RX7JW

A buddy of mine bought a 91 NA that has a certificate of destruction from the state of Florida. He misunderstood and thought it was a salvage title. Anyways, The damage is not that bad (looks like it was sandwiched front and back, but only needs fenders, hood, bumpers...) but Florida laws state that any vehicle that has damage up to 80% of the the value must be issued a cert. of destruction.
From what he can tell, there is no way to get it titled again in ANY state. Is this true? Can anyone help out. May be there is a state that will let it be rebuilt and issue a salvage title. Then at least he could sell it to someone there.

Thanks

Mike Dodson

I don't know if the laws have changed, but it use to be that Alabama didn't use titles, just bills of sale. It that is the case, seems like the car could be sold it AL and then transfered to any state. Could be other states have a simular practice.

Cipher

My mom does that sort of stuff (hands out titles). I once bought a 65 `Cuda with no title and she told me that if I modify the car "considerably" I could get a "Rebuilt" title. Modified was a big block engine - doing this to the 65 `Cuda required exstinsive modification to the cross member and tranny location. Repair and repaint the body, re work the interior.

I bought my Rex and, sadly, never got that far. I did, however, build a 383HO block putting out 640HP (NA) to drop in the car. I have since sold the car for 5K as it sat, with the engine.

This is in Texas so the law may not be the same.

What I would suggest is first take it to a shop and check for frame damage. If the frame is straight, repair the car, get documents from a body shop that the car is in sound condition and take the case to what is called "Title Court", the office that handles titles should be able to tell you more about that. I don't see any reason why they would not reconsider the Certificate of Destruction. However, if you lose, you will have spent all that money for nothing - unless of course you want to buil an all out racing car it........