Paperwork Help

[mr48chev]

It may still have an old registration slip in the glovebox or in one of those registration holders that gives the info you need. Or if it has the old plate in it you might be able to track things down that way with enough patience.

Also a lot of states used to use the engine number (The one stamped on the pad by the distributor on the original engine) as the vin number back when these trucks were new. If it still has the original engine you may be in luck there.

Check with the state first and see what hoops you need to jump through to title it as you might be able to do it with a notarized bill of sale, and an inspection.
Some states also have a deal where the Sheriff's dept or some other law enforcement entity inspects the vehicle on the property it is on and fills out a form to turn into the state. In essence, the land owner lays claim to the vehicle because it has been on his property for XX time.

You might check into a bonded title too. http://www.ncdot.gov/download/dmv/VR_MVR92H.pdf It would cost a few bucks for the bond but unless you are anal about having a "bonded" title on the truck that may be the best way to go. With a notarized bill of sale from the gent you buy it from that should work. Take photos of the truck as it sits and take them along with you if you go that route so that you can justify the sale price and that it actually is an old farm truck that has been on the farm for the past XX years. Usually after three years you can apply for a regular title in most states anyhow.

Someone is sure to suggest buying a title and using that but these days that may be a bit risky. Others will suggest going through a "title company" but they can't do anything you can do yourself with some leg work. And there have been several cases where those titles didn't hold up lately.