rigs, like classic chevies, I have sold the titles and things to be legal for $200-400.
With all that said, Offering to sell or buy them in a public forum is dumb, is probably against the rules, and might get this thread axed. Not to mention the possibility of a few people being awarded an all expense paid involuntary weeks vacation. (visit to the band)
For a 73-75 titled JUNK parts truck, I wouldnt pay more than $100 for that particular model. For other rigs, like classic chevies, I have sold the titles and things to be legal for $200-400.
Senior User
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 296
Likes: 0
If the vin on the body is messed up, then they go buy the one on the frame. If your truck does not have two matching numbers then it is up to the department doing the vin verification to decide what to due. It is a felony federal offense to tamper with vin information on a vehicle. If you are having number problems here in California, you can make an appointment with the California Highway Patrol and have a vin verification done. Assuming everthing checks out, if your main vin tag is missing, they will issue you a "blue tag". However, if it does not check out, your truck leaves on a flat bed and depending on how bad the numbers are, you leave in a shinny set of tight fitting bracelets in a car with cool lights on top.