[Redneck]

I just went through this in South Carolina over a 1981 Z-28. The way the NCIC works on cars is as follows: the car or truck in question stays in the NCIC database for the year of report + 4. After this time has elapsed it's still a stolen car it just takes lnger to access info on it takes a little digging if someones desires. I have a tow storage facility and had a customer bring a 53K 81 Z28 to me to get running. he was complaining about chest hurting and died 2 weeks later. Fast forward 6 months and no family members come for the car. I send the correct form into Columbia where they check on NCIC and last registered owner which came up clean and no records found. Went to the local magistrate filed the paperwork and a state Constibal came out 14 days later and held the auction starting the bid where storage and repairs costs were. No one ever shows up for these auctions ( have 2 a month at times} The Constibal gives a form to take to the DMV and I get the title, get it running and start driving the thing. I come out of Red Lobster with the Family to find 2 County cop cars around the Z with a very pissed of guy in his 40's that had called them stating it was his car that had been stolen in 1985. Long story short since I followed all the state guidelines and crossed all the I's and crossed the T's legally the car was mine. the guy was pissed but nothing any off us could do. Might be different in other states.