Jump to content
SAU Community

Recommended Posts

There is a car in my area that has been abandoned. I see it there everyday, it's been there for about 1 month now. Council has put a sticker on it advising if it is not collected it will be towed.

Whats the go with things like this? I wouldn't mind taking this car... Can I just take it considering it's been there so long?

What do you guys think?

Link to comment
https://www.sau.com.au/forums/topic/288337-abandoned-car/
Share on other sites

Even if my daily was stolen and then abandoned, I'd like to know where it is (in case there are receipts inside from a red-light area)

A neighbour up the street has about 20 abandoned cars in his backyard. He's going into a nursing home. Would you like those too?

Link to comment
https://www.sau.com.au/forums/topic/288337-abandoned-car/#findComment-4830756
Share on other sites

just wait until it gets taken to the council auctions and go buy it. my brother in law bought an 80's model corona (rwd one) for $100 at the council auctions, and it only got up to that much because it had a celica 5spd in it and there was a guy from the wreckers there bidding on it as well.

Link to comment
https://www.sau.com.au/forums/topic/288337-abandoned-car/#findComment-4830927
Share on other sites

If you just take it you are guilty of 'steal by finding' and 'goods in custody'....

Not to mention the fact that it may have been involved in crime and just dumped...could be stolen...

I wouldn't go near it...

Link to comment
https://www.sau.com.au/forums/topic/288337-abandoned-car/#findComment-4831008
Share on other sites

If you just take it you are guilty of 'steal by finding' and 'goods in custody'....

Not to mention the fact that it may have been involved in crime and just dumped...could be stolen...

I wouldn't go near it...

Haha...you must be a lawyer.

"steal by finding" Wouldn't that be just normal theft? regardless of whether the last registered owner or council claims possesion (after the nominal tow grace period).

"goods in custody"?? Is that a distant cousin to "being in possesion of stolen property"

OP if you want the car do as suggested and wait for the council auction or place your own note on the car, I'm sure if the owner see's it he'd prefer $ from you than no car and a possible fine from the council. If someone does respond check licenses and rego papers ect to cover yourself before taking possesion.

Link to comment
https://www.sau.com.au/forums/topic/288337-abandoned-car/#findComment-4831036
Share on other sites

Haha...you must be a lawyer.

"steal by finding" Wouldn't that be just normal theft? regardless of whether the last registered owner or council claims possesion (after the nominal tow grace period).

"goods in custody"?? Is that a distant cousin to "being in possesion of stolen property"

OP if you want the car do as suggested and wait for the council auction or place your own note on the car, I'm sure if the owner see's it he'd prefer $ from you than no car and a possible fine from the council. If someone does respond check licenses and rego papers ect to cover yourself before taking possesion.

It would be 'steal by finding' if the car is unlocked and the keys are in the ignition. I suppose if you break into the car or hotwire it you are breaching or breaking items that are intended to stop you taking the car in the first place, so you are stealing...

People mostly get done for 'steal by finding' through finding money or a bicycle etc etc and not handing it in to the police...'goods in custody' is simply the old term for possessing stolen property...I thought it was also current term but I could be wrong...

Link to comment
https://www.sau.com.au/forums/topic/288337-abandoned-car/#findComment-4831287
Share on other sites

How is it stealing? The thing has been there for ages collecting leaves. Obviously this original owner doesn't want it. If it was reported stolen it would of been found by now. It's not in a secluded spot. The police drive down this road all the time. Had it been stolen, it would be recovered by now.

Anyway, i just called vic roads, they will ring me back in the next 30 to 45 with an answer as even they are not sure on this. Will let you know of the outcome.

Cheers.

Link to comment
https://www.sau.com.au/forums/topic/288337-abandoned-car/#findComment-4831361
Share on other sites

How is it stealing? The thing has been there for ages collecting leaves.

If you take something without the owner's explicit permission, that's the definition of theft. Government bodies have legislative exceptions (such as towing a vehicle they believe is abandoned) but a private citizen has diddly squat.

Hypothetically, if I leave my car out front of my place (or a mate's place) when I go on holidays, does that mean you can take it because I'm not there to "claim" it?

I haven't driven my "weekend" car for several weeks since I'm running in the motor on my other car. It's got a coat of dust on it, and a fair amount of flower petals/leaves on it. I can't say I go check on it every day. Does that mean you can pop around to my place and take it because you think I don't want it?

Finding something and not returning it is still theft. If you leave your mobile in a restaurant and I pick it up, if you find out I took it afterwards you're well within your rights to demand I return it.

Obviously this original owner doesn't want it.

And if the guy turns around later and comes back for it? You've got no title on it. Leaving something alone for any period of time doesn't remove ownership.

If you decide to part it out, then there's no evidence on what was in the car originally and it's up to the registered owner to make up a value for the car. The registered owner's word against someone who took property without permission, and then stripped it down.

What if there's still money oweing on it? If the bank repossesses it, you'd have sweet f**k-all chance of fighting it even if you did actually buy the vehicle off the previous owner and have the paperwork in your name.

What do you guys think?

I think you should get some class. Assuming the car has been voluntarily "discarded" by the existing owner, it makes you sound like the kind of person who goes searching through rubbish bins.

Link to comment
https://www.sau.com.au/forums/topic/288337-abandoned-car/#findComment-4831722
Share on other sites

so does that mean if someone throws out some for example furniture on the footpath for people to collect does that mean you can still get done?

Well, you ahve to remember that the legal system does have humans in it with common sense. I'm pretty sure that they could still charge you with steeling though.

Link to comment
https://www.sau.com.au/forums/topic/288337-abandoned-car/#findComment-4831893
Share on other sites

so does that mean if someone throws out some for example furniture on the footpath for people to collect does that mean you can still get done?

You make more money by turning the lounge upside-down and picking up the loose change! :P

Link to comment
https://www.sau.com.au/forums/topic/288337-abandoned-car/#findComment-4832631
Share on other sites

so does that mean if someone throws out some for example furniture on the footpath for people to collect does that mean you can still get done?

Anthing placed on the footpath for hard collection day is the property of the company contracted to remove said rubish by the council.

People get fined all the time for taking hard waste from the nature strip.

I still love hard waste day :P although I'm almost continuously running into the back of the car infront while I scan the footpaths for old audio gear.

Link to comment
https://www.sau.com.au/forums/topic/288337-abandoned-car/#findComment-4832642
Share on other sites

If you take something without the owner's explicit permission, that's the definition of theft. Government bodies have legislative exceptions (such as towing a vehicle they believe is abandoned) but a private citizen has diddly squat.

Hypothetically, if I leave my car out front of my place (or a mate's place) when I go on holidays, does that mean you can take it because I'm not there to "claim" it?

I haven't driven my "weekend" car for several weeks since I'm running in the motor on my other car. It's got a coat of dust on it, and a fair amount of flower petals/leaves on it. I can't say I go check on it every day. Does that mean you can pop around to my place and take it because you think I don't want it?

Finding something and not returning it is still theft. If you leave your mobile in a restaurant and I pick it up, if you find out I took it afterwards you're well within your rights to demand I return it.

And if the guy turns around later and comes back for it? You've got no title on it. Leaving something alone for any period of time doesn't remove ownership.

If you decide to part it out, then there's no evidence on what was in the car originally and it's up to the registered owner to make up a value for the car. The registered owner's word against someone who took property without permission, and then stripped it down.

What if there's still money oweing on it? If the bank repossesses it, you'd have sweet f**k-all chance of fighting it even if you did actually buy the vehicle off the previous owner and have the paperwork in your name.

I think you should get some class. Assuming the car has been voluntarily "discarded" by the existing owner, it makes you sound like the kind of person who goes searching through rubbish bins.

Mate, my question was legitimate. The car is a 75 Fairlane, where do you see these everyday? Hence, why I asked the question, you make me out to sound as if I'm some sort of bum rummaging through rubbish.

Oh, thats right I have no class and nothing better to do than take abandoned cars off the street. I have no way of finding out who the owner of the vehicle is, I did eventually find out that the council will take it, and give it to pick-a-part, and guess what after 30 days, pick-a-part will own it. Then it will be stripped into parts and a nice car wrecked.

So does the council lack class too for taking rubbish?

Lighten up bud, I didn't ask a question to be flamed.

Link to comment
https://www.sau.com.au/forums/topic/288337-abandoned-car/#findComment-4832779
Share on other sites

we had a car dumped at our old workshop carpark, cops said it is not claimed stolen and we asked council to move it and they said its on your land so its your issue.

so we fired up the land cruiser and dragged it out onto the street.

Council put a notice on it and it sat for 3 weeks in a no parking zone causing lots of peakhour chaos.

Young lad at work showed up late at night and towed the car to his place and later notified the cops, the cops said hang on a min...

contacted the owner and they came to pick it up

relevant? - hardly any really, just talking shit as usual.

but even though the car appeared abandoned for several weeks, it still had a registered owner.

my advice is dont touch it untill you have gained authority to do so.

the young lad wasn't charged or anything but i dare say he had a bit of a stern talking to

75 Fairlane? nice!

Edited by 910trx
Link to comment
https://www.sau.com.au/forums/topic/288337-abandoned-car/#findComment-4832915
Share on other sites

Happened to me once too.

Was a few years back, a mint 85 Corolla GT. Sat unused for 7 months in my street. So i started to investigate. Couldnt get name or number from the reg. But noticed the ignition barrel and locks were smashed to shit. Assumed Stolen.

So i opened the door and found a parking ticket. Whallah. The address, a few doors down from my house. I casually went over and introduced myself and asked about the car.

Lady asked if i wanted it, offered her $200 and it was mine. She basically stopped driving it when the battery died. (hence broken ignition, but car still there.. stupid thieves)

Few days later, new clutch/batter/polish/oil change/locks/ignition, it was one of the nicest Corolla GT's in town. Sold it a few months later for a little over $2000. Cost me under $500 all up.

Thought id add my story.. i didnt read through the whole post, but have you tried finding the owner yourself? You might miss out :cool:

Link to comment
https://www.sau.com.au/forums/topic/288337-abandoned-car/#findComment-4833586
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now


  • Similar Content

  • Latest Posts

    • Thanks, I removed the fuse and the relay from the car and made my own circuit with them to test them with a test bulb.  I will look for the wiring diagram and go from there.
    • Jdm DC2R is also nice for a FF car compared to the regular hatches of the time.
    • Now that the break-in period for both clutch and transmission is nearly over I'd like to give some tips before I forget about everything that happened, also for anyone searching up how to do this job in the future: You will need at least 6 ton jack stands at full extension. I would go as far as to say maybe consider 12 ton jack stands because the height of the transmission + the Harbor Freight hydraulic platform-style transmission jack was enough that it was an absolute PITA getting the transmission out from under the car and back in. The top edge of the bellhousing wants to contact the subframe and oil pan and if you're doing this on the floor forget about trying to lift this transmission off the ground and onto a transmission jack from under the car. Also do not try to use a scissor jack transmission lift. You have to rotate the damn thing in-place on the transmission jack which is hard enough with an adjustable platform and a transmission cradle that will mostly keep the transmission from rolling off the jack but on a scissor lift with a tiny non-adjustable platform? Forget it. Use penetrating oil on the driveshaft bolts. I highly recommend getting a thin 6 point combination (box end + open end) wrench for both the rear driveshaft and front driveshaft and a wrench extension. These bolts are on tight with very little space to work with and those two things together made a massive difference. Even a high torque impact wrench is just the wrong tool for the job here and didn't do what I needed it to do. If your starter bolts aren't seized in place for whatever reason you can in fact snake in a 3/8 inch ratchet + 6 point standard chrome socket up in there and "just" remove the bolts for the starter. Or at least I could. It is entirely by feel, you can barely fit it in, you can barely turn the stupid ratchet, but it is possible. Pull the front pipe/downpipe before you attempt to remove the transmission. In theory you don't have to, in practice just do it.  When pulling the transmission on the way out you don't have to undo all the bolts holding the rear driveshaft to the chassis like the center support bearing and the rear tunnel reinforcement bar but putting the transmission back in I highly recommend doing this because it will let you raise the transmission without constantly dealing with the driveshaft interfering in one way or another. I undid the bottom of the engine mount but I honestly don't know that it helped anything. If you do this make sure you put a towel on the back of the valve cover to keep the engine from smashing all the pipes on the firewall. Once the transmission has been pulled back far enough to clear the dowels you need to twist it in place clockwise if you're sitting behind the transmission. This will rotate the starter down towards the ground. The starter bump seems like it might clear if you twist the transmission the other way but it definitely won't. I have scraped the shit out of my transmission tunnel trying so learn from my mistake. You will need a center punch and an appropriate size drill bit and screw to pull the rear main seal. Then use vice grips and preferably a slide hammer attachment for those vice grips to yank the seal out. Do not let the drill or screw contact any part of the crank and clean the engine carefully after removing the seal to avoid getting metal fragments into the engine. I used a Slide Hammer and Bearing Puller Set, 5 Piece from Harbor Freight to pull the old pilot bearing. The "wet paper towel" trick sucked and just got dirty clutch water everywhere. Buy the tool or borrow it from a friend and save yourself the pain. It comes right out. Mine was very worn compared to the new one and it was starting to show cracks. Soak it in engine oil for a day in case yours has lost all of the oil to the plastic bag it comes in. You may be tempted to get the Nismo aftermarket pilot bearing but local mechanics have told me that they fail prematurely and if they do fail they do far more damage than a failed OEM pilot bushing. I mentioned this before but the Super Coppermix Twin clutch friction disks are in fact directional. The subtle coning of the fingers in both cases should be facing towards the center of the hub. So the coning on the rearmost disk closest to the pressure plate should go towards the engine, and the one closest to the flywheel should be flipped the other way. Otherwise when you torque down the pressure plate it will be warped and if you attempt to drive it like this it will make a very nasty grinding noise. Also, there is in fact an orientation to the washers for the pressure plate if you don't want to damage the anodizing. Rounded side of the washer faces the pressure plate. The flat side faces the bolt head. Pulling the transmission from the transfer case you need to be extremely careful with the shift cover plate. This part is discontinued. Try your best to avoid damaging the mating surfaces or breaking the pry points. I used a dead blow rubber hammer after removing the bolts to smack it sideways to slide it off the RTV the previous mechanic applied. I recommend using gasket dressing on the OEM paper gasket to try and keep the ATF from leaking out of that surface which seems to be a perpetual problem. Undoing the shifter rod end is an absolute PITA. Get a set of roll pin punches. Those are mandatory for this. Also I strongly, strongly recommend getting a palm nailer that will fit your roll pin punch. Also, put a clean (emphasis on clean) towel wrapped around the back end of the roll pin to keep it from shooting into the transfer case so you can spend a good hour or two with a magnet on a stick getting it out. Do not damage the shifter rod end either because those are discontinued as well. Do not use aftermarket flywheel bolts. Or if you do, make sure they are exactly the same dimensions as OEM before you go to install them. I have seen people mention that they got the wrong bolts and it meant having to do the job again. High torque impact wrench makes removal easy. I used some combination of a pry bar and flathead screwdriver to keep the flywheel from turning but consider just buying a proper flywheel lock instead. Just buy the OS Giken clutch alignment tool from RHDJapan. I hated the plastic alignment tool and you will never be confident this thing will work as intended. Don't forget to install the Nismo provided clutch fork boot. Otherwise it will make unearthly noises when you press the clutch pedal as it says on the little installation sheet in Japanese. Also, on both initial disassembly and assembly you must follow torque sequence for the pressure plate bolts. For some reason the Nismo directions tell you to put in the smaller 3 bolts last. I would not do this. Fully insert and thread those bolts to the end first, then tighten the other larger pressure plate bolts according to torque sequence. Then at the end you can also torque these 3 smaller bolts. Doing it the other way can cause these bolts to bind and the whole thing won't fit as it should. Hope this helps someone out there.
×
×
  • Create New...