Salvage Title? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

kombreeze · 02-14-2007, 01:41 PM

How much is a salvage title shortbed truck worth? I've come across one and was wondering how much it would effect the value.

bobthecop · 02-14-2007, 01:59 PM

Generally it means the vehicle has been wrecked and totaled and repaired. Usually diminishes the value, unless the rebuild was done correctly, and can be proven.

kombreeze · 02-14-2007, 02:10 PM

Well I came across one thats' a good peice to work with. The downside is that's a salvage title, For a good daily driver or show I would have to put some elbow grease on it but I would have to do that anyhow with a clean title. How many out there would still buy a salvage title Shortbed? They are starting to get harder and harder to find....but there are plenty out there.

bouncytruck · 02-14-2007, 02:44 PM

You usually cannot get comprehensive insurance or financing on vehicles with salvage titles, no matter how well they were repaired. Consider it a "parts" truck. You'll need to do a VIN swap to remove the salvage title, and that is illegal in some states.

Myself · 02-14-2007, 04:36 PM

A friend of mine is a car dealer, and I have bought a couple "salvage" and "damaged" vehicles from him. They are fine if you're going to keep it and drive it with liability ins. Most companies won't give you anything more than that. As far as value goes, if it says "salvage" you can take the current market value and cut it in HALF! One that is only "damaged" you can take 25-50 percent off. Hope that helps.

FarmTruk · 02-14-2007, 06:03 PM

I would not hesitate to purchase a "salvage titled" truck IF it were to be turned into a project. As long as it is understood that the re-sale value will be dramatically diminished, and the ins. co. will cover liability only.

As long as that's no problem, salvage titles can be a inexpensive way to start a project.

bean · 02-14-2007, 06:09 PM

Personally, I would only use it for parts. The beating you take when you try to resell it isn't worth the trouble.

jimmydean · 02-14-2007, 06:16 PM

A friend of mine had his '72 hit while it was parked on the street. The frame cracked at the steering box and his insurance totaled it out. It was valued at $12000 before it was hit and he got a huge check for it. He paid the insurance company $400 for his truck and it is getting a new makeover (it was damn nice before).

He will be doing a VIN swap with a good frame to clear the title. The appraiser said he would never get it back to the original value with a tainted title, even if the frame was new unless he gets a new VIN too.

kombreeze · 02-14-2007, 07:44 PM

How is a VIN Swap handled?

FarmTruk · 02-14-2007, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kombreeze

How is a VIN Swap handled?

don't know...

DennyB · 02-14-2007, 08:16 PM

Lets keep this on the legal side fellas

skchevota · 02-14-2007, 08:24 PM

If you end up rebuilding the truck, its not realy a vin swap. If you say bought a frame with a title and then put the body from a salvaged truck on it, as long as you use the non salvaged vin its just putting together an old truck.
IMO any way. now if you take your salvaged truck and put a different vin on it as is that is illigal in most states. I can see why, I wouldnt want to buy a salvaged unibody car that some on did a vin swap on. but on these trucks, they are usaly totaled because the insurance does not see thenm as worth much. If you look at it from the other way, lets sai you had a clean title truck that needed a new cab because it is rusted out, you buy one from a totaled truck that had a good cab, dose this now make your truck salvaged?
I dont think so, are trucks are so old that most of them are pieced together ant way, if it was a new car that would be considerd salvaged. Ok I think I am done rambling......

HuggerCST · 02-14-2007, 10:36 PM

I've bought and sold alot of salvage titled vehicles, and never had a problem getting full coverage insuranse. I bought my wife's Envoy from a salvage auction,(with a salvage title), and literally cut the back half off, replaced it with used parts, and she drives it every day with full coverage insurance. Not everyone wants one with a salvage title, but it doesn't kill the value. I have never had a problem selling them at about 80% of retail value,(repaired), but when I fix one, I do it right, or at least to the best of my ability. It wouldn't take much body work at all to total a $1000 old truck either. I've seen plenty of them totaled by the insurance company with very little or no noticable damage.

71swb4x4 · 02-14-2007, 10:52 PM

I have owned three salvage titled vehicles, drove them for a couple years, and sold them again. I would buy that truck in a second if I had the chance.

cheyenne10 · 02-15-2007, 12:38 AM

I have had/seen a couple of our trucks with slavage titles. These trucks when hit nowadays usually do not "book" out at a very high price. I was slightly hit once, estimates ranged from $1600-$2600 to repair and the insurance company wanted to total it. I said no way find me same model equiped truck for those prices and I will take out a loan and buy them all. they would have put totaled/salvage title on it.( they paid me and sent me on my way) I drove it 2 more years and sold it to person who was going to restore it to a $15K truck. The 2 I have seen were paid off to owner by ins. co. and then sold back. 1 had motor stolen the other had a couple of small dents from a parking lot bender. Neither truck was really in a wreck.

bgangsta999 · 02-15-2007, 09:12 AM

I have a 97 Chevy Cavalier that has a "rebuilt" title... NEVER would I buy another salvage title again!!! Just my 2 cents.

**PICKMUP** · 02-15-2007, 01:07 PM

Here in WA, you have to get a salvaged vehicle reinspected by the state to get a new title issued. I have had a couple (one fire damage & one wrecking yard bought) that both had the original frame # & matching vin tag # intact. The state inspected and re-issued new titles/clear with the old original numbers.
When we put a truck together, from two different donors (frame # & vin tag # don't match), they issue a new vin# and state applied tag.
Check with your DMV. It may not be too difficult...in CA it may be real difficult.

Rdrdave · 02-15-2007, 07:08 PM

By the time I sell mine after redoing it all, it will be a beater once again! SALVAGE OR NOT! LOL!

neonlarry · 02-15-2007, 09:05 PM

Unless you have collector insurance, even a minor accident will give most vehicles a slavage title. It really depends more on how much you want it than anything else.

ABHaulR · 02-15-2007, 11:45 PM

back in the day, we would buy a salvaged title car or truck, take it to az from ca, register it there wait six months then re register it in ca and they would issue a new and clean title. but that was a few years ago...lol
times they do change....Dwayne

manimal · 02-15-2007, 11:58 PM

I bought my 72 from pick-a-part in Fontana,Ca. I talked to the tow-truck driver and he gave me the low down. A woman caught her husband cheating on her and sent his truck to the junk yard.Had all his clothes in the back. Was an original big block truck.He put in a 73 454 with a Milodon 7 qt oil pan,Mallory ignition,Edelbrock intake,headers,th400 with shift kit,and Dana 60 with posi 4.10's. I paid 1000. for it drove it for a year and resold it.The whole time I had it I had FULL COVERAGE on it. That engine was a 'mystery motor'. I had a 88 GT mustang with a GT40 302 with some real nice bolt ons and it ran low 13-high12.90's and my truck would eat it alive! Makes no sense. Anyhow BUY IT!

manimal · 02-17-2007, 09:41 AM

Did you buy it?

71 lowrider · 02-18-2007, 09:44 PM

I dont know why anybody would worry about a salvage title on a 40 year old truck. I have heard that you cant get financing on them,but I personally dont know. I have driven nothing but salvage vehicles for the last 25 years. I currently have 5 reconstructed vehicles in my family "fleet" the only one with a regular title is my 71 shortbed.I have been rebuilding wrecks for a long time,I usually drive them for a while and sell them.I havent heard of anyone having insurance problems with any of my rebuilds.buy it drive it and sell it,its just an old truck

02-14-2007, 01:41 PM	#1
kombreeze Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Fresno, Ca Posts: 154	Salvage Title? How much is a salvage title shortbed truck worth? I've come across one and was wondering how much it would effect the value. __________________ 68 chevy truck 70 Datsun 510 2000 Nissan Sentra 2006 Toyo Camry Soon 69 Firebird 400 Convertible I'm getting it back Soon Trailblazer or 4 Runner

02-14-2007, 01:59 PM	#2
bobthecop Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Yukon Oklahoma Posts: 2,647	Re: Salvage Title? Generally it means the vehicle has been wrecked and totaled and repaired. Usually diminishes the value, unless the rebuild was done correctly, and can be proven. __________________ Happiness is towing your "new" truck home. 1972 C-10 1982 GMC (parts truck??) 1969 c10 parts truck 1969 C-10 ( my sons) 1992 Silverado 4X4 (now the boys truck)(now mine again) 2002 Tarus (my wife loves that car) Last edited by bobthecop; 02-14-2007 at 02:00 PM.

02-14-2007, 02:10 PM	#3
kombreeze Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Fresno, Ca Posts: 154	Re: Salvage Title? Well I came across one thats' a good peice to work with. The downside is that's a salvage title, For a good daily driver or show I would have to put some elbow grease on it but I would have to do that anyhow with a clean title. How many out there would still buy a salvage title Shortbed? They are starting to get harder and harder to find....but there are plenty out there. __________________ 68 chevy truck 70 Datsun 510 2000 Nissan Sentra 2006 Toyo Camry Soon 69 Firebird 400 Convertible I'm getting it back Soon Trailblazer or 4 Runner

02-14-2007, 02:44 PM	#4
bouncytruck SKINNY TIRES RULE! Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Bothell, WA Posts: 11,049	Re: Salvage Title? You usually cannot get comprehensive insurance or financing on vehicles with salvage titles, no matter how well they were repaired. Consider it a "parts" truck. You'll need to do a VIN swap to remove the salvage title, and that is illegal in some states. __________________ bouncytruck 1972 K5 The Hauler 1994 K1500 Suburban The Daily2010 Kia Soul Wife's Ride2014 Fiat 500L

02-14-2007, 04:36 PM	#5
Myself Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Northern Arkansas Posts: 1,127	Re: Salvage Title? A friend of mine is a car dealer, and I have bought a couple "salvage" and "damaged" vehicles from him. They are fine if you're going to keep it and drive it with liability ins. Most companies won't give you anything more than that. As far as value goes, if it says "salvage" you can take the current market value and cut it in HALF! One that is only "damaged" you can take 25-50 percent off. Hope that helps.

02-14-2007, 06:03 PM	#6
FarmTruk In Memoriam... Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Wallburg, NC Posts: 1,216	Re: Salvage Title? I would not hesitate to purchase a "salvage titled" truck IF it were to be turned into a project. As long as it is understood that the re-sale value will be dramatically diminished, and the ins. co. will cover liability only. As long as that's no problem, salvage titles can be a inexpensive way to start a project. __________________ '68 C10 SWB 307ci 2BBL *FarmTruk Pics Here* *"You know, doing what is right is easy. The problem is knowing what is right."*

02-14-2007, 06:09 PM	#7
bean Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Fort Worth, TX Posts: 915	Re: Salvage Title? Personally, I would only use it for parts. The beating you take when you try to resell it isn't worth the trouble.

02-14-2007, 06:16 PM	#8
jimmydean Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Location: Beaverton, OR Posts: 3,728	Re: Salvage Title? A friend of mine had his '72 hit while it was parked on the street. The frame cracked at the steering box and his insurance totaled it out. It was valued at $12000 before it was hit and he got a huge check for it. He paid the insurance company $400 for his truck and it is getting a new makeover (it was damn nice before). He will be doing a VIN swap with a good frame to clear the title. The appraiser said he would never get it back to the original value with a tainted title, even if the frame was new unless he gets a new VIN too. __________________ New Project: 1966 LWB C20 Plans: 1/2 ton conversion Dropmember front Dropmember rear Corvette discs Restored raised bed http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php?p=4295210

02-14-2007, 07:44 PM	#9
kombreeze Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Fresno, Ca Posts: 154	Re: Salvage Title? How is a VIN Swap handled? __________________ 68 chevy truck 70 Datsun 510 2000 Nissan Sentra 2006 Toyo Camry Soon 69 Firebird 400 Convertible I'm getting it back Soon Trailblazer or 4 Runner

02-14-2007, 08:16 PM	#11
DennyB Led Sled! Discs R 4 ME! Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Toms River, NJ, USA (Transplanted Hoosier) Posts: 7,327	Re: Salvage Title? Lets keep this on the legal side fellas __________________ "Never ride faster than your Angel can fly" I.M.O.M,W,J&C Patriot Guard Rider

02-14-2007, 08:24 PM	#12
skchevota Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Evans, Colorado Posts: 530	Re: Salvage Title? If you end up rebuilding the truck, its not realy a vin swap. If you say bought a frame with a title and then put the body from a salvaged truck on it, as long as you use the non salvaged vin its just putting together an old truck. IMO any way. now if you take your salvaged truck and put a different vin on it as is that is illigal in most states. I can see why, I wouldnt want to buy a salvaged unibody car that some on did a vin swap on. but on these trucks, they are usaly totaled because the insurance does not see thenm as worth much. If you look at it from the other way, lets sai you had a clean title truck that needed a new cab because it is rusted out, you buy one from a totaled truck that had a good cab, dose this now make your truck salvaged? I dont think so, are trucks are so old that most of them are pieced together ant way, if it was a new car that would be considerd salvaged. Ok I think I am done rambling......

02-14-2007, 10:36 PM	#13
HuggerCST Registered User Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: North Louisiana Posts: 4,501	Re: Salvage Title? I've bought and sold alot of salvage titled vehicles, and never had a problem getting full coverage insuranse. I bought my wife's Envoy from a salvage auction,(with a salvage title), and literally cut the back half off, replaced it with used parts, and she drives it every day with full coverage insurance. Not everyone wants one with a salvage title, but it doesn't kill the value. I have never had a problem selling them at about 80% of retail value,(repaired), but when I fix one, I do it right, or at least to the best of my ability. It wouldn't take much body work at all to total a $1000 old truck either. I've seen plenty of them totaled by the insurance company with very little or no noticable damage. __________________ Wynne 70 CST short fleet Hugger orange & white, 350/350, ps, pb, air, tilt, tach/vac/speedwarning, original buckets, AM/FM, oak bed floor, shoulder belts, 3.5"/5.5" drop, 20" American Racing VN425s. Build thread 53 Chevy shortbed 69 Camaro Click here to subscribe Chevy GMC International Truck Club Louisiana Charter Member http://www.louisianaclassictruckclub.com Last edited by HuggerCST; 02-14-2007 at 10:41 PM.

02-14-2007, 10:52 PM	#14
71swb4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Brookings, SD Posts: 10,497	Re: Salvage Title? I have owned three salvage titled vehicles, drove them for a couple years, and sold them again. I would buy that truck in a second if I had the chance. __________________ Some people are like slinkies, they aren't good for anything, but you can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs.

02-15-2007, 12:38 AM	#15
cheyenne10 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Oregon Posts: 2,511	Re: Salvage Title? I have had/seen a couple of our trucks with slavage titles. These trucks when hit nowadays usually do not "book" out at a very high price. I was slightly hit once, estimates ranged from $1600-$2600 to repair and the insurance company wanted to total it. I said no way find me same model equiped truck for those prices and I will take out a loan and buy them all. they would have put totaled/salvage title on it.( they paid me and sent me on my way) I drove it 2 more years and sold it to person who was going to restore it to a $15K truck. The 2 I have seen were paid off to owner by ins. co. and then sold back. 1 had motor stolen the other had a couple of small dents from a parking lot bender. Neither truck was really in a wreck. __________________ Bob

02-15-2007, 09:12 AM	#16
bgangsta999 The Best Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Fort Hood, TX Posts: 178	Re: Salvage Title? I have a 97 Chevy Cavalier that has a "rebuilt" title... NEVER would I buy another salvage title again!!! Just my 2 cents. __________________ 70 shortbed C10 -------SOLD------- 1972 Chevy C-10 l/b



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02-15-2007, 01:07 PM	#17
PICKMUP "Trucks with Class" Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: OLYMPIA, WA, USA Posts: 8,121	Re: Salvage Title? Here in WA, you have to get a salvaged vehicle reinspected by the state to get a new title issued. I have had a couple (one fire damage & one wrecking yard bought) that both had the original frame # & matching vin tag # intact. The state inspected and re-issued new titles/clear with the old original numbers. When we put a truck together, from two different donors (frame # & vin tag # don't match), they issue a new vin# and state applied tag. Check with your DMV. It may not be too difficult...in CA it may be real difficult.

02-15-2007, 07:08 PM	#18
Rdrdave Broke and still trying Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Alameda, CA Posts: 562	Re: Salvage Title? By the time I sell mine after redoing it all, it will be a beater once again! SALVAGE OR NOT! LOL!

02-15-2007, 09:05 PM	#19
neonlarry Registered User Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Vacaville, CA Posts: 2,746	Re: Salvage Title? Unless you have collector insurance, even a minor accident will give most vehicles a slavage title. It really depends more on how much you want it than anything else. __________________ 70 C/10 Light Red 350/TH350, HEI, Duals w/40 series Flows, 91 seat, LED taillights 99 Pontiac S/C GTP, SLP Ram Air hood, GMPP Konis & springs 95 Neon ACR, MP PCM, AFX UDP, 3.0 CAI

02-15-2007, 11:45 PM	#20
ABHaulR Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: West Valley City, Ut Posts: 311	Re: Salvage Title? back in the day, we would buy a salvaged title car or truck, take it to az from ca, register it there wait six months then re register it in ca and they would issue a new and clean title. but that was a few years ago...lol times they do change....Dwayne __________________ 72' GMC Suburban 10 1/2" of Lift, 40" Tires! Waiting for restoration 67' Chevy, What to do??? And Bad Ass American Bulldogs!

02-15-2007, 11:58 PM	#21
manimal Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Southern Kalifornia Posts: 3,066	Re: Salvage Title? I bought my 72 from pick-a-part in Fontana,Ca. I talked to the tow-truck driver and he gave me the low down. A woman caught her husband cheating on her and sent his truck to the junk yard.Had all his clothes in the back. Was an original big block truck.He put in a 73 454 with a Milodon 7 qt oil pan,Mallory ignition,Edelbrock intake,headers,th400 with shift kit,and Dana 60 with posi 4.10's. I paid 1000. for it drove it for a year and resold it.The whole time I had it I had FULL COVERAGE on it. That engine was a 'mystery motor'. I had a 88 GT mustang with a GT40 302 with some real nice bolt ons and it ran low 13-high12.90's and my truck would eat it alive! Makes no sense. Anyhow BUY IT!

02-17-2007, 09:41 AM	#22
manimal Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Southern Kalifornia Posts: 3,066	Re: Salvage Title? Did you buy it? __________________ ------------------------------------------------------ -Lance 2000 Chevy C2500, 5.7, 4L80e 1999 Suburban K2500, 7.4, 4L80e 1980 Camaro..son's car...PROJECT

02-18-2007, 09:44 PM	#23
71 lowrider Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: meadville pa. Posts: 37	Re: Salvage Title? I dont know why anybody would worry about a salvage title on a 40 year old truck. I have heard that you cant get financing on them,but I personally dont know. I have driven nothing but salvage vehicles for the last 25 years. I currently have 5 reconstructed vehicles in my family "fleet" the only one with a regular title is my 71 shortbed.I have been rebuilding wrecks for a long time,I usually drive them for a while and sell them.I havent heard of anyone having insurance problems with any of my rebuilds.buy it drive it and sell it,its just an old truck

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