Temperary Import Of Us Vehicles For Restoration

[Kohn Ferang]

I am looking for people and agents to be involved in my new business venture, I will bring vintage cars from USA to Thailand for restoration and return, I am now in USA buying cars but an having difficulty in finding a customs agent or Lawyer who can confirm customs regulations. I am also looking for a bonding company who will cover the cars on the temporary import. (I need a bond to guarantee the payment of Duty in the event I do not reexport the car)

I will need a condo in the Bang-Na area with Parking for a container or alternate parking for a container in a bonded customs warehouse, does anybody know anything about this? I need the be there and here at the same time

Ideas?

--

With Best Regards From

Ross and Eye Barker

Phone, 360-893-8835

8 AM to 8PM PST

[danone]

never heard of a biz idea that smells like more trouble.

leave it.

keep your hands off.

out of the window with it.

you'll most certainly end up ruined, even if some wiseass promises you the opposite.

never think about importing a car - except if you're a diplomat of course. but thats a one-time-import.

again: custom authorities will screw you to death.

rather think about bringing some thai restoration boys to the US.

[xbusman]

Dont throw it out too quickly. I think this might be possible by bringing it into one of the Free Enterprise Zones and keeping it in a bonded and secured work area. You would have to build your own facilities because you cant let the body out for repairs but I think it could be done. Actually, I think its a great idea except you are going to need an awesome support team to find parts needed and keep the restorations organized. Its enough of a chore in America with skilled labor and Auto Zone next door. I know, I have done hundreds.

With enough money, its really not a bad concept. The main cost in any restoration by far is labor. The skill set is here for getting it done, just not the engineering experience or planning ability. To successfully do a restoration, timing is everything, good luck getting that schedule to work here.

[qualtrough]

I have thought that this might be a good idea for some time but do not have the capital or expertise to set it up. As a previous reader pointed out, you would need to set it up in a free-enterprise zone so that you can import and export the cars back out without problem. As I think the same person also pointed out, and as I am sure you know, labor takes the lion's share of any restoration costs, so it can be done here it could work.

I think your biggest hurdle will be finding someone who will understand the high standards that have to be maintained and who will ensure that the crew working for you understand that as well. There are a lot of skilled workmen here, but they often do not apply those skills consistently. Often just enough is good enough. I run a small business sourcing items for people seeking restoration parts overseas. One of the biggest problems is getting the point across that what I want must be 100% like the original. Not almost, not close, but the same in appearance and function. That can be very tough. If you are not going to be breathing down their necks you will need someone who shares your vision to be here full time doing just that. If you turn your back for a second you will find that shortcuts have been taken or work done to a sub-par standard.

I wish you luck with your endeavour. Feel free to PM me to discuss any time.

[chav]

Hi Ross,

I am currently discussing this concept with a couple of collegues. Actually a very feasable proposal for restorations / repairs and conversions. (the later which is our current business). Operated in an EPZ (Export processing zone) no need for any bonds.

Current topic of discussion is where to get the vehicles and who are target the customers; if you are able to help with that side we should talk.

Gavin

[Kohn Ferang]

Dont throw it out too quickly. I think this might be possible by bringing it into one of the Free Enterprise Zones and keeping it in a bonded and secured work area. You would have to build your own facilities because you cant let the body out for repairs but I think it could be done. Actually, I think its a great idea except you are going to need an awesome support team to find parts needed and keep the restorations organized. Its enough of a chore in America with skilled labor and Auto Zone next door. I know, I have done hundreds.

With enough money, its really not a bad concept. The main cost in any restoration by far is labor. The skill set is here for getting it done, just not the engineering experience or planning ability. To successfully do a restoration, timing is everything, good luck getting that schedule to work here.

Does anybody know what it might cost for work shop space in one of the Free Enterprise Zones? A Restoration can go on for years, especially if I must come back and forth to USA for parts. Sorry for the Delay, I wasn't properly subscribed.

[Maestro]

The original post is about

1. finding a customs agent or lawyer to confirm customs regulations

2. finding a bonding company who will cover the cars on the temporary import

3. finding a parking space for a shipping container

I don’t have the answers. Does anybody else?

--

Maestro

[Kohn Ferang]

I don’t have the answers. Does anybody else?

--

Maestro

The only thing for sure about anything in Thailand is "Nothing is for sure"

[mikethevigoman]

I am looking for people and agents to be involved in my new business venture, I will bring vintage cars from USA to Thailand for restoration and return, I am now in USA buying cars but an having difficulty in finding a customs agent or Lawyer who can confirm customs regulations. I am also looking for a bonding company who will cover the cars on the temporary import. (I need a bond to guarantee the payment of Duty in the event I do not reexport the car)

I will need a condo in the Bang-Na area with Parking for a container or alternate parking for a container in a bonded customs warehouse, does anybody know anything about this? I need the be there and here at the same time

Ideas?

--

With Best Regards From

Ross and Eye Barker

Phone, 360-893-8835

8 AM to 8PM PST

You need to ask the proper people if its been done before, its a minefield here to import anything and automobiles top the list, use extreme caution,.

[A_Traveller]

Looked at this myself, but some years ago, both for restoration and possibly build to order {e.g. kits}. Problems seemed to be from a customs perspective that they didn't get the concept, think they kept looking for the fiddle to be honest. The Free Zone looked possible but no one seemed to be able to provide firm advice from the authorities side which was strong enough. I kept having visions of kit & vehicles trapped here. I'm not that risk averse but I could never get a comfortable feeling about this, so it never went forward.

Regards

PS Feel free to PM to chat more if anyone wishes.

[mikethevigoman]

Looked at this myself, but some years ago, both for restoration and possibly build to order {e.g. kits}. Problems seemed to be from a customs perspective that they didn't get the concept, think they kept looking for the fiddle to be honest. The Free Zone looked possible but no one seemed to be able to provide firm advice from the authorities side which was strong enough. I kept having visions of kit & vehicles trapped here. I'm not that risk averse but I could never get a comfortable feeling about this, so it never went forward.

Regards

PS Feel free to PM to chat more if anyone wishes.

Your experience and views sound about right to me,. i reckon they would assume that it was a scam and that the cars could possibly go missing or something,. it is possible in cambodia, i did 17 containers of motorcycles .imported from japan, renovated and sent on to the uk,no problem,.

[LivinLOS]

Would 6 months not be enough time for a renovation..

6 months can be done on the transit bond relatively easily.

[Kohn Ferang]

Would 6 months not be enough time for a renovation..

6 months can be done on the transit bond relatively easily.

Thank-You LivenLOS, This too was my first idea, I contacted Thai Customs in Washington DC for conformation, they told me not, this would not be allowable due to intent as I was abusing the law or using it for purposes beyond it's intent, they then directed me to a 600 Page website and refused to answer any further questions.

Further I would like to combine shipping and bring perhaps 8 cars dismantled and stuffed into one container, this would further water down the concept of a Transit Visa

I then sent some 30 to 40 eMails to import agents in Thailand, I got 2 responses and only one which made any sense, she checked and responded I would have to go to Thai Customs myself in Bangkok and negotiate the transaction.

I have some 12 or 15 '60's Convertibles sitting here in my barn and shop, if I cannot find some way to get clearance from here I will probably restore them one at a time by myself. A waste because my wife would love to come back to Thailand regularly as would I, certainly preferable to rebuilding cars myself at 51 years old.

Whats more, do something in 6 months? In Thailand? Fat Chance.

--

With Best Regards From

Ross and Eye Barker

Phone, 360-893-8835

8 AM to 8PM PST

[qualtrough]

Rather wait for answers here, which may or may not be correct, you should contact one of the forum sponsors, Sunbelt Asia. Run what you propose by them and they can advise you on it. I have no connection with them, but have used their services successfully in the past.

[Clipped]

for vehicle transport service contact 'Vehicle Transport' they can do the containers, also look up Soni motors...you will need someone who is already in the business with connections and grease money to get things rolling.

both these companies are situated next to each other on 'On Nut' road on the way to the airport...across the street is Manheim-Asia, auctioneers.

if you want to sell some of the cars here, i can help you out .. send PM

wouldnt happen to have a mustang fastback would ya!?!?

[LivinLOS]

wouldnt happen to have a mustang fastback would ya!?!?

Like this

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?sh...p;#entry1450884

I know its not original.. But she looks slick !!

[LivinLOS]

Would 6 months not be enough time for a renovation..

6 months can be done on the transit bond relatively easily.

Thank-You LivenLOS, This too was my first idea, I contacted Thai Customs in Washington DC for conformation, they told me not, this would not be allowable due to intent as I was abusing the law or using it for purposes beyond it's intent, they then directed me to a 600 Page website and refused to answer any further questions.

Further I would like to combine shipping and bring perhaps 8 cars dismantled and stuffed into one container, this would further water down the concept of a Transit Visa

I then sent some 30 to 40 eMails to import agents in Thailand, I got 2 responses and only one which made any sense, she checked and responded I would have to go to Thai Customs myself in Bangkok and negotiate the transaction.

I have some 12 or 15 '60's Convertibles sitting here in my barn and shop, if I cannot find some way to get clearance from here I will probably restore them one at a time by myself. A waste because my wife would love to come back to Thailand regularly as would I, certainly preferable to rebuilding cars myself at 51 years old.

Whats more, do something in 6 months? In Thailand? Fat Chance.

--

With Best Regards From

Ross and Eye Barker

Phone, 360-893-8835

8 AM to 8PM PST

Agree that its not the intent of the law.. but then proving 'intent' is a very tough thing and Thailands grey areas are so wide it would nto concern me in the least.

Secondly tho the issue of group shipping multiple vehicles would make this a very tough sell.. And then restoring them all in short period (instead of as a hobby over time) or the nightmare of visa running them all at once would just make things hellish.. I would say this would be a one at a time game for sure. They would have to be running to drive over the border point too !! Also this should be done at a land border not BKK as they are easier targets I hear.

The next thing I am thinking tho is this.. Car parts are taxed but not so much as cars.. The issue here is the lack of ability to drive finished cars on the road or legally register them. The option of bringing in car parts (I met a german who was bringing in dismatled cars, like BMW and Merc, from Germany to be sold as parts.. He also would 'rebuild' the cars with any wrecked Thai cars papers.. Seemed the parts alone was a profit enterprise and the rebuilds were gravy) and them making a non road legal car (to be exported again) may be an option to investigate.