Seeking Advice

[Rob M.]

I am trying to learn the history of my car. I just made contact with one of the prior owners of my '66 (the third owner behind me). I have not spoken with him directly yet, but I understand that he owned the car for over 20 years and was not the original owner - perhaps the second owner. Does anyone have some advice in regards to critical questions that I should ask him when I do speak with him?

Your suggestions are appreciated,
rob

[Eugene B.]

Re: Seeking Advice

Rob,
When I was trying to learn about the history of my '65, I sent a request to my State License Bureau. For a small fee they will search their files for all the title transfers that have occurred in the past. I don't know whether they still perform that service, but you can ask. Good luck!

Regards,
Gene

[Rob M.]

Re: Seeking Advice

Gene---

Thanks for the idea. By the way, what state did this for you? And, do you (or anyone else) know if Ohio does something like this? I'm not certain, but I think my car came from Ohio originally and I live in CA.

Thanks Again

[Kevin Whiteley]

Re: Seeking Advice

Rob,

Regarding owner history, the ONE critical question is WHO and WHERE he bought the car from. If he can't remember, steer him in certain directions. For example, did he buy it from a dealer, from a person, from an ad in a newspaper, etc. Also ask him how long he owned it and where he owned it (cities/states).

It will also help to do your "homework" on your car. Look for any modifications that were made, any differences from what's in the appropriate judging manual. Again, for example, if the rear end is dated after your car's build date, that is one area where you would want to question him. Did he replace it or was it replaced when he purchased it.

Another question to ask would be if he has any of the original parts or parts you may want, including DOCUMENTATION. It will be a long shot, but you never know.

And finally, the last question to ask is whether you can call him in the future. It's more of a diplomatic question, but it will help you immensely in the future, when you will inevitably discover something that you want to know or forgot to ask.

Good luck.

[Rob M.]

Thanks for the good Advice! *NM*

[Larry E. Howard]

Re: Thanks for the good Advice!

Rob,
Assuming you bought the car in CA, start with The CA BMV If you can get copies of the previous titles, the oldest one will be a title from another state. Then go to that state and get the titles and so on. In my home state (TN) I called the state Div of Motor Vehicles and asked the proceedure. I had to write them a request and send some money, think they charged me a dollar, or maybe a dollar for each title
Good luck.

[Eugene B.]

Re: Seeking Advice

Rob,
At the time that I had the title search performed, I lived in Missouri. I have lived in Ohio for the past eight years so I don't know if Ohio has a title search procedure. I would imagine that most states do, though.

Regards,
Gene