Hi all - apologies in advance for yet another import question!

I have a few questions I'd really appreciate any insight on:

(assuming LHD and all VINs match, original engine, etc)

- Does US customs/EPA/etc treat the import of diesels any different than gas/petrol? As in, would they consider this an additional issue for potential rejection?

- Will customs, etc reject a vehicle, even if all the #'s match up, if it has been restored in the UK? If I restore the vehicle, paint it, clean everything up, new interior, roll bar, etc - will they treat it differently than if it was straight stock/original?

Thanks

 

Welcome to the forum Thomas.

 

Thanks!

 

I'm kind of unsure about your question? Are you in Britain right now? And looking to make the upgrades before you bring it to the states? As far as diesel goes, mine is a diesel and was imported a few years ago.

Go to Defender Source. com and you'll find more knowledgeable folks about import questions.

 

Yes, I'm in the UK right now (I split time between London and Bend, OR) and want to A) restore a Defender here in the UK and B) import it back to OR

So I understand an original diesel engine is (in theory) ok - but what about restoration/upgrades/cosmetic enhancements? If a slick, newly painted, Defender comes through with new tires and wheels, paint, lights, rack, etc - isn't it going to be flagged as not-original and be kicked back? Or does it really rest primariy on the chassis/vin/bulkhead, etc and original #'s all matching up?

Thanks!

 

From what l understand, by reading posts on Defender Source, it mainly has to do with matching numbers; engine, vin, frame, etc. Condition means little to nothing, as far as l know. Some come through in pretty rough shape and others have all of the upgrades done beforehand, since parts/modifications/facilities are more readily available there. Height may be an issue, if you are considering roof rack, have read where several folks run into problems with shipping containers being to low to accomodate extra height.

I'd join this site and ask several questions there.

https://www.defendersource.com/forums/

Good luck.

 

Thanks!

 

Its a very black and white answer, original configuration, inclusive of engine/transmission installed and body configuration (eg, don't swap to a galvy frame if it didn't originally have it and don't convert to LHD from RHD prior to import) is what is required for import. Do any changes in the states after its cleared customs. This also includes swapping to a different diesel prior to shipping.

- Does US customs/EPA/etc treat the import of diesels any different than gas/petrol? As in, would they consider this an additional issue for potential rejection?
Not if its the original type/configuration as described on the VIN

- Will customs, etc reject a vehicle, even if all the #'s match up, if it has been restored in the UK? If I restore the vehicle, paint it, clean everything up, new interior, roll bar, etc - will they treat it differently than if it was straight stock/original? It depends on what you mean by restored, changing certain integral parts (like the frame) vs fixing damage/rust are looked at differently. Its safest to import it as "straight stock/original" using your words.