As usual, Wayne had some good ideas.

Have you tried calling a couple of collision repair places to see if they have any good ideas? Surely they have fixed up some client cars that were totaled by an insurance company and should know what if any corners can be cut.

Found this quote on the web about MA salvage title inspections - "However this inspection is only to ensure that no stolen parts were used in the reconstruction". Your experience is clearly at odds with that. While quotes are free on the web this one is from a consumer help group who might be willing to fight for you or at least point you in another direction - http://www.massconsumers.org/carsmart/004.html

Maybe a local tv station with a consumer help line might give you some aid. I mean with those before pictures and your tales of overzealous inspectors that would make a good little guy vs. the big nasty government story.

I do wish you good luck. However I must note that butting heads with the government can be much more trouble than it is worth. Point being if this continues to be an expensive exercise in futility, throwing in the towel may truly be the best option.

NEVER

They couldn't make me quit at this point. I'd try Waynes route first and if nothing else if you get some favorable replies, you may even get them to refund some of your towing bills for all of the runaround you are getting.

Just all depends on who you end up speaking to. I'd definately try and get the names and the reasons why you were failed. You have the pictures already, now just ask them if the stolen parts is the only real catch why are you not being passed?

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/angry.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/angry.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/angry.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/angry.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/angry.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/angry.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/angry.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/angry.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/angry.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/angry.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/angry.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/angry.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/angry.gif" alt="" />

[> Cue the æFantasy ScenarioÆ footage: ]

* Handing a sledge hammer to Trooper A.H. *

ôOK then, Sirà Here ya goà Have at it! --- IÆll be back in about an hour to touch-up the paint.ö




Sorry, Chrisà I couldnÆt resist. --- Kathy and I were talking about your situation again over dinner last night, when it suddenly occurred to me that under the strictest of interpretations, ôboth sides of the vehicle must look exactly alikeö could just as easily go the other way.


Anywayà Best of luck in winning this bout in the next round!


<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />
<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Man I feel your pain. Why not just take it to another state and get in past there in someone elses name and then just transfer the title back to you. Then drive up there and park it where all the trooper can see your nice purdy new tags.
There is always away around everything might not be the cheapest way but I know it will work.;)


Later,
Daniel

The first time I went the guy could have been nicer about it but it was my fault, didn't really even read the application just signed it. I didn't do any repairs to the door. I have no case with that one.

Second time I was failed for two different color paints. This is my case here. But could be found at fault based on the criteria.

Third time I was late for the inspection and did not get inspected, only heckled by the trooper. No real case here.

Fourth time, I did not wait to get a phone call back from the main office that Trooper "Mary" would be there, my fault, the guy already said he wouldn't pass it and said the same thing when I arrived. No case here.

Tomorrow I am calling the main office and asking where Trooper Mary is scheduled next, on that day driving to her inspection site, confirming she is there, remembers me and the Amigo, show her the docs and asking her, "Are you going to be here for 2 hours?" and, "Will I pass if I did these 3 things like you asked?"

If she says, NO, I talked to another trooper and we can't pass that vehicle" THEN I have a case because she is lying and I have documents to prove it, until then I don't really have a case.

If she says no, then I am trying alternate methods, but until then I think this is a story of aggravation and miscommunication, and says a lot about the state, but its not yet an attack on an innocent citizen.

I disagree. The heckling was unprofessional and his boss should know (after you're titled).

And the criteria seems vague and very subjective at best. You should try the library or an internet search on the law....then present that to them. This is the state--it's written down somewhere. It's not up to the whim of the officer that's present that day.

Definately agree here. Get your nose in a book that will tell you the laws and or speak with some auto recyclers in your area that may have some experience with getting salvaged titles. They may be able to help you out.

Joe

Ok,not to rub anything in but,I recieved my plates and CLEAN title back for our recently purchased Amigo.
Yes it was Salvaged in acually 3 states MD,NC,TN.

It was older than '94 and had been out of commishin for almost 9 yrs.
My situation was different than yours in some ways,but hear me out.

Are you sure it has a Salvaged title ?
And not a Certificate of Salvage ?

There is a difference,and it is major.

Have a cop run the VIN for you and see what comes up.It can help you.

The big thing (atleast in TN)is that all vehicles made after 1994 has the VIN# embossed on all major parts.
Engine,Tranny,body etc.This is to deter chop shops etc.
So this makes it easier to get a pre 94 vehicle "re-titled"

I have a major problem with how your being treated,something is wrong and it's............!

Check your state laws,look for something such as:

If you repaired the "salvaged" vehicle,but used all the major pcs.....ie:

Body
Engine
suspension
tranny
rearend
brakes
computer etc
etc

only thing you did was cosmetic not safety related

Your made it prettier that's all

the doors still latch securely etc.

I think you are getting shafted,if it was a licensed bonded
work truck (commercial) then That would have to be returned to stock......in relationship to the above Items.

You need to take calm breathes <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> and do some non driving/towing research.

Why was the Amigo totaled to start with?It doesn't look like it had over 70% or whatever the number is of damage??

Have you had the seats,mat etc out of it?Is it actually 2 Amigo's welded together?There should be a VIN# stamped in the floor of the enterior under driver seat,as well as the frame side (passengerside on Smileys truck)check and see if the truck is one or two.
Something isn't right about the
salvaged title to start with,not to mention the grief your going thru.

Rant off

Good luck.


Stop and talk to a State Trooper that is on patrol,do not tell him what you've gone thru,(also try a different county)
and nicely ask him the procedures to titling a salvaged tiltle vehicle,if he gives you a hard time say thankyou and leave.

Go to your home state web page and search for salvage titles etc. and find out what the laws are.

Goodluck

Bansil

PS check the laws of the state you purchased the Amigo in,
most states it's illegal to certain points to transfer ownership from one individual to another,each state has a fine line.

I was thinking this same thing. Kind of a long way around but with what all you've gone through actually might have been quicker and cheaper. If you could get someone to buy it and title it in a more friendly state, then transfer it back to you without the salvage title you should be good to go.

I too thought of the go to another state option. Assumed though that the vehicle would have to be towed there as don't all states at least do an in person VIN check? That could get expensive depending on where a title "friendly" state is. Also, you have to have a trustworthy friend in that other state that will sell the vehicle back. It is possible that no matter what, MA may do the exact same inspection if anywhere in the history of the vehicle they found the world "salvage". So such manuevers could be for naught.

Bigpoppax2, in general I very much admire your determination. However for me sometimes discretion is the better part of valor, especially when dealing with seemingly nonsensical government regulations that require tons of money and time.

Lastly, kind of thinking out loud but I wonder if the alleged purpose of the inspection law (i.e. stop stolen parts from being used by verifying their source) somehow got changed by the insurance companies? Seemingly many salvage vehicle owners never fixed the original damage. Then with a second accident the insurance company paid again to fix the original damage. Tired of paying such claims they got the government to require all salvage type damage to be fixed prior to re-titling (kind of snuck it in the stolen parts inspection law?). Point being maybe the inspectors are supposed to be that big of jerks. I know, I know common sense says that everyone else can drive around with a dent, bondo, mis-mathced paint, etc.. Still though if the law requires all salvage title cars to be fully repaired then maybe the inspectors are not the real problem, the law is. Thus, changing the law, or fixing everything are the only two options.

Again, good luck, and continue to fight the good fight if you can but I think I would almost be reaching for the towel to toss.