Small rant, involves Texas/Alabama Titles

[Blessed66]

It just bugs me, so I thought I'd share my dilemma with you guys because, well, yall would get it more than most other people I know.

So, my '66 SWB Stepside was a gift from my (paternal) grandfather, who had it in Alabama since 1966. He gives it to me when his health is getting bad, so someone can take care of it and make sure it lasts. No problem. Life happens, papers go missing, etc.

Fast forward a few years, he has passed away, I've moved twice, still have the truck. State of Texas tells me I need to do a title transfer, Green Sheet (out of state inspection), and I'm good to go with a blue title. Family in Alabama knows I have the truck, doesn't care I have the truck (It's been mine since 2006), but cant really do much about the registration because of issues with Power of Attorney (lapsed?) and the state of Alabama will not and did not title a vehicle prior to 1974.

While I'm happy to be working on my 84 (from my maternal grandfather), it just bugs me that now it looks like I'm gonna jump through hoops to get a title. Ive considered filing a lost title, but that sort of blowback could be bad. So, I have this really cool truck that I don't want to even twist a wrench on until I figure out how I can quickly, easily, and affordably get a Texas title.

Ugh, I mean, I know I could have it worse than this, but it's just an example of the red tape BS that makes me scream. What kind of sense does this make?

/end rant

Sorry, but like I said, I figure you guys would empathize more.

Oh, and Happy New Year!

[The Rocknrod]

Ya, pretty much would happen anywhere. Get a truck, get the title signed over and register it ASAP. Don't do it and fall afoul. It's not brain surgery. Paperwork is really important, people sometimes don't remember that..

[Dans1960SWB]

As screwed up as this state of New York is....registering a old vehicle is very simple. You take two tracings of the Vin number. You write up a bill of sale or just claim you owned it for ever. You go to DMV and they issue a regi...problem solved...

[Axle]

Not being in the US, but I see people on various forums always recomending AAA title service and pay them to do the grunt work especially for situations like yours.

Alex.

[mrtoni]

I have a similar story. Bought a 77 on eBay last April out of California for 3300. Had it shipped to Nevada. Listing said clear title. It arrives and is much tougher than 5 year old photos. Ask shipper for paperwork. No dice. Contact seller who says tough luck on condition but will send paperwork. It arrives and is Lein paperwork from 20 years earlier never completed.
Calif dmv says seller must file for missing title. Nevada dmv says no way will they touch it. eBay first says no help due to age of vehicle over ten years. Then they say they will kick him off eBay, they didn't, and will pay 300 bucks for bonded title. It's 6 months, no title, HOA going crazy, pick n pull won't even take it.

Matt

[richards72chevy]

Who has his death certificate?You should be able to go to your local tag office with it and have it switched in your name.

[franken]

You can do a bonded title. Cost will depend on the value and takes a couple hours of getting forms from the internet and running around.

[Blessed66]

Originally Posted by The Rocknrod

Ya, pretty much would happen anywhere. Get a truck, get the title signed over and register it ASAP. Don't do it and fall afoul. It's not brain surgery. Paperwork is really important, people sometimes don't remember that..

I fully agree. I was 25-26 at the time, and not quite as aware of the steps as I should have been. These days, things are different. Sins of the past.

Originally Posted by Dans1960SWB

As screwed up as this state of New York is....registering a old vehicle is very simple. You take two tracings of the Vin number. You write up a bill of sale or just claim you owned it for ever. You go to DMV and they issue a regi...problem solved...

That's pretty cool, actually. Makes it a heck of a lot easier.

Originally Posted by Axle

Not being in the US, but I see people on various forums always recomending AAA title service and pay them to do the grunt work especially for situations like yours.

Alex.

I might just look into that. Thanks, Alex.

Originally Posted by mrtoni

I have a similar story. Bought a 77 on eBay last April out of California for 3300. Had it shipped to Nevada. Listing said clear title. It arrives and is much tougher than 5 year old photos. Ask shipper for paperwork. No dice. Contact seller who says tough luck on condition but will send paperwork. It arrives and is Lein paperwork from 20 years earlier never completed.
Calif dmv says seller must file for missing title. Nevada dmv says no way will they touch it. eBay first says no help due to age of vehicle over ten years. Then they say they will kick him off eBay, they didn't, and will pay 300 bucks for bonded title. It's 6 months, no title, HOA going crazy, pick n pull won't even take it.

Matt

That's harsh. Kind of makes me feel a little better about my situation, but sorry to heaar you're troubles, man. I definately feel for you in that sort of situation.

Originally Posted by richards72chevy

Who has his death certificate?You should be able to go to your local tag office with it and have it switched in your name.

To be honest, I'm not sure. His family in Alabama and mine aren't on great speaking terms. My father was his adoptive son, so naturally that means he doesn't count in terms of anything of his parents'. People do some awful things when a loved one dies. Glad the truck was done while he was still alive.

Originally Posted by franken

You can do a bonded title. Cost will depend on the value and takes a couple hours of getting forms from the internet and running around.

I'm considering that. It's kind of been helpful to have it on the back burner. Not accumulating a bunch of mileage and wear/tear and since I'm not hurting for a vehicle, I can take my time and do what I really want to do, not what I have to do right now. Still sucks, all the stuff involved with it, anyways.