Good morning everyone.I am new to the forum; it has been a challenge to find my next automotive project.
I once picked up a 2000 Dakota that had a 4.7L engine. This was during COVID. After I paid for it and brought it home, suddenly the kid couldn't find the title. Long story short it was titled in his dad's name, and he refused to produce the title. I eventually sold it as is.
Currently, I am working on a 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 with a 5.9L engine. It's supposedly running, but it also has a title issue that is being worked on now. Supposedly.
If I am successful in this purchase, you will see me around more. Please cross your fingers, pray, whatever it takes, that this time it works out. Should know how it goes this week. Arizona has some interesting vehicle regulations and laws. I am trying to stay away from a salvage title. Meanwhile, I will poke around!!

 

Good luck with that..... If I don't see a legit title, with the correct name on it, my money stays in my pocket. Works much better for me.

Welcome to DF!

 

Check with the Arizona DMV, Every state has their way of dealing things.

 

Rule of thumb, no title, no deal. Since you're looking for a project not a daily driver, there's a lot of iron out there. One lesson I learned the hard way was compare the title VIN to the one on the vehicle before any money changes hands. I ran a salvage yard back in the early 1980's and a guy had two Arrowhead chevy trucks he wanted to sell. A 1962 and a 1966. We got one for a tank truck and he sold the other to someone else. Fast forward a bit and a guy from California wanted to buy the truck. About $2000, which was huge money back then. We had the title to the other truck. He bought it anyway but paid a lot less.

 

Well, no word yet. If I understood him right, he was going to MVD on Monday to straighten out the title.

For fun, I would like opinions. She has about 200k on the clock battery is missing, and all tires are flat.;
VIN: 1B7HC16Z2WS539366
Model: Ram 1500 Regular Cab 2WD Short Bed
Engine: 5.9L Magnum V8 (EML)
Transmission: 46RE 4-Speed Automatic (DGT)
Axle: 3.55 Ratio, Corporate 9.25" Rear (DMD)
Paint: Intense Blue Pearlcoat (PB3)
Trim Level: SLT (26G)

 

Well, mopar changed their site, and the vin decoder doesn't work unless you sign in.... Which I am not going to do...... But, think I would bring a battery, and see if it will at least start and run..... maybe even move under its own power.

 

I can paste the specs here, it's pretty long but as long as the forum lever pullers didn't mind, let's do it. Ah what the heck, I'm new around here and haven't learnt all the rules yet

1998 Dodge Ram 1500 Build Sheet
Summary
VIN: 1B7HC16Z2WS539366
Model: Ram 1500 Regular Cab 2WD Short Bed
Engine: 5.9L Magnum V8 (EML)
Transmission: 46RE 4-Speed Automatic (DGT)
Axle: 3.55 Ratio, Corporate 9.25" Rear (DMD)
Paint: Intense Blue Pearlcoat (PB3)
Trim Level: SLT (26G)
SPORT GROUP (AAG)
• Body-color grille and front bumper (MBJ + MFA)
• Monotone paint scheme (ADC)
• Fog lamps (LMA)
• 16x7 cast aluminum wheels (WFP)
• “Sport” decals (MMP)
• Available only with SLT trim and 5.9L V8
SLT DECOR GROUP (AJL)
• Power windows and locks (PWL)
• Power heated mirrors (GSC)
• Reclining cloth 40/20/40 split bench seat (CDB)
• Carpeted floor and upgraded trim
• Mini overhead console (***)
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel (JPS)
• AM/FM cassette stereo (RAC)
• SLT badging (V9A)
• Chrome rear bumper (MMP overrides front chrome with body-color)
MECHANICAL & FUNCTIONAL FEATURES
• Power front disc/rear drum brakes (BRA)
• Front stabilizer bar (SDA)
• Standard-duty rear leaf springs (SB1)
• Full-size spare tire (TBG)
• Speed control (NHM)
• Federal emissions (NAA)
GLASS & LIGHTING
• Tinted glass windows (GAG)
• Rear sliding window (GFD)
• Automatic headlamps (LAP)
• Light group (AJB) – includes underhood lamp
RARITY STATEMENT
This 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 Sport SLT 5.9L V8 Regular Cab 2WD Short Bed represents a rare
factory configuration. The combination of the Sport Group’s monochromatic exterior and the
SLT Decor Group’s upscale interior was only available on select builds. The Intense Blue Pearl
coat paint (PB3), body-color grille and bumpers, fog lamps, and “Sport” decals confirm its visual
identity, while the SLT package adds comfort and convenience. This truck is a strong candidate
for provenance-based restoration and registry inclusion.

 

How long has it been sitting, and maybe more importantly, WHY has it just been sitting? What kind of shape is it in, and how much does he want for it?

 

It's been sitting for 5 years approx. He parked it because the transmission started slipping from 1st to 2nd gear. The body and interior are very good for its age driver's seat bottom has about a 6-inch tear, like they all do, 1 crack in the dash.. The paint is toast from sitting in the Arizona sun. I would rather sit on the asking amount, but it isn't much.
I am itchin' to get back over there with a battery and do a better inspection. I wouldn't be surprised if the fuel pump has gone bad.

No rat damage, no rat poop.

 

Until they can produce a title, hold off. You're working for free on someone else's vehicle until you get the paper.