I came across a couple more links that might help you.

http://www.usri.org/legislation/

http://www.usri.org/Legislation/ID_titling.htm


Keep in mind that state laws vary (sometimes a LOT) so the best place to start is going to be the state DMV web site and the DMV you will be working thru.


Gene’s post pretty much explains the process. From firsthand experience I can tell you the waiting for the paperwork to go back and forth and wind its way thru the system can be a huge PIA (as I said states vary but here in AZ it can take 3-6 months to get everything done and finally get a clear title in hand).


Whatever you end up doing, do it legally and jump thru the necessary hoops. Also avoid the temptation to get started on it while you are waiting on the paperwork. In the unlikely event that a legal owner comes forward to claim the truck it will go away with any of the parts that are bolted to (it won’t matter if you have a receipt for the engine and transmission that you bolted in the truck it is now part of the vehicle and will go away with it).

If it was me (which it’s not) and I was interested in building one of these I would start with a title search and see where that goes. If problems don’t turn up there I would likely pull the trigger…… realizing that there is a slight chance while going thru the title process that I might end up being out my original purchase price.