Barracuda Dilema

You could take the VIN's to a private investigator and get them to run them and see who they were last titled/registered to. It may not be the guy that is mouthing off at you about the 300 bucks! If they turn out to have belonged to people somewhat local, look them up and offer them $100 each to get duplicate titles and sign them over to you. The police can't look that stuff up for you without getting themselves in a bind because of privacy laws, but a PI can get the same info with no questions asked. The contact you have for mechanics liens may be your best bet at TN DMV. Good luck to you, and sorry for the loss of your Dad.