Date: Tue, 11 Mar 2003 05:00:10 EST
Reply-To: BenTbtstr8@AOL.COM
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Ben T <BenTbtstr8@AOL.COM>
Subject: Re: customs RED TAPE ( was:Re: 3 Euro spec doublecab vanagons
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"
In a message dated 3/10/03 8:10:04 PM Pacific Standard Time, JordanVw@AOL.COM
writes:
<< probably just change the speedo with US spec one and thats pretty much it.
that and a letter of compliance is all it takes (more or less) to get a
canadian vanagon over here. >>
There's a lot more to it if you do it the way the letter of the law says.
There are a lot of wrong ways which you can "get away with". That is until
you get caught. I have seen some Canadian Vanagons with faked LOC's get in
w/o any problem. However, I would hate to have the authorities catch up on
the faked letters years later. The you find yourself heavily fined and/or
your vehicle taken away. Do it right or keep your eye in that rear view
mirror is all I have to say.
<< the european spec vanagons are pretty much the same as the north american
ones. no extra "reinforcing" or whatever..same seatbelts, same glass, same
bumpers. >>
They look the same but many are NOT exactly as they appear. Some compliance
inspectors have been known to order glass, even brake lines replaed because
they are missing the proper DOT required labels. Many have had substandard
non-VW parts installed even while in Germany. I had a Mercedes come in with
Chinese made turnsignal lenses and Indian made headlights for example. Then
there was that crappy Syncro I ran into with homemade brake lines. The
braided brake lines appeared very well made by a certain Belgian associate.
But there was no long term test done. The laws are there to protect those who
don't know any better. Almost as many cars come to these shores which are
substandard and unsafe as fine first-rate cars. Many on this list know what
needs to be done to make their rides safe. A greater number DO NOT.
Some unscrupulous importer or salvage car re-labeler can easily rip these
folks off. I'm not talking about those of us who are willing to buy such
vehicles because we buy them for what they are. I'm talking about the general
public. Vehicles are sold as first rate when they are in fact a lower class
of vehicle when they do not have the proper pedigree is a form of fraud
and/or theft. The properly documented and imported vehicles command a premium
because they cost more to complete (same for salvage cars). THAT is why
salvage and bogus import vehicles are cheap.
<<..and the canadian vans can be brought into the us. >>
Any vehicle that has had it's occupant compartment crash tested by the NHTSA
can be brought to the US. It's just a question of how, when, and how much.
<< As far as lights (most Euro spec have H4 - which i have in my vanagon) and
engines (emissions) there are so many crazy lighting upgrades (Got Dam Hondas
runnin around with green turn signals!) and engine conversions here in the
USA that i dont see why having a '90 vanagon with a 1.8 TD (or whatever)
engine should be a big deal. but it is. >>
It is NOT a big deal. Put the mandated lights and/or engines as necessary.
then later reconvert if your state allows it. Either that or run the risk of
getting a "fix-it" ticket. Many folks are willing to pay the cost of running
such equipment along with the occasional fine. It's the cost of exclusivity
IMHO. BTW, diesels are EPA exempt. So there.
BenT
current owner of 7 gray market vehicles
former owner of many more
