steveq

I have a couple of old specialist military Landrovers, one which I can make mobile pretty easily the other is...with the best will in the world....a project for later, OK, a wreck.

How easy would it be to ship something non-driveable (and 35 years old) to the USA ? Anyone any experience with doing it ?

Steve

Yorkieabroad

A mate brought in a mini a few years back. He has just got it mobile, roadworthy, inspected and ready to go. I know he brought it in a container, but no idea what sort of paperwork was involved. Weather permitting, I'll be riding with him tomorrow so can pick his brains then.

steveq

Great ! Look forward to hearing from you.

Steve

ottotheboar

For the Rover which will drive Roll on Roll off is the cheapest was by far.
For the non runner a container is the only way.
The first issue will be to get it in and out of the container unless you have loading facilities. I was quoted around $500 last week to take a car to a warehouse and unload it in Norfolk VA.
Land Rovers are now being targeted by US Customs due to numerous vases of VIN tampering so expect to pay around $350 for the x ray or VACIS charge and there is a good chance it will be flagged for intensive examination which can cost up to $1200.
These charges do not apply to RORO as the vehicle is visible.
They must be fitted with the original type of engine anything with a different engine is now seized.
It is best if the wheels are original there have been a few rejections on non standard wheels even seats.
Customs clearance is around $500 including the DOT / EPA paperwork needed for registration.

steveq

What about NO engine ?

Steve

Jacksdad619

I'm watching this thread with interest as I'm getting ready to import a vintage car in the next year or two. As far as I know, it's the EPA that are the only agency that require engines to conform to their standard, but I can't find anything about having no engine. I'm thinking that in an instance like that, the vehicle might be considered an automotive part (as is the case with a shell), but I'm not sure if just taking out the drivetrain is enough to qualify.
I agree with ottotheboar - RORO is the way to go with the running Landrover. Much cheaper and with far fewer pitfalls with regards to CBP at the port of entry.

Tarkak9

.... that is probably handled via the DOT and EPA.
A good read would be http://www.nhtsa.gov/CARS/RULES/IMPORT/

Customs And Border Protection -
Requirements for Importing vehicles/parts
Non-US Version or Non-Compliant Vehicles
interesting snippet from their site - It is illegal to sell or donate a nonconforming vehicle in the U.S. It is also illegal to dispose of them in a junkyard. Non-compliant vehicles must be exported, destroyed, or brought into compliance. However, one should verify if that applies to 25 year+ vehicles....

Department of Monsanto requires you to have the undercarriage thoroughly cleaned and free of pests and soil.

TimNiceBut

25+ yo vehicles don't fall under the non-compliance issues as they're exempt from the federal side of them. Local (for example CA) regulations still apply - if the OP is trying to get something into CA, it'd better be 1973 or older.

ottotheboar

You may have trouble securing the Rover a the container without an engine .
If you ship an engine separately it will be around another $1000 for the crate, shipping and customs charges.
It may be possible to do "push on push off " there is an extra charge for this.

Jacksdad619

They can be surprisingly strict, even when it comes to older vehicles. While I was doing some research for my car's move over here I found reference to EPA regulations that state the vehicle must be original and unmodified, and if the engine is not the original it can only replaced with a newer EPA approved engine regardless of the vehicle's age. It seemed to be one of the few restrictions that still applies to vehicles over 21 years old that are intended for road use over here.

"3.1 Vehicles at Least 21 Years Old.
A vehicle is exempted if it has been 21 years or more since its original production year and it is in its original unmodified condition. Vehicles in any condition may be excluded if they were manufactured prior to the year in which EPA's regulations for the class of vehicle took effect. Vehicles at least 21 years old with replacement engines are not eligible for this exemption unless they contain equivalent or newer EPA certified engines and emission control systems. Upon entry, the importer must file an EPA Form 3520-1 with Customs and declare code "E" on the form."

http://www.epa.gov/otaq/imports/documents/420b11015.pdf

There are exemptions for vehicles that are not intended to see road use again, though. What are your plans for the non-runner? Parts or...?

steveq

Ideally, I want to build it into an expedition camper.
Steve

ottotheboar

So you will source an engine in the USA ?

ottotheboar

I have never heard of a car being seized as it had a replacement engine correct for the vehicle.
In the case of a Land Rover for example if CBP see something they do not like they put the car in "detention".
They will then take the VIN number of the Rover and the serial number of the engine and refer it to the DOT for clarification who then in turn send it to Land Rover who will either confirm the engine fitted is correct for that model or not.
If it is not the vehicle is seized and after penalties and storage fees are assessed usually permission is given to re-export the car or it will be destroyed in the USA.

steveq

Yeah looks like it, though I had a 200Tdi engine I'd rebuilt for it. :-(

Steve

ottotheboar

You can legally import a 200tdi under the 21 year "Ancient Engine" rule you just can not put it in a 25 plus year old vehicle.
I have imported a couple of 200tdis they are great engines.
If you have a rebuilt 200tdi ship it over in a crate.
What model is your non running Rover ?