Importing a Thing

Ghia Nut · Post by **Ghia Nut** » Sun Oct 06, 2002 7:00 pm

Is it possible? and how do I do it?

Thingguy · Post by **Thingguy** » Sun Oct 06, 2002 7:15 pm

Why would you want to go to the trouble of importing when there are plenty of them here?
Scott

Ghia Nut · Post by **Ghia Nut** » Mon Oct 07, 2002 1:59 pm

cheaper

Jim Andritsakos · Post by **Jim Andritsakos** » Mon Oct 14, 2002 1:31 pm

Hello guys!

Well, if 1970 is rare I was have about 10 1969 w/reduction boxes and LSD ex-military 181s for sale...

------------------
Jim Andritsakos
1974 1303 GL with Porsche six piston calipers and 355mm rotors

Bucko · Post by **Bucko** » Tue Oct 15, 2002 12:53 am

Hey Gia Nut, what did you find out? I have an opertunity to import a very clean 1970 Thing from Germany. It will come with a ton of spare parts (my German friend had two of them and stripped one down for parts). I'd really like to bring it over here. I read the link from a previous post that connected me to the "VEHICLE IMPORTATION REGULATIONS". It looks like I should be O.K. as the car is over 27 years old, and safty regulations won't apply in major force. It will cost me $1200.00 to get it from Germany to the Jacksonville, Florida port.

Anything else I'm missing here? I have never seen a 70 Thing here in the states. This one has the flush Bus style rear lights, etc. It is in great shape and runs great. I'd really like to get it over here.

Bucko · Post by **Bucko** » Tue Oct 15, 2002 6:13 am

If they are in as great running condition as the one I'm about to get, and you can ship it here for a better price of $1200.00 U.S., I'm all ears!! He is giving me the car, and the shipping is all I have to pay.

By rare, I meant that I have not seen a 70 in the states. They (Germany) imported only 73 and 74 models.

I may be interested in spare parts though....

Lowdrag · Post by **Lowdrag** » Sun Oct 27, 2002 4:56 pm

Check out this page on Vehicle Importation Regulations at http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/import/
the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website.

Ghia Nut · Post by **Ghia Nut** » Sun Oct 27, 2002 6:15 pm

Under 49 U.S.C. § 30112(b)(9) (formerly section 108(i) of the Act), "any motor vehicle that is at least 25 years old" is not subject to importation restrictions. All vehicles less than 25 years old must be determined eligible for importation by one of the following methods before the vehicle may be imported under contract with a Registered Importer as described in the Vehicle Importation Guidelines.

Ummm how much for one of thoes military things?
Ouch that plus importing is to expensive

justcallmebob · Post by **justcallmebob** » Sat Nov 23, 2002 12:22 am

First...THING's refer only to1973-1974 Type-181's, built in Mexico and imported by VWofA. The 1970 car you mention is probably a military Type-181. Those built in Mexico for civilian use are usually called SAFARI's. Type-181's built anywhere before 1975 are easy to import. They were classified as multi-purpose vehicles and didn't have many safety standards to meet. For 1975 the vehicle classification was changed to passenger vehicle, effectively blocking importation.

In addition, there were several new smog laws that were changed starting in 1974.

It's just like buying a new Beetle in Mexico City, you can't just drive it into the U.S. and get it registered.

Some cars "sneak" by and get registered. The 25 year law does not seem to be applied evenly, some pass, some don't.

Owners of solid cars in Mexico generally know their value, you may get a slight deal, but don't think you will be the Frito Bandito waving around US dollars.

Shop the U.S. market first, there are lots of good solid cars for under $3,000

Bucko · Post by **Bucko** » Tue Jan 07, 2003 9:10 am

Your right on the money Bob; It is a Military 181. It has the switch on the left side dash to dim the headlights, taillights, or both. I have extra parts coming with it from another 70 as well. It also has the oval flush Bus type rear tail lights, and flag bars on the front fenders to mount military flags. I'm in the process now of having it shipped over (from Frankfurt Germany to U.S. east coast). All paperwork has been filled out to make it "legal" for registration. This set me back $1200.00, but to have a 70 181 with a pile of extra fenders, doors, etc. makes it worth the bucks I think.

justcallmebob · Post by **justcallmebob** » Tue Jan 07, 2003 8:02 pm

Bucko

Everything sounds good. 1970's are exempt from both smog and safety requirements so you shouldn't have any problems and the price seems excellent.

The military fenders are different from the THING fenders, they have provision for the smaller turn signals, like those used on earlier Bugs.

Those things on the front are called "Bush Guards"

I have heard that the 25 year law for federal safety requirements is now more recognized than even a few months ago. However, the newest car you can import and reqister in CAlifornia still seems to be 1974 and it will roll forward one year every year.

chris-181 · Post by **chris-181** » Thu Jun 19, 2003 12:46 pm

what's the price you have to pay, and interesting site for Kubel ( and all kind of cars in Germany) is www.mobile.de, go to 'suchen" search and than to VW 181, mostly there are about 20 or more for sale