Calif. Air Resource Board(CARB): What to expect on import?

[the_last1]

Ok. So im working on the import process in the restrictive lands of california. Now i have worked out most of the kinks with the DMV, DOT, customs and EPA. So that leads me to the first problem that must be dealt with. CARB. A letter of "certificate of conformance" stating its up to california's emissions, which i find ironic since the dmv classifies my diesel as exempt. Oh yeah the vehicle 1990 vw doka syncro with 1.6 td (original engine). I would appriciate any info on any vehicle that has had to deal with them and what i could expect cost wise. Im sure the rabbit hole goes deep.......

[ThankYouJerry]

Why wouldn't it be "exempt" since it's an original 1.6 turbo diesel engine that's also 25 years old? Have you spoken to them (CARB)?
_________________
1990 Multivan - "Ohana"
1.8T, Auto w/3.27 R&P + Peloquin TBD

[the_last1]

Any vehicle imported into california is considered a grey market vehicle from what i was told by a lady who couldnt answer any of my questions. So it must pass their standards set up by the air board. Crazy. I am half tempted to just go to the dmv, ask for a title to be issued and then see if they refer me to a smog station. Remember imports dont ha e smog barcodes so they will probably send me to a referee and he will tell me i need a letter saying its complience. Sounds straight forward, but the air board has strict emission standards. I know people have imported cars into california....would love to get some of their perspectives!!

[RCB]

[tjet]

Keep your eyes open for an OBD exemption decal that were placed on the inside of the rear license plate door.

Here's one that just sold. If you email the seller, ask if they can send you a photo of the decal

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=1736076

[the_last1]

Thanks foe the heads up on the sticker. Will keep my eyes peeled! Anyone have any first hand experience with the process? Should i try the dmv first?

[hdenter]

Rule one when dealing with government agencies: It is always better to beg forgiveness than ask permission...

Hans
_________________
'79 triple white convertible bug
'84 sunroof vanagon
'85 weekender

[j_dirge]

[j_dirge]

[the_last1]

j_dirge
Solid advice! I will hit the DMV first. I also live in a county that does not have smog so maybe luck will be on my side! i will keep everyone posted and make a full write up to aid others. Im still interested in anyone who has gone through a full european import process in califorina!

[tjet]

[Chuey]

Good luck to you. I would write something like the two very sarcastic and pessimistic posts above. But, that's only because of what I've been through.

You can read what happened to me if you search through this board for threads with Doka in the title. Maybe Swedish or Sweden, as well.

My truck easily passes smog but the DOT folks tell me it's not legal even though it had a $6,000.00+ importing process done to it in 2006. They told me my truck would have to go to a "lab" but there is not even a lab for it to go to! Catch 22.

I hope yours goes easier. Mine is gasoline 2.1 stock. I'll be watching to see if the diesel-ness of yours makes a difference.

Again, I hope your experience is smoother than mine.

Chuey

[the_last1]

Thanks for the encouragment. Also what is the advantage of having the exempt sticker? Did they have those for diesels? Well should be here soon and then ill knoe if it can stay in the state or not! Ill keep people posted on the progress.

[the_last1]

Doka-heads

As promised im coming back to report my findings and update the import process. Recap:

1. Found doka on german website. Used Busman for european side of paperwork.(english bill of sale, shipping process, make sure the car is what it says, transport to port, etc) well worth it.
2. Doka shipped and arrived in Port hueneme 3 weeks later. As i did not have a broker i did all the paperwork and filling myself. Shipping line sent me "title"(european one is wierd) bill of sale, and everything that busman had arranged. Once here mailed two copies to customs at arriving port. Also filled out DOT and EPA forms of compliance. Because mine was over 25 years old, easy as pie. No broker needed. No hassle with emissions or speedo or check engine light..etc.
3. Drive to customs, signed and walked out with stamps and seal of aproval. (got lucky based on purchased price didnt have to pay duties, or chicken tax....literally nothing)
4. Drove to port, because its a secure facility must have an escort. Arranged a guy for 50 bucks me with uhaul trailer in tow, drove me in and took me to shipping line. Paid the $252 of port fees and whatever they did.(moved it to parking lot) loaded the beast and drove home. Done.
Next up registration......success unclear.

Numbers

Doka syncro 1.6 td w/locker 3800
Ro/Ro shipping belgium to l.a. 1400
Busman fees varies
Customs....n/a
Port and escort. 302

Sitting in driveway priceless. Hahaa
This is one persons experience. Not by the book or how things should/could go. Good luck

Now things get interesting. registration

[tjet]

Did you contact BenTsyncro?

[hdenter]

Because of it's age and that it is a diesel, registration should be simple. There is no smog requirement. You may have to get a brake and light inspection, but that shouldn't be too difficult. Might need to make sure all the lights are DOT approved. Do make sure that any light switch that is installed has a working light to go with it. When I titled my Yukon salvage there was an aux light switch on the dash so I had to install them.

Congratulations and good Luck!

Hans
_________________
'79 triple white convertible bug
'84 sunroof vanagon
'85 weekender

[Merian]

[hdenter]

Twenty years of self employment has proven this to be true, unfortunately. Want to put a new sign on your building that is just like the old one... Permit from city, archetural review committee, blah, blah, blah... It cost more in fees to put up the sign than the cost to have a 3x6 painted sign made. I don't advocate doing remodeling or other dangerous work without permission, but all too often cities want to rubber stamp minor changes just so they can charge you hundreds of dollars. The DMV is no different. If you can walk in and make a simple request and have the most pertinent documents with you, there is no need to ask for more hoops to jump through. If the DMV person starts asking for anything beyond verifying that it is a Diesel, just remind them that pre'96 diesels do not need a smog Inspection. There is a thread about that here somewhere. Never once has the DMV ever tried to penalize me for trying to get around something. In fact, a pleasant demeanor and courtisey has often brought a reduction in fees.

Hans
_________________
'79 triple white convertible bug
'84 sunroof vanagon
'85 weekender

[the_last1]

So i have been getting alot of emails and questions regarding the Registration Process with an import.

https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/?1dmy&urile=wcm:path:/dmv_content_en/dmv/vr/smogfaq

https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/wcm/connect/9a6796b2...&CVID=

This is what the DMV is now trying to use as a way of keeping ordinary people from importing Cars that do not meet emission standards. Really reaching here, i know. It clearly states anything After 1980 needs to have a letter. Even though the DMV CLEARLY states anything prior to 1998 is smog exempt. IF anyone one else is clearly confused, welcome to the club. Luckly I registered mine prior to them using this Health code as a weapon.

2005 California Health and Safety Code Sections 43150-43156 Article 1.5. Prohibited Transactions

So All this being said, if you find a car that you just can't live without, and you are bringing it in from another country, or trying to buy from another state, Look into a reputable California Registered Importer. The odds now of being able to do it on your own are very slim. Possible? yes, unlikely, Yes. There are plenty of people i know who have bought a vehicle that was imported and registered in another state and tried to register it here and were denied. The import process is full of dark shadows, and doors that need to be bypassed in California. Having all the paperwork, and the RIGHT paperwork are key. IF anything was mislabeled or not written down correctly it could jeopardize your registration in California only. Other states are far more forgiving. Hope this helps. GOOD LUCK
_________________
1991 Multivan
1990 Syncro Doka
The shallow end of the pool..is where the turds float

[scmatthew]

Thanks the_last1. This is incredibly frustrating.
This is from the first link:Does my vehicle qualify for a smog exemption?
Smog inspections are required unless your vehicle is:

Gasoline powered 1975 year model or older
Diesel powered 1997 year model and older or with a Gross Vehicle Weight rating (GVWR) of more than 14,000 lbs
Electric
Natural gas powered with a GVWR rating of more than 14,000 lbs.
Motorcycle