I'm wanting to buy a '73 Ford Bronco from a person here in the local area. Due to some sort of extenuating services, the only title he can provide is a detailed 'Bill of Sale'. This would have two witnesses, includes the VIN number, year, and color of the car. It's typed out on a sheet of paper, and he says that it's kosher.

I've heard from numerous sources that you don't need an original title on cars over a certain age, and I was wondering if someone around here could verify that rumor, whether it be true or false. And, if it DOES happen to be true, what year(s) is the dividing point?

Normally I wouldn't ask a question like this here, but I don't have many options, and the folks here have always given my truthful, helpful answers.

That paper is all well and good - but what guarantee do you have that he is the registered owner of the vehicle?

That paper means SQUAT if someone else is titled as the owner...

Laws vary from state-to-state. The only true way you will know is to call your local DMV and ask.

Speaking from personal experience....:mad: .......

Take that vin # to your local getstopo and have it checked

I did not do that and it almost cost me dearly......:mad: :mad2:

Rich

A 73 is NOT that old. Have him go w/ you to get a replacement title. Who knows, there may be a lien on the title and he may be the owner. Else- you can still end up cash and bronco less.
Remember:
In God We Trust, and you aint he.

Yeah, what DRM said...
Been there, done that.
This is very sticky business.
A bill of sale signed by the Governer of your state is still not enough.
GET THE TITLE signed by the current legal title holding owner.

Originally posted by Jaffer
Yeah, what DRM said...
Been there, done that.
This is very sticky business.
A bill of sale signed by the Governer of your state is still not enough.
GET THE TITLE signed by the current legal title holding owner.

yep you can go get a title search to make sure it ain't stolen..
this will help you determine if it is worth your time..

then get him to apply for a title


if ya don''t you could be funding thiefs or keeping hte cycle going...

make damn sure for your self and for all of us who have had shit ripped off

Originally posted by Cro Magnon
I'm wanting to buy a '73 Ford Bronco from a person here in the local area. Due to some sort of extenuating services, the only title he can provide is a detailed 'Bill of Sale'.

I agree with everyone else on this one.

I'd like to know what the "extenuating services" (shouldn't that be circumstances?) are. The only reason I can think of that he can't get a replacement title would be either he doesn't own the vehicle or there's a lien on it that he still owes on.
If he can't produce a title within say a week I'd just walk away and look for the next deal.

What state do you live in ? If you have a friend thats a mechanic he may be able to get a title by putting a mechanic's lien on it and can get the title that way. I'd start by checking to see if the guy is the owner or not. I was looking at a Toyota truck that was originally a 2wd and was on a 4runner frame. A friend that lives near the truck got the vin off the truck and the vin off the frame. When I had a friend thats a cop check, the 4runner came up stolen. So I didn't get the truck but the owner did get arrested. I was to appear in court but the court date was 9-12-01 so you can guess it was posponed. I haven't gotten anything about a new date yet.

I used to restore vintage motorcycles and ran into this problem on several occasions. In each case I went down to the Highway Patrol and had them run the VIN. If everything came up clear, they would fill out a verification form and I could go to DMV and get a title and registration in my name. If he is the registered owner, bu just lost the title, take him down to DMV and they can easily verify that and then the bill of sale he produced will be just fine. This will also clear you of any possible back due fees and penalties. It'd be a bummer to find out that your bargain of a deal rig is csoting you $600 in penalties and unpaid fees.

I've ran into this scenario myself about 4 times.... My biggest
question/concern is W H Y ?? Why do you not have a pink?
most common reply:

"I just can't find it, and didn't bother going to DMV"

or:

"The guy I bought it from didn't have it"

or:

"You don't need one for something this old"

Yeah, sure buddy...


I always do what everybody else listed above..... ask the

highway patrol about the status of the VIN..... don't rely

on the DMV for this info, (other than for reference only)

And, if you do decide to follow-thru and buy the rig, take

a "STATEMENT OF FACTS" form with you for you to fill out

and make the seller sign it. do this along with the bill of sale.



Hint: The dmv LOVES documentation.... the more the better.

the CHP also likes alot of docs.......If you start running into

situations for an out-of-state/no-title/past-due-fees/ or,

ANY TYPE OF LEIN against the rig, don't buy it UNLESS your

only goal is to buy it for parts and never operate it whole...

Good luck.

--Sherpa