Date: Wed, 26 Jul 2000 00:04:11 -0400
Reply-To: "Karl M." <thewestyman@mindspring.com>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: "Karl M." <thewestyman@mindspring.com>
Subject: Re: [Syncro] Canada Van importing to US? Experiences?
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
Tim, did you not get the message I sent earlier in regards to this? If not,
here it is once again.
Karl
****************************************************************
>- Get it checked out by a mechanic. Does anyone have recommendation for a
> qualified vanagon mechanic in Vancouver BC?
Any chance you might drive it over to Seattle to have it checked out there
before purchasing?
> - Figure out the importing logistics for Washington state. I know I need
to
> get a certificate of compliance from VW and have the Speedo changed to
mph.
> Does anyone have any tips? Personal experience? Can I swap the speedo
myself
> before I bring it over, or must this be done by a dealer.
From my own experience, I had to ask VWOA for a certificate of
NON-compliance to get results, they feigned deafness/dumbness when I asked
for a certificate of compliance. Thing is, it states right in the door jamb
that it complies. Go figure. You can change the speedo yourself, but the DOT
will want an authorized VW dealer to verify it is done. Make sure to swap in
a Syncro speedo, of course. You will also be asked to swap the brake warning
indicator for the US one that has the word 'brake' printed on it.
> - General Mech. Questions: Some green corrosion at top of left head along
> gasket. No obvious leaks, but this can't be good at 55k miles, right?
Looks like a possible head gasket leak beginning, or maybe the pipe above
the left cylinder head.
Seems
> to run a little hot -- right on top of to a little above temp LED. Owner
> says its always run there.
Sounds normal.
Good luck!
Karl M
*******************************************************************
----- Original Message -----
From: Tim King <tking_ms@hotmail.com>
To: <Syncro@egroups.com>
Sent: Tuesday, July 25, 2000 6:32 PM
Subject: [Syncro] Canada Van importing to US? Experiences?
> Hi All -- I sent a similar message to the Vanagon list and didn't receive
> much help - maybe one on you has some experience with this...
>
> I'm looking at a fairly low mileage 90 Syncro Westy in Vancouver. I have a
> deposit down and I'm ready to get it checked out by a mechanic. Assuming
it
> gets a clean bill of health, I'd like some advice on getting it into and
> registered in Wash. St. I've read the vanagon.com import page, and plan to
> contact VW for a letter of compliance. I understand I'll have to pay a 2.5
> percent duty... any one is this on book value or sales price? If it's book
> value, do they use US Book or Canada book?
>
> I also know I need to get the speedo changed to mph -- any thoughts on
that
> one?
>
> If anyone has any real world experience with this process, I'd love to
hear
> it.
>
> Thanks
>
> Tim
