Importing Classics to Oz

[gzminiz]

This is probably the wrong area but i have seen a couple people from Oz on here. Anyways, I am moving to Melbourne and have recently purchased a 67 coupe. I am in the process of converting it to a v8. I am wondering what the importation laws are in regards to classics. Also, wondering if it would be better to cut my loses here and try to pick one up once I make it there. I am mainly concerned about the general parts availability and of course shipping cost. I was planning on just getting a container and stuffing the car in there with the general household stuff.

Thanks
GZ

 

[hurt]

Try contacting this company Wallenius Lines E-Mail: [email protected]

They co-own American Auto Logistics, the company that transports vehicles world-wide for the US military. I couldn't find a direct contact number for AAL, but the parent company may be able to help you out.

 

[gzminiz]

the biggest isn't the shipping cost, i already have to get a container for my furniture and crap. My concern is if I have to convert it to RH drive, what parts they have and cost, etc. as it site right now all the car is a shell. Has anyone imported/moved from to Oz and taken a classic mustang? Hell, if anyone has justp lain moved their and taken their stuff I would love to ask a couple questions.

 

[C0V3R]

Its easy enough to import them into Oz and not that expensive. If its a good car, keep it. If its a rust bucket, sell it and buy another good finished one in the US. My advice is buy all your parts (engine/gearbox/etc) for the car now and put as many into it as you can so you dont get hit with higher local prices, shipping and taxes. Buying parts in the US is ALOT cheaper than in Aus.

 

[Route666]

And you don't have to convert it to RHD.

Make sure the car is clean - especially the undercarriage - otherwise customs will clean it (to minimise any plants, etc that might be brought in) and charge you for it.

 

[ozstang65]

...I am moving to Melbourne and have recently purchased a 67 coupe. I am in the process of converting it to a v8. I am wondering what the importation laws are in regards to classics. ..
GZ

If you want to use it as a daily driver you're probably better off converting to RHD, but as 666 said, it's not mandatory.

There are lots of reputable converters over here, just do your homework first and get involved in one of the local mustang clubs - they'll know. Conversions are 2.5K$ upwards for a decent job.

Parts for the basic RHD conversion are available from local Falcons so don't get too hung up on getting suspension parts in the US first. RRS is a good bet if you want local suspension anyway.

Pick up all the trim, badges and interior before you leave. Engine bits may be cheaper also.

As far as regulations go, the car must meet the emissions standards set out for its manufacture date. In Queensland, we must have retractable lap/sash seatbelts fitted in all 4 corners for daily use. Historical rego (available for less then $200/yr) is available if the car is to be used only for club events. All you need is to get a letter from an accredited car club and you can use your vehicle for any club event and going to/from any club event. You can leave the car LHD for this.

 

[Route666]

Here's a little hint on the frustration to expect: I have the Australian Design Rules, and for cars BUILT in 1968 and earlier (note this can include some 69s) that basically no rules apply to the car bar the 3-point seat-belts.

However because they're Australia-wide design "rules", you'll find every state will be different on what the car has to have, and the design rules are the absolute minimum guideline for a state to follow.

You're going to find you'll probably have to use amber bulbs in your reverse lamps and parkers as indicators, so you'll find ****ling little things like that to tweak to get on the road.

I guess in the scheme of moving countries, those things are fairly trivial, just annoying for a local enthusiast.

EDIT: The above blanked out word was n-i-g-g-l-i-n-g - not another harsh word.