[x-o-b]

Hello fellas,

During my drives to "everywhere" within my small beautiful hilly state, I far too often witness a very respectable off-roader notably and frequently the Gypsy mostly and occasionally the MM 550s, 540s, Commanders, etc., laying on roadsides in dilapidated state simply left to rot there. I invariably stop to look at them and remorsefully drive onward thinking "what a waste". Most of these vehicles, handed over to proper hands, can be restored.

I have read many threads here about how people buy off vintage cars and restore it. The love for these cars alone make me feel like jumping into becoming a professional restorer of old "left to rot" cars. I once planned on joining the ITI for automotive repairs and get a certificate but because I am a 7th grade drop-out, I didn't qualify for the course. Nevertheless, I could still join some automotive repair shops as a helper and learn the tricks of the restoration trade given my passion for such work.

How on earth (and in Indian context) do guys manage to get the required vehicle paperwork such that the restored vehicle could be put back on the tarmac and driven like regular cars. How could the RTO allow registration, fitness validity, insurance, PUC, etc.

Guys who have done so already, kindly shed some light. I am sorry if I didn't search the forum enough for an existing thread on the topic.

Cheers!!

[boniver]

So the vehicle is first restored while the documents are either reproduced (duplicate copies obtained from the RTO), or the available documents are submitted to the RTO for renewal. The insurance is usually renewed just before the restoration is complete. Once the vehicle is ready, it is taken for a PUC check, post which it is taken to the RTO for a fitness renewal (which requires a valid insurance and PUC) and tax payment. Once the fitness is renewed and relevant taxes are paid, the RC becomes valid once again and the vehicle is fit to run on the road.

[x-o-b]

Originally Posted by boniver

(duplicate copies obtained from the RTO)

For vehicles without any license plates that are abandoned on the roadside somewhere? I know, the details could be tracked down from the chassis number, if that is found and is still legible.

Thanks for your quick response, appreciated.

Originally Posted by boniver

Once the fitness is renewed

Would the RTO even consider/agree to the renewal?
Lobbying/liason/sweet talk - especially bribing - is an avenue that don't wish to tread on. Purely legally speaking, can the fitness be renewed?

Thanks again

[bikertillidie]

Restoration can be a very fulfilling but tiring affair, however, dealing with RTOs and agents to get the paperwork regularised can be quite the nightmare.

Metro's have stopped issuing RCs for non BS4 four wheelers. Then there are many crooks masquerading as agents at RTOs. You might end up losing a good amount of money if you entrust your work to a such a person (and some of them come highly recommended).

Believe me, I have learnt my lessons the hard way.

[boniver]

Originally Posted by x-o-b

For vehicles without any license plates that are abandoned on the roadside somewhere?

How would you purchase such a vehicle without locating the owner and the sale actually going through? If you have the owner you'll have the number too.

Would the RTO even consider/agree to the renewal?
Lobbying/liason/sweet talk - especially bribing - is an avenue that don't wish to tread on. Purely legally speaking, can the fitness be renewed?

If the papers are there (or duplicate copies obtained if they are not there), there is no reason why any RTO won't allow a renewal with the relevant taxes and late penalties paid. No extra effort should be required for such a simple process.

PS: None of this works in Delhi NCR

[freelancer6202]

What do you mean by 7th grade drop out ? Restoring cars is a time and money intensive project and you need to have a good knowledge of parts. Car electronics are DC so unless you studied physics in school and clear of concepts then thats where you start.

Road side abandoned cars are usually left by mechanics to cannibalise them, they are either accident vehicles or total loss vehicles. Also some really old vehicles are lying abandoned because owners collect fuel allowances for them from employers. Your best bet to acquire such vehicles is during auctions.

As for learning a mechanic's job, it's not easy. Adjusting yourself in their environment is next to impossible. I had the exact same thought in college for restoring my dad's car and it was utterly impractical. I have a Lancer which I once took to mechanic and he stole my car's thermostat and tried selling it to my friend who also owned a lancer. Since then I have been maintaining my car on my own and basically have a small garage with all required tools. Youtube helped me a lot. Over the course of few years, I have changed shock absorbers, brake pads, changed water pump, replaced the timing belt, replaced leaking oil seals, fuel pump, fuel filter. Steering rack is next on the list.

My advice would be to buy a beaten up maruti/alto as a project car ( can find one easily for 20-30,000) and learn from it (suspension, steering, fuel, brakes, transmission, cooling etc). Car basics are universal so lessons learnt here would be helpful for other projects.

[GTO]

Not that I condone the practice, but if a dilapidated vehicle is loved and has no paperwork...the chassis number of a more modern, retired car is transferred to it (ultimate jugaad). This was done a lot with restored Mahindra Jeeps, Gypsys, Padminis, Ambassadors, Marutis. If there was a retired newer example (retired due to accident, fire, abandonment, or just available cheaply to buy etc.), its chassis number is transferred to the old car and voila, the old example suddenly has legitimate paperwork.

[x-o-b]

Originally Posted by freelancer6202

My advice would be to buy a beaten up maruti/alto as a project car ( can find one easily for 20-30,000) and learn from it (suspension, steering, fuel, brakes, transmission, cooling etc). Car basics are universal so lessons learnt here would be helpful for other projects.

I have never, and I mean after the year 2017, hired a car mechanic for any repairs so far including automotive electrical repairs. I have been a mechanic of sorts "except" for major body works and detailing and obviously "restoration" jobs which I intend to learn from internship. I have learnt a lot from the official automotive service and repair manuals and very less from Youtube. I am old school type. Thanks for your wonderful suggestion. Appreciated

Originally Posted by GTO

...the chassis number of a more modern, retired car is transferred to it (ultimate jugaad)..

Hello GTO, your reputation precedes you. Thanks for your input but isn't swapping chassis numbers an unlawful act in itself - "illegal"?

Originally Posted by boniver

If the papers are there (or duplicate copies obtained if they are not there), there is no reason why any RTO won't allow a renewal with the relevant taxes and late penalties paid.

Thanks, it's so reassuring to hear such words.