GTM Registration - I Need a Hug (Long Read, but Informative)
This deserves its own thread (because I said so). Let me tell you, I used every curse word in the dictionary across seven languages over the past two days,
however I'm only fluent in two!
While getting my, "ducks in a row" for certification, I called Canada Customs to obtain a B15 Casual Goods Form, as well as a Vehicle Import Form (as instructed
by the local Ministry of Transportation). These forms are required for KIT CARS ... which is what I thought I was registering. It turns out, that's not the case.
As you may know my kit was purchased used, and has gone through two previous owners: original import through British Columbia, and then sold to a guy
in North Bay. When buying the car, I was given the FFR serial plate, and the Certificate of Origin. That is all the seller had, and that is all I figured was
required for transfer according to my research.
When calling Customs I was told that the B15 Casual Goods, and Vehicle Import forms should have been supplied when the kit entered Canada. When
explaining that I bought the kit used, I ran into a bunch of brick walls. Initially, I was directed to British Columbia Customs to obtain the documents from
2007 when the import occurred. Unfortunately due to privacy & security reasons, I was not allowed access to the forms. The officer suggested that I contact
the original owner.
Luckily Google turned up a phone number by using the information found on the Certificate of Origin. I called the number, and left an awkward voice message
on whom I prayed was the original owner's answering machine.
Next day, still hadn't heard back so the onslaught of phone calling resumed. After about fourteen separate calls to ten different agencies; getting bounced
back, and forth, the conclusion was that American Made kit cars are not admissible into Canada under any circumstance. They are not listed as a
"Compliance vehicle" under the Transport Canada regulation.
Confused, and lost yet? I sure was!
Out of desperation I called Mr. Ed Konda from Ontario Kit Car Builders. Surely, he could tell me how he registered two GTM's within the same province
that I reside! Ed had no hand in this mess, but he took the time out of his busy schedule to shed some light on the subject. According to him, I was doing
everything correctly.
Frustrated call, after frustrated call, NOBODY could tell me how to obtain the documents to register my car. Transport Canada wanted to send somebody
to my house to inspect the car (for a fee), but insisted that my GTM could not be legally licensed in Ontario.
Sooooo...I spoke with Al Beix from Western Canada Cobras. He too owed me nothing, but spent about ten minutes on the phone trying to find records
of transfer when GTM #105 changed hands from British Columbia to North Bay, Ontario. As luck would have it, no customs documents could be found in
Al's records because the original owner imported the kit privately. Al Beix did however provide me with the owner's e-mail, and cell phone!!! He also told
me that I'm supposed to register the GTM as a STARTER KIT, NOT A KIT CAR!
This is very important, because they are two entirely different items in the eyes of Transport Canada! OH MY GOD! Could they not figure it out after I
explained that I put the car together myself, with parts from Ontario, and that several other GTM's were already registered in Ontario!?! :mad: Maybe I'm
slow, but COME ON! Anyway, here are some interesting links to read through:
http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/roadsafety/t...04-faq-689.htm
http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/roadsafety/t...4-menu-685.htm
With some light at the end of the tunnel, proper terminology, and an e-mail sent to the first buyer of GTM #105, my blood pressure settled back to a manageable
level.
A few hours later, one of the most important e-mails turned up in my Inbox!!! It was like winning the lottery because after six years, he STILL KEPT THE
ORIGINAL DOCUMENTATION!
What I need is a B15 Casual Goods Form, and a Transport Canada - Declaration to Import Form.
The Declaration to Import Form is filled out, and faxed to Transport Canada. They review the request, and issue an Authorizing Letter
stating that your delivery is admissible into Canada under the Traffic Act!
With these documents at my side, I will attempt to register my STARTER KIT some time next week.
If you buy a used kit car...which is actually a STARTER KIT, make damn certain you have the Certificate of Origin, the Serial Number, a Declaration Form, the
B15 Causal Goods Form, and the Authorization Letter. Beyond that, you will also need a Vehicle Safety/Certification, and Proof of Insurance. Also have your
receipts handy just in case.
Keep this in mind when buying a used kit. Hopefully I saved someone a few years of aging.
Related Thread: http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showt...-Kit-Purchase)
Thank you to:
Ed Konda
Al Beix
The Original Owner (name withheld for privacy)
I learned a great deal about life today.
