What's it worth?

[Jolly1977]

I have a '81 Rabbit w/ 1.6 NA.  Body is in really good shape, and the car is complete and in overall good condition.  I don't have a title for it and it doesn't run.  What would this car be worth sold in one peice as is?  Would I be able to get more money if I parted it out and scrapped all the rest?  I think the non-running problem is the IP.

Thanks.

[RabbitGTDguy]

Is it a 2 door or a 4 door?

Pics?

The title would make things difficult as it would cost the new buyer some cash to have a title search done, (if its clear), etc. etc.

More info would be good though. Pics...even better.

Joe

[Dr. Diesel]

if it's nice, and complete, reacquiring the title is the best option. That car could serve you well for a long time in the future! Save it, don't part it.

Without question, selling it as a whole will new you more money, especially when you factor in the time involved in disassembly.

let's see some pics!

[Jolly1977]

Im going to try and figure out how to post some pictures here sometime this week.

The title is a little complicated.  I live in Buffalo, NY the guy I bought it from lives in Harrisburg, PA.  I went down and picked it up on a Sunday.  I was informed upon arrival at they guys house that you need a notary to sign over a title, which happen to be closed on Sunday (go figure)...  I should have known then, just to forget the car, turn around and go home without it.  But I brought it home anyway thinking I could do everything from home.  I was coordinating a new title with a PA notary when some co-workers of mine (I was using work faxes, etc) hid the title as a joke, and no-one will fess up to its where abouts.  Long story short, a new title in my name may not be feasible.  I know its illegal, but has anyone tried getting a VIN # from another car and swaping them?  May be the only solution as they guy in PA is almost impossible to get a hold of.

[jimfoo]

I don't think anyone on here would want to buy a car knowing the VIN had been swapped. If I were you I'd get the original title one way or the other as now the story sounds fishy.

[Jolly1977]

Ya thats my typical luck.  

Had I known then what I know now...  I wouldn't be in this mess.  Worse part about it is the car wasn't running when I bought it.  But the guy I bought it from said alls I had to do was prime the fuel pump and it would run.  Course I know now, the fuel system, is for the most part self priming.  The problem is probably a blown engine rather than air in the fuel system.  At the very least it was a good learning lesson.

Thats why Im thinking it will be easier to part it out...

[BigVWman]

Here in michigan they will do one with a police inspection and signed affidavit from you stating how and when it was aquired and what happened to title, so long as it is over 10 years old!There are other states that will do bill of sale or signed registration for older cars! somebody will buy it!

[fatmobile]

Worse part about it is the car wasn't running when I bought it. But the guy I bought it from said alls I had to do was prime the fuel pump and it would run. Course I know now, the fuel system, is for the most part self priming.

 
They aren't always self priming.
 If they have sat for awhile, or small lines between the injectors have let air in,...
blah blah, several reasons it won't self prime.

 I'd try priming the pump and getting it running before selling.
 Plenty of info (good and bad) on here about how to prime the fuel pump.

[Jolly1977]

I've gone as far as pressurizing the fuel tank to about 5 psi to "push" the fuel with an air compressor.   I then cracked and purged the fuel line from the tank to the fuel filter.  Once that was running clear without air, I did the same thing to the IP.  Then I cracked 2 injector lines, and cranked it over until fuel was purged threw those lines.  Still with the system pressurized I cranked it over quite a bit.  Nothing....  Not even getting smoke out the back.

If I posted these pictures right, this is what the car looks like.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/27625729@N05/2576198279/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/27625729@N05/2577027758/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/27625729@N05/2576198411/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/27625729@N05/2577027912/in/photostream/

[RabbitGTDguy]

I've been trying to locate a local....and clean 2dr. body and here is one relatively close....damn. Too bad about the title. I'm wondering if I could figure out something with the shell...getting a title for it, etc.

Would someone else be interested in the drivetrain and interior? I'd use everything from the 79 four door I have. This just looks more solid...

Though...don't know if I can part from the german made rabbit now!
She just needs some TLC in the rocker area, and some other bits that are cropping up....but I've searched for what seems like forever to find a 2 dr.

Joe

[Jolly1977]

Well if your interested...  I can give you the contact information of the person who the car IS technically titled too.

Supposedly, some states like NH or VT, don't title vehicles older than 1985??? Or something to that affect.  I don't know what's involved in titling a vehicle in NY from another state without a title.  Or I dont know whats involved in swapping VIN numbers from another car (other than being illegal).

The body is in good shape, its almost a shame to scrap it.

[RabbitGTDguy]

PM me the info...I'd also like to know what you want for the car...that'd be a decided factor for me as if its xxx$ + having to maybe/maybe not get a title for it...it might be more cost effective for you in parting it.

A title search is possible...especially if you know who the prior owner was and they had a title

Joe