Lost Title Question

Never ever put any money in a car you have no title for.
My buddy restored a BSA motercycle, he bought as a basket case at the flea market.
Guess what stolen.
It came up when he went to register it.
Completly restored, the state police even asked if he would store it until the owner drove up from Florida to pick his bike up.
It is the owners responsibility to provide the title, bill of sale or registration for ownership. This must be documented with the state, to keep you clean.
Again, do not put one dime in a car that is not registered to you.
And my buddy was almost charged stolen property. But he proved he restored the bike, so the charges were dropped.

Also Alabama re-title does not work any more in most states so check your local laws.