Elise Progress Report

Here is a follow up report on my salvaged Elise project, started some months ago with a long drive to California to rescue a supposedly totaled Elise. The Burgundy 2005 Elise was on display at FVMC during our Fall Tune-Up Clinic, sans front and rear clam shells, to have a new windshield installed at a cost of over $1000.00 American dollars. Being only a little further up the road on North Avenue, I went to Motorsport Collision where a bevy of fancy motorcars were undergoing various body repairs, many being of the Lotus ilk.

After dismantling the two clams, we planned on re-assembling the Lotus back at my garage. But Motorsport Collision made an offer to reassemble the car after repainting, to blend all of the body panels, front and rear clams, as well as doors. etc. And since all the work was being done by a licensed professional, clearing the hurdle of getting an Illinois Title would be much easier.

"Beeeeeep" the alarm bell rang. No can do. It seems to get a salvaged, rebuilt title in our fair state, it can only be done by a state licensed "REBUILDER". And although they are a great body shop with lots of expertise with the Elise, Motorsport Collision is not State licensed as a "rebuilder". I really needed the robot from Lost in Space flailing his arms and repeating "Warning Will Robinson! Danger! Danger!".

Getting a Rebuilt Title in Illinois
The rules are simple but must be followed to the letter so here are some tips for the process if you ever contemplate going this route:

1. Before buying a car with a salvage title, do a Carfax search (VIN#) and make sure it has been listed as Totaled. Likewise; Carfax any donor parts car VIN#'s.
2. If car was victim of chop shop or other stolen actions, get an affidavit from auction house/insurance company or other seller to clear the car from victim status. A police recovery report will help.
3. The car cannot be in your name, unless you, yourself, are a licensed rebuilder. Find someone to title the car for you and sign off by doing a portion of the repair work and then put it through the state inspection process and re-title the car back to you.
4. Any parts you purchase from another donor car or other source must be documented with VIN# or serial number. Bill of Sale is good but not enough.
5. Any parts you purchase from a dealer or other legal source must have a receipt or bill of sale. Anything that even has even an inkling of being a stolen part may have car impounded.
6. Take loads of pictures, digital camera is weapon of choice. The Secretary of State wants photos of damage at time of auction/purchase. Show all damage and take photos of any options such as sound system, custom wheels or any custom item not stock on car. If possible, have the seller list these in Bill of Sale.
7. Of course during this whole process, the vehicle cannot be legally driven on Illinois roads. But to facilitate testing, a temporary 72 hour pass for purpose of driving a completed vehicle to test station can be had, by request, without charge.
8. The car must be completed, fully operational, for testing so all lights, horns, wipers, engine, gears (even reverse), brakes, suspension must be up to snuff before State inspection.
9. You cannot just drop in and say "Test Me". The rebuilder needs to make an appointment for a date to test, could be weeks or even months depending upon number of cars on the schedule. Two cheeks are required at the test time for testing and title fees. Once the car passes it will be another 4-6 weeks for the title in the rebuilders name to arrive at his address, then be can re-title the vehicle to you.

Needless to say, I did everything wrong. and would never attempt this again. A "Clear Title" of a complete total disaster, such as my project Europa DelSol, despite demanding much more expertise in brakes, suspension, engine, lights, and all manner of safety devices, is a free pass as no inspection is required. Even with every nut, bolt and do-dad fixed painted or replaced, engine upgrade, parts purchased wherever, it doesn't matter...I have a Clear Title. Also, one last item... a rebuilt or salvaged title can never be cleared, and must always wear the scarlet letter "REBUILT" on it.