clean title for a M38

[Texbillhs]

Looking for a junker beyond anything other than parts - I'd like to find a usable M38 title. The one I have is missing data plates and has a title that has issues - I may be able to straighten it out, but it might be easier to start with a fresh title
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1952 M38

[FrankenJeep]

I learned the hard way about missing titles and bills of sale. Won't touch a no-title vehicle in my state for the world! Last time I tried to get hold of a "clean" title, the guy wanted $1000 for it!!!! Dream on, buddy..............!!!

FJ

[Texbillhs]

I still have a CJ2B title that we are working on - We can't let perfectly restorable barn finds, dragged out of the woods and lost interest antiques be stripped or worse hauled to a metal scrape yard because of paperwork. I was at a car show last week - 300+ cars there and in talking 1/2 had had issues getting titles. On mine there is 2 parts that I know are from the CJ2B, the hand brake handle and one wiper motor. And maybe the frame, but I can't prove that (it doesn't have boxed front horns - as a M38 does). I won't be using that wiper motor as I have true M38 vac motors so it might come down to one part. The running gear is all blasted and painted as is the frame, the engine is Willys industial -

I was talking to a dealer in military parts yesterday - he said seldom does a few hundred dollar farm jeep running or otherwise have a title - and farms are where these things are likely to be found.
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1952 M38

[whydahdvr]

In some states, like NJ, all you need is a bill of sale and/or the old registration. NJ issued a new title to me and added enough numbers for their new VIN (the old one was too short for the current VINs).
With that I re-titled the jeep here in MA. Easy process. Quick.
But MA they wanted a whole bunch of nonsense. So maybe the trick is to try to register it in an easier state, if you have an address you can use, and then transfer it to your state of record.
Just a thought.

[Texbillhs]

That is exactly what we are doing -

Recommendation - if you buy an antique, don't leave the title open, even it you think the restoration will be a many years process. Register it - I'll tag it antique when it is done - in fact they are so picky, it has to be visually done and near perfect to tag antique or classic.
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1952 M38

[RICKG]

[jbjeeps]

Branded Titles

Here's two different branded title stories.

1. We bought a CJ-6 last year. Seller had a title, but the vin didn't match the numbers on the vehicle. Seller had solid family history and documentation of long time family owner ship of the vehicle. Seller and I met at the state title inspector's office, with the vehicle. Inspector reviewed seller's documentation and agreed to issue me a 2 year branded title. Seller signed statement indicating he would defend my ownership of the vehicle with all the info and resources available to him. I don't have a lot of $$ into the 6 and I don't plan on doing much until the brand goes off.

2. Went to look at a "project" Jeep a while back. Disassembled but very complete. Seller told me he had bought it from an acquaintance. Acquaintance told him there was "no title", so seller got a branded title. Seller then proceeded to tell me how he suspected the acquaintance had not been honest with him in some other past dealings. Made me wonder if acquaintance still had title and was planning to come back and claim the vehicle at some point. Walked away from that deal even though the price was terrific.
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1953 M38A1 (His)
1963 CJ5 w/Tuxedo Park Mk III (Hers)

See you at the Old Jeep Rendezvous in Ashton, Idaho 9:00 am - Noon on the first Saturday after July 4th. All pre-1970 Jeep vehicles, military or civilian, stock or modified welcome.