shea2288
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Post by shea2288 on Jul 1, 2016 6:33:58 GMT -8
So here we go. Picked up a 1973 Shasta Compact for $200. From what I've looked at, it will be quite the project as most of the wood looks rotten. As one user told me I pretty much paid $200 for the template (which is a good price IMO). My first priority is getting this thing structurally stable. The back end is literally falling apart. I'll attempt to remove the rear skin this weekend and post some pictures for advice on what to do. Hopefully I can save the bottom rear skin panel as it looks bent badly. My guess is the lower corners of the wood frame are completely rotten. I put my arm under the bumper and could literally pull out pieces of wood. The window is also missing. It looks like someone rigged an AC unit and did a terrible job. Any advice is greatly appreciated! This is my first camper.
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Post by danrhodes on Jul 1, 2016 6:50:02 GMT -8
I like to think I paid for a build your own trailer kit... Skin, cabinets and templates for the walls and ceiling
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nccamper
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1962 Forester- 1956 Shasta
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Post by nccamper on Jul 1, 2016 7:16:51 GMT -8
Get the title first. Don't gut it, work on one section at a time unless you want to pull it down to the frame. Work from the outside in to the framing and panels that need replaced. Start low and work up. Ask a lot of questions. Most of all have fun.
I get most of my parts from a member called Trailertrasher. A few came from eBay.
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shea2288
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Post by shea2288 on Jul 1, 2016 7:25:57 GMT -8
Luckily I have a friend that works for the DMV so I'm hoping I get the title stuff figured out ASAP. I found the number on the curb side of the trailer. I can also see the VIN plate on the inside of the trailer but the rust has it covered up. What is the best way to remove the rust and make it visible? Wire brush? Sand paper?
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shea2288
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Post by shea2288 on Jul 1, 2016 8:58:05 GMT -8
Well this is not looking good. I was told I would need to apply for a "Quiet Title". I have no idea what that is. Anyone have a clue?
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nccamper
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Post by nccamper on Jul 1, 2016 9:15:51 GMT -8
In NC they often make you wait 4 months before issuing a new title in case the camper is reported stolen.
How did DMV explain "quiet title"?
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Ten
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Post by Ten on Jul 1, 2016 9:23:29 GMT -8
Your title hunt will depend a lot on which state you are in, each state is different. Having a friend on the "inside" will help, but don't be afraid to scour the state website and ask around a few clerks who are not busy, if you have the time. It was lots easier in most states a few years ago, before the big "vintage" trend. In NY, it was possible at one time to register almost anything as "homemade", and have a VIN assigned. Handy in cases where no VIN could e found. The laws here have changed to make it harder to disappear with something that might be stolen.
Use a wire brush, and maybe a little B Blaster or WD-40, to remove the rust. The VIN plate inside the tongue rail and the stamp on the outside of the curbside of the tongue should show up with a little bit of coaxing. Often, they may have been painted over also, which fills in the stamp, but should appear with much the same technique...go slowly so as not to obliterate any of the stamp.
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shea2288
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Post by shea2288 on Jul 1, 2016 9:29:22 GMT -8
Ouch. I just got off the phone with a Quiet Title attorney. They quoted me $1,000 and it would take a month and a half. Looks like I may have to scrap this thing. And I thought Kansas would be easy....
Is there anyway I could find the title if I acquire the VIN number?
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nccamper
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Post by nccamper on Jul 1, 2016 9:52:13 GMT -8
As I recall, some people hire a title service in an easy state like Maine. I don't think you have to live there although I may be remembering the details wrong. I've never done it.
There is an old thread on this subject someplace. Type "title" into the search bar on the most likely forum sections and you may pick up a few ideas.
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shea2288
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Post by shea2288 on Jul 1, 2016 10:10:25 GMT -8
Thanks for your help but I'm not finding anything. Disappointing indeed
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nccamper
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Post by nccamper on Jul 1, 2016 11:23:49 GMT -8
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shea2288
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Post by shea2288 on Jul 1, 2016 11:39:09 GMT -8
I found a out of state service that takes care of this for people but they told me KS is one of the states that does not allow people/offices out of state to acquire a "Quiet Title" aka "Bond Title".
I have one glimmer of hope. Once I acquire the VIN number I can request a Vehicle Registration Record for $10 which would tell me if it has ever been registered in KS. If it has then I would need to contact the previous known owner. If I cannot obtain a title that way then I would file for the Quiet Title and list the previous owner (if any) and the DMV as defendants in the court case. All of that would cost me $200. A judge would review my case and make a decision.
Pretty intense stuff. I won't go down without a fight.
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Post by danrhodes on Jul 1, 2016 11:47:54 GMT -8
Your tax dollars at work...lol
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shea2288
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Post by shea2288 on Jul 1, 2016 13:30:37 GMT -8
This story is getting weirder and weirder. I ended up finding the previous "real" owner and he said it belonged to his dad who passed away. He also said it was never tagged.
I got home from work and got both the VIN numbers on the trailer. I then looked in the closet and saw someone wrote on the wall. It said "Property of Jason XXXXX" with a local address. I googled him and sure enough he is on Facebook.
Now I'm waiting for him to respond. LOL
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kamhawk
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Post by kamhawk on Jul 1, 2016 15:09:36 GMT -8
Shea2288, In Kansas, I was told that if you are rebuilding from frame up. If you show proof of a new hitch or axle, the state will grant you a "Homebuilt title". The only problem is you will be paying taxes on 2016 trailer versus the actual year. I was also told that any trailer under 2,000 lbs does not require a title or tag...... Lastly, I was told that if the trailer is older than 30 yrs. They will honor a title/tag with just a bill of sale...... This all came out of the same office from different clerks. I am waiting to here how this plays out. I too have the name of the last owner of record, but have not been able to locate him. I have talked to a couple Highway Patrolman and they both said they never bother looking at trailers under 20' because they thought they fall under the 2,000 lbs and are not required to have a tag....... I'm not sure anyone knows at this point.
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