Crossing border with a ROW rebuild

[Overlander]

so as I'm toying with my next 110 build, I'm likely going to go with a ROW. When i bought my last 110 back in 06, I went with an NAS because ROW's were really available at the time. Now I have options.

My main build focus is an extremely reliable and legal 110. Legal from the standpoint of legal importation, legal for registration in my home state (NC) and legal when coming back to US across Mexican borders when I travel South.

the first 2 are easy and known issues that are of no concern with the proper amount of due diligence. The last is the worry.

I want to take a legally imported row 110, and give it a PMA bulkhead/dash, PUMA doors and seats, galvanized frame and the new ISF cummins power train.

Anyone have experience with some of these well done ROW rebuilds and crossing borders for re-entry into the US?

 

[The_Vermonster]

Why not import a beater from the UK? Or find someone is the US that already got burned by an ebay listing

If you're taking the time and money to make a "PUMA" it makes sense to buy the cheapest, most beat up vehicle possible.

 

[chris snell]

You're coming back with U.S. plates. You won't have any problem because you're not "importing" a vehicle. You'll get the standard "Are you a U.S. citizen?" question and you'll be on your way.

I've heard--but am not 100% sure--that going OCONUS to Germany or Korea for a few years can be an issue. I don't know if it's possible to slap your (current) U.S. plates on a truck that's being shipped back from an overseas duty station when it's been out of the U.S. for an extended period.

 

[xplorutah]

No help...

Seems to me I read somewhere that if the truck is out of country for 1+ years that you would/may have to go through the process to re-import. I want to say someone with knowledge on importing mentioned it in a thread similar to this, but please I can be, and am often wrong! First thing to go is memory!

 

[jymmiejamz]

Seems to me I read somewhere that if the truck is out of country for 1+ years that you would/may have to go through the process to re-import. I want to say someone with knowledge on importing mentioned it in a thread similar to this, but please I can be, and am often wrong! First thing to go is memory!

That is my understanding as well.

I actually have some concerns about driving my truck out of the country since there is no VIN stamp on the frame.

 

[mongosd2]

We just did a trip to Baja Mexico with a imported 1983 we did a engine swap/TD5 dash on and had zero issues crossing the border in either direction...

 

[Overlander]

We just did a trip to Baja Mexico with a imported 1983 we did a engine swap/TD5 dash on and had zero issues crossing the border in either direction...

My question was about post rebuildpost domestic registration travel. I think you just clearly alleviated my concerns. Perfect example.

Btw, i would not consider my plan a PUMA build, since Im not planning a PUMA tdci powertrain. Doors, seats and dash only.

 

[JohnsD90]

That is my understanding as well.

I actually have some concerns about driving my truck out of the country since there is no VIN stamp on the frame.

I drove across the border and they didn't even ask what my reg was (no front plate), he was curious about RHD being an issue in the states, we said it was legit and Rob grabbed the spare steering wheel from the back and pretended to drive. He laughed and passed us along.

 

[Jeff B]

That is my understanding as well.

I actually have some concerns about driving my truck out of the country since there is no VIN stamp on the frame.

Mine has no VIN on the frame and neither does any truck that has had a galvy swapped chassis.


.

 

[DefendersNW]

Mine has no VIN on the frame and neither does any truck that has had a galvy swapped chassis.
.

Almost accurate...

Vehicle is not being exported ("Export" refers to the transportation of merchandise out of the U.S. for the purpose of being entered into the commerce of a foreign country.) but is allowed on foreign soil under the rules of the country entered into. Mexico for example allows up to 6-consecutive months of temporary use of a foreign registered vehicle with a Tourist Visa, longer with Diplomatic or other special permissions. There is no restriction on returning your US registered vehicle to the USA assuming no changes assuming the registration is kept current.