Restore or scrap?

[crossboss]

FWIW, I bought a car once with a salvage title and when I registered it in my name the new title did not say salvage; CA.

You got lucky...and the State of California just 'washed' the title for you!  lol

[67conv6cyl]

I always thought that cars with salvage titles were worth less (even when fully restored correctly) because lenders won’t lend money on them....although I am not sure how that works in the collector car world. Does anybody know?

[crossboss]

I always thought that cars with salvage titles were worth less (even when fully restored correctly) because lenders won’t lend money on them....although I am not sure how that works in the collector car world. Does anybody know?

A salvaged title will damage the value. Also, some states wont allow you to register and insure them.

[camaronut]

I hope this is gonna be a labor of love. 
I know a friend with a 69 Z that was bought in similar condition.
Let me tell ya, this ain't gonna be cheap.
Hope the 69 Camaro buyers market stays hot.

Again, this brings up the incredibly popular subject of a rebody vs. repair / replace.

[firstgenaddict]

I always thought that cars with salvage titles were worth less (even when fully restored correctly) because lenders won’t lend money on them....although I am not sure how that works in the collector car world. Does anybody know?

I thought the same, bought a salvage titled VW passatt for $4500 car got totaled - I told the insurance company upon purchase and then AGAIN after the wreck that it had a salvage title... they did not care one bit, paid off at Kelly Blue Book... I near doubled my money on the car and the wife drove it for 2 years.

[msbrunner@ucdavis.edu]

Fwiw I had no problem registering and insuring my Grandpa’s ‘77 F100 here in California after it was totaled by insurance. Took an extra form to keep the original CA blue plates (normally you surrender plates and get new ones when it becomes a salvage title), but getting the salvage restored title was straightforward, just needed a VIN inspection at the DMV and Brake & Lamp inspection at a certified shop to check that the salvaged car is again safe to drive (headlights level, complete brake system inspection, turn signals, hazards, horn, reflectors, reverse lights). It’s as far as I know the only time California requires a thorough safety inspection of all those items.

[crossboss]

Fwiw I had no problem registering and insuring my Grandpa’s ‘77 F100 here in California after it was totaled by insurance. Took an extra form to keep the original CA blue plates (normally you surrender plates and get new ones when it becomes a salvage title), but getting the salvage restored title was straightforward, just needed a VIN inspection at the DMV and Brake & Lamp inspection at a certified shop to check that the salvaged car is again safe to drive (headlights level, complete brake system inspection, turn signals, hazards, horn, reflectors, reverse lights). It’s as far as I know the only time California requires a thorough safety inspection of all those items.

I had to go through this same situation many, many years ago when I bought my 1970 Boss 302 race car. It was never registered, and I had to have it smogged (that alone was not easy, with a race engine--the State of CA ref gave it an exemption), brake and light certified, and VIN check with the CA DMV. Eventually, I was issued a title. What a PITA.

[HawkX66]

I bought a 2017 Expedition Platinum totaled with a salvage title. Fixed it, applied for the paperwork and got it inspected. Received a title and insurance with no problem. VA.

[Kelley W King]

Vehicles can be totaled and sold by the owner. No one makes them mark the title salvage.

[69Z28-RS]

I think the insurance companys do that, after paying off the owner as a 'total', they sell it thru 'salvage auctions' and that's when they generally lose their original VIN's..