John, welcome to the Stovebolt.
Your right. Don't spend a dollar on it until you have a title in your hand.
When you bring a vehicle here from out of state you have to let the highway dept verify the info on the title before you can get on in your name. Most of the time folks either drive, or pull the vehicle to the Highway Dept and let them check.
BUT, as has been my case on TWO seperate ocassions I could NOT take my vehicle to them.
So, I had to go to the Highway Dept. and they will set up an appt time/day for someone to come to your house. This was done on my last vehicle (2005) but I was lucky. The original engine was still in the truck so the number on the title matched the number on the engine. (my panel had come from Florida) The guy then filled out a little slip of paper and I took it to the highway dept and did the transfer.
Now, can you get the previous owner to get a copy of the GA. title?? If so that would be nice and you could also see if the old engine # is on the Ga. Title. IF the old engine # is not on the title it will make things a lot simpler.
If you cannot get a duplicate Ga. title then personally go to the highway dept and ask what you need to do.
At most of the highway depts here in my area, they have someone that sits at the door when you come in to help answer questions and give you the correct forms and tell you what to do. They have always been helpful to me..... Just remember to be nice and innocent looking when you go in, talking about how your going to resurrect and old piece of Americana.
NOW..since your from S.C. just where are you from. If you live close to me give me a call. I know someone that "might" be able to help or tell you just what to do...but give the Highway dept a try first.
Alvin
