Need title for Fiero project (Page 1/1)
altownsend JAN 16, 04:49 PM
I purchased a 1986 Fiero project from a guy who bought it from a guy who referred him to another guy who bought it from a guy. I think 8 people actually passed the car, each not having a title. I am rebuilding and want to eventually have it road worthy. Does anyone know how to establish title with no physical paper title?
Gall757 JAN 16, 05:13 PM
Different states have different laws. Texas should have a website explaining their process...if that is where you are.
theogre JAN 16, 05:25 PM
Contact local DMV because that's your issue to deal with.

Likely why others don't get one.
Because Some states are very strict or have a long wait time after filing for a title.
If not on stolen list right now... Even then if find out later was stolen you may lose the car at minimum when cops impound it etc.

As is do Nothing to the car until you get a title.
Run Carfax etc before bought may warn for a stolen/total but those can't be trusted because many states Do Not give them access to DMV records. Many I-co's don't deal w/ them either.

plus many cities, HOA, etc. have laws/rules in any car w/o tags or expire tags parked outside.
Even active current tagged vehicles often have laws/rules just where you park.

------------------
Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should.
(Jurassic Park)

The Ogre's Fiero Cave

fierosound JAN 16, 07:26 PM
All good points.

You may be finding out the hard way why none of the 7 other owners had a title.

In that case, you might now have a parts car...

------------------
My World of Wheels Winners (Click on links below)

3.4L Supercharged 87 GT and Super Duty 4 Indy #163

[This message has been edited by fierosound (edited 01-16-2020).]

altownsend JAN 17, 02:21 AM
Thanks folks,

All good points. I am terribly embarrassed that I did not consider any of this. I should know better. Well, I will get the process started and see where we go.
Rsvl-Rider JAN 17, 02:59 AM
If you check this link you will find information the Bonded Title process for Texas. A friend had to do this on a car in California. The paperwork was fairly minimal and the cost was low. It's kind of like title insurance. After paying the fee the car was registered and driveable. After a waiting period (I think it was one year in California), to allow any claimants to come forward, the bonded title can be converted to a clean title.

https://www.txdmv.gov/motor...ehicle-with-no-title
altownsend JAN 17, 12:30 PM
Acknowledged,

Thanks, I have documents from the motor vehicle office. I am getting ready to submit them now. I wanted to know if there was a different, or easier way to get title. I have done a title search to see if there are issue with ownership. I am waiting for the police rep to get back to me about DPS (Department of Public Safety) request.
theogre JAN 18, 02:15 AM
Local and State police may not have all data for a car 10+ years old let alone 30+ years. Worse if car was from out of state when stolen.

Carfax and sim won't have data from several states DMV either for reason posted above.

while rare... Reissue new titles as "clean" or "bonded" can still have problems later. Some owners of classic cars have spend Thousands of $ to restore them only to find months to years later car was stolen decades ago and lost all as owner at time of theft took the car.

How?
In a nutshell...
Unless car is under lean/loan requiring "Full Coverage" Insurance... Most people only have "State Minimum" types that doesn't cover Theft.
So If a old owner find their stolen car in a show etc. and can still document the theft, many states will give them the car and you get nothing.
Might even get the car when had Full Cover because Insurance often doesn't pay full value of a vehicle. Depend who "owned" the title after Theft and I-co payout. I'm not sure if Theft = Total. Might depend on I-co, If had lean/loan, etc. (I-co Totals a wreck car and you sign that doc then I-co owns it. If under Lean/Loan then most to all car money go Lean Holder to settle that Lean first. You might buy back the wreck but that's another story.)

Easier now because old owner can Google et al VIN to find GL etc entries trying to sell a car.

Side note: Many "Junk yards" won't take a car w/o a title from the public. My guess some PO's tried to junk this only to get refused. Is part of why many areas have abandon vehicle problems. Can't sell give or junk w/o title so abandon to let city etc take it.
altownsend JAN 18, 01:12 PM
Acknowledged,

I am working on Bonded Title process now. We will see what comes out on the other end.

[This message has been edited by altownsend (edited 01-24-2020).]