What is it titled as? Chassis swap question

[samberr74]

I am getting ready to buy a 1955.5 Chevy pickup from a junk yard (been there since the mid 80's) with no title. my question is if I put it on a clear title s-10 or c10 frame is that what I title it as????????

I am buying the truck for $350 for it.... complete minus the head, valve cover and steering wheel.

am I out of luck or will I be able to legally own and drive this thing?

[_Ogre]

i'd start by getting a title for the 55 before you spend money fixing it up
imo... if i had my druthers, i's druther it be titled as a 55

[samberr74]

id rather that too , but the junk yard owner turned the title into the State in the 80's so I have no choice but to do a frame swap.

which frame should I use?

the 55.5 is a step side ( short bed)

[dwcsr]

In most states there is an assembled vehicle title process that fits what your doing

[OrrieG]

You do not have to do a frame swap. Vin on frame and cab should match so get a bonded title based on bill of sale from junk yard. Do not understand why he surrendered the title to the state but should not be an issue. S10 is not a good swap for TF trucks.

[samberr74]

Originally Posted by OrrieG

You do not have to do a frame swap. Vin on frame and cab should match so get a bonded title based on bill of sale from junk yard. Do not understand why he surrendered the title to the state but should not be an issue. S10 is not a good swap for TF trucks.

Ok but that still doesn't answer my question.............also the suspension on a newer frame should offer a smoother ride
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[dwcsr]

It depends on your state. It Texas it would be an S10 and have to conform to all the emissions of that year

[samberr74]

Originally Posted by dwcsr

It depends on your state. It Texas it would be an S10 and have to conform to all the emissions of that year

I'm in North Carolina , in my state I can go 1995 and older with no emissions testing visual test only
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[franken]

Every state has a DMV website that explains this stuff. Why not check the one that has the answers?
As far as emissions equipment, federal law trumps state law and the feds say you can't remove emissions equipment at all. While you may not get bothered, its a potential problem forever.
If applicable, I'd do a bonded title, and leave the scrapyard part out. Why? That makes it a salvage title. Of course I'm not in your state so I'm speaking generally.

[1958Warrior]

Get the title for the 55.5 , the mods you make it will still be registered as a 55.5. I would not tell the frame isn't original .They don't need to know that.
All they're really interested in is which one they would be able to tax you more for $$.$$ is what they care about.

My truck is a 58,79,80,89,...... There's a Johnny Cash song in there

Here in Texas , it would only have to pass safety inspection.
Talk to someone from local repair shops or wherever you get state inspections done there.

[samberr74]

Originally Posted by 1958Warrior

Get the title for the 55.5 , the mods you make it will still be registered as a 55.5. I would not tell the frame isn't original .They don't need to know that.
All they're really interested in is which one they would be able to tax you more for $$.$$ is what they care about.

My truck is a 58,79,80,89,...... There's a Johnny Cash song in there

Here in Texas , it would only have to pass safety inspection.
Talk to someone from local repair shops or wherever you get state inspections done there.

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[samberr74]

Correct me if I'm wrong..... You are suggesting I get the truck bonded to get a 55.5 title? Or can I place a lien on it after its on my property 10days ?
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[Richs'55]

I put my 55 2nd series on a C-10 frame using the e-z swaps chassis kit. It works but there are a few issues with tire width that kinda limit you choice of wheels.

From all I have read, I think I would go with the s-10 frame instead. I think it would be a much easier choice with less issues.

[SCHRUMGMC]

What I would do is buy the truck.
Get a lost title form and have the junkyard sign it as the owners and then have it in your name.. I live in NC, and I have a '59 GMC and a '74 Volkswagen bug
Personally, I wouldn't go with a S-10 frame...I wouldn't even consider it

[Richs'55]

Oh and BTW, here in Iowa they go by the VIN number. I changed frames but the cab still has the VIN tag on the door post. That is what the truck was registered with and that is what it stays registered with. It will still be clear title as a 55 when I am done with it.

[mr48chev]

Originally Posted by samberr74

id rather that too , but the junk yard owner turned the title into the State in the 80's so I have no choice but to do a frame swap.

which frame should I use?

the 55.5 is a step side ( short bed)

The wrecking yard should be able to give you a proper bill of sale that you can take to the dmv to help get a new title. It might help if they have a record of the date they turned the title in as that would answer the "what happened to the title" question.
First thing is to go to the DMV for your state and ask the ins and outs after searching on line.

I can't see cobbling a TF truck onto an S-10 frame just because you seem to think that is what all the "cool guys" do and you all the sudden want to be one of the "cool guys" . Especially when it seems that you have a good straight and solid stock frame to use as a platform to build a great truck on. Frame bent, missing altogether, hacked up by previous owners mods or rusted out beyond reasonable repair, then do a frame swap.

[samberr74]

my intention is not to be an s-10 frame swap "cool guy" but I figured that may be my only way to get a title

[samberr74]

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[1958Warrior]

I don't think you HAVE TO do a frame swap just because the wreaking yard turned in the Title to the state.

Get a bill of sale ,and then get a bonded title, or salvage title both will be able to get you on the road.

My sons 08 mustang has a salvage title . Sharp car ,no one sees the title going down the road .

Lien? you would be trying to put a lien on your own truck?? I don't get it?

[franken]

Doing what's advised on a website is little different than playing on the freeway, but feel free.

[1958Warrior]

$350 for the truck is a very gooood price for a complete truck , get it and lets see some picks,



CHEERS!!

[samberr74]

here is a link to the pics

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...12#post7165912

[dwcsr]

Specifically for NC

What is a Custom-Built Vehicle?
A motor vehicle that is completely reconstructed or assembled from new or used parts
Will be branded as "specially constructed vehicle"
Year of vehicle will be year of assembly.

Reconstructed Vehicle
A motor vehicle required to be registered that has been materially altered from original construction due to the removal, addition or substitution or essential parts. (This includes glider kits and custom assembled vehicles.)

REQUIREMENTS FOR OBTAINING TITLE FOR
CUSTOM BUILT VEHICLES
1. A report of inspection by an Inspector with the License and Theft Bureau.
2. Application for title (Form MVR-1) completed in full and signed before a notary.
3. MVR-55-Notarized statement explaining how the vehicle was acquired and why valid evidence of
ownership cannot be furnished, accompanied by evidence of ownership in the applicant’s possession.
Note: If the vehicle was constructed prior to the purchase, please notate this information on the form.
4. Proof of ownership (Title, MCO, Bill of Sale) must be included. If no proof of ownership is available,
an Indemnity Bond written by an insurance company licensed to write Surety Bonds in North
Carolina. The bond must be for one and one-half (1½) times the fair market value of the vehicle. Two
appraisals on dealer letterhead must be submitted. The value is based off of the higher of the two
appraisals.
5. If customer has to title vehicle by Indemnity Bond, a MVR-92A (Requirements/Instructions for
Obtaining Title by Filing an Indemnity Bond) is needed and a MVR-92H (Affidavit of Facts to
Accompany Indemnity Bond) will need to be completed by the customer.
6. All custom built vehicles are branded RECONSTRUCTED.
7. Title Fee and Highway Use Tax is due at time of titling vehicle.
BONDS ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE:
1. On abandoned vehicles. (G.S. 20-77)
2. Mechanics and Storage Liens. (G.S. 44A)
3. When there is an outstanding lien for which a lien cancellation cannot be furnished (G.S. 20-58.4).
Vehicle must be free of all liens including customers. After new title is issued, lien can then be added.
4. When litigation is pending (e.g. Death, civil suits, divorce, repo, or a party to legal action).
5. When the vehicle is not domiciled in North Carolina.
6. When the applicant is a non-resident and the vehicle is not registered in North Carolina.
7. When a vehicle is branded parts only, non-rebuildable, or declared junked.
8. When a vehicle has been declared a total loss by an insurance company and never titled in the
insurance company’s name. (G.S. 20-109.1)
9. When a vehicle has been declared a total loss by an insurance company and sold without a title.

[1958Warrior]

I don't see why you would register it as a custom built vehicle when you haven't turned a bolt on it.

Look into a bonded title , check to see about a salvage title, form
# MVR-40 Raleigh Office Only

Hell you may put a engine/trans in it new brakes, and wheel bearings and get it lubed up and going on the road.
Would that be Custom built? No, don't think so.
AFTER its registered , make your mods.

Also:Exemptions, the following vehicle types do not need a Safety Inspection:
◾Vehicles 35 years old, or older

Again DMV is a tax office they will direct you down the most costly path.
(seems others do too,) keep it simple

Check out some car shows ask locals , they know the ins and outs.

But again for $350+ $35 delivered cant beat it ,I'd get it, hell its cheap yard art at the very least .
It cost me $100 to put mine on a roll back and haul 5miles.

Good Luck ,keep us informed .

[dwcsr]

If you use a S10 or C10 frame under a 50's cab its custom built. If the title has been turned into the state as junk you can't get a bonded title in NC, both these he states in the first two posts.

BONDS ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE:
1. On abandoned vehicles. (G.S. 20-77)
2. Mechanics and Storage Liens. (G.S. 44A)
7. When a vehicle is branded parts only, non-rebuildable, or declared junked.

You can try titling anyway you want but doing it legally is usually the best way when you try to sell it.

If he can get the title issued for the 55 then yes absolutely do it then change it to what you want, but again if the junk yard has turned the title into the state and its branded junk then composite or custom built it the only way to get a legit title.