General VIN 6054 has been abandoned on my property, does anyone know anything about this car? [Archive] - DMCTalk Forum

eagle-co94

01-26-2015, 03:34 PM

I'll start by saying that my house has high visibility and I'm known as the DeLorean guy in my area as I normally have 1-2 D's in the driveway. I get the strangest knocks on my door but about a year ago I had a knock and the guy was looking for parts. Lucky me. Long story short he bought an auto trans from me about a month later but left it with me. Nearly 6 months later he returned, asking if I could put it in his car. I said if he brought the car to me I'd do it if he paid me so he dropped the car off a few weeks later. Well that was about 2 months ago! All I know is that his first name is Paul and he works construction in the area. I've called his phone number and sent messages dozens of times for him to come get the car but I keep getting the "The person you are calling cannot accept calls at this time, we're sorry for any inconvenience this may cause" message.

I want to get this car out of my driveway as it's taking up what I have reserved as "my workspace." If anyone has any information on it, please let me know by posting or PM so I can track this guy down. If you don't feel comfortable giving me his information, can you please contact them and relay my phone number (given by PM)?

I walked into my local police department and the license plate that expired in 1997 doesn't come back to anything and neither does the VIN. My next stop is the tag office but I think they'll have even less information. Anyone with a connection in law enforcement that wouldn't mind looking up the info would be great too.

Here's the car for anyone curious how bad it looks. The roof panel has some serious rust and the passenger door is jammed shut, misaligned with the strikers.

32664

Jimmyvonviggle

01-26-2015, 04:12 PM

Maybe it's like in the olden days when people would leave a baby they knew they couldn't take care of on someone's porch.

OverlandMan

01-26-2015, 04:15 PM

Maybe it's like in the olden days when people would leave a baby they knew they couldn't take care of on someone's porch.

:hysterical:

Looks like a $20k project car to me! :p

dn010

01-26-2015, 04:32 PM

You can try an inmate search in your area and see if the picture matches the person, then at least you could rule that route out...

David T

01-26-2015, 04:47 PM

You can try an inmate search in your area and see if the picture matches the person, then at least you could rule that route out...

With possession being 9/10 of the law maybe you can own it! Each State has rules and laws on how you can own abandoned property. For instance if you are a garage and did work on a car and the owner never pays you for it you can put a lien on the car. In other States you can also charge storage and auction the car for your charges. Talk to the local police and find out what to do. It may work out that you can put the transmission into the car, get it to move and auction it off. It is worth a lot more if it moves and you have the transmission to put in.

alexwolf1216

01-26-2015, 04:59 PM

:hysterical:

Looks like a $20k project car to me! :p

Exactly what I was thinking :tongue:

Andrew

01-26-2015, 05:33 PM

It's really odd that he would just abandon the car, espicially if he already paid for the transmission. Did he say how long he owned the car? If the title is in his name, the DMV / Secretary of State should be able to at least provide you with his full name. However, if the car has changed hands since it was last titled it might be more difficult to track him down.

Best of luck!

StainlessBullet

01-26-2015, 05:54 PM

Did you check the glove box for the registration? That's pretty odd someone would leave a car like that.

Jonathan

01-26-2015, 06:25 PM

Maybe it's like in the olden days when people would leave a baby they knew they couldn't take care of on someone's porch.

Hahahahaha!! Nice!!

James is running a "DeLorphanage"!!!

Dangermouse

01-26-2015, 06:32 PM

Hahahahaha!! Nice!!

James is running a "DeLorphanage"!!!

Very good :)

Andy

01-27-2015, 02:39 AM

On the risk at sounding a bit crude, couldn't it be that the owner died in the meantime? Maybe you should check that out too ...

Andrew

01-27-2015, 12:13 PM

You might want to try contacting the vendors. If the owner has purchased any parts in recent years with that vin, they might be able to provide you with his name.

eagle-co94

01-27-2015, 12:29 PM

Nope, not crude at all Andy. Just realistic. They guy bought the tranny, paid cash and didn't return for about 6 months for it. Then he brought his car and cash again. He works construction so my first thought is that money ran short and his phone was cut off. He also wants to buy my NOS windshield and a torsion bar from me so maybe he's waiting until he gets another construction gig to give him the extra cash.

Trust me, I'm already looking into obituaries and now (thanks for the suggestion) incarceration records. I'll hit the DMV today but I'm sure their records are less detailed than the local PD.

I just popped the glovebox open (it had a broken latch so that was fun) and found that in 1992 the previous owner bought used front tires in Miami, and in February 1993 bought a Kenwood head unit for $96 from Circuit City. The name on the receipt is Emmanuel Charles. I googled the address and it's for an apartment building so that's probably a dead end as well but might be worth a drive. The phone number has been disconnected.

I also found a payment book (payments were 33.33!) showing the last payment in January 1993 and pre-printed address labels for the finance company. There's a different name and address on that book but the address is in deep south Miami.

I've already got 2 calls in to vendors, just waiting for calls back.

mluder

01-27-2015, 12:53 PM

This could turn into a fascinating thread as the mystery unfolds.

Can't wait to see what happens next.

dmcjohn

01-27-2015, 04:31 PM

I'll start by saying that my house has high visibility and I'm known as the DeLorean guy in my area as I normally have 1-2 D's in the driveway. I get the strangest knocks on my door but about a year ago I had a knock and the guy was looking for parts. Lucky me. Long story short he bought an auto trans from me about a month later but left it with me. Nearly 6 months later he returned, asking if I could put it in his car. I said if he brought the car to me I'd do it if he paid me so he dropped the car off a few weeks later. Well that was about 2 months ago! All I know is that his first name is Paul and he works construction in the area. I've called his phone number and sent messages dozens of times for him to come get the car but I keep getting the "The person you are calling cannot accept calls at this time, we're sorry for any inconvenience this may cause" message.32664

If it has been only 2 months, how do you think you can post an ad on craigslist, offering to sell the car for parts - a car that doesn't belong to you?

http://miami.craigslist.org/brw/cto/4864538881.html

I'd imagine the owner will not be impressed! Who knows why you can't contact him, but posting an ad to break the car for parts after only 2 months is not right, and surely not legal...

dn010

01-27-2015, 05:28 PM

My impression is that this was only done as a way to get more people to see the car who maybe know what is going on. Obviously there is more public that use craigslist than DMCTALK. However without more information as far as VIN and identifiable stuff like that in the ad, it is hard to be sure.

From a legal standpoint, there are steps that need to be taken in order to actually be able to sell or part the car out.

I can't remember how long it is, but there are X amount of days/months/years you have to wait with the vehicle being abandoned on your property. After the specified amount of time per Florida Statute, you then have to file paperwork in order to obtain ownership of the vehicle. The DMV, police and others will be involved with trying to find the owner. After all that - once you obtain ownership legally and on paper, then you can do whatever you want. Not only am I in a profession that deals with this, I went through this trying to buy a boat that was sitting on a foreclosed property next to my house, unless the process has changed without my knowledge, this is what it is in order to do it the right way. You cannot accept property and then turn around and sell it without going through the proper steps. IF you don't do it the right way and the owner surfaces, you can bet you'll find charges against you fast.

It is a different story if you didn't willingly accept the vehicle to be parked on your property, like if you wake up and there is a stray car just parked in your driveway.

If it has been only 2 months, how do you think you can post an ad on craigslist, offering to sell the car for parts - a car that doesn't belong to you?

http://miami.craigslist.org/brw/cto/4864538881.html

I'd imagine the owner will not be impressed! Who knows why you can't contact him, but posting an ad to break the car for parts after only 2 months is not right, and surely not legal...

vps3922

01-27-2015, 06:59 PM

:popcorn:

Gfrank

01-27-2015, 07:22 PM

If it has been only 2 months, how do you think you can post an ad on craigslist, offering to sell the car for parts - a car that doesn't belong to you?

http://miami.craigslist.org/brw/cto/4864538881.html

I'd imagine the owner will not be impressed! Who knows why you can't contact him, but posting an ad to break the car for parts after only 2 months is not right, and surely not legal...

Using James's own words. "I'm shaking the tree to see if the owner falls out".......

dn010

01-27-2015, 07:32 PM

That was the impression I got.

FWIW I only added the legal aspects in case someone in the future who has a similar instance happen who may not know the laws or has no regard for the law, what the process is and what will happen if not followed. It was not added with the notion that James had the intention to sell the car on the owner. "You" does not refer to anyone in particular, just in general.

Using James's own words. "I'm shaking the tree to see if the owner falls out".......

skill

01-27-2015, 07:41 PM

http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=32683&stc=1
This is getting good. anyone have more ... :popcorn: ??

valdez

01-27-2015, 07:48 PM

Guys sounds like a flake that will likely show up one day when he feels like it. Likely using you as a storage yard due to not having a yard or working car himself.
If it is found to be truly abandoned and a title can be obtained I may be game.

skill

01-27-2015, 07:51 PM

First, I'm not an attorney... but these are a few bullets points I'd consider. You have to remember you are dealing with property/ chattels here, so;

* Give notice to owner! If the owner is not to be found, your recovery would be put a local notice in the newspaper to pick up his property and that serves as a 30-day Notice (4 wk ad) which would reasonable and meets the due diligence (i.e., Police Report, etc).

* Place a visible copy of that notice in and outside of the car.

* If there is a bill due; attach it to the car as well and document it. Attach a copy to the 30 days notice, that's reasonable, regardless of state.

* If a bill is due for the work performed; Mechanic Lien (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mechanic%27s_lien) the vehicle. If at or below the max amount with the Small Claims court, check with your County, and file what that amount is due not beyond the small claims amount and go to court with that as John Doe, VIN #, etc info, etc.

Photo and document each of your steps.

Good luck.

eagle-co94

01-27-2015, 08:25 PM

Ryan King

01-27-2015, 09:33 PM

Gary and Dan are correct. My plan is to get his attention and get him to show up and get the car. My worst fear is that I'm being taken advantage of for free storage.

I did a brief search and it said years so I'm doing whati can to get it seen. I may even do an indef eBay listing as parts since those are free.

Im sure there must be a statue of limitations. I would seriously look into taking over the car. This happens all the time to local car shops. Maybe pop into one and see what the procedure is. Im sure its not uncommon.

David T

01-27-2015, 10:43 PM

Im sure there must be a statue of limitations. I would seriously look into taking over the car. This happens all the time to local car shops. Maybe pop into one and see what the procedure is. Im sure its not uncommon.

There are multiple possibilities including:
The owner is deceased
The owner moved out of the area
The owner is incarcerated
The owner is ill
You must do this legally or you can be held responsible and there could be serious consequences. All States have procedures for abandoned property. What a licensed, professional shop may be able to do you might not be able to do. For instance it may start by your having the car towed and stored. Eventually the yard may be able to auction the car and you can bid on it. Here in NJ I found a Delorean abandoned in a gas station. I worked with the owner and did all of the paperwork for him so he could auction it. We held the auction and I was the high bidder. I was the ONLY bidder! I advertised it in a legal journal. It was all done legit and no one knew about it to come to the auction. I paid the shop his fees and storage and covered all of the expenses of the auction. With the Bill of Sale from the auction the State DMV issued a Title to me. In some States there are companies that specialize in handing this kind of thing for garages and tow yards. Do some homework. That is if you want it. Don't think you will be getting it for free.

ALEXAKOS

01-28-2015, 02:27 AM

Can't you get his full name and address from the phone carrier of the number you have? Maybe an alternate contact number?

It sucks when a contact simply disappears:(

Dangermouse

01-28-2015, 09:22 AM

I know you don't have much, but perhaps some of the lines here would give a clue or two:

http://lifehacker.com/329033/how-to-track-down-anyone-online

dn010

01-28-2015, 02:42 PM

Shops and tow companies definitely have different standards/statutes. Cars that we'd see constantly on patrol that were obviously abandoned we fill out a sticker and slap it on the window for a week or 2, then if nothing it was towed and impounded; they would last at the yard for a matter of weeks before they were able to get a title and auction/sell them...

delgato

01-28-2015, 03:25 PM

It is my thought that this guy is going to come back one random day to get his car.

I bet he will expect it to be running all good as well.

In my head I picture a situation where he shows up at your house and says

"Hey there, I am here to get my car now"

"Yeah I have been super busy these past few months putting triple hours at the job."

"Now I am on an extra long vacation and have already planned an across the country and back trip in my fully refurbished Delorean."

"Is it ready to go? I took a cab to get here so I could just drive it out right now."

Then you will have the long, possibly heated, conversation on how installing a USED transmission will not make his car a 100% driver ready.

Good luck

dn010

01-28-2015, 03:29 PM

Next time if anyone wants to drop off their car, get a copy of their driver's license! LOL

Dangermouse

01-28-2015, 03:40 PM

How did Paul get the car to your house?

Tow-company that might have records?

skill

01-28-2015, 03:44 PM

Next time if anyone wants to drop off their car, get a copy of their driver's license! LOL
also get any agreement in writing. cuz verbal agreement have a lot less statute of limitations. check what the SOLs are in your state. like I said do your due diligence, give notice every best way possible, file a small claim if you can for work performed and not paid for even if verbal, lien it and give that notice to your dmv. I wouldn't sell anything of that car without having a title or bos.

dn010

01-29-2015, 02:37 PM

So are there any leads or tips yet??

spedlot

02-02-2015, 12:44 AM

I pm'd you.

Tillsy

02-02-2015, 06:51 AM

This guy makes me think of The Time Traveler's Wife (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0452694/?ref_=nv_sr_1). If so you will find your meetings with him are completely out of sync - the next visit you will have from him in a year's time will be his first from his perspective, so he'll be introducing himself and have no idea why you're frustrated...

eagle-co94

02-02-2015, 01:10 PM

I may have some good news. I will update Wednesday if/when it happens!

Dangermouse

02-02-2015, 02:37 PM

You saved 15% by switching to Geico?

Jimmyvonviggle

02-02-2015, 03:31 PM

:lol:
You saved 15% by switching to Geico?

TTait

02-02-2015, 03:39 PM

You saved 15% by switching to Geico?

That's not how this works. That's now how any of this works...

jerzybondov

02-05-2015, 05:46 AM

Update?!

eagle-co94

02-05-2015, 06:08 AM

Yesterday was a bust. Hopefully today.

GR8SCOTT

02-06-2015, 03:37 PM

Yesterday was a bust. Hopefully today.

Is there a chance he is serving in the military? Here is a website that will verify active duty status:

https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/appj/scra/single_record.xhtml

eagle-co94

02-15-2015, 10:32 AM

So the update took a lot longer than it was supposed to but the owner had finally showed up. I told him how important it was to get it out of the driveway but after partially ruining V-Day he finally sent a tow-truck to pick it up. He apologized and said he'd make it up to me by buying my NOS windshield and passenger torsion bar that he needs but I'm not holding my breath on that. As soon as I sell 1729 I'll be listing everything else that I have.

Trstno1

02-15-2015, 10:48 AM