Andy_L Posted April 9, 2018 Share Posted April 9, 2018 All, I am transferring from Dubai to Houston and have shipped my LHD Roadsport 175 as a rolling chassis i.e. minus engine, gearbox, clutch, brake pads, lights etc. (basically anything that needs an EPA certificate or DOT mark). We haven't got a place to live yet and are still going through the visa process (long story) but because the visa process is underway and I have a SSN from previously living in the US the shipment has been cleared and is now in storage. I previously built it from a complete kit in Dubai - so have no issues with rebuilding, but the problem is the specifics of getting things right for a US registration. What I need to work out is ensuring I can get DOT stamped items e.g. lights - which I presume is from Caterham US? Any advice on tyre availability/suitability in the US? Then I need to work out how to get it registered for use in Texas - e.g. can I buy a new engine or do I have to buy a secondhand one and register it as a proper kit car? Any help appreciated - especially if anyone has any experience..... Andy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James A Posted April 9, 2018 Share Posted April 9, 2018 Andy, it will somewhat depend on what year the car's current registration is. You can see the Texas regulations for registration of an imported car here: https://bit.ly/1nuWdpO If you look around this this site there are also forms for home built vehicles, although the import registration looks easier. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy_L Posted April 9, 2018 Author Share Posted April 9, 2018 Andy, it will somewhat depend on what year the car's current registration is. You can see the Texas regulations for registration of an imported car here: https://bit.ly/1nuWdpO If you look around this this site there are also forms for home built vehicles, although the import registration looks easier. Thanks James, it hasn't been imported as a vehicle as it the original registration in Dubai was 2009 - so it as parts, otherwise it needs a manufacturers certification it is made for the US market, which is impossible to get. So I guess that means "home built". Andy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
panamericano Posted April 9, 2018 Share Posted April 9, 2018 Andy, I have brought in a lot of cars, and you will need to be persistent and possibly visit various TXDOT and county offices, as the clerks all read the regs differently. You are on the right track to call it parts (body and chassis). I have pulled several perfectly good engines to do so. TXDOT will want it to be a REPLICA of a 60s Lotus Seven, then they will (eventually) register it that way and all you have to comply with are the regs for the year of the original (no smog check). As I recall, in 1965 you needed a L side outer mirror and lap belts. If you go to 1967, you need a crankcase ventilation tube. Checking that is up to the safety sticker inspection station, where you will get a "green sheet" to show the registration people it complies. Don't worry about calling a Series 3 a 1965, we're not concerned with fooling anyone that knows, and the bureaucrats do not know. Since you are coming through a Port of Entry, your receipt for Duties and attached invoices, MSO, etc will be critical. All that needs to read 1965 (or whatever year)Lotus Seven Replica. TXDOT then will have the Fed's word for it that it is so. You must stress to your customs broker that every piece of paper state such. If you have to, go to the Caterham dealer there in Dubai and have him give you a invoice like that... The chassis number must be noted as well. The TXDOT/county tax office may also require the chassis # to be verified by a sworn peace officer (not easy to find one willing). You will need receipts for the engine, etc. after you get them, here. You will pay 6.25% sales tax, at time of purchase or registration. Copies of Lotus period pamphlets, books showing a car similar to yours may help. The section of TXDOT regs on replicas reads quite straight forward, but every clerk complicates it. Don't worry about wasting parts that have no DOT markings. That is irrelevant for the 1960s. Whatever you do, don't let them register it as a "2009/2018 Assembled". You cannot possibly comply with the regulations for that type inspection. Good luck, and persevere. In Harris County you have multiple tax offices to try, they will all be different. Good luck. Mark Late 80's Birkin (aka 1965 Lotus) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
breezy7 Posted April 10, 2018 Share Posted April 10, 2018 Some more discussion here:http://www.usa7s.net/vb/showthread.php?11803-Texas-quot-bans-quot-Seven-clones&highlight=texas%20registration Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pksurveyor Posted April 10, 2018 Share Posted April 10, 2018 Come to Lotus Owners of South Texas (LOST) meeting this Saturday - 4/14/18 Saturday 11 am, there will be several Caterham owners at the meeting. LOST Meeting/Birthday party at Peli Peli Kitchen @ Katy Freeway at Campbell Road. Plenty of parking space, easy access, South African fusion food, and sufficient adult beverage. I have made arrangement with the restaurant to have tables ready for us. Please let me know of your attendance. Please note the restaurant entrance is at Campbell Road, there is no entrance off Katy Freeway. The Campbell Road exit ramp is very close to Campbell Road, you will have to cross three lanes of traffic to turn right. You may want to take Voss Road exit instead. Saturday April 14, 2018 11 AM http://www.pelipelikitchen.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy_L Posted April 22, 2018 Author Share Posted April 22, 2018 Thanks pksurveyor - sorry I didn't see your post until it was too late. Please let me know when the next meeting is planned - hopefully I will be around and able to make it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pksurveyor Posted April 22, 2018 Share Posted April 22, 2018 The Houston Lotus Club meets every second Saturday of the month at 11 am. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy_L Posted April 23, 2018 Author Share Posted April 23, 2018 Awesome - hope to have my visa sorted before the end of April - probably won't make the May meeting due to moving - maybe June. Where does it meet? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pksurveyor Posted April 23, 2018 Share Posted April 23, 2018 The meetings are held at different pubs around town. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jabbers Posted June 27, 2018 Share Posted June 27, 2018 Definitely need the registration to be recognized as something from over the 25 year mark and you'll be golden for the inspection process. Then it's just dealing with transport and documents and probably means getting in contact with a shipping agent if you value your time or sanity Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jabbers Posted August 27, 2018 Share Posted August 27, 2018 Bumping with the guide that helped me most: https://www.wcshipping.com/us-car-import Hoping it helps others! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Taber10 Posted August 28, 2018 Share Posted August 28, 2018 Jabbers, interesting site, but if Andy reads it--and nothing else--it could be depressing! So, has anyone heard from Andy? Did he get the visa, get moved, get the Caterham, etc? And, more important to me, he mentions getting parts from "Caterham USA" and I'm not sure who/what that is today. At Log 37 I discussed it briefly with Tony, but hadn't heard anything since. Does anyone have any input? Taber Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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