What is the bare minimum needed to get a salvage title turned into a rebuilt?
Posted by Alarming_Win9940@reddit | projectcar | View on Reddit | 8 comments
Lets say a car was totaled for hail damage, runs great but the hood and trunk have about 20+ golf ball dents in it and the windshield is destroyed. Would you just have to replace the windshield or would the dents need to be repaired as well? I've never bought a car at auction, but I was looking into getting a project car to mess with and was shocked to discover that a car being totaled doesn't necessarily mean that it isn't mechanically sound.
Maxzillian@reddit
Really depends on what state you live in. Here in KS? Fixing the windshield should be sufficient, but it will be inspected by the highway patrol and the result can be highly dependent on who is doing your inspection.
NoBulletsLeft@reddit
In MN, you don't even need to fix anything. They are very clear that it's not a safety inspection. As long as you have receipts for any parts you replaced, you'll probably pass right away.
Alarming_Win9940@reddit (OP)
Ah okay, I guess I will do my best and hope that they just want to car to be safe and fully functional. If I get someone that wants scratches and minor dents fixed it's going to get pricey.
That-Web7343@reddit
Depends on the state. In NV, ita a brake and light inspection (along with windows and non deployed air bags... safety stuff)
Suchamoneypit@reddit
It's going to be very state specific. Your state should have a sheet listing all the requirements. In New Hampshire it required documenting all repairs done, parts purchased, and then an inspection by a highway patrol or state trooper. Probably pretty dependent on who looks over the car as well. All my documentation was looked at closely but the car was given a pretty cursory look over, checking general things like making sure all lights and airbags were there, no error codes, etc.
1mursenary@reddit
Has to pass inspection depending on state
TRex_N_FX@reddit
You should check with your state's official agency of title about the requirements and process - typically the dmv. Some states don't issue rebuilt titles, some have a short checklist, some require full inspection by ASE or state ref iirc.
Ghost17088@reddit
It can range from simple to impossible depending on what state your in, and also, insurance companies may limit or decline coverage for salvage title cars.