Thoughts on getting a Double Cab (Go to mexico)

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ckiablick
Posts: 24
Joined: Tue Feb 26, 2008 11:34 pm

Thoughts on getting a Double Cab (Go to mexico)

Post by ckiablick »

I'm in, or soon to be in the market for an old Double Cab (pre 67). I've started looking around, but there rarity, and lack of existence in the northeast without extensive rust is limiting the possibility. Because of this, combined with the market in the U.S. being so "hot" for these, I've come to the following conclusion... Go to mexico and bring one back.

The reason for my post is to ask if anyone has expierence doing this, and what potential problems I might run into?

Granted, it may take some time to locate one there, 1. It would be in better condition (less corrosion) than any around here, 2. Likely cost far less being in a country where they seem to be in more of an abundance (existant at all).

Once here, I could "sell" to a friend in Vermont, where title is not needed and VIN inspection could be made for lost title; getting me paperwork.

But, are the VIN's used during that time period for Mexican models any different than ours? Besides simple things (like kmph as opposed to mph) are there any major differences I should watch out for in the actual physical components?

My plan would likely be to modify (Cal look) and replace motor (possibly trans too) with later version.

Before hitting a wall, I wanted to see what others thought?
busman78
Posts: 625
Joined: Thu Feb 13, 2003 12:01 am

Post by busman78 »

What makes you think it would be in better condition? In Mexico vehicles like that or any vehicle for that matter get used, not like in the USA where a vehicle can be a weekend pleasure vehicle and get lavished with dollars. Course that does not mean there isn't any to be had.

Yes there seems to be more AC VW's in Mexico and rightfully so since the ending of them for sale to the USA, South & Central American countries ended up with a lot of them, mainly cause manufacturing was there. They were new models, you are after a 50 plus year old vehicle style. Any AC VW produced after 1979 does not have emissions and NHSTA approval and can not be brought into the USA legally, nor can it be modified. Meeting emissions would be fairly simple, the NHSTA would be impossible.

You need to do some serious research on what it will take to bring the vehicle across the border, the age will possibly exempt it from emissions and NHTSA requirements. Import is import and you would not want to have it confiscated at the border. Not just by US Customs but Mexican authorities.
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MNAirHead
Posts: 9570
Joined: Mon Sep 08, 2003 6:12 am

Post by MNAirHead »

I've brought stuff into the states.. overall it's lower cost to pay a higher price domestically.

Deeper in Latin America are better deals...


T.
wildthings
Posts: 1171
Joined: Thu Jun 03, 2004 12:42 am

Post by wildthings »

Never seen a double cab in Mexico, and certainly not an earlier one. The heat and humidity in much of Mexico wastes out vehicles pretty fast if they were even there in the first place. If you want an older vehicle in good condition try any of the Pacific coast states and the southwest.
ckiablick
Posts: 24
Joined: Tue Feb 26, 2008 11:34 pm

Post by ckiablick »

Alright guys, thanks for the advice! I still have a bit or research to do before any further steps are to be taken. I was more than anything, trying to test the logistics of the idea. It would definately be a downer to have it confiscated at the boarder ... especially after paying for it! What makes me think I could find one in better condition than here... is that I live in the NorthEast; its likely to be in better shape than what I'm used to trying to revive of rusty piles (and may be looking to incorporate a trip to mexico... its been a long winter).

I also realize that because of the mexican based production of bugs, there large presence in the country may be misleading as to the actual quantity of double cabs. Further elaborating, because I've seen so many bugs there, I assume that associated vehicles within the VW production may also be, when that may not be the truth.

I'm open to any other ideas as well...
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