Building from Canadian resident living in the states temporarily

[Bill Reynolds]

I am close to purchasing a factory five hot rod kit car. I am a Canadian resident living in the Chicago area for the next 2 1/2 years before returning home. I understand that the Canadian version is missing several components from the US version, and then you purchace the kit completion components separately. What I have been told is that I cannot build the US version in the states and move it to Canada due to regulations. I wonder if anyone knows if I can purchase the Canadian version, ship it to Ontario Canada, register it with the department of transport getting an Ont. ownership as an uncertified vehicle, and then asI am here in the US under a working visa, bring the registered kit back to the US since it is I believe fully registered and assemble it here. Do you think I will have difficulties bringing it back then? I would buy the completion kit and do the same thing if needed, but would rather buy the completion kit here, assemble everything hopefully including the motor, tranny and rear end, brakes etc. I cannot get a clear answer from the department of transport, and just wonder if anyone has been in this position or can offer any thoughts. Thank you.

[billjr212]

i can't help with your question but I suspect a lot of phone calls are in your future to get a clear answer from Canadian customs and the Ontario Ministry of Transportation. Where about in Chicago are you? I am in the southwest suburbs (Frankfort) and I know there are a few others scattered around the suburbs.

[Jester]

Bill

I am not sure if this has been done previously however I suspect there would be a high risk of the vehicle being seized by customs on the return trip to Canada as the kit would have been originally imported for assembly in Canada.

For the cost you may be better off buying a new Vette when you get to the US and revisit the FFR build idea when you return to Canada.

Good Luck

[AC Bill]

Federal govt doesn't do the registering, its done by the province.
I doubt you could get it registered in any province in Canada, without the car being completed and passing the provincial vehicle testing. it's the only way I know you could get a VIN for it.
The reason we can bring the FFR kit into Canada, is because it's just considered parts, not a vehicle of any sort, so even if there is some sort of "uncertified vehicle" ownership, I still think you'd be up a creek.

[Bill Reynolds]

I am in Naperville. I would like to discuss with you about the whole build process, donor vs. non donor path to completion etc. I would be happy to travel and see what you have done. I am very serious about building from scratch vs. restoring from old and would love to pick your brain.
Thanks for the response.