Follow up to Registration Woes
 

First I want to apologize to the Ford Barn for the confusion I created on this thread. I forgot that my handle is "Ed in Maine." The truth is "Ed" is in Florida because I am avoiding all the cold and snow in Downeast Maine. Today I was successful in getting my plates for my new 1931 Victoria. In Florida, as a matter of procedure, the DMV sends an agent to your house to inspect your Vin number and the indicated mileage. You don't have to get a temporary plate. How civilized is that? In my case, the Vin number on the car did not match an out of state title. That requires I sign a form entitled "Affidavit For Change of Motor" (For a Motor Vehicle Manufactured Prior to 1955). The whole situation was cleared up in no time! I have been to our local DMV several times and every time it has been a rewarding experience. Tomorrow I plan to go back to the sellers house and drive the car home (35 miles). it will be a little scary because I don't know the car but I will have my tools with me. I am embarrassed to make this statement when I remember a few months ago a fellow barner drove a newly purchased pickup truck from the West coast to Michigan! Thank you for all your help and comments, Ed

Re: Follow up to Registration Woes
 

Good to hear! Ya know, license bureau's in just every state I have lived, all have a reputation, to find some sheet or property receipt or some item you have forgotten. I think this plays into "apprehension" that every time we deal with them, we will come up on the short end. It is good to hear the folks in Florida helped you get your title set up right. Gott be a good feeling! Enjoy your new toy!

Re: Follow up to Registration Woes
 

Ed I am in Florida also and I had a similar situation. My Model A was a barn find and the seller gave me the title when I bought it. The problem was, just after getting it we found out the motor was shot, so he put a repacement in it. When I went to Florida DMV I was told to get a letter signed with contact numbers of the seller and the letter must state that the new motor was installed in car since the title had the old motor number on it. The seller lived in Texas so I had to call him for this. After I got the paperwork the Florida DMV wanted they issued me my new title with proper engine number and license plate. Florida DMV did work with me and I thank them for this. Hugh

Re: Follow up to Registration Woes
 

Thanks for sharing the rest of the story. Is the number on your title also visible somewhere on your vehicle ? Has the original number been retained ?

Re: Follow up to Registration Woes
 

It was scary the first time I drove mine. Now, 35 miles would be like a trip around the block. You will get to the point where you won't want to park it after a while. A few months ago I went with a friend of mine on a test drive in the country in his Model T roadster. Now, I can't walk and chew gum at the same time and the pedals on the T were like learning to drive all over again. It's a good thing we were on a country road, but in the end it was a blast. You will get used to the A real fast, I guarantee it.

Re: Follow up to Registration Woes
 

Ditto

Re: Follow up to Registration Woes
 

Ed, why don't you add Florida to your profile, so that it appears with your posts under the avatar?

Re: Follow up to Registration Woes
 

If you stay in Florida, there will be no further situations but if you move, an engine change can come back to haunt. If the engine number is from a model A of the same year then there may be no contest but if it's from an earlier or later year, some state DMVs will catch it.

Some states rule by the frame number and require a pencil rubbing of it with state verification (in Texas it's the DPS that verifies). If there is no frame number, many states require a state assigned number to be affixed to the vehicle per their regulations.

I' glad to hear it worked out for you. This is one of the trickiest parts of the hobby.

Re: Follow up to Registration Woes
 

WOW, that sounds like it was incredibly easy, AND they came to your house to verify? I bought a used car in PA once and had to go to a title/notary agent to get temp tags to drive home, I was surprised there were a number of people there that were getting their cars 'verified' as well. We have no verification in MD that the title matches the car.

Re: Follow up to Registration Woes
 

Ed, glad to hear that it all worked out.

Re: Follow up to Registration Woes
 

The only issue I see is now you have a car with mismatching numbers, and the titled VIN doesn't match the frame VIN. That's much more difficult to resolve than the presumed original problem of a correctly titled car with a replacement engine.

Re: Follow up to Registration Woes
 

Very happy that it was easily resolved... now you can enjoy the car!! Gary D.

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The gentleman has a VALID title. He won't have any problem selling the vehicle.
My brother (from CT) moved to FL about 5 years ago, FL DMV very easy to work with ! !
Paul in CT

Re: Follow up to Registration Woes
 

I hope it's still there for you.

Re: Follow up to Registration Woes
 

Ed, I am anxious to some pictures of your new Victoria. Plwease post some.

Re: Follow up to Registration Woes
 

Thank you for all your encouraging words. Just a final clarification, the new Florida title will show the current engine number just like it should. The old VIN has been discarded. Ed

Re: Follow up to Registration Woes
 

From Tampa, FL - Once the situation is cleared up your car will be titled and tagged as 'antique' and will require 'no' further effort on you part. The 'antique' title and tag will be permanent and will not require any further registration or 'any other Florida DMV' efforts on your part.



My 31 Model A has been titled and tagged 'antique' for the last 10 years and I only have to maintain insurance (Taylor Inc.) on it to regularly drive it to shows and events.