Lord, Help Me - Terese's M/C Saga Continues

[terese]

So I go down to the courthouse today to FINALLY get my tag for the new bike. I had to send back the title the week before the cruise because there was only one signature and I needed TWO. I noticed the whiteout on the back where she had mistakenly signed and immediately saw a RED FLAG. I handed the title to the clerk who just gave it back to me saying that the whiteout nullified the title. I call up the guy in Dallas to let him know that the whiteout made the title void and that I need a new title. He tries to blame it on "po-dunk Alabama" rather than seeing that his hastened actions set this whole mess afloat (like not having a title in hand when I picked up the bike in January - I could've waited!!). I now have to wait for a REPLACEMENT TITLE from this jerk. And I still have to get my bags and windshield from him. I called Zibell telling him about the title fiasco and asked that he speak with this guy and explain why the title has to be signed as needed.

[Vance]

Oh my GOD! I am sorry to hear about the continuing saga. It seemsthat you have certainly had more than your share of this stuff. I am always surprised to find out that people are so uninformed about titles and how important they are. The guy should certainly know that a good clean document (meaning no stray marks or whiteout for God's sake) will be required!

I know you are frustrated and rightfully so. I hope you get it straightened out quickly. Hang in there!!!

[bill99rt]

I thought everyone knew that. He must be a Guzzi rider.

When I bought my Escape it took almost three months to get the title straight. It seems that any new vehicle bought in Ohio has to be titled in Ohio before it can be transferred out of state. No one told me this and I thought the dealer just screwed up by sending the paperwork in to Ohio after I told them I was going to title it in Alabama. The people at Ford Credit finally figured out what was goping on and helped me get it straightened out. I know how aggrivating it is to have a new vehicle and can't get the paperwork straight. I hope yours gets cleared up soon.

[Wrong Way]

I've said it here before. I just moved to Alabama and had to retitle 5 MC's, a MH, and a Ford truck and Jeep liberty. Part of the problem I'm afraid is the State of Alabama. I have never had so much trouble anywhere else I've lived, and I lived in 4 different states in my working career. I could write a book about my experiences with the State of Alabama tag office.

[bill99rt]

I know Alabama is not the best in the country, but a lot of the problem is the fact that it's different from what you are use to. Anytime you move to a new state it's confusing. In Alabama the people in the tag office are not paid well. It's sort of an entry position to a state job. The people start looking for a better job as soon as they get hired. Not many stay long enough to really learn the job. As funny as they are in Alabama, I don't think they will accept white out any where.

[Gail]

OMG Terese! I am sorry you are having this problem. As for all you other dumb Alabama hicks, I hope to see y'all this weekend in Blue Springs if y'all can find your way there . Gail

[Bikebum]

Gail, I am going to try to find the place again. If all goes well I will see you there.

[terese]

What a Difference a Day Makes... 24 Little Hours....

A Certified Copy of the title is now in my hands. Got an email via Zibell that this couple spent half a day at the tax accessor's office and got a copy of the title and were instructed as to how to sign. Like I'm supposed to give them kudos for their time yesterday. I've been to the Courthouse 3 times already, taking time off work and you wanna know how much time I had to waste???? Bill (hubby) spoke with him this morning before he read the email. Bill said that he seemed pretty subdued. Should of after having his butt handed to him. This guy better not sell his encyclopedias - he still doesn't know everything like he thought.

So one more day and then I'll have the big smiley face, but until then...

[Wrong Way]

I certainly understand why a title with white out on it would be a problem to any state.

My problems getting my Titles transfered over seemed to stem from the fact that every clerk had a little different understanding about what the rules where. They also seemed to take keen delight in running me around meeting all of their requirements. The worst thing you can do is complain about it. It makes it worse!!! In one case they insisted on my wife being present in order to convert my truck title to an Alabama title because she was listed on the old GA title. I was only trying to get it converted to an Alabama title, not remove her name. My wife at the time was 350 miles away. She traveled down because of the requirement. When we visited the tag office we got a different clerk who didn't even care weather she was present or not. They may be entry level folks but they sure seem to delight in having control over you and your situation at the time.

[MtnMan7]

I could write a book!

I've bought, rebuilt, sold, traded a lot of motorcycles and cars in my time and Alabama is by far the worst! You are correct about new faces everytime I go into the title office! Are any of you aware now that you cannot sign a waiver on a vehicle that you have owned for over a year and get out of paying taxes for the time that it has sat? I have a friend that has been in rehab for a little over 3 yrs, they want 3 yrs worth of taxes plus the tag=$220+ !! So if you have a bike that you've owned for over a year and plan to buy a tag sometime in the future, beware!
Mike G

[terese]

If someone hadn't screwed me over 7 years ago for selling me a frame without a title, I wouldn't have been in this mess to begin with!!!

[MtnMan7]

Title

If someone hadn't totaled the bike instead of just rebuilding it as we were led to believe they wouldn't have had any problems!
Mike

[terese]

Oh yeah, I forgot that I intentionally set out to total my bike. Accidents happen - you should know since you profit from them.

The integrity of our deal was compromised when you wouldn't honor my request for a title, much less lend any assistance to acquiring one.
YOU were the last owner of that bike/frame. YOU got your money. I got a legal headache.

[MtnMan7]

Title:

Let's set the record straight before God and everyone you've told this garbage to since you won't let it lie!
You contacted our mechanic friend and told him you had wrecked your bike ,was going to have to pay to have it repaired. SOOOO we both tried to get you out as cheaply as possible. I sold you a late model Showi fork assy that sold for $400+ at that time for $250(which I needed few months later) and a frame with no title for $100? with the instructions that you could ride the bike with no problem with a bill of sale showing that you had replaced the frame if you were stopped since it was registered in your name. But if you sold it you would have to sell it in Alabama. The next thing I knew you were telling me you couldn't get a title and that you had the insurance company total the bike instead of paying the repair bill as I was told!!! Quote , unquote, otherwise no way under heaven would I have sold you the front end for $250! Guess you were trying to make out like a bandit, collect big on the bike then get the repairs cheaper making us to believe you were having to pay for them!
For all concerned, if you total a bike you get a salvage title, the only way you can retitle it (in alabama) is to have a licensed rebuilder handle the rebuild or pay him to have it inspected then there is a $120 fee for the rebuilt title/sticker. Best thing to do is go through abandoned vehicle title application if you feel there aren't any liens on the bike or frame. I haven't been aware of all your problems , felt I was out of the picture when you totaled the bike! Ignorance is bliss except when dealing with title laws!

[terese]

Believe what you want - it still doesn't change the way I feel.