Shipping a rolling chassis...across the border?

Greetings! I've located a truly rust free 2002 rolling chassis that I can't really pass up...except its in Conneticut. I'm near Toronto. Any recommendations on how best to ship it? I'm working on ensuring the title won't be a problem, but that said: has anyone imported a shell as "parts"?

If I had a trailer, I'd be tempted to make a road trip out of it, but between the price of fuel, and the cost of a rental trailer ($550) it seems that it's likely more cost effective to have someone else bring it here.

Thoughts?

A rental trailer is $550??

No "car buddies" in Toronto that have one they'd loan you?

Had an engine shipped by tractor trailer from Richmond to St Louis ($300xx)no problem, so I cant imagine any problems, but with the VIN on that chassis, you wont be considering it parts.

I think you'll have to consider it a car, but because of the age, I don't think you'll have to deal with riv, just pay hst on the purchase price. I would personally get it shipped to Lewiston, ny and then go pick it up with a trailer. I know a place that will let you ship vehicles to them. You could then just drive to harbor freight and pickup a towbar... Or
My dad has a trailer, but he doesn't like to lend stuff out. If you're not in a hurry, I could probably go get it (with you there for border purposes) for the price of gas.

Be prepared to pay a hefty customs fee at the border.

About 15 years ago my pop bought a 48 Anglia shell in Canada. We had budgeted everything for the trip but forgot the customs fees. Damn near had to leave the thing at the border. Turns out I had just enough on an emergency credit card.....

Hey! I don't think he ever paid me that back! That jerk.

550 for a trailer is not bad. It cost me 500 to ship a non-running saab from ohio to NJ. (they charge more for cars they can't get in and drive)

In reply to njansenv:

2002 what? +1 on the tow bar.

bmw 2002?

Good assumption, Ontario is the rust center of Canada, had assumed 2002 model year.

Like this: http://atlanta.craigslist.org/sat/cto/2595709933.html

I like the irony that the Canadian sees CT as a "rust free" option.

ditchdigger wrote: Be prepared to pay a hefty customs fee at the border. About 15 years ago my pop bought a 48 Anglia shell in Canada. We had budgeted everything for the trip but forgot the customs fees. Damn near had to leave the thing at the border. Turns out I had just enough on an emergency credit card..... Hey! I don't think he ever paid me that back! That jerk.

There are no customs charges bringing a car in, other than the tax.

If you think Ontario is the rust capital, you haven't worked on any Quebec cars.

In reply to njansenv:

Rent a U-haul trailer by the daily rate from your home base. Save the drop fee. It's waaaay cheaper.

I'm rooting for you, but on the off chance that this doesn't work out, I'd like some info on the rust free 2002 in Connecticut.

jrw1621 wrote: I like the irony that the Canadian sees CT as a "rust free" option.

The CT car isn't from CT, but has been restored there: new OEM doors, fenders, front and rear panels, rockers w/reinforcing. Well documented build by pros, but abandoned for something better by the owner. I'll keep you posted. It's not "cheap" but it would certainly be cheaper than trying to do it myself.

Thanks for the offer of help with picking it up from Lewiston! I was thinking of doing that, but with a Uhaul trailer - make it a day trip. I'll speak with the owner tonight to work out details.

rodrammage wrote: In reply to njansenv: Rent a U-haul trailer by the daily rate from your home base. Save the drop fee. It's waaaay cheaper.

Not always, but you have to check the U-Haul site. If you are taking one from an area that has too many to an area that doesn't have enough you can get some great deals on the drop fee. I was looking recently - Ottawa, ON to Toronto, ON - Daily Use $59.99 - drop fee $36 for 3 days!

NGTD wrote: Not always, but you have to check the U-Haul site. If you are taking one from an area that has too many to an area that doesn't have enough you can get some great deals on the drop fee. I was looking recently - Ottawa, ON to Toronto, ON - Daily Use $59.99 - drop fee $36 for 3 days!

What he said. Renting a trailer and getting it yourself WILL be easiest/cheapest if you can get the required time off. AFAIK, there is no importation process for a "parts" vehicle, but you should look at the CSBA website for more info.

Hmm. It appears the car doesn't have a title. It's currently in CT, but owned by someone in Illinois and the car is from North Carolina. The owner has another title (and vin plate) that he'd include with the shell. I'm not sure how to get past that. I don't think I can get it across the border as "parts". I have a bunch of googling to to....

njansenv wrote: Hmm. It appears the car doesn't have a title. It's currently in CT, but owned by someone in Illinois and the car is from North Carolina. The owner has another title (and vin plate) that he'd include with the shell. I'm not sure how to get past that. I don't think I can get it across the border as "parts". I have a bunch of googling to to....

Take a pass. While you may be on the side of the angels, getting a border inspector who is bored or otherwise looking for a challenge is not worth the risk.