How old is the lien? They are good for 10 years and then the lien holder has to re file, most people don't. You should be able to find out if PO ever file bankruptcy. If he did the debt could have been forgiven and the debtor is just fishing for bucks. Find out all you can and if its been a few years offer them 20 cents on the dollar. Hey you could find a clean shell and transfer your parts. Last time I was at dessert valley auto had some clean duster shells for sale. Hope you get iy worked out.