Bill of sale for "lost title" truck. What info is needed?

[kipps]

Apologize for this not being a Chevy, but I figured folks here would provide some good info.

I've got a buyer lined up for a rusted out 1949-ish Ford F-2 for $200. The title was lost decades ago, and it's possible the new owner won't even get to the point of applying for a title.

I'd like to fill out a bill of sale, and call it good. The hang-up is the year and vin number.

I can't guarantee it's a 1949. It's definitely 1948-1950, but I can't say 100% that it's a '49. Should I fill in 1949, and hope that's correct? Should I write in "1948-'50"?

Also, I'm not completely certain of the VIN. There is a plaque on the firewall, but I recall questioning whether that number was indeed the VIN. It's a much shorter number than modern VIN's, but that's to be expected. If I write down that number, and it turns out to not be the VIN, does that really cause trouble with the new owner?

Does a bill of sale have to be notarized?

[richard2717]

This might be helpful as far as finding correct vin & year. Not sure about VA rules but MD does not require notary on something like that

https://www.f100central.com/identify-your-truck#1948

.

[67ChevyRedneck]

Completely depends on your state.

As long as the buyer is OK with it and you stated there is no title and it's for parts, once it's gone, it's not your problem. I'd make out two identical bills of sale, one copy for you.

I made the mistake of buying a double "title jumped" car from NC in SC (bought from technically 3rd owner that had signed blank title from the first owner, thought I would be fine, but NC titles require a notary...) NEVER doing that crap again. Finally got my title, but it took like 3 months.

[kwmech]

You are not selling a 'vehicle' you are selling the parts as-is. They just so happen to bolted together

[Dead Parrot]

A couple years ago, I bought a M35A2 for which no paperwork existed. The nice lady at the OK Tax Commission did require a notarized Bill of Sale in order to start the process of getting a title. It took a bit but I did get the title.

I would provide a Bill of Sale for an "Untitled Collection of Truck Parts" and have a notary lined up in case the buyer wants one. This way, it is very obvious that you were selling it as a pile of parts in the shape of a truck. As mentioned above, have the buyer sign a 2nd copy that you keep just as a CYA.

[kipps]

Thanks for the responses! I sent it down the road with a simple bill of sale stating, "F-2 ford truck." That was all I could say conclusively, so that's all I wrote. The buyer seemed fine with it.

The vin on the glovebox door was missing. The rivets were there, but no plate.

I remember digging for the vin years ago on the frame, but came up empty. I don't know if I was looking in the right place or not back then. I ran short of time to check again today.

The buyer is from 20 minutes away, and is wanting to fix up something to cruise around in at steam & gas shows, where he exhibits several AC tractors. Interestingly, he's a young guy, in his 20's. Based on his intentions, it's pretty unlikely that the truck will make it back onto the road in it's present configuration.

[RustyPile]

I see I'm a little late with this post....

I can only speak for Texas, but I've had 3 experiences with "no title" vehicles..

First and second one: I bought a vehicle without a title, bill of sale only.. Texas vehicle registration searched the VIN for me and came up with the name of the last known registered owner.. I managed to contact that person and he had sold the vehicle almost 20 years previously.. He applied for a lost title in his name and was issued a clear title.. We transferred ownership to me -- problem solved...

Third one: I bought a disassembled but complete motorcycle.. Was given a bill of sale...
Put the engine on the frame and went through the Texas stolen vehicle task force.. The "background" check came back clean.. Using the information gathered by the task force, I applied for and was issued a Bonded Title.. After 3 years, I applied for and was issued a "clear" title..

If you once had a title for that truck in your name, why not file application for another title"??

[kipps]

Originally Posted by RustyPile

If you once had a title for that truck in your name, why not file application for another title"??

The truck was purchased by the family farm back in the late 50's(guessing). It was never registered for the highway during the decade that they ran it. That family farm partnership was dissolved 25 years ago, and no one has seen a title for the truck since it was purchased. I really question if the state even has any existing records of that truck. For a $200 truck, it wasn't worth a lot of trouble on my part to come up with a title.

[1976gmc20]

Here's a title for your truck:

Sir Rusty Ford

[RustyPile]

Originally Posted by kipps

The truck was purchased by the family farm back in the late 50's(guessing). It was never registered for the highway during the decade that they ran it. That family farm partnership was dissolved 25 years ago, and no one has seen a title for the truck since it was purchased. I really question if the state even has any existing records of that truck. For a $200 truck, it wasn't worth a lot of trouble on my part to come up with a title.

Since you've sent the truck down the road, my reply is probably a moot point, more so, because we're in different states.. Texas will issue a title on "abandoned vehicles" and vehicles assembled from parts.. The only requirement is that a partial engine (block) and a frame or body that that is to be issued a VIN be presented to the Texas Auto Theft Task Force.. If the major parts (frame and engine block) pass the "background check" paper work is issued that is used for a bonded title application..

All the above leg work falls on the buyer.. The seller isn't involved in any of it..