Need Vehicle Transport from US to Canada

[Baronet]

Hi everyone,

Stella, a 93 L300, blew (or more precisely I blew) her engine and is now stuck in Montana. She doesn't feel the mechanics down there know what the hell they're doing and wants to come home to Vancouver where she knows she'll be well taken care of.

Does Anyone know of a transport company that could help her get a ride?

Thanks guys

[mdrive]

you can use this site to enter details of your shipping and then you will receive quote from various shipping company. http://www.uship.com/LandingPages/custo ... imple.html

[after oil]

you might find a friend with a good truck and rent or buy a car trailer to haul it back. you could buy the car trailer in MT and sell it when you return. Montana has no sales tax.
sorry about the blown engine! how do you think it happened?

[TardisDeli]

As After Oil says. I recall when K&B has same problem way down south, he left her with van, he flew home to get their big pickup truck, bought a flat loader trailer, drove down, drove back, sold trailer for same price he paid for it (but that was some thousands of dollars). People have suggested renting from UHaul the trailer, but many people have written about the horrible experiences with UHaul and how they were charged a lot when returning it "damaged" from general road wear and tear. Be careful about towing it, NEVER tow with the front wheels on the ground (use a little 2 wheel dolly at the least) as our wheels don't lube when engine is off. Remember when towing something, you should never tow more than half your vehicle weight, to maintain control, so your tow vehicle must be twice the weight of the Delica (ie needs to be a full size pickup truck). Surge Brakes on the trailer are best as you don't have to install anything in the towing vehicle (they work on momentum and gravity, like a seat belt), versus electric brakes on a trailer must have a MATCHING electric brake controller installed in the tow vehicle. So you actually want a vehicle trailer with SURGE brakes.

Another idea, get someone to greyhound courier you a rebuilt engine from here, The L300's typically crack by the second cylinder when overheated, and have a mechanic pop that into your van. I know Glen of Coombs Country Autos did exactly this for someone broken down in Mexico, put it on a pallet. Then when you come back, get the old engine to Glen.

Coombs Country Autos, Graham (Glen's dad) usually does all the phone and internet stuff and is super efficient at everything. web www.ccautos.ca Phone - 1 250 954 2157 (vancouver Island), . Fax - 1 250 248 0023. email - ccautos@telus.net

Keep in touch, we are here to help each other. I can phone around for you if need be. PM me. Christine.

[TardisDeli]

Bruno, got your PM. What city in Wyoming is van now? Will send you long PM in minutes with prices and options that I have been researching for you. Christine.

[TardisDeli]

Hi All,
Bruno needs our help and advice. Overheated engine (I don't know details)

He is in Billings Montana. Straight east from Seattle and Spokane via the I-90.

Anyone know a good mechanic in the area ?
Anyone have access to inexpensive pallet delivery to Billings?
Anyone know a car loader to rent that is strong enuf to transport L300.

I am starting to compile a list of options for Bruno:

I spoke with Glen at CC Coombs Autos, he can ship a pallet to Bruno. Engine with water pump and new belts and IP etc all attached ready to pop in.
Also spoke with Canuck Towing of Burnaby (nice guys), who regularly and happily flat bed tow vehicles between USA and Canada.

Any other ideas?

Chrsitine.

[jessef]

If Glenn ships an engine, then Bruno can take it to any shop.

Swapping the engine is not rocket science. Even backyard mechanics can do it.

A re&re will range from $500-1,400 depending on the mechanic.

[thedjjack]

If you do ship the motor you might want to ship a new radiator (or have the old one rebuilt) so you do not overheat the new motor!

Also make sure the exhaust, oil cooler, transmission cooler, and fuel delivery system is good.

Basically make sure you fix the overheating issue if it was external of the motor prior to putting in the new motor.

[bassnailer]

People helping people. It's a beautiful thing.

[jessef]

How is the progress ?

[TardisDeli]

To Update all,
Bruno phoned me this morning. he had the van towed to Billings, Montana to a diesel shop. They have taken out engine, found more than just the cylinder head damaged, agreed that a replacement engine would be better than trying to source all parts separately. Bruno is now talking with Glen and Graham at CC Coombs Auto to get a replacement engine shipped.

Anyone got connections to get engine on pallet shipped to Billings Montana better than via Greyhound?

Christine.

[Artacoma]

I could be driving that way (going to Grand Canyon) in 6 weeks but not leaving Victoria til 17th of september, if you are still stranded I will deliver whatever parts you need from BC.
best of luck

[Mr_2.2]

I am going to be driving to school in Michigan and will be passing through Billings. I'm leaving on the 25th of Auguest and to get to Billings takes about 15 hours, I'd be willing to drop off whatever parts you need as long as it is coordinated properly, you can even hitch a ride with me there

[Baronet]

Hello Everyone,

Stella made it back to Vancouver!

Barry at Mustang Connection sold me a used engine. I picked it up with a pickup and delivered it myself to Montana. (Apparently there's been some customs issues recently with engines being shipped to the US.) I went back a couple of weeks ago by bus, a 24 hour bus ride, and picked up my dear Delica and brought her home.

Now I have to fix a small diesel leak a the pump level and an issue with the Turbo not kicking in. That made the trip back home a lot slower.

Again, thanks to Christine and everyone who helped with precious tips and information.

Bruno

[TardisDeli]

Hi Bruno, glad you and Stella made it home safely. I was happy to help you by making phone calls to various contacts here to get information for you. Regards, Christine.