New member in San Jose with a salvage title question

[Project70]

Hello, C-C.com members.  20 years after selling my 72 440-A Challenger, I'm back in the E-body family - I just purchased my neighbor's 1970 Challenger that started life as a metallic green 318, converted into a Panther Pink 440 Magnum.

I'd been interested in this car for several years but my neighbor never drove it; it hasn't been registered or street driven in at least 10 years.  A few weeks ago he needed money in a hurry so I struck a quick deal with him at a price I thought was a steal.  Since he had put the car on Craiglist I wanted to act fast and took a risk, bought it without driving it...I've heard it run (about a year ago) and the body and interior are in great shape, but it had a flat tire and a dead battery so I struck while the iron was hot.

We settled on $13.5k until I learned it had a salvage title.  After close inspection and some title history, I believed the car was rear-ended in the early 1990s and totaled by the insurance company.  From what I can see, the damage was all cosmetic and primarily in the rear quarter panels (replaced) and the body work was of average quality with minimal bondo. When the car was converted to a 440 the owner did a disc brake installation, new bushings, swaybars, new interior, stell magnum hood, electronic ignition box, etc.  Based on the upgrades from stock, salvage title and 2003 expired registration, I offered $10k and he accepted.

My question for the forum:  I've been looking for a 70 Challenger for a while with the intent to build a restomod, installing Hotchkis TVS, big brakes, 5 or 6 speed manual tranny, modern rims\tires, etc.  I like everything about this car except the salvage title and auto transmission.

I bought this car for $10k.  Am I throwing good money after bad if I invest that type of hardware and labor into a CA salvage title?

[ChallengerHK]

If you're wondering if the salvage title will affect the resale value, I'd guess that your plans for the car would affect it just as much. If you're wondering if the fact that the car was salvaged will make the work problematic, I'd take it to a good frame shop, with the specs, and have them verify the accuracy of the previous work.

As for the auto, there are several ways to convert to manual with a cost in the ballpark of what you're planning to spend on suspension upgrades.

[Haddixj]

Also insurance may be a problem. I don't think the classic car companies like to insure salvage title cars. Call and ask.

[Jesus H Chrysler]

If you're wondering if the salvage title will affect the resale value, I'd guess that your plans for the car would affect it just as much. If you're wondering if the fact that the car was salvaged will make the work problematic, I'd take it to a good frame shop, with the specs, and have them verify the accuracy of the previous work.

As for the auto, there are several ways to convert to manual with a cost in the ballpark of what you're planning to spend on suspension upgrades.

   It's already a 318 car that got converted to a 440 and repainted.  The car wasn't high value as an original, the engine and paint arguably make it more valuable than if it was restored to stock.  With the upgrades you plan, the value can only go up.  Now if your car was an original Hemi or 440+6 then that would be another matter...  If you're going to mod a car to the level you plan, start with a 318 car so the purists don't get their panties in a bunch for "ruining" a real R/T.

As far as the salvage title goes... It does hurt the value but not to the extent you'd imagine.  I would never buy a 2012 Challenger with a salvage title, but for a 40+ year old car you have to expect some history.  If you think about it, a car that was fully restored by an amateur in their own garage causes me more concern than a car that was salvaged and repaired at some point.

As for resale, remember it's only worth what someone would pay for it.  For all the parts and work going into it, you may not get that back when you go to sell it again.  Just my 

[Project70]

Thanks for the great input and responses, guys. I'm going to get the frame checked out as HK recommended and if all is good, I'm forging ahead. As JHC stated, it isn't a rare car so why not make it what I want and not worry about resales value.

I'm sure I'll have many questions, but will use the search feature before asking. Looking forward to my time under the hood, behind the wheel, and on this forum.

-Rob

[Fern]

Before I spend any money on it I would contact my insurance co. and find out if the salvage title effects insuring it?

[jimynick]

Before I spend any money on it I would contact my insurance co. and find out if the salvage title effects insuring it?

Yep! If it passes that hurdle, then go nuts and build the car you want. The salvage title is like being in the stock market- you won't lose a penny unless you have to sell. Just my 
PS- Welcome to the site! 

[Project70]

Was able to insure it with full coverage (plus a bump in total liability, 100/300) through Haggerty, stated value of $15k for comp/collision. $240/year premium.

I did have to provide 6 photos, all sides plus engine and interior.

As I invest in Hotchkis and other goodies I'll see if increasing vehicle value is an issue but I'm fully covered for now.

Thanks for the advice and the warm welcome!

[aris_unlimited]

Some people will care about a salvage title. Personally I don't see the point in worrying about it in a classic car, I would be more worried about some of those ones that look like 10% of them is what the guy started with before restoring it lol. Should have a salvage title on that!

[Haddixj]

Thanks for checking back in. I have hagerty as well so in case another car pops up I can't live without I won't be so picky

[4 speed fish]

Being a salvage car  here in California the car will have to go thru a dmv inspection before you can transfer title.Everything on the car must work properly for the car to pass the inspection.

[HP_Cuda]

Yep salvage titles are not fun to deal with.

[Project70]

Being a salvage car  here in California the car will have to go thru a dmv inspection before you can transfer title.Everything on the car must work properly for the car to pass the inspection.

I want to clarify this for others on the forum: The 'salvaged' vehicle definitely required inspection on the original move from standard to salvage title (20+ years ago) but subsequent inspections are NOT required after it passes once. It can be re-sold and title transferred just like any other car without inspection.

Car was transferred to previous owner without inspection in 1999, and then to me last month, valid plates/registration, no inspection required.

[don340-4]

 " Car was transferred to previous owner without inspection in 1999, and then to me last month, valid plates/registration, no inspection required.
 
 4speed fish;
  As a CA. resident that is good information, Thanks.


     

[Jesus H Chrysler]

MA has a similar law.  If a car is "Salvage" it is not registerable, essentially junk.  If you fix up a salvage vehicle it gets inspected by the State Police and if it passes is granted a "Reconstructed" title with a brand. (Collision, flood, recovered theft etc.)  The brand never goes away since it's supposed to be a warning for subsequent buyers, but it is now able to be legally registered and driven with no further inspections other than the annual safety everyone gets.