VCCA Home Forums GENERAL DISCUSSION New User Forum 1940 Chevy coupe

Hi, I have just bought a 1940 coupe and it looks like it is all there except for the serial number tag on the floor board. The engine number is not readable. The body plate is in tact on the fire wall and is readable. Is this going to be enough to get the car titled in my name ? The car has no paperwork old registrations or pink slip. I do have a bill of sale.Any help would be welcomed.
Thanks, SAL

Well, 10 years ago my friends would register cars with titles that didn't belong to the actual car, they would beat it up and make it look like the went through the wash. Beat up the numbers a bit. When they got to the DMV they would just say that it was in their pants and went in the machine. They said it used to work all the time, but now, with more stringent rules and laws, I don't know if that would work. Otherwise you can get a lost title form, and in my state you have to have a police officer verify the VIN, but other than that you would need a bill of sale. Most DMV's don't keep electronic records earlier than 1980. Just for the record.

You will need someone from California to advise you as each state has different requirements to get a title. Many have changed in the past several years so contacting DMV might be best. If you don't like the answer then contact a local antique car dealer or collector.