Flood damaged/salvage titled cars

A

AndyK

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Staff member
Since we're about to be inundated with flood damaged 'totals', what states are left where these cars can be wiped clean of their salvage titles so I can warn people of deals that might seem to good true with titles from said states? I would imagine there can't be too many different states left where you can still easily do this.
 
I have bought totals in Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. They were all tagged as salvage. They all had to be inspected as well. After inspection they were tagged as Rebuilt Salvage. I though the Minnesota one was clear but 2 years later I got a new title in the mail saying salvage on it. I have bought a few flood cars in the past. Will buy more, as long as they are available within a week of the flood. After a week or two the motors start to rust internally.
 
haha well there are plenty to choose from here dub. the tide went up so high here you could stand on the roof of most cars and still be up to your knees in water.
 
I have researched it some in the past to find out how to avoid the scam and never did find out which states issue a clean title on a vehicle with a branded title from another state.
 
There are so many possible issues with flooded cars, I don't know how anyone could address them all with any confidence. Beyond the obvious engine and driveline concerns, all the electric motors, relays, wiring, computers, all of it will be suspect after immersion, especially in salt water.

I'd be curious to learn how guys that rehab flooded cars do it the right way. I'd think buying a second, non-flooded total and swapping a bunch of stuff over might do the trick.
 
Or 50lbs of rice. The trick is to get the car right after the flood. Disconnect the battery right away. And start tare down. I've done it. I drove one for 2 years afterwards. My mom drove one for 6. If you wait a week forget it. It is a lot of work. But when the insurance doesn't pay what do you do?
 
crashtech;25183 said:
There are so many possible issues with flooded cars, I don't know how anyone could address them all with any confidence. Beyond the obvious engine and driveline concerns, all the electric motors, relays, wiring, computers, all of it will be suspect after immersion, especially in salt water.

I'd be curious to learn how guys that rehab flooded cars do it the right way. I'd think buying a second, non-flooded total and swapping a bunch of stuff over might do the trick.
Click to expand...

Two of my favorite stories.
Car was dried out and then first day driving and all the airbags went off.
Driving car and passenger seat caught fire, it was a heated seat.
 
My wife runs a DMV Select here is VA. At least here in VA and all surrounding states, once a car is branded Flood Damage it's branded for life. this type of damage is in a catagory of it's own. She said she thought all states were this way but she isn't 100% sure. Flood Damage has it's own seperate brand. There is my 2 cents... and if anyone ever needs some VA DMV work give a holler!
 
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