has anyone imported a FD form Japan
01-11-08 | 10:23 AM
#51
What you have just done is illegal and in this state, if convicted, you could be fined up to $5,000 or spend six months in a correction facility!
01-11-08 | 10:30 AM
#52
From another thread:
From the NHTSA (http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/...ng/Racing.html):
The following sets forth the requirements for a vehicle to be imported as a racing vehicle. A vehicle that was originally manufactured as a racing vehicle can be declared as an off-road vehicle under Box 8 on the HS-7 Declaration form that is to be furnished to the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (Customs) at time of importation. Such a vehicle can be permanently imported into the United States. A motor vehicle that was not originally manufactured as a racing vehicle can only be imported on a temporary basis under Box 7 on the HS-7 Declaration form. The importer must obtain a letter of permission from NHTSA to import a vehicle on that basis. To obtain such a letter, the vehicle must be in full racing configuration at the time of importation and lack features associated with safe and practical public road use. Determinations are based on the capability of the vehicle to be used on public roads, not its intended use.
To import a racing vehicle into the United States on a permanent basis, you must:
Obtain from the vehicle’s original manufacturer a letter stating that the vehicle was originally manufactured as a racing vehicle.
File with Customs, upon entry, an HS-7 Declaration form on which Box 8 is checked, indicating that the vehicle was not manufactured primarily for use on the public roads, and is therefore not a motor vehicle subject to the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety, Bumper, and Theft Protection Standards.
Attach a copy of the manufacturer’s letter to the HS-7 Declaration form that you furnish to Customs.
To import a motor vehicle into the United States on a temporary basis for racing purposes, you must:
Apply to NHTSA for a letter granting you permission to import the vehicle on a temporary basis. For that purpose, you should use the application form posted on this website.
File with Customs, upon entry, an HS-7 Declaration form on which Box 7 is checked, indicating that the motor vehicle does not comply with all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety, Bumper, and Theft Prevention Standards, but is being imported solely for the purpose of competitive racing events.
Attach a copy of the NHTSA permission letter to the HS-7 Declaration form that you furnish to Customs.
To obtain such a permission letter from NHTSA, you must submit to the agency the following information in the order stated:
A racing vehicle may not be registered or licensed for on-road use. A vehicle allowed entry for racing purposes cannot subsequently be converted for use on public roads.
The following sets forth the requirements for a vehicle to be imported as a racing vehicle. A vehicle that was originally manufactured as a racing vehicle can be declared as an off-road vehicle under Box 8 on the HS-7 Declaration form that is to be furnished to the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (Customs) at time of importation. Such a vehicle can be permanently imported into the United States. A motor vehicle that was not originally manufactured as a racing vehicle can only be imported on a temporary basis under Box 7 on the HS-7 Declaration form. The importer must obtain a letter of permission from NHTSA to import a vehicle on that basis. To obtain such a letter, the vehicle must be in full racing configuration at the time of importation and lack features associated with safe and practical public road use. Determinations are based on the capability of the vehicle to be used on public roads, not its intended use.
REQUIREMENTS
To import a racing vehicle into the United States on a permanent basis, you must:
Obtain from the vehicle’s original manufacturer a letter stating that the vehicle was originally manufactured as a racing vehicle.
File with Customs, upon entry, an HS-7 Declaration form on which Box 8 is checked, indicating that the vehicle was not manufactured primarily for use on the public roads, and is therefore not a motor vehicle subject to the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety, Bumper, and Theft Protection Standards.
Attach a copy of the manufacturer’s letter to the HS-7 Declaration form that you furnish to Customs.
To import a motor vehicle into the United States on a temporary basis for racing purposes, you must:
Apply to NHTSA for a letter granting you permission to import the vehicle on a temporary basis. For that purpose, you should use the application form posted on this website.
File with Customs, upon entry, an HS-7 Declaration form on which Box 7 is checked, indicating that the motor vehicle does not comply with all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety, Bumper, and Theft Prevention Standards, but is being imported solely for the purpose of competitive racing events.
Attach a copy of the NHTSA permission letter to the HS-7 Declaration form that you furnish to Customs.
To obtain such a permission letter from NHTSA, you must submit to the agency the following information in the order stated:
- Importer’s name, address, and daytime phone number.
- Customs broker’s name, contact, and phone number.
- Vehicle information (make, model, model year, and VIN or identifying number).
- A list of the racing features of the vehicle.
- A list of the features lacking that are needed for use of the vehicle on public roads.
- Photographs showing the following views: front, rear, side, and interior. Racing features and/or features lacking for on-road use on public roads should be shown in the photographs.
- The name of the sanctioning body and competition class.
- Previous race history of the vehicle (if any).
- Schedule of racing events, including dates and locations where vehicle will compete (if any).
- Copy of the competition-racing license of the importer (if any).
RESTRICTION FOR REGISTRATION AND LICENSING
A racing vehicle may not be registered or licensed for on-road use. A vehicle allowed entry for racing purposes cannot subsequently be converted for use on public roads.
01-11-08 | 11:05 AM
#53
2/4 wheel cornering fiend
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 3,090
Likes: 3
From: Pasadena, CA
The car will need to have been specifically manufactured as a racing vehicle without any lights and other street-legal items. This is one loophole back in the '80s that grey market importers exploited, until the DOT and Customs closed it off. [EDIT: Thanx, Mahjik, didn't have time to find the page. 
]
U.S. Customs officials are like any other law enforcement branch; some will interpret and uphold the law to its fullest extent, others will let things slide here and there. But as already has been demonstrated, if your shipment gets held up for whatever reason and you are unable to provide the proper documentation within a certain time, your shipment gets sent back or confiscated and crushed. And you don't get reimbursed for your considerable expenses up to that point.
Basically, as numerous individuals will vehemently attest to on this forum, there apparently are ways to get a non-compliant car into the U.S. The problem is that all of them require risk, because all of them are basically illegal. And then depending on where you live, getting it registered is another matter entirely.
This is why I feel we need a sticky on this subject, because it comes up on the forum literally every week, and we continually have various individuals spouting that they've done this or seen that or it's possible to do this, versus much of the information on the laws right there in black and white available on the various government branch websites. Maybe just have links to the various pages? And then perhaps have a short essay on those who think that attempting to buy and import a foreign market FD is cheaper than just saving up and being patient for a decent USDM example? That way, those who are looking to have "something different and unique" and those who think it's cheaper will find out what they're getting into, and we can avoid the spread of misinformation about just how "easy" it really is. The costs are numerous and varied, but rest assured they are considerable, so we should just leave it at that and avoid the constant rumor-mongering that arises from these threads.
]U.S. Customs officials are like any other law enforcement branch; some will interpret and uphold the law to its fullest extent, others will let things slide here and there. But as already has been demonstrated, if your shipment gets held up for whatever reason and you are unable to provide the proper documentation within a certain time, your shipment gets sent back or confiscated and crushed. And you don't get reimbursed for your considerable expenses up to that point.
Basically, as numerous individuals will vehemently attest to on this forum, there apparently are ways to get a non-compliant car into the U.S. The problem is that all of them require risk, because all of them are basically illegal. And then depending on where you live, getting it registered is another matter entirely.
This is why I feel we need a sticky on this subject, because it comes up on the forum literally every week, and we continually have various individuals spouting that they've done this or seen that or it's possible to do this, versus much of the information on the laws right there in black and white available on the various government branch websites. Maybe just have links to the various pages? And then perhaps have a short essay on those who think that attempting to buy and import a foreign market FD is cheaper than just saving up and being patient for a decent USDM example? That way, those who are looking to have "something different and unique" and those who think it's cheaper will find out what they're getting into, and we can avoid the spread of misinformation about just how "easy" it really is. The costs are numerous and varied, but rest assured they are considerable, so we should just leave it at that and avoid the constant rumor-mongering that arises from these threads.
01-11-08 | 11:23 AM
#54
^^^^
+1... except nobody will read it, or if they do they won't believe it. Nobody comes to this forum for actual advice and knowledge anymore, they come to get told what they want to hear, and when they don't like it they argue.
+1... except nobody will read it, or if they do they won't believe it. Nobody comes to this forum for actual advice and knowledge anymore, they come to get told what they want to hear, and when they don't like it they argue.
01-11-08 | 11:36 AM
#55
OK, that's illegal.
The point is how to get a car in legally. If you are willing to lie on papers, swap tags, or some other felony, then all the rules and regs we're talking don't mean much at all. Threads discussing illegal methods will be closed.
As for track only, it has to be a truly track prepped car already (no "project cars") and you have to show evidence that you're actually entered in a professional racing series. D1 drifting cars, for example probably came in this way.
You can import a car as a collectible/exotic/research/education piece, but you will be limited to 500mi/year and it must come in through a nonprofit corporation or other type of entity devoted to sharing the unique value of the car with the public. When I read the regs on that option, those who just want to stuff it into a garage would have to set up a corporation to do so. (Of course, if you have cars that rare, your tax accountant has probably done so already).
I have updated the FAQ and will from this point on be closing any future threads on the subject that don't cover new ground.
Dave
The point is how to get a car in legally. If you are willing to lie on papers, swap tags, or some other felony, then all the rules and regs we're talking don't mean much at all. Threads discussing illegal methods will be closed.
As for track only, it has to be a truly track prepped car already (no "project cars") and you have to show evidence that you're actually entered in a professional racing series. D1 drifting cars, for example probably came in this way.
You can import a car as a collectible/exotic/research/education piece, but you will be limited to 500mi/year and it must come in through a nonprofit corporation or other type of entity devoted to sharing the unique value of the car with the public. When I read the regs on that option, those who just want to stuff it into a garage would have to set up a corporation to do so. (Of course, if you have cars that rare, your tax accountant has probably done so already).
I have updated the FAQ and will from this point on be closing any future threads on the subject that don't cover new ground.
Dave
Last edited by dgeesaman; 01-11-08 at 11:58 AM.
01-11-08 | 03:51 PM
#56
Banned. I got OWNED!!!
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 552
Likes: 0
From: California- SF city of bay
This seems to be a common characteristic of people who have imported these cars. Lots of vague noises about how anything is possible if you put your mind to it, you need to know how to pull the right strings, etc. And often accompanied by condescending, dismissive noises about people who outline the actual legal importation process. But, of course, they supply NO ACTUAL DETAILS of this super sekrit process.
The reason, of course, is that you basically have to lie through your teeth when filing in forms for registering the car. These lies are also known as felonies.
This really needs a FAQ entry because the question is asked every week and the same misinformation is repeated pretty much every time.
The reason, of course, is that you basically have to lie through your teeth when filing in forms for registering the car. These lies are also known as felonies.
This really needs a FAQ entry because the question is asked every week and the same misinformation is repeated pretty much every time.
LET ME PUT THIS IN A WAY THAT YOU'LL UNDERSTAND BETTER.. Pick a car.. Bring it to me.. if you're willing to pay what i'm asking then you'll have your car REgistered!! and yes I can get a 96.. any car you want man, you gotta pay to play!! that simple!! only reason mine is not registered yet is because I'm broke lol.... I got 2 many bills to pay but every once in a while i drive here and there!!! I got Dealer plates on .........
01-11-08 | 09:40 PM
#61
Full Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 123
Likes: 0
From: Perth, Australia
i recently imported a fd as "parts"
the car was pulled apart in japan... they removed the subframe, crossmember, engine, box, etc...
then shipped the body in one container and the rest in another ...
and I now have a fd in parts, being built as a my track car (cant be licenced)
the car was pulled apart in japan... they removed the subframe, crossmember, engine, box, etc...
then shipped the body in one container and the rest in another ...
and I now have a fd in parts, being built as a my track car (cant be licenced)
01-12-08 | 12:51 AM
#62
NYC's Loudest FD
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,539
Likes: 1
From: Long Island, NY
You CAN import an FD, Cosmo, Skyline, Pulsar GTiR, etc. legitimately from Japan ONLY IF you go about it the correct way. Contact http://www.empyreanmotoimports.com as long as you are serious and have the funding, they've imported some cars for a few friends of mine. These cars are driving, registered and insured legitimately here in the USA.
01-12-08 | 07:27 AM
#63
Not beating up on you, but I'd hate to see some kid do this based on your suggestion. As others have said, that's illegal in every state I know of. A Felony in mine.
Which VIN would you give the insurance company? The one you cut and pasted to the dash, or the one on the firewall? The insurance company may not come out and inspect the car when they issue the policy and take your premiums. But if there's a significant claim, you can bet the adjuster is going to notice.....just before they pick up the phone to call the police and deny your claim.
Which VIN would you give the insurance company? The one you cut and pasted to the dash, or the one on the firewall? The insurance company may not come out and inspect the car when they issue the policy and take your premiums. But if there's a significant claim, you can bet the adjuster is going to notice.....just before they pick up the phone to call the police and deny your claim.
01-12-08 | 08:19 AM
#65
Thread Starter
Sir Braps A lot
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,001
Likes: 1
From: Hilliard, OHIO
i would never swap the vins thats just stupid. i have a roller with the vins still in it but when the dmv were to pull it up it would be a salvage title. so i know i cant swap vins. but thanks for the help guys
02-09-08 | 02:33 AM
#66
V8EATER
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 334
Likes: 1
From: Canada
i definatly have one imported from japan, its much easier then everyone makes it out to be, the only thing i've done to it is tune up an reliability mods, well cooling has been taken care of when i got it, but yea Canada is awesome for importing cars, just hard to find a mechanic willing to safety it. But if you have money, you have power!
02-09-08 | 02:47 AM
#67
Banned. I got OWNED!!!
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 552
Likes: 0
From: California- SF city of bay
You CAN import an FD, Cosmo, Skyline, Pulsar GTiR, etc. legitimately from Japan ONLY IF you go about it the correct way. Contact http://www.empyreanmotoimports.com as long as you are serious and have the funding, they've imported some cars for a few friends of mine. These cars are driving, registered and insured legitimately here in the USA.
and im getting them registered......
so those people aren't the only 1's .. dont believe me come by and take a look at my car and ask my Boss..
I had a FD,Sylvia,mini cooper. brought here last year... posted the car up for sale here and every body got on MY CASE SAYING IT COULDN'T BE REGISTERED..
Sold the rx7 and imported another 1.. Personal use! if you got cash and want a car.. HOLLA, and if you need it Registered too PM me!!!
i dont want no PM's speculating how i do it and all that!....
I dont even know why this post still open .. should've been closed a min. ago!!
02-09-08 | 04:48 AM
#68
i definatly have one imported from japan, its much easier then everyone makes it out to be, the only thing i've done to it is tune up an reliability mods, well cooling has been taken care of when i got it, but yea Canada is awesome for importing cars, just hard to find a mechanic willing to safety it. But if you have money, you have power!
America's not hard to import to, if you're willing to spend some money and do it illegally.
Dave
02-09-08 | 11:25 AM
#69
i've contacted the dmv where i live...in wisconsin by the way..they said all you need to register a imported car in wisconsin is paperwork that it passed customs..and paper work of all the previous owners of the car....
