Gene posts some cogent things, I guess it boils down to me having 13 letters in my last name and figuring the way my luck goes I'll lose the truck and be out the $5k too, which I can't afford.

Call me superstitious.

another option could be a "mechanics lien", or a "storage fee lien". you can, if you have a repair business, in some states request title for something left at your property and no fees have been paid over ??? time period. that takes some time, and advertising in local media outlets, then the courts award you ownership due to unpaid bills or storage fees. a local body shop does that year round because people break down, then leave behind all kinds of vehicles and items, then never return to pay the tow bill or repair and/or storage fees. perhaps that route may be a viable action ? would depend on the laws of your state however.

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.

Dave Yes the shorter 1/2 tons are worth more and are more sought after. but these are cool and have a lot more room inside.
I like them all and they are getting SOOOO hard to find these days.

I had my 36 humpback for over 12 years and drove it cross country and put over 130,000 miles on it, drove it every where and even towed the chopped van to the races

don't let them get away... Ron...

also Big Red was made from a very rough 34 humpback

see a 1 ton can look cool too.

the red one looks to be sectioned through the middle
and has a custom grill...

i agree with ron. humpbacks are something that should be tried to be saved if at all possible. those two are a LOT[he, he, i mean TON -get it ? ] better than what i started with. as to the paper work issue, all i got with mine was a bill of sale because south carolina was a no title state back in 73-74 for the old "junkers". it takes hoops to be jumped through to be sure, but sometimes it's well worth it due to the rarity of the beast.

Dave as far as the title goes.
I haven't registered one recently here in CA.
cars go out of the system after 7 years.
and I don't know if anything has changed but,
the last 2 we registered all we had to do was
show a bill of sale saying that the cars were
on the sellers property for like 30-40 years
and have not been on any CA streets.

they will get the paper work going and you will need to
get the VIN verified
by DMV
or AAA(if you have it)
or a law enforcement officer.

and because they are trucks they will need to go and get
a weight slip,
to get the paper work finished.

I hope nothing has changed I have like 6-7 cars(trucks) to get titled
.

I would check with DMV where you live
it might be easier than you think. Ron...

I have done some checking and here you have to have an engine in the engine bay before they will even look at it. Then it can take months. Probably not impossible but Im a little worried about spending cash and not getting them titles. If I were in Nevada still, it would be $125 each and a title in two weeks.

RUMBLON

All I have to add is, I hope you can save these trucks.
I know a title can be a problem. Been there.
73 Harley.

Glad I took the time to clear it up.

Also have to say, Ron your work tickles me.
It's guys like you that got me interested in customs.
The chopped van? Just plain KOOL!

Hopefully some day I will get my hands on something older than the 60's stuff I have so far.

Sadly I didnt buy them. The whole title thing is this state is tougher than Nevada, where I get a title easily.

Im probably picking up a 39 plymouth coupe I posted on recently.

Here's a nice one from our 2014 Car Show..

where???

At the car show!

Maybe this one?????

Ron, what is lurking in the corner?

Could it be?

[img:center]https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t...amp;oe=582E9CBE[/img]

The picture is from this thread

http://www.yellowbullet.com/forum/showthread.php?t=457950&page=297

wow good eye, I can't even place where that is(maybe lancaster dragstrip?)or (car craft nats in Syracuse NY)
but it sure looks like my old humpback with motor wheels...

Wish I never sold my '36...

nice humpback !

Thanks. It is one of the 3 or 4 cars I regret selling (out of about 50).