The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk A Warning for Canadians Importing MODIFIED vehicles

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.

while I will generally agree with your take on this, I think it depends more on the type and amount of the modifications as well as who you talk to, and each case must be investigated individually, the "MODIFIED IN ANY WAY, beyond what the manufacturer stipulated originally" applies more strictly to newer models

the rules actually state "All are admissible, provided they have not been substantially modified (see notes)" and the notes state: "Importer must be able to provide proof that the vehicle is fifteen (15) years old or older as determined by the month and year of manufacture" .... if the particular official wants to say that means any modifications must be 15 years old or more, that's their interpretation, maybe just means being able to prove all the parts were manufactured before 1998, like an old carburated 350

new modern upholstery is not a "substantial modification", nor is a newer engine specifically - in most cases, any engine modification must comply with emissions regulations current in it's year, and in some cases [BC], if the engine is much newer than 15 years old they want it to be up to the most current regulations .... brake, steering, and frame/suspension mods is where the major problems are, and it all generally has to do with current federal vehicle safety regs

here's an entertaining bit on importing a vintage vehicle into Canada - bottom line is do your investigating well for your individual situation

Bill

The only way I would purchase a vehicle from the US is have an agent import it for me, including transport.

Hmmm I'm starting to like Canada. A country that only likes Factory Stock Trucks.

Touche!

This definitely isn't true. This seems like you're talking to someone who has interpreted the law improperly, as I know many people who have brought recent builds up with no issue. My dad brought up a 33 Dodge coupe hot rod 2 years ago and made sure to do all his research before hand. There is no such ruling that if it's modified it can't come across.

46GMC, I respectfully disagree. Your Dad might have gotten a lucky break from a Customs official. The rules are there.

As I said in my original posting: "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."

So, if you have deep pockets and want to risk it, that's up to you. Me? I don't have that kind of money to gamble, never mind the hassle of then having to transport the vehicle back to the American side and list it for sale....

I just wanted to point out the rules and warn potential purchasers. They can make their own informed decision on whether to take the chance...

Cheers.

When my dad brought his across he talked to a local wrecker who continually imports restored and modified vehicles, as well as late-model vehicles into Canada. They told him the same rules, but as was stated in what you posted, "Importer must be able to provide proof that the vehicle is fifteen (15) years old or older as determined by the month and year of manufacture".

They clearly said that this applies only to the vehicle. This was also echoed by the customs officials he talked to before he even went down to get the vehicle. They don't care what it is, they just want to make sure all the paperwork is in order when the car comes through, and that it is what you say it is. If you get one that wants to argue differently, it shouldn't be too hard to talk to a supervisor or higher-up and get it cleared up.

These cars come across every day, just make sure you have all your paperwork in order.

My dad is a mechanic who also does out-of-province inspections and makes sure things are done right per the law. If there was a chance they wouldn't have let it in, he wouldn't have taken it. He did all his homework and made sure it was legal to bring it back and everything was done correctly. He even made 2 trips to get the car because the first time the car was titled by the frame serial number which was covered with the new engine mounts, so the previous owner had to get a new title made with the body serial number before they would risk bringing it across.

46gmcpu, note that the regs also specifically say "provided they have not been substantially modified" - nowadays the feds are a bit stickier about current emissions and safety standards, and some of the provinces as well - here in BC they mostly want newer updated engines to comply with the current federal emission standards, and BC requires a certified inspection before allowing registration ..... dancing with govt regulations is not straight forward, every case needs careful footwork

Bill