Hi Daniel,
I have been through the whole process a couple of times now, and know exactly what you are talking about. (I have a 1970 and a 1990)
Each time I called one of the authorities, as an example, the rta, I was told a different thing each time I called!
Its a bit of a joke.
Anyway, for starters, have you found a transport/shipping company yet?
I recommend Smith International Freight.
They help you the import approval, and I know they can help you with some of the questions you have regarding payment of gst (when the car arrives - for a 1970 car, you only have to pay for the gst, not import duty), and quarantine (which unless the car is brand new, basically you will have to pay for steam cleaning when it arrives, and then another quarantine inspection fee - the first quarantine inspection fee is included in the shipping cost, but it will basically fail this and will need steam cleaning then a second inspection fee).
His name is Nick Smith:
Smith International Freight
Castlemaine 2 Goldsmiths Crs 3450
(03) 5470 6411, smithint@netcon.net.au
A number of people from the corvette club have used his services now. Tell him Alex from the corvette club.
I did plenty of research (as I'm sure you are), Nick was the most pleasant and helpful of all the companies I spoke to, and also very well priced, and also he ships into all cities (including Sydney), and so you don't have to worry about paying for extra transport from Brisbane to Sydney.
Re Rego. You do not need engineering (your right, because it is pre adr's). What you will need is a weigh certificate and a blue slip. Also your bill of sale and clear title. then you will be able to get full rego.
You will need to change the head lights (so they dip to the left). I did this myself. I bought some headlights from auto one (didn't cost much at all) and it only took about 30 minutes. A few places people recommended to me to get this done wanted $500 ...what a joke.
You don't need to change the indicator bulbs or lenses (some people will tell you that you do).
where abouts in Sydney are you? I can recommend the blue slip place I went to for my 70. This place does the weigh bridge certificate , so its really handy....(cause they have the machine at their workshop).
Also, I got my car transported from Sydneham (thats where I picked my car up from), on a flat bed. cost about $220 I think...to the Northshore (but I got it transported to a blue slip place that didn't know the laws, and he was a real stuff wit, so I got the transport company to take it home).
Anything else you may want to ask, don't hesitate.
good work dude, 70 corvettes rule btw!
Alex