Importing & Converting to RHD a C5

[Steeler]

Hi,
I am a new member to the forum, and am interested in Importing and converting to RHD a corvette C5,
I contacted John Cain here in Newcastle NSW, and he suggested it was too difficult, and I should look for one already here and converted,
I have read the links on importing, it suggests I have to have owned, and used the vehicle in the USA for a year before I can import it?
I see lots of nice vettes advertised on the net, just want to get my hands on a silver, manual, convertible with black leather, what are my chances?
any help appreciated!
Rgds
Terry.

[Cameron 77C3]

As far as I know you can import any car ya like.  The thing about owning it in the states for 'X' amount of time is to do with import duites I think.  If you had owned it in the states it's cheaper to bring it in.  Most of the gang just ship em over and pay what they have to. I'll stand corrected on any of this.

There are a few lads that are shipping vettes at the moment.  I'm sure one or two will pop in and bring ya up to speed on cost etc.

The conversion is a differnt story and again there are lads that will pop in and let ya know.

Cam

[smokem]

You may choose to import a C5 privately no problem but will need to have a person certified with RAWS to arrange import approval. So simply contact one of these people that can convert the vehicle for you and disscuss the matter.
The subject of owning the vehicle overseas for 12 mths is NOT primarily to reduce the duty but as another method of gaining import approval,which I'm guessing is not an avenue for you . So talk to a converter and go from there . You CAN import a C5 !
Go to "  www.raws.com.au/home.asp   "

[Steeler]

You are correct, I live in Nelson Bay NSW, so could not own and use a C5 in the US for a year,
so RAWS appears the way to go,
I have E mailed RAWS as suggested and await a reply, Thank you for your prompt advice.
Rgds
Terry.

[jolinari]

Move states and dont convert the thing! :flower

[BrianVette]

Hi Steeler I went thru all this 2 years ago with my 99 C5 roadster and went the RAWS route happy to talk about my thoughts you can either email me treasurer@nswcorvettes.com.au or my mobile is 0400 269 694 I used one of the converters and another club member is about to do a private import using another converter can ask him if he has some info if needed Brian ;32

[Steeler]

Thank you for the constructive feedback -
Jolinari, Moving to the US to be able to drive a LHD Vette is not a suitable option.
BrianVette - Thanks, I will E mail you, you seem to have already negotiated the import / conversion minefield successfully.

[jolinari]

Originally posted by Steeler

Jolinari, Moving to the US to be able to drive a LHD Vette is not a suitable option.

I was kidding dude...in any ways you dont have to move to the states to drive LHD..you can register it in australia... Perth

[Vette Obsessed]

Originally posted by jolinari

Originally posted by Steeler

Jolinari, Moving to the US to be able to drive a LHD Vette is not a suitable option.

I was kidding dude...in any ways you dont have to move to the states to drive LHD..you can register it in australia... Perth

And the Northern Territory Joe.

All kidding aside, driving around in NSW with interstate rego is not an option I'd recommend, all you need is to be noticed a few times in a given area by the authorities and you may have some extra hassles to deal with. ;30

Steeler, definitely follow up with Brian, if I can add one thing it is that you may have to be patient to go via the import it yourself and convert it route, the process can take six months easily...

[daniel42au]

Primarily the 12 months Overseas rule is a concession for those Australians lucky enough to be employed overseas for 12 or more months, buy a local car, and who when the time comes to return to OZ decide that they cant part with it.  

The rule allows for importing into Australia a car listed under the Specialist and Enthusiasts Vehicle Scheme(SEVS) but for which no approval has been granted by the federal Department of Transport and Regional Services (DOTARS) to import and convert to RHD under the Registered Automotive Workshop Scheme(RAWS).  http://www.dotars.gov.au

Specifically, in regards to Corvettes, no LHD/RHD conversion workshop has approval under RAWS to convert Jan 1989(?) to 1996 (C4s).   This was because of the high cost of gaining DOTARS RAWS approval to convert late model C4s vs the profitability of converting C4s which they perceived as having a limited life (ie 1990-1996).   As a result, workshops went straight to converting C5s under RAWS, continued converting the older C4s(pre-1989... 15+ years old) at the time the RAWS was introduced in early 2003, or simply closed their doors.   Effectively, the 1990 to 1996 C4s were bypassed and as far as i can see can only be imported under exemptions such as 12 months Overseas Rule.

Which is kind of a shame, cos the guy who can afford a $40-50K C4 is not in the same market as the guy who can afford $80-90K for a C5.   IMHO there is a still a market for late model C4s which were the best of that generation.   Does anyone else have any thoughts on this?  

Anyway, that is my 2 bobs worth...  :-)

[Steeler]

Thanks, who are the RAWS for C5 people?

[smokem]

Go to raws site click on" Raws Consumers" then" What vehicles are eligible" then "C5"

[Vette Obsessed]

Originally posted by daniel42au
Primarily the 12 months Overseas rule is a concession for those Australians lucky enough to be employed overseas for 12 or more months, buy a local car, and who when the time comes to return to OZ decide that they cant part with it.  

The rule allows for importing into Australia a car listed under the Specialist and Enthusiasts Vehicle Scheme(SEVS) but for which no approval has been granted by the federal Department of Transport and Regional Services (DOTARS) to import and convert to RHD under the Registered Automotive Workshop Scheme(RAWS).  http://www.dotars.gov.au

Specifically, in regards to Corvettes, no LHD/RHD conversion workshop has approval under RAWS to convert Jan 1989(?) to 1996 (C4s).   This was because of the high cost of gaining DOTARS RAWS approval to convert late model C4s vs the profitability of converting C4s which they perceived as having a limited life (ie 1990-1996).   As a result, workshops went straight to converting C5s under RAWS, continued converting the older C4s(pre-1989... 15+ years old) at the time the RAWS was introduced in early 2003, or simply closed their doors.   Effectively, the 1990 to 1996 C4s were bypassed and as far as i can see can only be imported under exemptions such as 12 months Overseas Rule.

Which is kind of a shame, cos the guy who can afford a $40-50K C4 is not in the same market as the guy who can afford $80-90K for a C5.   IMHO that there is a still a market for late model C4s which were the best of that generation.   Does anyone else have any thoughts on this?  

Anyway, that is my 2 bobs worth...  :-)

True, but that isnt a factor of consideration for the folks in Canberra. ;30 :20

[MADVET]

I honestly would sugest finding one locally. It's much easier to let someone else go through all the stress and headaches and you simply turn up, pay your money and drive away into the sunset.
"Corvette Clinic" in Vic had a silver C5 convertable for sale, might be worth checking to see if he still has it.;42

[jolinari]

Originally posted by MADVET
I honestly would sugest finding one locally. It's much easier to let someone else go through all the stress and headaches and you simply turn up, pay your money and drive away into the sunset.
"Corvette Clinic" in Vic had a silver C5 convertable for sale, might be worth checking to see if he still has it.;42

i think it is available for sale @ carsales.com.au

[MR 502]

Originally posted by MADVET
I honestly would sugest finding one locally. It's much easier to let someone else go through all the stress and headaches and you simply turn up, pay your money and drive away into the sunset.
"Corvette Clinic" in Vic had a silver C5 convertable for sale, might be worth checking to see if he still has it.;42

;51  Unless you want something very rare like 04 commemorative edition or 03 anniversary or a Z06, get one here, they are comming down in price all the time and you will save very little money bringing one in your self  :v


......................:o:o:o.................

[Panther]

Well I don't agree with the get one here scene, most conversions are crap even under RAWS, won't to see a really good one come and see mine, we are NSW approved RAWS, buy buying from the US you get to choose colour, transmission and option, year, milage etc etc, why would you take whatever is kicking around when you can get what you won't, always happy to give you any info you need to help decide
Kim
0142 261 210

[Steeler]

Well Panther (Kim), a breath of fresh air, finally someone who is positive, I was starting to despair, I would love to have a look at your C5 conversion, and discuss an import. (the silver one mentioned above was sold).
Steeler

[Panther]

you have my number call me anytime, Iam quite proud of what we have done, and would be happy to show you anytime

[Corvette]

If you are still interested let me know what you want, plenty of cars here in the US :v

Shipping, duty, taxes, conversion (RAWS) is straight forward. I looked into this myself as I said earlier because I plan to bring a car or two with me by mid next year, hopefully.