Does anyone have experience with transferring Salvage to Salvage Reconstructed in Michigan?
Posted by R_WeDoingPhrasing@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 19 comments
Bought a Salvage title truck in Oregon last year, brought it back to Michigan. Been having a lot of difficulty with the process of converting to a Salvage Reconstructed title. Any and all advice/help would be greatly appreciated. I would like to get it street legal as soon as possible!
Historical_Concert_5@reddit
If I plan to repair a vehicle of mine that was damaged in a rear end accident and was totaled by the insurance, which still drives great, need to be completely repaired to pass the TR-13A inspection.
For example the car back end was damaged as well as the left side where externally there is a dent, but upon inspection it was found that it has structural damage on the left.
Can just the bumper and trunk lid be replaced, along with any of the electronics. Or would the underlying structural issue need to be addressed as well?
My goal would be to continue commuting with the car, understanding that it would have little to no resale value.
MammothWriter3881@reddit
I am looking at the opposite issue. Looking to buy a car with no structural issues but lots of surface damages - can't find any guidance online to how pretty it needs to look.
Can I get a rebuilt title if I fix all the structural issues but it looks like it came out of a mad max movie?
midwestbarbie1956@reddit
I would think so. It has to be mechanically safe to drive. I don’t think cosmetic issues would matter.
midwestbarbie1956@reddit
You have to have it inspected by a state certified inspector. You can find the appropriate agency on the Michigan SOS website according to your county. After 2017, you must use one of Michigans approved inspectors.
R_WeDoingPhrasing@reddit (OP)
I appreciate the response! Hopefully someone else in will find this post in the future if they're having similar troubles. I got my truck road legal almost 2 years ago now
R_WeDoingPhrasing@reddit (OP)
Okay. So I'm correct in my assumption I went to the wrong place to get it inspected. I'm trying to find someone with knowledge of an inspector in Michigan that can make this happen for me. Otherwise, I think I need to take it back to Oregon. I really appreciate your input though. This is more than I've gotten from any individual in the last 9 months
midwestbarbie1956@reddit
Just go to Michigan SOS and search for vehicle inspectors.
RubyWafflez@reddit
It actually looks as though some police stations deal with inspectors as well. What county do you reside in?
Trick-Quality4279@reddit
Salvage Inspection Services in Grand Rapids does these inspections.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/GtNKgWzqCSAkYnZF6
DavidBanner12345@reddit
You need to download form TR-13A from the sos site. Fill out the first and second pages. Then take the vehicle and paperwork to a certified mechanic that will inspect vehicle repairs and fill out page three. After that paperwork is complete you will need to find a police department that offers the final inspection and they will give you form TR- 13B filled out and signed by them. Take all your paperwork including any receipts for any major parts replace to Secretary of State to apply for rebuilt title. Each inspection will probably charge a fee.
snic2345@reddit
If OP is still confused, this is the solution. There are 2 inspections you need. A certified mechanics inspection(TR-13A), and a state police inspection(TR-13B).
R_WeDoingPhrasing@reddit (OP)
Grand Traverse. When I contacted the SOS by phone, they gave me the names of 2 Sergeants, both in suburbs of Detroit. They asked me for fully filled out paperwork though. I thought I was in a conundrum of not having the TR13-B before they inspected the vehicle
RubyWafflez@reddit
I found something. Try this:
https://dsvsesvc.sos.state.mi.us/TAP/_/
Scroll down to additional services
Click on Salvage Vehicle Inspector
Click search salvage inspector
Select Grand Traverse
It will give a few options. None are ideal. Looks like Kent County is the closest option. But if you scroll to the right, it lists a phone number.
RubyWafflez@reddit
The inspector is supposed to fill out the paperwork for you. I'm not seeing much up by Traverse City but maybe call the Police Station up there and ask if they do the inspections there or know of any stations in the county or surrounding counties that do.
RubyWafflez@reddit
It's more difficult because you're a private party and not a dealer. Did you get it inspected? The vehicle has to be inspected by a certified salvage vehicle inspector before Secretary of State will even consider a street legal title.
R_WeDoingPhrasing@reddit (OP)
That's the challenge I've had in the state. I took it to a master mechanic that said they were certified for inspection, but then they had no idea what I was talking about when I needed the "Form B" from them after they had filled out the form from the Sec of State. I've been wondering if it would be easier to take it back to Oregon and have the title changed there with the help of the dealership I purchased it from
RubyWafflez@reddit
You need a TR-13A form filled out to take back to Secretary of State. The form is available on the SOS website.
www.Michigan.gov/SOS
Go to: (‘Industry Services’ from the top menu, ‘Vehicle Dealers’ on the left navigation, ‘Forms and Publications’). In the search bar type in "salvage" and click the PDF that says Salvage Vehicle Inspection Application.
As for the inspector themselves, go to your SOS office and ask them for a list of available inspectors in your area. I believe there are only specific inspectors that work with the SOS office for this so you'll have to go to one of the inspectors on their list to have the car inspected and the form filled out.
R_WeDoingPhrasing@reddit (OP)
Right. I have the filled out form from that inspection, I went back to the SOS and they told me the inspector should have given me a TR-13B form. They told me the inspecting party would have that form. SOS did not have that form to give me, and the mechanic who inspected it had no idea what I was talking about when I told them about the TR-13B
RubyWafflez@reddit
Possibly try a different inspector. Like I said, I believe there are only a handful that deal with this. The one you went to doesn't sound like they knew what was up. And I think you need both the A and B froms. The Inspection form and the recertification one. See if the SOS will give you a specific list of inspectors they deal with or call around some places and ask if they deal specifically with the TR-13 A/B forms before you have to make the drive to them. I know it's a headache. Michigan sure doesn't like to make these things easy.