frame swaps in California

[no1udknow]

Hey guys, I finally got my donor truck, a 85 c10 with only 79k miles on it, (it's almost too clean to chop up....almost) anyways, neither the donor, or my 58 are titled to me yet, should I title them in my name first and then go down for a vin inspection, or should I do the swap and then go down and get an inspection? I was wondering if anyone else in California has done this? and one other question, one of the spot welds is broken/rusted through on my Vin on the door, and the other is hanging on by a thread, it matches the frame, and I would like to sand/prep that area anyways, should I remove it and just take it with me? I have read horror stories about people getting their trucks seized in various states.
Thanks in advance,
mike

[SHORTDOG99]

Try calling my buddy John, he does VIN verification and you don't even need to deal with the DMV. Here is his info...Tell him that SHORTDOG sent you!

CALL ME JOHN 626 918 5719 MOBILE SERVICE LICENSED BONDED CALIFORNIA VIN VERIFIER. I CANT DO CARS OUTSIDE OF CALIFORNIA! IN MOST CASES NO TITLE NO PROBLEM. CARS MUST HAVE A VIN NUMBER. PLEASE DONT ASK HOW MUCH CALL US WITH THE LOCATION OF VEHICLE. THANK YOU!

[no1udknow]

Originally Posted by SHORTDOG99

Try calling my buddy John, he does VIN verification and you don't even need to deal with the DMV. Here is his info...Tell him that SHORTDOG sent you!

CALL ME JOHN 626 918 5719 MOBILE SERVICE LICENSED BONDED CALIFORNIA VIN VERIFIER. I CANT DO CARS OUTSIDE OF CALIFORNIA! IN MOST CASES NO TITLE NO PROBLEM. CARS MUST HAVE A VIN NUMBER. PLEASE DONT ASK HOW MUCH CALL US WITH THE LOCATION OF VEHICLE. THANK YOU!

Im all the way up in sacramento, Sounds like you guys are in so-cal

[SHORTDOG99]

That's not a problem, he can handle it. Give him a call.

[msaintg]

it is always easier to get a title in your name, especially if it needs an inspection, as the original vehicle. Once you start to swap parts, it becomes a nightmare.

[OrrieG]

Get the title and future registration straightened out first.

[mr48chev]

Originally Posted by OrrieG

Get the title and future registration straightened out first.

If you have a transferable title that is excellent advice. You can probably title the donor as a non op vehicle but when push comes to shove you will have a title to the donor in your name.

Meaning that bureaucratic minds understand taking this by that you have a clear title to and putting it over on this newer frame that you have a clear title to to make one truck and a load to sell the scrapper a lot better than "I bought it off craigslist and don't have any title. when they ask "why" the answer is that the older truck had a good body but the engine didn't work and the other truck had good running gear but the body was trashed. A little fib there but allowable since you sold all of the good body parts off as you pulled them off the donor.

[Bone$]

I have been delaying my project because everybody told me to get the paperwork done before i start spending money on a truck that if DMV or CHP finds out that you frame swapped you will be screwed.

My CHP friend said they have multiple restored cars and trucks in their yard that they had to take from people to then try and confirm nothing is stolen because they waited to do the paperwork. He told me some sit in the yard for years.

[_Ogre]

many a horror story has been told when you build first, title/reg later.
title, register and insure the 58 before spending 2 cents on it.
then modify to your hearts content