The Project That Ain't Gonna Be

admin

Spotted a nice drop neck semi trailer on CL.  Made an offer, and it was accepted.The trailer was a 1979 Vulcan 45' step deck.  It needed a total rebuild, and it was perfect for me.End result...........................NO TITLE, AND NO VIN#Woulda made a nice thread but I passed.Little, oh Hell, I'm big time disappointed about it.  Was a sweet deal.  Can't do it without at least a VIN#Figured I'd have a nice road ready trailer for about maybe 8k after all was said and done.The hunt is still on.........................................Looking at the specs, and price on some A992 steel..............  Maybe score a set of cutoff axles, and start it from scratch..................dunnoI have the itch, and I need a step deck"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:If no title and no VIN, can you register it as a homebuilt? I did a homebuilt in Minnesota last year. I just had to save receipts and present the lady at the DMV with them. I didn't cheat ... but she hardly checked the bill of materials. I would imagine that having a multi thousand dollar receipt for scrap metal would be more than sufficient documentation.Just an idea,-Jim
Reply:Agreed.  Perhaps worth looking into Samm.MM200 w/Spoolmatic 1Syncrowave 180SDBobcat 225G Plus - LP/NGMUTT Suitcase WirefeederWC-1S/Spoolmatic 1HF-251D-1PakMaster 100XL '68 Red Face Code #6633 projectStar Jet 21-110Save Second Base!
Reply:IDK Steve but many years ago I fab'd and installed hitches (including air brake controls) on about 30 42' Strick trailers to make lead units for doubles and only had to have a DOT guy come and inspect them before placing them in service.A few phone calls should answer any questions in this case.MM200 w/Spoolmatic 1Syncrowave 180SDBobcat 225G Plus - LP/NGMUTT Suitcase WirefeederWC-1S/Spoolmatic 1HF-251D-1PakMaster 100XL '68 Red Face Code #6633 projectStar Jet 21-110Save Second Base!
Reply:According to Oklahoma Tax Commission it's ok to build one.They need:Receipts for materialsPics of finished trailer &  WIP picsAffidavit that it's shop builtApplication for title, and VIN#No state required inspection, but it is subject to Federal safety standards (ie. roadside inspections)I don't know of any Fed standards for structural components, all I can find are standards related to accessory equipment.  Lights, couplings, brakes, etc.  This is all readily available aftermarket.So I guess it's doable Would have to use A36, so it'd be heavier than modern trailers but hay is relatively light........average load weighs around 34-35kIt's a thought anyways.......Have to see if it's insurable under my commercial policy"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/