International Shipping

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WALTER

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Hi,

I've located a shop (Dynotech Motosports, Oceanside, CA) that will install an s38 Motor in my '74 CS for a quote that is way south of the five figure estimates I've received. They have done this particular upgrade before on a coupe and have positive reviews for their workmanship/professionalism. Ok, so that is the good part. The tough part is that the s38 that I own is currently sitting in an '84 745i (factory special) in Pretoria, South Africa. I bought that car in 2004 while I was on embassy duty. When I left in 2006, I couldn't find anyone to buy the car for reasonable money and, to tell the truth, I always had a notion to do something with the engine. So, in my mother-in-law's driveway it sits.

Question is, how do I get the engine over here? Does anyone know a reputable international shipper? Does it make more sense to get the engine crated and shipped, or ship the whole car? If I get the whole vehicle shipped, do I have to go through the hassle of getting it titled, inspected, registered, etc. when I only intend to take the engine out and part out/scrap the rest?

Some of you may be thinking; why break apart a rare factory mod'd car? Well, truth is big, old cars don't sell in RSA (except to crazy foreigners like me), and it is a RHD, so I have little interest in driving it over here.

Thanks, everyone's advice is much appreciated as always.

Walt
 
Walter...

First of all, Dynotech will likely do a very good job as I've been there recently and am in close contact with Jesse there, who's very patient and as you say, is knowelable re: this swap.

(sending the entire car will open up import issues that are not necessary)

Sealand-Washington-226213.jpg

If it were me, I would either use Maersk SeaLand (container shipping) thru an agent there in VA for the engine and it's ancilliaries either crated up as one unit or if time is precious, have someone there dissasemble the engine and ship it FedEx in several smaller HD cartons and the block in one HD itself.

FedEX freight economy just opened up service from/to South Africa in early August of this year.

http://www.fedex.com/international/choices/freightchart.html
http://images.fedex.com/us/services/pdf/FreightPackagingGuidelines.pdf

Regards,

Ran
 
Last edited:
Thanks Ran. I checked into FEDEX and they want $3000. Yikes! I'll look into other companies, but this may turn out to be cost prohibitive. I was thinking about half that price.

Walt
 
WALTER said:
Hi,

Question is, how do I get the engine over here? Does anyone know a reputable international shipper? Does it make more sense to get the engine crated and shipped, or ship the whole car? If I get the whole vehicle shipped, do I have to go through the hassle of getting it titled, inspected, registered, etc. when I only intend to take the engine out and part out/scrap the rest?

Some of you may be thinking; why break apart a rare factory mod'd car? Well, truth is big, old cars don't sell in RSA (except to crazy foreigners like me), and it is a RHD, so I have little interest in driving it over here.

Thanks, everyone's advice is much appreciated as always.

Walt
Click to expand...

Interesting issue. In the days (gray market) I bought my csi and others in Germany and Holland. I shipped my coupe (and others) for $600 insured from Roterdam to Port of SF; that was in the '80s; the car cost $1,500. Check if you could do an entry for dismantling from your local Port Customes Broker. I used Walinius Lines (exclusive Auto transport ship); though not sure if they are still around.

Best of luck,
Jon
 
Ran,

$3000 was FEDEX's econ rate; normal rate was $5000! I'm still looking for other companies, but not many ship from RSA. Any South Africans out there that might know an international frieght shipper to the States?

Walt
 
Walt,

I see Ran gave you Walinius lines link, they were used by me many times over a five year period (through a customs broker). They may have answers.
Maybe Logistics World has some answers: http://www.logisticsworld.com/ check for customs brokers, auto transport, auto shipping...one of the customs brokers you find should be able to tell you if you can bring in a auto for parts (ie not to comply with FMVSS/DOT/State regs).

I will look for my customs brokers info, it has been years since I entered an auto.

Good luck,
Jon
 
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