Import to the US??

[alpinecowboy]

Green1 - thank you for adding that post. I think that may be that path I go down actually. There is a similar process that we use down here to make Toyota Tacomas into Hilux-type diesels.

I am researching how much of the US van I have to keep in order for it to be legit - I'd like to preserve as little as I can of the 2wd US-model in the process but I think it is the most viable option that would be relatively easy to pull off - relative that is to dealing with the restrictions laid out by the US DOT (Dept of Transportation).

Best
Koby

[Green1]

I am researching how much of the US van I have to keep in order for it to be legit - I'd like to preserve as little as I can of the 2wd US-model in the process but I think it is the most viable option that would be relatively easy to pull off - relative that is to dealing with the restrictions laid out by the US DOT (Dept of Transportation).

That's hard to say, but near as we can tell (and remember, none of us can speak officially for policies in place in your jurisdiction) as long as the chasis remains the same, everything else can change, it's all just parts... now the main restriction you'll probably run in to is that without SIGNIFICANT work, you will be limited to a low roof vehicle without the extra sunroofs (as that is all that was originally sold in the US), but beyond that I think anything is possible. the rest is just trim and accessories. I wouldn't recommend changing it to a RHD either, that would not only be a lot of work, it would also likely get the attention of people in the wrong part of your state's government whose knee-jerk reactions may cause you a lot of trouble.

I'm not saying it will be easy or cheap, just possible.
For parts try talking to ccautos or mardydelica, they would likely ship you almost anything you need as they tend to have several parts vehicles around at any given time.

[alpinecowboy]

Well, for those who care, we have a solution and here is what I have come up with just in case the question ever comes up again:

Option 1: working with a registered importer (RI) - Out. Basically, the Delica is not on "the list" of cars that can be approved for import by the US NHTSA/DOT. Lots of reasons, but most of the center around crash test data... It is actually really funny - you can import the vehicle, but only after they've had a chance to crash test from three angles. Makes sense, right?

Option 2: Buy a JDM Delica that is approved for use in Canada and driving across the border at top speed - Out. I've called Homeland Security and they said they will definitely shoot me.

Option 3: Buy a US Mitsubishi Van/Wagon (basically an L300) and "mate" it with a salvaged Delica in Canada - In. After shopping around the US for a "host" car and making some calls to some of the shops in Canada it sounds like I'll be able to get a bastardized Delica for about the same price as it would be buy a clean one to begin with, and the nice thing is that it will be 100% legal in the States!

So, it looks like the wife and I will get to relive the fantastic honeymoon we took in B.C. a few years ago (except we'll have the kids with us!) and come back with a nice, new van.

Thanks again everyone, well... almost everyone, for your positive and helpful input, it made a big difference to me.

Smiles
Koby

[mark]

Note -- Due to this thread wandering too far astray, I edited it to remove a public posting of an PM (matter dealt with privately).

Lets try to keep our comments related to the topic of this thread -- that is, importing of Delicas into the United States. If this particular topic doesn't captivate your interest, there are loads of other great Delica-related threads elsewhere on the board.


Mark

[jessef]

I posted sometime a while back on this.

I have seen a California registered/insured 92 Delica on the road.

The owner is a Canadian/US citizen, bought the Delica up here in Canada, lived in Canada for a year and then moved to California and took the Delica that he owned for the past year with him via Registered importer.

I think it has to do with being a US citizen, owning a vehicle in Canada for longer than one year, etc...

[loki]

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[loki]

I posted sometime a while back on this.

I have seen a California registered/insured 92 Delica on the road.

The owner is a Canadian/US citizen, bought the Delica up here in Canada, lived in Canada for a year and then moved to California and took the Delica that he owned for the past year with him via Registered importer.

I think it has to do with being a US citizen, owning a vehicle in Canada for longer than one year, etc...

there you go, by one in BC, rent it out or store it for a year and a bit and then bring it back? they may want you to have lived here for that time though, and frankly if you live here for a year you wont go back :)

[jessef]

Edited.

It looks like there are more than one 2WD version out there.

T-bars up front (lower frame a-arm suspension) and individual coil/strut combo.

Searching for more info.

[alpinecowboy]

The 2wd I have is torsion bars in the front and leafs in the rear so it should be compatible. Mitsubishi USA has them listed as coil on leaf but they aren't... Maybe I just got lucky. Can't say yet if the granny mounts will work, but I'll know soon enough. At least so far it seems like the suspensions should mate.

Stay tuned.

[waianaegal]

I had posted a this question to the new member forum... then found this... I really like the last posting by Jfarsang. Being from Washington and have friends in BC the buying and storing in BC would not be a problem. But really will do more research on this idea.
I really love this vehicle and I'm not going to give up on the idea, it would be ideal on coastal Washington.

Thanks for all of the info and I'll try to keep you all up on this possibility.

WaianaeGal
Ocean Park

[goldieD]

hey there fellow Mur'can,

I am an American citizen currently living in Vancouver bc, and i am also interested in finding out how to import one of these to the USofA.

So keep me posted, Tex! Thanks!

Everyone else--it looks like even if i buy one here in BC, and then try to drive it back home (NC), i will run into trouble? or is this just if i am formally importing it? Is there a difference?

[goldieD]

I would love any additional info anyone has/knows of in regards to the below quoted option of owning one in BC for a year and then self-importing...

thanks!

I posted sometime a while back on this.

I have seen a California registered/insured 92 Delica on the road.

The owner is a Canadian/US citizen, bought the Delica up here in Canada, lived in Canada for a year and then moved to California and took the Delica that he owned for the past year with him via Registered importer.

I think it has to do with being a US citizen, owning a vehicle in Canada for longer than one year, etc...

there you go, by one in BC, rent it out or store it for a year and a bit and then bring it back? they may want you to have lived here for that time though, and frankly if you live here for a year you wont go back :)

[jessef]

You have to be a permanent resident or living for 12 months consecutively to qualify bringing a vehicle home with you.

If you live in the US and bought a Delica and stored it in Canada, you would have to prove that you lived there during that 12 month period without leaving the country.

That may or may not be difficult depending on which superhero you are.

Mailing address with bank statements or hydro, cc, etc...

That's how the Cali guy did his.

[goldieD]

well, i have loved here for over a year, as a permanent resident. And will be here for another 6 months or so.

do i have to won the delica for a year, too?

Is there anything else involved in the process beyond basic duties at that point?

thanks so much for your response!

You have to be a permanent resident or living for 12 months consecutively to qualify bringing a vehicle home with you.

If you live in the US and bought a Delica and stored it in Canada, you would have to prove that you lived there during that 12 month period without leaving the country.

That may or may not be difficult depending on which superhero you are.

Mailing address with bank statements or hydro, cc, etc...

That's how the Cali guy did his.

[Delicafan]

Sorry to be a negative here peeps, but there is no 100% legal way to bring and keep a jdm in the us of a. Theories go around, but I can say 100% it's not possible legally.