OT: Getting Title for a junker

Potter · 05-15-2005, 08:11 PM

OK, I tagged this as "off topic" because it does not concern a 914.....but it COULD!!!

How does one get a title for a vehicle that has been resurrected from the dead for which there is no title, no bill of sale, etc.

I have a 1960 honda scooter that was bound for the landfill when I snatched it. I lovingly restored it...and now it runs fine. But I have no title, no bill of sale...nothing.

I live in Ohio (no cracks, please) and have no way of getting a title, and thus a plate, so I can drive it.

Sure, there are those sites on the Internet that you can spend $150 bucks to get a title. But logic says that all they have is info.......it must be available to the lay-person who has knowledge for only a couple bucks.

I don't wanna spend $150 on this. How can I do this?

Dave at Pelican Parts · Dave at Pelican Parts's Garage

Talk to your local DMV. There are always procedures in place for this kind of thing. Here in CA, you have to go through a bunch of paperwork and then wait, then a bunch more paperwork... The process is not always successful.

--DD

kabmedic · kabmedic's Garage

I had to get a bonded title which reuired all sorts of paperwork. If you have a serial number, then this should be possible. They will reuire you to buy a bond in case the original or last owner tries to get it back. I had to do this for my 914. Not too big of a hassle though. This is the Texas procedure. Not sure if same for Ohio

Will98D · 05-17-2005, 02:47 PM

ditto on checking with the DMV. when I was in Michigan, all they wanted was a pencil tracing of the VIN plate and the paperwork filled out. once they ran the VIN through the system if it came back clean you were basically all set. Hopefully you've got the same thing there.

Here in NY it takes your left nut just to get through the DMV even if you have all the paperwork. I couldn't imagine trying to do the same here. Mostly I think it's because we have so many downstate bretheren that screw it up for everyone else, and of course the in-control-left figures they need to legislate your entire life. Another example? Got a seasonal car like a 914? In MI, switch to just storage insurance for the winter, no problem, you don't have to hand in the plate. Here? Must hand in the plate every time, so it's a couple of hours spring and fall to get that done. When will they figure out that criminals are criminals, and they will drive illegally regardless of these silly rules. OK, that's enough of a rant.

avendlerdp · avendlerdp's Garage

You will be able to register that scooter for very little. It's off the computer so the DMV will want to verify to VIN # and then they will issue you a new title for not too much. Toss it in a truck and head down there. Just make it clear that it has been in your family for a long time and stored off the street on private property. There is no law against not registering a vehicle as long as you don't use it.

Dave at Pelican Parts · Dave at Pelican Parts's Garage

That's sound advice in CA, but it might not be in Ohio. Which goes back to the point about talking to the local DMV or equivalent.

--DD

Potter · 05-19-2005, 05:50 PM

I think I'm gunna try the old "throw it in the truck and head for the DMV" thing.

I'll brush my teeth and slap on some Dippity Doo and really put the charm on high. Who knows, it might work.

If when my turn in lines comes up and the worker is the menopausal behemoth with distinct facial hair I can fake a coughing fit and wave the person behind me on through.

Thanks for all the advice......I'll let you know how it turns out. With any luck it won't involve my having to inform you of a three hour visit to the No-Tell Motel with Gertie from the DMV......shiver.