Croc

I think I have a pole now....

This is such a sad post to read about - I hope you find a way to keep your car Jackal Just to clarify the import discussions - I have imported a few cars into the US lately and had to stop six other (over 25yo) imports I own and wanted to make as they did not qualify, so a brief run down of the rules. - 25 years or older then Customs will not have an issue. Under 25 years and they will make you "Federalize" it - bring it up to US standards or get a manufacturer waiver that the car is identical as sold in the US market. Federalizing is US DOT marked glass, lights, etc, air bags, crash testing to US standards (6 or 8 cars required - cannot recall specific number), usual markings on chassis and parts, etc. Waivers are well known for Canada to US imports as the market essentially shares common manufacturing. - EPA applies a 21 years or older threshold for making a car bring its emissions up to US standards. Over 21 years old there are no requirements to upgrade emissions. - Even if a car is 25/21 years old it needs to be standard road car. No hotted up cars with custom engine mods, no race cars, no major body/engine modifications. If there are then you just violated how the over 25/21 year old rules are applied. I have had over 25yo cars rejected under the EPA regs (as applied by Customs) as they are modified from standard (standard unmodified body but mildly non-standard looking engine - no air con, different ignition, braided hoses and different carb). Old cars with modern engine transplants are not allowed by the EPA. Street rods/hot rods are either race cars under the import rules or the special interest classification for one off imports. Technically you then fall into import rules that require EPA pre-approval (I have been waiting over 12 months for the EPA to consider my application for one of these on one potential import) and different types of manufacturer certifications. A Birkin over 25 years old with a standard Zetec lump would look standard. - If a car has been titled/registered in Canada and it is legally identified as a 1999 then game over as it would not be cost effective to Federalize it. - While you could "deconstruct" a kit car back to roller by removing engine and transmission and then import it as a kit with a Manufacturers Statement of Origin (also sometimes referred to as a Manufacturers Certificate of Origin) that is legally a no go and I would gently remind people that making false statements on import paperwork is a US Federal crime. Once it is together the US law thinks it should stay together. - However, as this post is not completely clear on all facts, this Birkin would be in a permissible area if it is a unfinished roller, pre-title/pre-reg in Canada and has an MCO as it technically would then fit the definition of a kit import where roller chassis is imported solely. Engine and transmission are completely independent. There have been documented issues on other kit car forums where someone bought a genuine roller kit in the UK and shipped it with the separate engine/transmission inside the same container. The US customs guys picked up on that real quick and put two and two together to cause issues. - Don't think that you can slip one past US Customs. Every one of my vehicle shipments has been subject to physical inspection and scrutiny and mine were well documented 25 year old cars from a recognizable car company. You could get a highly intelligent, knowledgable and friendly car enthusiast Customs inspector or some newly hired amoebic dysentry that flunked summer school. I have experienced both and know which one I prefer but it is a lottery as to what you get for your import paperwork review. As is the way, on my last import I had to debate with some 23yo bimbo chick on why an early 1980s era car is standard even though it does not have air conditioning - my explanation that not all cars had air conditioning fitted at the time (i.e. it was an option) was extensively challenged for a month.... - Once you have successfully imported and you have your import approval paperwork you need to turn up at the DMV. Assuming this is a car and not a kit then you would need the import paperwork and the previous country title/registration to register it in the US. If no title or coming from a non-title country then you need to explore bonded titles, which I just did for one of my cars. If you a trying to register a roller kit self construction then you still need the customs paperwork on approved import, the MCO and all the usual forms to register in the state of your choice (assuming it is a sensible state like Washington). - The above is applied whether you import in a container or trailer across the border although by all accounts trailering across the border is quicker as they are keen to process you, make you pay your fees and taxes and get you moving whereas containers get hung up in congestion in ports. Given your location and destination, trailering is a no brainer winner. The rules are very complex and they are not applied evenly at all locations for import - US East Coast is generally the worst. Do your research in advance. I was lucky to engage one of the best importers who does all the major US west coast car collections which helped me learn what I need to know for the future imports and stopped me from making some very expensive mistakes. Some people roll the dice and go for it without meeting all criteria. It may work but if it does not then be prepared for a bundle of pain and cost. Its probably not the best idea we debate legalities on public forum though but I hope this helps.

Have you forgotten to take your meds again Shane? Do I need to parachute Hilda in for a heavy landing to deal with you? Why have you not caught that cat yet?

Australia is all screwy when it comes to DST. Sydney on the east coast is 3 hours ahead of Perth on the west coast but both shift for summer. But then you have South Australia only 30 mins different. And then those simpletons in Queensland refuse to use DST as it fades the curtains. Then not all states migrate to DST on the same weekend... It would be easier not to have it at all!

But I had a good reason to be late yesterday! I was at NJMP working to finalize the web sign up pages for the Sevens Event in July, dropping parts off at TJ's for the Holden reconditioning, and having yet another builder discussion on that infernal garage plus checking on my cars all on top of the world's worst drive on the NJ turnpike in yesterdays heavy rain. Hopefully I can get a car out next weekend as the rain washed all the salt off the roads! No surprise Shane is here surfing - the only other thing the invalid can do right now is bonsai the tail of the family's pet cat!

2003 Superlight R. Another Kampena Motors I think. Repeat visitor to this thread. Asking $48500 http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/cto/4922316458.html A basket case project for $1700 http://raleigh.craigslist.org/cto/4927461625.html So Tom is in Amelia Island at the auction. What car do you think he is buying?

Yesterday I got distracted organizing the Sevens event for July. Lots of interesting things for sale today. The former Craigslist approach for advertising for the Kampena Motors has now changed to Ebay. So the usual array of Caterhams from them is now under auction at Ebay. 2001 Zetec Caterham http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lotus-Super-Seven-red-Lotus-Caterham-Super-7-/121590766322?forcerrptr=true&hash=item1c4f5fdaf2&item=121590766322&pt=US_Cars_Trucks Bidding at $20k mark now. Craigslist ad is $35500. 1984 Caterham http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lotus-Super-Seven-Super-7-Caterham-/121590815956?forcerrptr=true&hash=item1c4f609cd4&item=121590815956&pt=US_Cars_Trucks Bidding at $16k. Craigslist ad is $24500. New one up - in PA too. Where has this one been hiding? 2007 Superlight R http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lotus-Super-Seven-R-2007-caterham-superlight-r-/181689262943?forcerrptr=true&hash=item2a4d86235f&item=181689262943&pt=US_Cars_Trucks BIN of $47500 with bidding at $30k. Brunton Stalker http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lotus-Super-Seven-Brunton-Super-Stalker-Lotus-7-Replica-Brunton-2009-Super-Stalker-Titled-Registered-/271801845587?forcerrptr=true&hash=item3f48a70753&item=271801845587&pt=US_Cars_Trucks Starting bid at $18k 2001 Westfield Megabusa http://www.ebay.com/itm/Replica-Kit-Makes-Westfield-Megabusa-Race-Trim-Sports-Car-Westfield-Megabusa-/331502711721?forcerrptr=true&hash=item4d2f19f3a9&item=331502711721&pt=US_Cars_Trucks Buy it now at $25k.

Yes you are not the only one Dave! When I drove my maroon Caterham last it had a lot of vibration before the vibration stopped and lots of expensive rattling noises started and I had no forward momentum.... :toetap05: http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/IMG_0784_zpsbos6drwe.jpg http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/IMG_0785_zpsfpnedvan.jpg It was an ex-road test car and I doubt they treated it with any level of mechanical sympathy or kindness. It had to have had a crack in it before it let go in a rather big way. Fixed this week with a new 1975 Pinto clutch ready for a drive this weekend....oh its raining now!

If you are in the market for a seven where do you generally head? One of the forums is a good starting place - USA7s, Locost, Birkin Yahoo, Stalker group If you are off by yourself with your friends in CA? California Caterham Club (although they may be exclusively Caterham?) If you want a broader audience? Look at Ebay and Craigslist and make sure the ad is saturated with keywords so it comes up in searches. Is it good for track or auto-x? Then look at SCCA or NASA classifieds. Want to be quirky? Try to get the car on BringATrailer or Fast In Fast Out. Is the seller a complete numpty on the internet and needs to follow traditional face to face ways of making a sale? Better learn quick as the car market is now online if you want top dollar. I am sure the Daily Toilet Paper Classifieds in Bumfart Iowa will find someone eventually at 10% of a fair price for the car. Toerag has a great suggestion on advertising at the track or auto-cross field or Cars and Starbucks. Once you have an ad then it needs to be detailed with great photos intended to get people looking because they are interested. A reasonable price keeps them interested. A well presented car in the photos always gets my attention. It shows a caring, knowledgable, owner with pride in his car. I don't recall seeing this car anywhere for sale other than what you posted Jim. So I would suggest that a seller who is visible, keen and prominent will get attention. MIA suggests someone who does not care - not motivated. A full PM box would also stop a potential buyer getting in touch. A person could have the best car in the world for sale but not following the above is a recipe for struggling to sell it. To get top dollar or even a buyer making a bid you have to make a market in the car. People have to know and want it. Even with all of this you have to be patient. We have specialist cars. The pool of buyers is small. You have to work harder at finding them. My old yellow SV was for sale for over 12 months before I found it and bought it. The seller was clueless with sevens. It took 3 months to sell but a lot of that was timing over winter. Patience and knowing the market you are selling to is key. Jim - Right now I don't think Josh wants to sell? He cannot be seriously wanting to sell as you are the only person out there flying his flag (with all credit to you as his friend).

And really it is 18 cars since Tom will have the yellow peril and major orange there and I will have my two Caterhams.

I have enough cameras and angles to turn Shane into a porn star on track. A little close up lens and we could have caught the action in high definition when he went down on turn 9 and effed himself up! :rofl: You need a trade name.... Wayne Kerr? Or maybe Rorty Piston?

:ack: The car looks great but I would not want to see anyone (or their partner) on this forum in a thong! I know a thong fits in the available luggage space but even so! :willy_nilly:

Shane - it is great to see your fun side starting to get ahead of your injury. Given you are in hospital do we need to send you food parcels of emergency supplies such as beer, bourbon, salsa, corn chips, etc? :cheers:

But with luggage space don't you also want weather gear? Wifey hair is at risk at inclement weather? :ack:

A 100mph+ sled with no steering, suspension and race shell seats bouncing along the terrain surrounding a track? I bet you got slight air and impacted at one or more points. The only thing that surprises me is why T10 to T12? Should have been lower in the spine given what happened. I suspect seat angle played a large part of why there in the spine. Either that or you never had much backbone to start with? Good to hear that you do not need an operation - my threat to send a nurse was obviously successful! Keep healing well! :seeya:

Hi Robin, I think this will be Shane's new t-shirt from now on: http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0166/4148/products/fouroffs_detail_e0f58d3a-42ac-4526-bfb8-2c8f221cc3f0_grande.png?v=1417139005 Of course once he takes up driving his new John Deere mobile then this could be his other t-shirt: http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0166/4148/products/after_you_detail_grande.png?v=1417145220 Keep him laughing - it is a cure for all sins! Cheers mike

Now I am thinking Shane will be needing a new car shortly when he is all recovered and finished with his better half berating him for acting his shoe size instead of his age. So there is this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Used-John-Deere-Lawn-Tractor-48-17-hp-John-Deere-/151589722453?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item234b739955 Used John Deere Lawn Tractor 48" - 17 hp John Deere. $621 buy it now. 17hp should keep him slow enough to avoid future injuries! Then again his lovely wife may force him to take up crochet.... Mostly repeat ads this week - I will not repeat but just list the new one: 1969 Lotus Seven Series III replica. Nicely detailed ad with pics. Very clear that it is technically a replica so the seller should be commended. Its an original Arch chassis with the correct twin cam and gearbox. However, it does not have a Lotus chassis plate. The VIN is the Arch Motors chassis number. Asking $36,995. Its a lovely car but Is it worth the premium? http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/ctd/4919046338.html

Speaking of small pricks.... I will have you know I only destroyed one Caterham clutch with my broken foot.... One day the swelling will go down enough I can wear more than one pair of shoes...:leaving:

Yes I think that is good advice from Advaitin. Take it easy and recover right first time. I am sending one of our better company nurses down to Arkansas. She is good with administering small pricks. You will feel better in no time at all! http://caseyscaverns.com/4/dir4/nurse.gif

Shane - it is great to hear that you are out there and gradually putting all your pieces back together. I hope the pain lessens shortly, you get out of the hospital and get to go home and that we hear that Robin is getting all her chores around the house done by you without whimpering! The beers will taste good again soon! :cheers:

Busa, Busa, Busa,....should you even feel the need to ask whether you can stay! An atom is sevenesque in many ways. And it has less harmful fiberglass than a Westfield so it is healthier for you! Good ot hear that your eyesight is somewhat better. So is it GM or Honda powered? And how many turbos will you be adding? :rofl:

Hi Robin, Thanks for the update. I think you need to tell Shane that the John Deere Award is a prestigious annual award that is not awarded on a lifetime basis as I prefer recipients to stay safe and well. However, I can personally offer you the "Lovely Patient Wife Putting Up with Shane" Lifetime Achievement Award! :blueangel: I think you will need all the assistance you can get in this next phase of Shane's recovery. When Larry stops by to see what his son has done this time, please give him my regards! :seeya: Warmest Regards mike

Jefferson, This is really unfortunate news to hear about - I will send him a text when it is a more reasonable hour. Were you hurt/injured in any way? Thanks for the heads up. mike

I received a PM during the week asking why I don't search the SCCA database as well on my search bot. Simple reason is that I dislike the SCCA. They do not treat Sevens fairly in the road racing classes and they are so bureaucratic to deal with. However, all kudos to T Walgamuth on finding a car on the SCCA forums that looks to be perfect for his needs. There are other sites I do not search deliberately as they have a reputation or from my past dealings I would not want to deal with them again. Lastly, the way the search is designed it does not analyze all websites as I have to identify the sites individually. So this list is not all inclusive - it probably only picks up 85-90% of the sevens for sale at any given time. I usually filter out 3-4 cars a week. If you see a seven that I missed then please add it - this is a collective effort to share. So with that caution in mind.... First car found was from an optimistic seller. Someone in Poland listed this on Ebay USA: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lotus-Super-Seven-Roadsport-Highly-tuned-1-6-Caterham-Roadsport-with-around-185-bhp-/151602858735?forcerrptr=true&hash=item234c3c0aef&item=151602858735&pt=US_Cars_Trucks Asking US$57000 buy it now. No that is not a mistype. I guess it is a 1.6L Rover K series at 185hp. Porsche gold paint looks nice - I like that shade. I think there would be a few import issues getting into the US from Poland. Caterham SP300R for sale at $100,000 http://www.ebay.com/itm/Caterham-SP300-R-/261782681499?forcerrptr=true&hash=item3cf376b79b&item=261782681499&pt=Race_Cars_Not_Street_Legal_ A 1969 Lotus Seven S2 in restored condition in Victoria BC Canada. Twink engine. Looks really nice. Current bid US$20200 http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lotus-Super-Seven-1969-lotus-super-7-/191522090889?forcerrptr=true&hash=item2c979b2f89&item=191522090889&pt=US_Cars_Trucks A Westfield Megabusa. Looks nicely modified for auto crossing. Located in Illinois. Asking $25k buy it now. Have not seen this car before so I guess the owner is not on here? http://www.ebay.com/itm/Replica-Kit-Makes-Westfield-Megabusa-Race-Trim-Sports-Car-Westfield-Megabusa-/331486895953?forcerrptr=true&hash=item4d2e289f51&item=331486895953&pt=US_Cars_Trucks and http://chicago.craigslist.org/nwc/cto/4902959795.html The usual gaggle of Caterhams are for sale in San Francisco area. Not bothering to re-list those as the prior listings will be active for the last week (months, years...). Bruton Auto's usual Stalker ad: http://tampa.craigslist.org/pnl/cto/4865859362.html A Locost 7 for sale at $12750. Needs some front fenders, a few cosmetics and you would be ready for summer! http://greenville.craigslist.org/cto/4889082641.html CMC Locost at $13995 http://classiccars.com/listings/view/605738/1982-lotus-seven-for-sale-in-montgomery-alabama-36117 BRG Westfield with tan interior at $31995 http://classiccars.com/listings/view/631866/1965-lotus-super-seven-for-sale-in-washington-missouri-63090 Right hand drive crossflow Caterham at $31500. Not sure if this is an old listing or a valid sale? I know the seller but have not verified it to their website as it came through on Anamera. http://www.anamera.com/en/detail/car/310488/index.html?no_cache=1&ret=63

Sorry I got distracted doing a VIN exam on BAT's listing of an E9 3.0CS. Unfortunately I would not recommend that as a buy!