New Bay import or not

[Deakin]

Hi Peeps

Im looking to buy my first bay soon and want a early bay that i can do up i.e a project bus so im trying to find out as much info as i can as i will be new to this world.
I keep seeing alot of rust free/almost free early bays for sale via import that need work would this the a good choice to start with seeing as the prices are good?. However they talk about buyer paying import tax and unloading fees etc does anyone know what you have to pay for a import what paperwork you need? and how do you make it road legal for the uk?, does it keep its foreign plate?

Know theres a lot there sorry hope you get the idea

Jamie

 

[AGC]

Welcome to the forum ... You could do a lot worse than speak to Graham at Midland Early Bay. He knows all about importing. He also has a good selection of reasonably priced vans alrerady here so removing the hassle of importing yourself.

http://www.midlandearlybay.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Good luck

 

[bermuda blue]

Yep - Graham is your man , some outline facts :
Allow at least £1600 for port fee's/paperwork and stuff.....if importing You will need it trailed from a Port to you (£).
You will need enough mechanical work done to achieve an MOT(£),
then you can Register (and then No plates).

Amount of work to get it to MOT varies per Bus obviously.....but at least lights/brakes.

All the best -JIM.

 

[A5H]

But an imported bus is still your best bet. Rotted panels and chassis parts cost a lot more cash and time than getting a reasonably rust-free import on the road.

 

[Deakin]

Thanks everyone for the help and advice as always

 

[bermuda blue]

Whoops - just to be clear -
my posting above might be read as duties & fees costing £1600 -
I meant total shipping/duty/fees etc; allow £1600 -1800 all up (varies
port to port), for example look at Juan's bus for sale on here under
'69 Westy ready to go (ib-bus) advert.

Cheers -JIM.

 

[rustydiver]

Have a looks at gods good?? He sells good busses at a grea price Inc shipping.
I've got a English rot box and a USA solid one. I wouldn't waste my money on a uk bus, but there are still some good ones out there. I would go for a good solid imported one.

 

[Nugsy]

As with rustydiver

Got a UK bus i spent 2 years welding and grinding to fit new panels, lost it in a fire, insurance paid out.

I had the choice of another Rusty UK bus or a Rot (not rust) free US bus for the same kind of money. I chose the US bus arrived today and better than the pics. Got it from Gods Good (Darren) and Graham helped with all the import stuff. Well happy with both.

Darren (gods good) has a nice looking 72 crossover deluxe at present i the for sale section that would do you proud (honest i'm not on commision)

 

[Clem]

If you are put off the importing process yourself then buy a ready imported van. There are loads around in the various classified ads on VW forums ... loads of imported projects waiting for a dose of TLC

Like many others, after living with the ongoing battle of a long term UK van, having an import made life sooo much sweeter.