Now thats just wrong
I just went thru this with a 69 Chevy PU I bought out of Georgia which was a non title state before 1985. I had to get proof of ownership from the man that sold it to me which amounted to a Tag registration in his name. That and a Bill of Sale, along with a statement from the Ga. highway patrol that state the officer verified the VIN number. I was then able to get a Fl. title in my name
Sounds easy enough to me.
In texas all they require is a bill of sale, and either a photo of the vin or a pencil tracing of the vin.
After that they run the vin in the database to check for stolen or a leinholder, then send you to get a bond on the vehicle. Then back to motor vehicle to apply for a title.
2 weeks later your new title arrives and upper RH corner it says "bonded" on it.
After 3 years of the date of title issuance, the bond is automatically removed by the state. You can do 1 of 3 things.
1. You may either keep the title you currently have since the state has electronically removed the bond anyways.
2. Order a new title copy for $25 and it comes from Austin with the word "bonded" removed.
3. Ask your local DMV for a title copy for your "lost" title. They will run your information and print you up a new copy right there for $5. Just shred the bonded labeled copy after you get your new unlabeled copy.
My recommendation is store the car in the condition its in as is, and just start rat packing parts for it until the bond expires. Then start working on it after that.