By "illegal" they mean r32's and 34s without DOT bond releases. There is NO WAY for me to get it back as a race car, show car, offroad, etc. The car is not technically significant, prepped for track, etc to qualify for those sections, so i am being forced to export it. Lets not get into the debate about legal versus not legal in this thread. I was just another one of those guys who thought that titled, registered meant legal, but now i know after talking with many head honchos at DOT.

Ship it to canada i thought, but my lawyer says i cant export to NAFTA countries (USA, mexico, canada), which sucks. My plan is to re-import the car when it is 25 years old to the US (100% legal). It is a '90 now and probably built in '89. It is immaculate so i would like to store it somewhere until it is 25 years old.

Now i need some advice/contacts for someone who can maybe "babysit" the car or tell me somewhere i can store it for relatively cheap. I know i could send the car to the UK, just dont know anyone there or what is involved with importing a car into the country.

So any other countries that are logistically easy to get to (virgin islands, bahamas, central america, UK/england, etc). Anyone know skyline importation laws in any non-NAFTA countries???

Here are a few pics of the car the day i had to turn it into customs.

Any help would be appreciated.

Post Title:
Posted by: AZhitman at 9:24 AM 6/12/2008

Huge bummer.

All I can say is this: When people criticize us for "outing" these wannabe importers, THIS is why we do it.

I'm so sorry to hear of this jam you're in. I wish I could be of more assistance, but once a car comes to the attention of the authorities, you can bet they're not going to rest until they have it in hand.

Post Title: Re: (AZhitman)
Posted by: thomasK(austin) at 9:34 AM 6/12/2008

Im trying the UK skyline forums as well, hopefully someone there is nice enough with a lot of land to keep it on.



Post Title: Re: (AZhitman)
Posted by: Eikon at 9:38 AM 6/12/2008

How long will custom's hold it for you to do something with it?
Have they said what they will do with it if you don't ship it out of country? Do they crush it? Auction it?

With zero knowledge of the situation, I would guess that the Bahamas might be your best bet as it's very close to the US and from what I understand, have very few laws regarding importation of cars.

I know that one of NICO's more popular members lived in the Bahamas.. PantherRacer... http://forums.nicoclub.com/zer...15635

Perhaps he still has family there? Perhaps he can lend some knowledge and help you out.

How come sky-kit's website doesn't work???




Post Title: Re: (Eikon)
Posted by: thomasK(austin) at 9:55 AM 6/12/2008

They did say they would have to crush it if i didnt fight to get it back. Usually they put things back into service if it is US spec, but in this case, they would crush it, a shame i'd say.

I will talk to him about the bahamas, that might be a good choice, however i dont know how expensive a storage unit it there, hmmm.

oh, skykit, they still owe me $14000 from when they supposedly could import me a GTR.



Post Title: Re: (thomasK(austin))
Posted by: Eikon at 10:11 AM 6/12/2008

How much money are you out now on this whole skyline importation thing?

$14k to sky-kit who have apparently closed down and likely will never pay you a dime.
How much was this R32 that you have now that might get crushed?

Post Title: Re: (Eikon)
Posted by: thomasK(austin) at 11:38 AM 6/12/2008

Anyway, as far as importing it into non-NAFTA countries...

I know that in the UK, you can import pretty much anything so long as it passes MOT inspection. MOT is basically a safety inspection, making sure your car is safe to drive. Typical things like working wipers, lights, good tires, etc.

I believe that also, if you import the car into the UK, you MUST register it for road use. I'm sure you could import it as a racecar, but let's face it, it's not, and would probably be a bigger hassle than just registering the car for street use anyway.

I'm not 100% sure on the laws for Caribbean nations, but I believe most follow similar laws as the UK does. Bahamas is actually probably one of the better ideas anyway. Plus it's closer, so you'll probably save on shipping.

I've got a car friend (even a Nissan guy!) who is an American citizen, but Bahamian resident. IM me and I'll give you his contact info and maybe he can help. I'd post it in here but I don't know he'd want the whole world to know him LOL.

I've got another friend who lives in the UK who might also have some connections to storage facilities, and definitely knows the importing laws inside and out there (he used to work for a repair shop that does importing).



Post Title: Re: (EZcheese15)
Posted by: themadscientist at 4:49 PM 6/12/2008

and as someone said before we can import almost anything here so far.

i was gonna say that depending on how much you were selling it that i may be able to find you a sale here,

but not for $40k+

so, best of luck with your situation



Post Title: Re: (EZcheese15)
Posted by: thomasK(austin) at 5:42 PM 6/12/2008

I emailed you on your profile email address. Thanks for the advice!



Post Title: Re: (MoogLe)
Posted by: thomasK(austin) at 5:45 PM 6/12/2008

Well i am $40k into both gtr's where the first one i never even got the car. I paid $26k for this one. Are there any storage facilities there? how affordable is it?



Post Title: Re: (thomasK(austin))
Posted by: S15nS13vert at 6:20 PM 6/13/2008

Well Depends? Motorex Car?



Post Title: Re: (Dittoz7)
Posted by: thomasK(austin) at 7:43 PM 6/13/2008

according to DOT, and this is from the horses mouth, only 96-98(forgot what months) are "able to be converted by an RI upon import" to be legal. Otherwise i dont think there is any other way to get it in legally unless its imported temporarily for some significance, diplomat, some other reasons, but that is temporary.

Or it is a DOT bond released motorex car. I believe there were r32s and some r34s mixed in there, but dont know. All i know is that mine was illegally brought in apparently.



Post Title: Re: (thomasK(austin))
Posted by: tyndago at 8:19 PM 6/13/2008

If I had a state legal car, I would be looking over my should right now.

Hate to tell you " I told you so , but I told you so".

http://gtrusa.blogspot.com/200....html



Post Title: Re: (tyndago)
Posted by: Evo_bill at 8:33 PM 6/13/2008

And not to be a dick, But doesn't Dept. of homeland security have bigger **** to worry about then a couple of car enthusiests? i mean ****ing christ. it's been how long since we started looking for Osama bin Laden but nooo luck finding that go so lets go over to the next biggest threat ILLEGAL NISSAN SKYLINES get a ****ing life. someone really needs to email some news channel (CNN/FOX/MSNBC) and see what they say on the subject.



Post Title: Re: (Evo_bill)
Posted by: tyndago at 9:19 PM 6/13/2008

Which register guy ? Someone that had some stuff to do with Evos ?



Post Title:
Posted by: AZhitman at 10:01 PM 6/13/2008

I cant say i dont agree with you. Most of us are average joes working our asses off, paying our taxes, etc. Why punish us? probably because we are an easy quota and easy targets. The middle class always gets f#$ked the hardest. I am an enthusiast, all i wanted was my damn gtr, i had it for a week, saved up for years, then taken away.
Yes, they do have better things to do, but this seems like something to get thier moral up to make them feel more important i guess. Hell i dont know but we should be concentrating on drugs, machine guns, and illegal people. A car is just a car, hell it was practically just a paperweight in my garage, i drove it once before they took it.




Post Title: Re: R32GTR seized, forced to export. Need some ... (thomasK(austin))
Posted by: skylinegtr20 at 11:05 PM 6/13/2008

Sorry about the bad news, have helped a couple GTR's go to the U.S. recently.

Anyway shoot me a email my friend in Japan can handle the car. He is an exporter himself but is more than happy to help.

email: skylinegtr20[@]hotmail.com

regards,



Post Title: Re: R32GTR seized, forced to export. Need some ... (skylinegtr20)
Posted by: irsa76 at 6:18 AM 6/14/2008

Local thread talking about it, has link to car still on their website too.

http://www.mwir.net/forum/inde...yline



Post Title: Re: R32GTR seized, forced to export. Need some ... (splitime)
Posted by: Flicktitty at 10:19 AM 6/14/2008

When i saw this thread and pics of the car that was my first thought of the GT-R at the autobarn. but that had differant wheels and seats.



Post Title: Re: R32GTR seized, forced to export. Need some ... (Flicktitty)
Posted by: S15nS13vert at 4:11 PM 6/14/2008

Most all the cars that come from Japan have that blue ID tag. It's got the chassis code, engine code, engine displacement, paint code and something else, but I can't remember.



Post Title: Re: (tyndago)
Posted by: Gold Digger at 7:44 PM 6/14/2008

I wonder if that "Florida guy" might be our resident know-it-all-importer Celm? Wouldn't surprise me in the least if it was.



Post Title: Re: (C33LaurelRacer)
Posted by: EliteGTR at 8:09 PM 6/14/2008

he made a comment of gtr uk i dont think it was him.



Post Title: Re: (EliteGTR)
Posted by: EL MAMITO USMC at 9:04 PM 6/14/2008

Quote, originally posted by EliteGTR »

he made a comment of gtr uk i dont think it was him.

a coment related to ....

Modified by EL MAMITO USMC at 3:35 PM 6/15/2008



Post Title: Re: (Flicktitty)
Posted by: thomasK(austin) at 10:50 PM 6/14/2008

I cant say i dont agree with you. Most of us are average joes working our asses off, paying our taxes, etc. Why punish us? probably because we are an easy quota and easy targets. The middle class always gets f#$ked the hardest. I am an enthusiast, all i wanted was my damn gtr, i had it for a week, saved up for years, then taken away.
Yes, they do have better things to do, but this seems like something to get thier moral up to make them feel more important i guess. Hell i dont know but we should be concentrating on drugs, machine guns, and illegal people. A car is just a car, hell it was practically just a paperweight in my garage, i drove it once before they took it.




Post Title: Re: (thomasK(austin))
Posted by: audtatious at 11:26 PM 6/14/2008

For others who may be viewing this thread from other forums (and I see there are a few) and want to know about the Skyline importation issue, you can view this link: http://www.nicoclub.com/articl...shtml

Anyway, good luck and definately keep us updated as to what is happening.

Looks like there were some other having skyline problems too:
http://www.honda-tech.com/zero...68656



Post Title: Re: R32GTR seized, forced to export. Need some ... (thomasK(austin))
Posted by: tyndago at 12:57 PM 6/15/2008

US Customs is part of Homeland Security. OK... People seem to think that Homeland Security is separate from customs.

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/about/

"CBPis one of the Department of Homeland Security’s largest and most complex components, with a priority mission of keeping terrorists and their weapons out of the U.S. It also has a responsibility for securing and facilitating trade and travel while enforcing hundreds of U.S. regulations, including immigration and drug laws."



Post Title: Re: (EL MAMITO USMC)
Posted by: tyndago at 1:02 PM 6/15/2008

Are you in denial ? I don't have proof right now, other than a phone call from a guy that said he had his car seized, and he said 6 other people did also.

I have heard lots of rumors. At least one of them mentions Andre/Franz. He was the guy that had the 3 R34's and the S15 impounded earlier in the year. The other mentions "Skyline King". Good for both of them.

Nine years now I have been talking about this. Trying to educate people.

IGNORANCE OF THE LAW IS NOT AN EXCUSE.



Post Title: Re: (tyndago)
Posted by: EL MAMITO USMC at 3:39 PM 6/15/2008

its not denial but ijust wonder what they did to get caugt because im sure that homeland has better things to do than just go after some car, their is more involved . hope this doesnt happen to no one else



Post Title: Re: (EL MAMITO USMC)
Posted by: EZcheese15 at 4:25 PM 6/15/2008

Yeah, it is something they did. They bought an illegally imported vehicle.

Saying "I'm sure that Homeland Security has better things to do than go after some car" is as ignorant as saying "A cop won't pull you over for speeding because I'm sure they have more important things to do like fight crime."

The Department of Homeland Security is not just 5 guys sitting around twiddling their thumbs until there is a terrorist threat. It's a massive organization, that probably employees hundreds of people who's job it is to do nothing but track down illegally imported vehicles.

As much as everyone hates it and think the government is just out there to **** us over, those people need to educate themselves. Laws are laws, and not meant to be tested. They are there for a reason, and if somebody is illegally importing vehicles, what's not to say they aren't illegally importing nuclear weapons as well. This whole situation isn't even about skylines, it's about illegally importing goods, which is a MAJOR crime.



Post Title: Re: (EZcheese15)
Posted by: EL MAMITO USMC at 5:30 PM 6/15/2008

That paragraph should be seized and deported as well. Good lord man spellcheck!



Post Title: Re: (themadscientist)
Posted by: EL MAMITO USMC at 7:28 PM 6/15/2008

i know sorry my kid was jumping all over me .. ill fix it now



Post Title: Re: (EL MAMITO USMC)
Posted by: themadscientist at 8:08 PM 6/15/2008

and what would happen if you buy the needed parts in the states and you assemble your own car.

because if customs belive that you are going to import a car chasis and not try to assemble a car for you , thats just plain stupid.

what they think we are going to do with it, use it as table decoration??????

but the thing is that we owners dont resell the cars we just want to keep it for personal use



Post Title:
Posted by: AZhitman at 6:12 PM 6/16/2008

If the parts are brought in with the intention to reassemble into a functional car, then it's not legal.



Post Title: Re: (AZhitman)
Posted by: Z33_kid at 7:08 PM 6/17/2008

Definitely not the Autobarn car...

Because it's currently sitting in my garage...

Excuse me, I need to go clean out my pants and figure out a backup plan.



Post Title: Re: R32GTR seized, forced to export. Need some ... (wintermute)
Posted by: Renaissanceman at 8:59 AM 6/18/2008

Io think not in a case like this , but you never know what they migth come up with



Post Title: Re: R32GTR seized, forced to export. Need some ... (thomasK(austin))
Posted by: Go Fast James at 2:56 PM 6/18/2008

the more that keep geting taken I def want to buy one thats done right.

Good luck get something done about it.



Post Title: Re: R32GTR seized, forced to export. Need some ... (EL MAMITO USMC)
Posted by: thomasK(austin) at 3:01 PM 6/18/2008

Your right. Believe me, i tried to find any way to keep the car here legally. There just isnt a way to do it. Race cars have to be just that, race cars. They cant have anything that would allow to be legal on the street. Cant be a show car because it has to qualify as a show car through the DOT, there is a list of requirements and written justification for being a showcar, which the r32 gtr will not qualify.
The federal government are not people you can just make a deal with or bargain. If the car is illegal to be here, its illegal to be here. This means they are either going to auction it for export, crush it, or you have to fight back for it to export it. I believe i will have to have my export agent pick the car up and show proof to customs that it left the country.
It sucks, but it is the only way out. My only other choice is to cut my losses and let the feds keep it, but just cant do that out of principal. Id rather pay for the lawyer, fees, and shipping costs, which is a lot by the way.



Post Title: Re: R32GTR seized, forced to export. Need some ... (thomasK(austin))
Posted by: Vandrel at 7:52 PM 6/18/2008

Sucks for your luck, if I were you I would simply cut the losses and start over with another car.

There are ways they can trace sales of vehicles but that is all in the titles and VIN numbers used to register. It's a big title game and as long as you have a suitable title that doesn't raise a eyebrow with the VIN number on it then you are golden.

People using BCRN, BNR, ERC, HCR VIN numbers (the Japanese VIN's) are the one's who are clearly putting themselfs in the open. Grey market state issued VIN's is the route to go, there is no way to trace the vehicles origin and what kind it is unless you openly disclose "Yes this is a Skyline illegally imported from Japan"

Sorry again for your luck.



Post Title: Re: R32GTR seized, forced to export. Need some ... (Vandrel)
Posted by: canuck94 at 11:54 PM 6/22/2008

LOL I agree... another new low has been set!

Quote, originally posted by Flicktitty »

That blows man. And not to be a dick, But doesn't Dept. of homeland security have bigger **** to worry about then a couple of car enthusiests? i mean ****ing christ. it's been how long since we started looking for Osama bin Laden but nooo luck finding that go so lets go over to the next biggest threat ILLEGAL NISSAN SKYLINES get a ****ing life. someone really needs to email some news channel (CNN/FOX/MSNBC) and see what they say on the subject.

Post Title: Re: R32GTR seized, forced to export. Need some ... (canuck94)
Posted by: Vandrel at 3:50 PM 6/23/2008

Rules for registering and titling vary per state, there is more then one way to register vehicles



Post Title: Re: (EL MAMITO USMC)
Posted by: ddgsxr504 at 3:54 PM 6/24/2008

I just got a massive headache trying to decipher that sh*t.



Post Title:
Posted by: Mycah Leonhart at 11:49 PM 6/24/2008

Long Story Short, FLORIDA IS CRACKING DOWN.

It's been common knowledge for the past 5 or so years that FL will let you tag ANYTHING pretty much..............well that's NOT the case anymore.

In short you have nothing to worry about IF YOUR CAR NEVER HAD A FLORIDA REGISTRATION if it did sometime in it's life then you got some issues to worry about.

Also to the thread starter, you're not the only one to get snatched here in Houston - a few other have gotten hit.......'specialy one of the biggest importers in the city, I'm not naming names but he's brought in quite a bit.

Modified by Mycah Leonhart at 2:18 AM 6/25/2008



Post Title:
Posted by: Count Zero at 8:43 PM 7/1/2008

Sorry to hear this happened, especially after just getting it.

(Have you looked into selling it up in Canada?)

Course, this does reassure me that the decision to spend the extra time and money to get a Motorex car was the prudent choice. :O



Post Title:
Posted by: chaosli at 2:27 AM 7/2/2008

I am still trying to find a trustworthy source overseas. My main countries are probably UK or New Zealand. I have some leads in UK through some guys i know, but nothing solid yet.
New Zealand is a good choice because of the $$$ exchange rate.

Ill keep everyone posted on what is going on with my situation. I hate dealing with this crap of exporting, it makes it such a pain.



Post Title: Re: (thomasK(austin))
Posted by: Vandrel at 3:38 PM 7/2/2008

Ask the guys on zeroyon, I bet one of them will be willing to help you out and could probably get it back state-side for you as well.



Post Title: Re: (Vandrel)
Posted by: Gold Digger at 5:45 PM 7/2/2008

any specific person i should talk to there?



Post Title: Re: R32GTR seized, forced to export. Need some ... (Driftcardotnet)
Posted by: bnr32gtr at 8:10 AM 7/3/2008

after 9-11 GWB gave customs new glorified names,i guess customs got tired of being glorified security guards



Post Title: Re: (thomasK(austin))
Posted by: Vandrel at 2:39 PM 7/3/2008

Surf through the Japan section and look for a post by 1EVILFD3S, check out his post on how he brought his RX-7 back to the U.S. very good info!

There's no specific person to talk to on there, most all of them are military or speak good english. I'm sure if you make a post on the Japan section someone will be willing to give you a hand in your situation. They have 20ft container storage at Naha port area which you could probably get your car dropped in or pay someone to send it back to you and try again



Post Title:
Posted by: Soravia at 3:58 PM 7/4/2008

Go check on the Aussie sites and sections. They have it good there so you can export to them easily.



Post Title: Re: (Soravia)
Posted by: thomasK(austin) at 6:41 AM 7/8/2008

I could probably sell it to someone in the UK or Austrailia, but i couldnt sell it for much thats for sure. I would rather have it stored somewhere in the UK, new zealand, etc then bring it back when its 25 years old. Then i can at least have something for my money.
Just trying to find someone trustoworthy overseas.



Post Title: Re: (thomasK(austin))
Posted by: gunsaitouge at 7:41 AM 7/8/2008

I'm sure i'ts been discussed or whatever. Just tryin' to help out. If you could do something to disable the car maybe you could keep it as a "display" car till it's old enough, especially sense it looks like you've got other vehicles. Might help to convince the feds.

http://www.autoblog.com/2006/1...state/



Post Title: Re: R32GTR seized, forced to export. Need some ... (RobDET)
Posted by: Gold Digger at 9:15 PM 7/11/2008

You can't just bring a car in, let it sit, and then it's all good. Doesn't work like that.

His best bet is to find someone he trusts, preferably a trusted NICO member to sell/hold the car in another country and have it sent back when it's time.

You could always send it back to Japan. You get the storage unit squared away, I'll make sure it gets there, and I'll keep it started once a month, keep fluids and such in good shape.

And no, I won't drive it.



Post Title:
Posted by: Soravia at 6:21 PM 7/19/2008

I say send it to Japan and store it in a cheap place. There are few people in Japan who would steal a car. Most people go by without cars their entire life.



Post Title: Re: R32GTR seized, forced to export. Need some ... (thomasK(austin))
Posted by: Sebba at 1:36 PM 7/22/2008

Mexico/Cuba then to Canada?



Post Title: Re: (sampsonJ)
Posted by: Vandrel at 6:33 PM 8/31/2008

Shoot me a email if you are still needing help, vandrel@skylineownersusa.com



Post Title: Re: (Vandrel)
Posted by: lloyd240sx at 11:24 AM 9/1/2008

I know a way not to have your car took----dont buy a GT-R!!!!!!

way over rated and way overpriced in the usa



Post Title: Re: (harrypotter)
Posted by: Gold Digger at 9:33 AM 9/6/2008

Your post was completely inappropriate. Please refrain from such post in the future.

Enjoy your stay at NICO.



Post Title: Re: R32GTR seized, forced to export. Need some ... (thomasK(austin))
Posted by: topline at 7:45 PM 9/11/2008

If i can get it to canada, im going to have a freaking party.

I will keep the thread updated.



Post Title: Re: R32GTR seized, forced to export. Need some ... (thomasK(austin))
Posted by: audtatious at 8:25 PM 9/17/2008

please do, that would be nice. I am trying to compare what this one RI is telling with with a 2nd opinion.



Post Title: Re: (Vandrel)
Posted by: thomasK(austin) at 7:24 AM 10/8/2008

thanks. i was thinking bahamas but its a 52% import duty, even though the car is probably technically only worth about $5k, tax wouldnt be too bad.



Post Title: Re: (thomasK(austin))
Posted by: thomasK(austin) at 7:25 AM 10/8/2008

oops, wrong quote button. Ive already sued someone, its time consuming and expensive. would like to avoid that route.



Post Title: Re: R32GTR seized, forced to export. Need some ... (xX RB Xx)
Posted by: thomasK(austin) at 7:25 AM 10/8/2008

please do, that would be nice. I am trying to compare what this one RI is telling with with a 2nd opinion.



Post Title: Re: R32GTR seized, forced to export. Need some ... (thomasK(austin))
Posted by: RtsLanEVO5 at 4:02 PM 10/13/2008

Bro i live in the bahamas and duty went up to 55% on cars 10 grand and under. Its not that big of a jump. I have imported cars here before. I had a 92 GTS-t earlier this year but i wrecked it drifting. I currently got a 180sx. I just imported this last month. If you need anymore information hit me up. Ill see if i can find a storage place down here for u. YOU CAN IMPORT ANYTHING DOWN HERE. If your still interested let me know. Hate to see your car go to waste like that. I have a vonage phone with a US number if u wanna call to find out info.



Post Title: Re: (Island180sx)
Posted by: nickledimeme at 12:46 AM 10/28/2008

Just an idea.

I am sure there is fireworks/liquor/smokes warehouse that could store it for you.



Post Title:
Posted by: RHD at 4:16 PM 10/30/2008

http://www.kaizoindustries.com/uni/



Post Title: Re: (DirtyGhettoKids)
Posted by: EZcheese15 at 11:15 AM 11/11/2008

Please read this:

http://www.nicoclub.com/articl...shtml



Post Title: Re: (Island180sx)
Posted by: thomasK(austin) at 4:57 PM 11/12/2008

Thanks for the help guys. You can PM me your number? If the canada thing doesnt work out i am going to the bahamas, then to canada. Im going to bring the car back in 2015 if it all works out.

I still havent heard back from customs. I call them every week and ask them what is going on, they say "you will hear something soon" everytime.

Ill keep everyone informed, not going to let the thread die.



Post Title: Re: (thomasK(austin))
Posted by: DawgMode at 11:47 AM 11/13/2008

wassup buddy u never got back to me from when we where talking ont gtroc.



Post Title: Re: (DawgMode)
Posted by: thomasK(austin) at 12:08 PM 11/13/2008

yea it seemed like my thread on gtroc kinda died off. Its no biggie, i just want to let everyone know what is going on. Its been almost 4 goddamn months since i sent in my petition just to export it, **** these people are lazy. Our tax dollars at work.



Post Title: Get a broker
Posted by: SR240SEX at 4:00 AM 11/15/2008

Logistis companies do these things all the time without the car ever leaving the freighter, as it's cargo. Case in point, due to China/ Taiwan laws, no cargo can be directly imported from China to Taiwan. Therefore, they must have the freighter stop in Japan (a southern island). Japan's customs takes a boat to the freighter and processes import/ export documents while collecting a fee. The freighter then moves to Taiwan. I know this as I bought cargo from China, had it shipped to Taiwan, then to Okinawa Japan. Ironically this was cheaper than using Japanese freight forwarding from Tokyo to Okinawa.

The island is ishigaki jima.. Google is your friend!!



Post Title:
Posted by: elitetuningimports at 8:52 AM 11/15/2008

THAT would be blacklisting. And what about all the other skyline owners.... can they not all speak up ? everyone has track cars right ? oh and they are all grandfathered in too right ? there was a chain of events that led to this seizure i believe. just my .02 cents

Also Im new to the forum yes but not the issues. If this was discussed before im sorry.



Post Title: Re: (elitetuningimports)
Posted by: Vandrel at 9:00 AM 11/16/2008

email me for more info

vandrel@skylineownersusa.com



Post Title: Re: (Vandrel)
Posted by: nissandoms47 at 2:18 PM 11/16/2008

I'm form San Jacinto (Shepherd TX) county Texas but lived in europe and while there I bought a 96 GTST TURBO from the UK. Paid 7500GBP cash. I bought it in 2004 and drove it from london through the tunnel across europe into the Czech Republic where I lived and work. Wonderful Experience!!!

In late 2006 I wanted to move back to Texas and so had alot of cash with me, coordinated with shipping company and RI from TX and thought this would be enough to ship, change glass, door seats ect. through a RI.

It gets to customs and immediately they wanted to crush it and acted like they didnt want to release it so can ship back to EU! I called other RI from other states they didtn want to help at all, Ri companies said they did not deal with skylines unless$$$$. A nightmare! I had complete history from when I bought in UK and got it registered through a DMV like place in Prague. Perfectly street legal car which exceeded EU standards and legalities.

I shipped it back to CZE after almost 2 months and they charged me storage!!

My RI also changed their attitude and wanted way more money and it was not a garantee. THey say the DOCS I had were Skyline **** over email!! I was enraged. Dont deal with RI in TEXAS unless you want to get burned. I am not saying names. RI thing is a really a govt red tape that pits citizens against each other.

Matter in fact the GOVT do not want these cars in the US period!!! I see the folks here who post and I shake my head. They will find a way to take your car and make you spend the dough to get it back. YOu can also thank the idiots who race in heavy traffic and show no regards respect to life which causes the strict rules.

The Govt left it up to each port's discretion to decide if a skyline gets in or not. Believe it or not! My opinion is if it gets through then someone had a brother n law or a hook up somewhere. If it is legal then they paid out of the a$$.

I think after 25 years they will change the rules somehow to not let them in country. The person is right to say its sad that DHS cant find a real job to do/

In the mean time I have perm residency in CZE so good news the car is my name still. I definately pay my child support ... 250/month. I also maintain the INS. So in 13 years hopefully I can get it to USA. It sucks having to live in US and get to drive once a year when I visit but most importantly I get to see my son.

Thanks for Reading

Post Title: Re: R32GTR seized, forced to export. Need some ... (jav4820)
Posted by: Largekid at 5:19 PM 11/22/2008

Wow, hope that works out for you.

Just as a general update for everyone, i have still not received anything in writing as to the decision regarding me exporting the car. At the beginning of this ordeal i assumed exporting it would be as easy as 1-2-3, but its turning out to be questionable at best. I am crossing my fingers that they will allow me to do so.

I talk to the place that is storing the car, they say its there and being moved (dont you mean abused??) around the lot once in a while. Makes me wish i would have taken out the ECU or something so it wouldnt have even started...wasnt thinking at the time.

I realize now that this car is part of something larger than my individual case. It is and probably being held as evidence in a larger case against the original importer. That is the only reason i see why it is taking so long.

Hopefully the gov't has some type of sympathy and take my petition to heart....pray for me, it really sucks paying off a car that you dont have. Where's my bailout!!??



Post Title: Re: R32GTR seized, forced to export. Need some ... (thomasK(austin))
Posted by: Gold Digger at 5:29 PM 3/10/2009

Thanks for the update on this. I had kinda been wondering what had come of it, and you must have had some sort of mental telepathy cause a day later, here is the update...lol. Scarry.

Anyway, be sure to keep us posted any time you get new information.

I think it would be a good bit of reading for anyone thinking they want to try and get by the importing laws.

Remember kids, they are laws for a reason, and if you break them, bad things happen.



Post Title: Re: R32GTR seized, forced to export. Need some ... (Gold Digger)
Posted by: themadscientist at 6:30 PM 3/10/2009

Not always true.

Quote, originally posted by Gold Digger »

if you break them, bad things happen.

Almost always true.

I am worried about getting my RS back. It will be 25 years-old but still, s*** happens.



Post Title:
Posted by: noobedloser at 7:38 PM 3/10/2009

1970 Bluebird SSS coupe. Was exported to America, built, then re-imported back to Japan. Owner is a Navy dude.

Car has a mostly stock redtop S13 SR20DET that has turbo mani, Greddy intake mani and FMIC. Still runs the stock turbo.

This car is absolutely stunning. Clean, sharp looking, and under the hood, no non-sense. Just what's needed.

I'll see if I can get a hold of him and find out when he'll be back there again for pictures.

It was just a beautiful car.



Post Title: Re: (noobedloser)
Posted by: thomasK(austin) at 9:52 AM 3/16/2009

nah, im going to wait until r32's are 25 years old and by then they will have flooded canada enough to where i will pick up a couple for under $10k.

if i owned a motorex r32 now, i would try to get rid of it before the 25 yr mark, otherwise the value will plummet.

Oh BTW, customs says they will give me an answer in writing within 30 days....we'll see.



Post Title: Re: (AZhitman)
Posted by: sean8564 at 6:40 PM 3/16/2009

Quote, originally posted by AZhitman »

Guess this puts a little damper on some of the wannabe "importers" we've been punking lately, huh Sean?

Quote, originally posted by themadscientist »

Any importers you can recommend for an 85' RS? What magically happens at 25 years old anyway, I don't have to comply with what exactly?

All you have to do is fill out this form http://204.68.195.250/cars/rul...t.pdf
Then check the checkbox in box 1. Hand it to the customs official, and you should be good to go. You may have to provide proof of the manufacturing date, either via the VIN or title and/or previous registration.



Post Title: Re: (sean8564)
Posted by: AZhitman at 9:03 AM 3/17/2009

Hey Sean!

My bad - When I said "Sean", I meant Morris. Sorry 'bout that.



Post Title: Re: (EZcheese15)
Posted by: thomasK(austin) at 2:02 PM 3/17/2009

yea after all this stuff happened, i read so much into the NHTSA/DOT/EPA that i was contemplating trying to become an RI. It is very interesting stuff. I suppose after 25 years, the car is considered a classic and with that mentality, only a small percentage of the population drives classics.
I guess they figure that if you can keep a 25+ year old car running and drivable, you deserve to drive it. Keep in mind most americans have the mindset that old=gross and ugly, at least wives/fiances/girlfriends.



Post Title: Re: (AZhitman)
Posted by: sean8564 at 3:12 PM 3/17/2009

By the way, did you try to call me yesterday?



Post Title: Re: (Gold Digger)
Posted by: sean8564 at 8:28 PM 3/17/2009

The guy works in Atsugi right across from where i work. Yes, it is an awesome car.....very well done!
Thomas, sorry to hear about your car....but thanks for posting this beacuse i am in the middle of working out something like you're trying to do....i have fam in Australia and Canada so im going to hit them up first ....Good Luck.



Post Title: Re: R32GTR seized, forced to export. Need some ... (thomasK(austin))
Posted by: thomasK(austin) at 9:30 AM 6/23/2009

I still have not gotten an answer on if i can export it or not, im sure its being held as evidence in this whole mess. I feel sorry for the car, wonder if it has even recieved any bathes? It probably doesnt even run anymore, idiots at the storage lot probably broke it. This whole situation still boils me up to where i cant stand it sometimes, loosing this much money is very hard to deal with.

I have not forgotten to update everyone, it just hard to talk about it, especially when there is no good news or news at all.

Post Title: Re: R32GTR seized, forced to export. Need some ... (thomasK(austin))
Posted by: Gold Digger at 6:01 PM 6/23/2009

Let this be a lesson to all those who are trying to get around the laws.

I do hope this works out for you in the long run in one way or another.



Post Title: Re: R32GTR seized, forced to export. Need some ... (Gold Digger)
Posted by: DroptopDrifting at 6:27 PM 6/23/2009

or if you know anyone in the military stationed out in gitmo, transfer the title to them, have them bring it to cuba, and then once again, find some old cuban with a boat and have him bring you to key west, then drive it back from there.

i'd prefer the first suggestion, much easier lol



Post Title: Re: R32GTR seized, forced to export. Need some ... (DroptopDrifting)
Posted by: Vandrel at 11:24 PM 6/27/2009

Also, I'm sure it is part of a bigger picture with your case. ICE and CARB raided Kaizo and RB Motoring 22 days ago which leaning towards other things. Not real further information has been put out yet but there's been 1 claim that a guy got a visit from ICE and they are telling him to export as well. His car he shipped through Kaizo when he moved back from overseas (military).



Post Title: Re: R32GTR seized, forced to export. Need some ... (Vandrel)
Posted by: EL MAMITO USMC at 5:35 AM 6/28/2009

then store it or register it in canada for now and drive it once in a while !!!!!



Post Title:
Posted by: driftmotion at 7:50 AM 6/30/2009

might be something to consider!



Post Title: Re: (driftmotion)
Posted by: discosteak at 10:48 PM 6/30/2009

how could you even remotely say that taking 2 plastic clips off of a fire wall is work let alone more work than the car is worth. what is unsafe about a skyline? they are made of the same s***ty metal that every other nissan is made of. besides its really nothing but a 300zx with a different engine.

who said registering it was a problem? the only problem seems to be registering it as a skyline. why would you want to register a car that is federally illegal anyway?

so aparantly there is two ways to go about owning a skyline, registering it as a skyline and waiting for the fed gov. to come take it. or the way that works and guarantees the gov wont even come looking for it.

who cares if its illegal, it works. i know of two in my area that are registered as 240s both have been pulled over numerous times without problems. and guess what they still go home to the owners driveway every night.

take it from someone who has done it there is a right way and an easy way. yeah the easy way might seem a little shady. but i enjoy getting to keep the things I pay for



Post Title: Re: (driftmotion)
Posted by: discosteak at 11:52 PM 6/30/2009

this sounds like major bulls*** anyway he more than likely vin swapped the car considering its nearly impossible to swap a unibody chassis



Post Title: Re: (discosteak)
Posted by: audtatious at 12:35 AM 7/1/2009

Apparently, those who wish to not break the law.....



Post Title: Re: (audtatious)
Posted by: Vandrel at 3:29 PM 7/1/2009

Then those people should wait till 2014



Post Title: Re: (discosteak)
Posted by: DroptopDrifting at 10:24 PM 7/1/2009

when i mentioned doin more work than its worth, i was talkin about what driftmotion said about swapping the frame. and as far as swapping the metal plate on the firewall, you dont even have to, just buy a junk 240 and go to the dmv with that vin and just swap it on the dash, its the only place ive ever seen a cop look at around here, but yeah, i wasnt talkin about what you said when it came to the "work" part of things. people i know with skylines just buy junk 240 part cars and go to the dmv and register their skyline as a 240 with the vin from the junk car. easy as 1-2-3. either way though, all you need is a fed who knows what theyre lookin at to see it and you're caught. dunno bout elsewhere, but tuesdays and thursdays we got feds patroling in NY and everyone knows to buy their drugs other nights of the week, im assuming its the same for cars: just dont drive your skylines all over tues/thursday here and you'll be fine. my friends had his r32gtr for about 2 years now, hassle free. but also, it's a 92 i believe so he doesnt have much time left before he can get legal plates for it heh



Post Title: Re: (DroptopDrifting)
Posted by: DroptopDrifting at 10:25 PM 7/1/2009

the windshields ar the exact same thing as we get here in america. I know because i have broken 1

I mentioned the plate under the hood because the car doesnt have vin plates on the dash the car is caged. they are illegal here because they were never crash tested by the DOT. which coincidentally is the same reason the motorex guy is in jail. he lied about crash testing r34's and r32's



Post Title: Re: (discosteak)
Posted by: DroptopDrifting at 11:27 AM 7/2/2009

i couldnt care less about what is exaggerated and regulated by DOT or not, i do not personally believe the cars are unsafe in any way. why make a twin turbo i6 powered car and not make it capable of handling and safe... i put my full trust in those cars. it's just DOT's excuse. i wasn't saying i support their excuse in any way, just sayin that that's what they say if you ask em.

Modified by DroptopDrifting at 1:02 PM 7/2/2009



Post Title:
Posted by: discosteak at 12:00 PM 7/2/2009

Ummmm, bulls***.

Both cars are unibody - They don't HAVE a "frame".




Post Title: Re: (discosteak)
Posted by: AZhitman at 12:22 PM 7/2/2009

Dude, you have no clue what you're talking about, so stop while you're behind.

There are several fed regulations (set forth under the FMVSS, which you haven't read) that apply to USDM cars that are not required on cars built for other countries.

And the R32 is nothing like a 300ZX. Please stop posting nonsense.

Post Title: Re: (DroptopDrifting)
Posted by: AZhitman at 12:26 PM 7/2/2009

I agree 100%. I don't like the federal regs any more than you guys do, I think they're a load of CRAP.

However, what I like even LESS is people spouting misinformation. You'll never see me bash on someone for trying to find a way around it - But I *WILL* bring the noise on someone who doesn't READ or do their homework.

BTW, I think you meant "twin-turbo straight-6.".



Post Title: Re: (AZhitman)
Posted by: DroptopDrifting at 1:00 PM 7/2/2009

Yep. Better than trusting importers who state they can legally get them into the country.



Post Title: Re: (DroptopDrifting)
Posted by: AZhitman at 1:45 PM 7/2/2009

All good - I know you know your stuff.



Post Title: Re: (AZhitman)
Posted by: discosteak at 11:47 PM 7/2/2009

you have obliviously been misled. i would like you to explain how its not like a 300zx. the front suspension is almost exactly the same and the rears on both are setup almost exactly like a 240sx. I dont care about what the US requires that other countries dont. I think its retarded that people wil pay 40k for a "legal" skyline. when that 40 thousand dollars cant be spent on something much better than a pregnant 300zx

Modified by discosteak at 11:54 PM 7/2/2009



Post Title:
Posted by: AZhitman at 12:23 AM 7/3/2009

They share no common components. They are substantially similar, but so are a lot of other Nissans.

Hell, I have a HLSD from an R34 in my S13 - Does that mean my S13 "is really nothing but a GTR with a different engine." ?

You said: "besides its really nothing but a 300zx with a different engine."

So, I'll sit here and let you explain to me how an R32 is "a 300ZX with a different engine".

p.s. I *do* agree with your last statement.



Post Title: Re: (AZhitman)
Posted by: discosteak at 12:55 AM 7/3/2009

Lots of Nissans share the same componentry, that's where I was coming from.

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