I think you are getting mixed up on the safety/import inspection thing.When you import a vehicle, Canada customs files this with transport Canada, who then send you papers to get it inspected to see if it meets all of the safety criteria for a modern vehicle like your 97.Things like daytime running lights,or even outstanding recall repairs.It still has to have a normal valid safety to licence it.I imported a 50's classic car on a trailer that was only a little better than the truck you describe.Cause it is older than the 25 year number, it is exempt from this transport Canada inspection, but you will have to do the normal safety to licence when ready.
