I am currently in the same situation (maybe a little further along). I purchased the truck without a title, but felt comfortable in doing so. I have started the restoration process, but not very far along. In Texas, you apply for a "bonded title" when the title has been lost. After so many years, without someone else claiming the same vehicle, the title will revert to a conventional title. I hired a company to file all paperwork and do all the legwork...well worth the $100 fee. The "title" company suggest the truck be titled using the door jamb ID plate in the event the engine is replaced in the future.
