Anyone have info on importing?

[whyjay91]

A coworker of mine was asking about importing a skyline from Japan. For those that have experience with this, would you please let me know how to go about making this happen?

[Gee Im Fast]

I import...but only from the Keys...and not cars.

[LCA575]

Originally Posted by whyjay91

A coworker of mine was asking about importing a skyline from Japan. For those that have experience with this, would you please let me know how to go about making this happen?

My company Advanced Automotive Concepts was working on bringing in Altezzas and Skylines through the port of Orleans. My parter is very well connected in the local goverment and had cut through much of the red tape most people have with importing vehicles from Japan. My family exports barges to Amsterdam from the Port of New Orleans so I have the many of the contacts to oversee a project such as this.

The main importers are in California where emissions laws are very strict. In Louisiana we don't even have emissions tests so there would be alot less time and cost legalizing and registering a vehicle through here. No to mention the capacity of New Orleans ports.

Basically we would swap in DOT approved Nissan parts in exchange for the JDM restraint and safety systems. This is still expensive and time consuming but nowhere near as bad as it is through a company like Motorex.

The hurricane really screwed this plan up and set us back up to a year.

[whyjay91]

Anyone else have info? Is there any other way to get one over? Info on costs involved, the process, who to contact? Anything would be great.

I know there's one company, Motorex, but they are expensive. Something like $20k for the import/conversion process.

Thanks in advance.

[BulletproofRich]

Are you looking at bringing cars over to race or trying to register them in the states for street use?

DOT is a federal standard (not California), and from what I know , if a car is available overseas that is significantly similar to a US version, it is ineligible for import - thats why there are no "legal" Civics, NSX, FD3S, 350Z, Supra, Silvia etc etc from Japan - Many people will argue, will tell you they are legal, or show you paperwork, but the paperwork cannot exist - its "Fudged" through the system, or VINs are played with - always shady doings, never by the book (because it CANT be)- By the letter of the law, they cannot be imported except for a limited use temporary historical purpose vehicle (DOME JGTC NSX vs "an NSX"), or for a racing vehicle ( and must show results or livery and proof of racing heritage).

I could well be wrong, but I don't believe the laws have changed significantly for the better since I tried to do this ~ 5 years ago

[whyjay91]

Originally Posted by BulletproofRich

Are you looking at bringing cars over to race or trying to register them in the states for street use?

DOT is a federal standard (not California), and from what I know , if a car is available overseas that is significantly similar to a US version, it is ineligible for import - thats why there are no "legal" Civics, NSX, FD3S, 350Z, Supra, Silvia etc etc from Japan - Many people will argue, will tell you they are legal, or show you paperwork, but the paperwork cannot exist - its "Fudged" through the system, or VINs are played with - always shady doings, never by the book (because it CANT be)- By the letter of the law, they cannot be imported except for a limited use temporary historical purpose vehicle (DOME JGTC NSX vs "an NSX"), or for a racing vehicle ( and must show results or livery and proof of racing heritage).

I could well be wrong, but I don't believe the laws have changed significantly for the better since I tried to do this ~ 5 years ago

Check out the link:
http://www.motorex.net/motorex.html

[jawjaw]

As far as I know, Motorex was the only company actually importing and doing conversions. However, they weren't exactly legit either and are under a lot of legal trouble. As these cars get older, the laws may be more relaxed but I'm not sure. I recommend searching through these thread for the best info:http://forums.freshalloy.com/ubbthre...at=&Board=UBB4

[_G_]

RBmotoring is another importer. I remember reading an article about them in SuperStreet a couple of months ago about how to import Skylines.

http://www.rbmotoring.com/

[WRAH]

I was reading about a guy that imported a r34 skyline to Ohio. The DMV let him change the VIN from XxxXx to 00000 so he could register it.... How did that work???

[GodZilla]

Gosh I love Japan..

Here's a pic of my neighbors car..
I have to see if I can get him to let me take it out..

[Pwoz]

Originally Posted by WRAH

I was reading about a guy that imported a r34 skyline to Ohio. The DMV let him change the VIN from XxxXx to 00000 so he could register it.... How did that work???

$$$$$$ I would guess. You can get whatever you want done if you are willing to front the cash.

Anyway, if I understand correctly, motorex is not importing Skylines anymore.