R33 Skyline Import - Other Cars Forum

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R33 Skyline Import
Monday, August 21, 2006 3:28 PM
A friend was telling me you can now import the R33 Skyline without any modifications. Is this true? I also heard something about people importing Skylines in general as kit cars or track only cars. I did a quick search on google but didn't really find much. I know if you want to import an R32 or an R34 you have to do windows, bumpers, seatbelts, airbags etc... But thats when I heard about importing it as a track, show only or a kit car.

Anyone have any info on this? A link maybe?

Reason I ask is because i'm leaving for Korea for a year in January. From there i'm going to Kadina AB in Okinawa Japan. If possible without spending a butt load of money i'd like to ship a car back with me.




Re: R33 Skyline Import
Monday, August 21, 2006 4:11 PM
AF pays for shipping correct?



05 M6 YJ GTO 1 of 447
Re: R33 Skyline Import
Monday, August 21, 2006 4:41 PM
Yes AF will pay to ship a vehicle.



Re: R33 Skyline Import
Monday, August 21, 2006 7:13 PM
Are you talking about spending a buttload converting it?



05 M6 YJ GTO 1 of 447
Re: R33 Skyline Import
Monday, August 21, 2006 8:51 PM
I think he wants one that you dont have to convert. As in which model. But that would be cool seeing as the cost to ship it is free.
Re: R33 Skyline Import
Monday, August 21, 2006 9:32 PM
an R33 would still need to be modified for US safety specs if you intend to tag and title it.




R.I.P. Brian St.Germain


you know, i love when people like to criticize others about their behavior,
but turn around and do the same freaking thing months later...
Re: R33 Skyline Import
Tuesday, August 22, 2006 7:37 AM
Sappy96 wrote:Are you talking about spending a buttload converting it?


Thats what I'm trying NOT to do

Eric Garvock wrote:I think he wants one that you dont have to convert. As in which model. But that would be cool seeing as the cost to ship it is free.


Correct!

lilbit01 wrote:an R33 would still need to be modified for US safety specs if you intend to tag and title it.


Tag and title is the easy part. I just want to get it here.



Re: R33 Skyline Import
Tuesday, August 22, 2006 10:46 AM
Unless the rules have changed....you can not ship a car out of Japan on your orders. I was at Kadena for 3 years and left in 2002 and you were not allowed to ship one then.

Reason I was told no...they AF did not ship a car there for me since they are not allowed. US spec cars that is and it has to be older than 1976 or something like that. I was going to buy a right hand drive Miata for my wife and bring it back but they (the AF) said nope! You are not authorized a vehicle shipment to or from Japan. Something to do with the agreement with the Japanese Gov't or something.

Just thought I'd let you know what my experience was...could have changed? I guess you could check on it when you get there?

I know you can send a car from Korea to Japan or out of Japn to Korea or mainland Japan but nothing back to the states. Like I said...could have changed but I know you are still limited on HHGs so I would think the car rule still stands.





Eh...old man with a Corvette now...it was bound to happen sooner rather than later right?
Re: R33 Skyline Import
Tuesday, August 22, 2006 1:20 PM
I've heard R33's were OK for US import no idea on how much truth there is to that though..



Re: R33 Skyline Import
Tuesday, August 22, 2006 2:06 PM
I know you can do it from ship vehicles from Germany, maybe get stationed there instead?



05 M6 YJ GTO 1 of 447
Re: R33 Skyline Import
Tuesday, August 22, 2006 2:17 PM
lilbit01 wrote:an R33 would still need to be modified for US safety specs if you intend to tag and title it.


Going from memory:
- Make sure Airbags are in position and active
- Install US HTSA compliant Front/rear bumpers and bumper mounts in place
- Install US HTSA compliant side impact beams in and modify the power window mechanism for clearance
- Install US HTSA front 3 point seat belts, anchors and pre-tensioners
- Affix state-compliant Emissions equipment and return vehicle to factory tune for emissions testing.

If you're planning on importing a modified vehicle, it's better to get the work done in Japan simply for ease of access to parts, labor costs and knowledge.

You need a mechanical inspection certificate and letter from the Manufacturer stating the vehicle has completed all the assigned recalls.


Also, if the USAF won't ship the vehicle for you, you can export to the US fairly cheaply, IIRC 2-3000 including all shipping, duties (there's an excise tax on A/C if the equipment is there), customs inspection fees and importation costs.

IF you do NOT intend to run the vehicle as a street legal unit, just ship it and have the car branded in Japan as a race-only unit.






And now for something completely different... Click the Minister.

Re: R33 Skyline Import
Tuesday, August 22, 2006 2:23 PM
BlueDeuce (dnt02cavls) wrote:Unless the rules have changed....you can not ship a car out of Japan on your orders.


I was told I would have no problem shipping my car from U.S. to japan on orders.

GAM (The Kilted One) wrote:

IF you do NOT intend to run the vehicle as a street legal unit, just ship it and have the car branded in Japan as a race-only unit.


Thats what I mean. Can I do that? If I can get a car here in America I can register it. I guarntee it =P My home of residents is so crappy and shady they could give a flying @!#$. Its a little more strict since they got caught handing out licenses for money but its still cake to get anything registered.

If I had to do that i'd probably bring back a syliva and have it registered as a 240sx. I know I can do that easy. I just wanted to know if I could ship it back as a race only car. Like I said if I get the car here in America....its cake walk from there.



Re: R33 Skyline Import
Tuesday, August 22, 2006 2:29 PM
As a Race-only, sure. If you try to make it street legal, and then decide on selling it (even if it's a 240/180sx/S13/S14) you're in for problems.






And now for something completely different... Click the Minister.
Re: R33 Skyline Import
Tuesday, August 22, 2006 10:53 PM
Better check again with your TMO...I think they may have got that one wrong!

Hope not but just to make sure I'd double check!


Eh...old man with a Corvette now...it was bound to happen sooner rather than later right?
Re: R33 Skyline Import
Thursday, August 24, 2006 10:51 AM
look to spending around 8 grand ot make it able to register and title the car.
if you dont register it, it can only be a race car

plus here is so more info for you.

when the car hits the US doc, you cannot collect, you must show documentation that
it is heading to a registered shop that will make the car compliant.
if you dont want to register it, the car must be shipped in pieces..

if either of these is not done, they can confiscate the car and send it back




its not worth it, if you dont research what happens when somthing
is checked by customs...


the car can never be moved on US soil if it has not been DOT approved
and compliant. the only way you can skip the compliant process is to have it shipped in pieces.



google it, you will find its much more difficult then most people know
your better off just buying a skyline from a Canadian dealership that has already imported them
since it costs less for them to import.






Re: R33 Skyline Import
Thursday, August 24, 2006 1:23 PM
^^^ thank you.




R.I.P. Brian St.Germain


you know, i love when people like to criticize others about their behavior,
but turn around and do the same freaking thing months later...
Re: R33 Skyline Import
Thursday, August 24, 2006 2:10 PM
one more thing, shipping is the easiest part of the process, shipping isusually around 800-1500 for a FOB
and the big $$$$ are spent making it legal.




Re: R33 Skyline Import
Thursday, August 24, 2006 2:59 PM
First, is that your MR2? Thats freakin clean. I love that and I dont even like MR2's.

On topic...yea I figured it wouldn't be easy. I just had to ask because my buddy was talking like yea you just buy an R33 and their legal over here so you can just ship it back. I looked online and found 100's of stuff. I knew it wouldn't be so easy. I'm thinking about just buying an S15 silvia and when I leave just take the front clip. I can ship it with my stuff and its not really a car so I wont run into that problem. When I get to my next base in the states i'll buy a 240sx and have an entire front clip.



Re: R33 Skyline Import
Thursday, August 24, 2006 4:30 PM
Juday: you're not going to be able to get an R33 into the US through Canada. They're still in the 15 year exemption window. R32's only.

You still have to pay to homologate the R33 anyhow, because the Canadian Exemption only requires a safety inspection and emissions check after the 15 years, the safety equipment only needs to be there, there isn't anything stating that the equipment must be up to Canadian Standard.






And now for something completely different... Click the Minister.
Re: R33 Skyline Import
Thursday, August 24, 2006 9:10 PM
Quote:

I dont even like MR2's


I do... If I weren't so freakishly huge, I'd be all about one.

Rabbitt, the Silvia idea sounds perfect. More my style, anyway...




-John

Re: R33 Skyline Import
Monday, August 28, 2006 6:57 PM
def the best way to get the car u want is import the front clip.
that and any other JDM parts you find whil scavaging the lots.
more then 20% of thoose cars will most liekly have some expensive
JDM tuning parts not avialable here... keep your eyes open.!





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