So I recently picked up a basket case 2 door champion for under 1000, I've done some "questionable" modifications to it that may make some people unhappy but, I digress. The real question is this, I bought it thinking that I'd be able to get it on the road using the Vermont loophole. However, after doing some research I've found that you need a bill of sale (check) and a Vin Number... I only have the Serial Number that was stamped at the factory. Does anyone know if they will accept this before I send my money and get my hopes up?
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Welcome to the SDC Forum!
No Studebakers had a true VIN, as it is known now. The Serial Number should be used for the identifying number. Up into the 1950s, many states used the Engine Number, rather than the S/N , for identification.
I am not familiar with Vermont Motor Vehicle Laws (every state is different).Gary L.
Wappinger, NY
SDC member since 1968
Studebaker enthusiast much longer -
For registration purposes I believe all states now accept the Serial Number as identification in lieu of a seventeen digit VIN.
If you are very, very fortunate you may be able to locate the matching Serial Number lightly stamped in to the rear most frame crossmember. Few have survived six decades of rust.
As Gary indicated, every state has their own version of motor vehicle registration rules.
If you are registering in Maryland it would be best to inquire at your own registry service. I'm sure they've dealt with this before.Brad Johnson,
SDC since 1975, ASC since 1990
Pine Grove Mills, Pa.
'33 Rockne 10, '51 Commander Starlight. '53 Commander Starlight
'56 Sky Hawk in processComment
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There is some encouraging news, at least for those of us who live in Virginia. A local chapter member recently bought a '56 Power Hawk in a private junkyard. It had no title, but fortunately still had its serial number plate on the driver's door jamb. It is in restorable condition and he plans to at least get it into driver condition. (Sunglow Gold and Snowcap White, by the way) He has gone through the Va DMV and has gotten a title in his name and in the car's original serial number!!! Glory be!
We now know that Va will do this and hopefully Maryland will do the same. Good luck.
-DwightComment
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Every state is different with regard to titling and registration. Some are easy; some are nearly impossible without an old title with the correct number on it. Some allow untitled vehicles to be titled after a lengthy check of the serial number's history; many do not. If you are planning on registering it in Maryland, which is a title state, it would worthwhile to check into their DMV web site. Also, Md has commercial tag and title places that might be able to help you. They may or may not know what the Vermont loophole is (I don't).Skip LackieComment
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Who knows what can happen to titles given so many years have passed. Titles do add to the value of a car.
I remember an original owner "found" his old car at a car show. It had been beautifully restored. The original owner got the car back.
There is a "Sticky" at the top of the "Cars and Parts" tab that you need to read wrt titles.
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In Texas which is also a title state, there is an option for obtaining a bonded title which after a brief investigation by the bonding company, one can obtain a title. Your state may have similar options...Comment
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Thanks for the info everyone, I have contacted the MD DMV about a previous vehicle, my autocross car, and they were of virtually no help at all. sending me to other departments that gave conflicting information or just telling me, no, can't be done. A title company will probably have much better info so I will likely start there and then send my hopes off to Vermont. And for anyone unfamiliar, Vermont will register an antique car out of state and without issuing it a title. Which means afterwards you can use said registration to title the car in your home state.
Cheers!Comment
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In Ky they have what's called a Classic title, that's what I got for my 53 Commander I filled out the paper work had it inspected and had a title in a couple of weeks.
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Working for a local DMV office and dealing with the public has to be as close to hell as can be found on Earth. As a result, it tends to attract (and retain) those people who enjoy saying "no" and feeding their own ego by acting important and providing authoritative answers to questions when they really don't know anything about the matter. The result is that local DMV offices are a veritable treasure trove of negativism and misinformation. By contrast, DMV websites are almost always accurate, though they may not answer all unusual questions or be updated promptly.Originally posted by More Tools Than Sense View PostSkip LackieComment
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Sometimes bureaucratic offices take pride in setting up roadblocks for things they would simply rather not deal with.
I would suggest making inquiries at long standing privately owned repair and body shops. If they've been in business for any length of time they have probably crossed that mine field.
Many years ago I tried to title a 1948 Cadillac hearse that had a lost title. Contacted the Department of Motor Vehicles and was told, without a title the vehicle no longer existed, PERIOD!
Two years ago I got title to a '56 Sky Hawk by submitting all the information I had to the county court; paid a $10 fee and got a decree from the county judge.Brad Johnson,
SDC since 1975, ASC since 1990
Pine Grove Mills, Pa.
'33 Rockne 10, '51 Commander Starlight. '53 Commander Starlight
'56 Sky Hawk in processComment
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I have found on a few occasions that the California DMV phone help to be far more positive, better informed, enthusiastic, and helpful than actually going to my local DMV.
Rafe HollisterComment
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