There's a great Technical Tip in the Stovebolt forums about importing vehicles into Canada.
But it does not mention the restrictions on bringing into Canada vehicles that have been MODIFIED.
I'm currently looking to buy a '53 Chevy 3100 Resto-Mod and found some candidates in the U.S., particularly a new listing from Stratford, Conn.
But after 2 days of research with Canada Customs, the Registration of Imported Vehicles (RIV) folks and Transport Canada, I now realize that bringing such a vehicle into Canada is impossible...
Unless the work can be proven to be more than 15 years old, Canadians CANNOT import such Resto-Mod vehicles if they have been MODIFIED IN ANY WAY "beyond what the manufacturer stipulated originally."
So, the typical restoration project to original specs like the in-line Thriftmaster, 3-on-the-tree, original frame and suspension etc. is OK. Also OK are what they call "routine maintenance issues."
But if you do such custom work as drop in a bigger engine, a Mustang II suspension, bucket seats or disc brakes, etc., you are out of luck.
The
only exception is if you can prove to Canada Customs that all of those modifications were done more than 15 years ago.
It would be a costly mistake to buy such a Resto-Mod vehicle in the U.S. and be refused entry at the Canadian border.
I know that some people have successfully brought such vehicles into Canada in the past, but you are relying on the subjective decision of a Customs agent and, according to Transport Canada, they are now more aware of such vehicles and are watching for them.
If your old Stovebolt rumbles with a new 350 and sits a little lower than normal or has a spiffy new interior, you risk being refused entry. For me, I sure can't afford a $35,000 mistake like that.
And don't even think about bringing the vehicle in as "parts" and reassembling it back in Canada. Once the VIN has been labelled as Parts you will never be able to register it in Canada as a vehicle that can be driven on a public road.
Just wanted to pass this info along and save future buyers (and sellers) from some big hassles and disappointment.
Thanks to Stovebolter Al Lake for tipping me off to these restrictions when I posted an ad in the WANTED section.
I'll be restricting my search to vehicles already titled in Canada.
Cheers.
