Importing converted/semi converted coach into Canada from USA?

[abacusblack]

Hello everyone.
I am a new member and am considering purchasing an older converted MCI or GMC  coach in the USA and importing it into British Columbia BC.
I would appreciate advice from members who have actually done this with their coach.
The way I am understanding the process you must first:  1)pay for the coach and the notify your chosen US border crossing 72 hrs in advance with a fax of all titles reg, vin# ect. 2) If this passes go to Can Border pay tax,duty other fees ect and they give you 10 days to pass inspection.
3) if the bus you buy is registered as an RV you need a Canada safety standards Inspection for RV. If the coach is still registered as a bus it mus pass a strict commercial safety test as if you owned a charter service.

Now if a Greyhound bus is later converted by either a commercial converter or the private owner the vin# will still read BUS and you need a Commercial Inspection ever year?  How do you get the vin# changed to RV legally?
Thank you for your thoughts on the matter.  Brian Hartley.   Mission BC. Canada.

[Taibob]

Brian
Did a mci 9 a couple years ago.
contact me : my profile or 250498269

[moose]

hi
i live in calgary
just did it with a mci 7
403-862-1893
trevor

[bobofthenorth]

Brian make sure you clearly understand the difference between importing a seated coach vs. an already converted coach.  If the two guys above have brought in converted coaches then obviously their information is current but my understanding is that you will NOT be able to import a converted coach. 

[zubzub]

Bus has to be old enough (pre '73? maybe) and you do not import as a converted coach you import as a  RV.

[Taibob]

Imported my 1984 mci 9 in 2004. as a Motorhome.
1. you need to export your vehicle from the USA. US customs require a letter from the manufacturer stating all recalls are taken care of and it will comply with all Can Fed Motor Vehicle  Safety Standards. I have the info.
2. This letter must be delivered to US Customs at least 72 hrs before arriving at the border.
3. My coach was registered as a Motorhome in Florida. It also had a roof raise and other structural changes. Had a notorized Bill of Sale and Title from PO
4. I was not subjected to the RIV system.
5. I brought it into Canada as a vehicle 15 years or older[except busses] or a busmanufactured before jan 1 1971.  paid GST/HST at customs on Value.
6. I had it weighed at a truck scale and inspected at a truck facility.
7. Took my coach,weigh slip,inspection slip to ICBC and registered it in BC
8. ICBC agent looked at it and saw that I had the 5 or 7 things they require to make it a motorhome.  Paid BC Sales tax to ICBC.
9. Smiled nicely and got the H*** out of there.
10. Haven't looked back since.  Have over 20,000 miles on it in BC/Alberta

[bobofthenorth]

1. you need to export your vehicle from the USA. US customs require a letter from the manufacturer stating all recalls are taken care of and it will comply with all Can Fed Motor Vehicle  Safety Standards. I have the info.

Who did you get to sign this letter?

[Taibob]

Bob,
I called MCI ..Mr. Paul Murphy Director-Regulatory Compliance
Direct line    204-287-4982
Fax            502-318-8224
Canada       204-478-2814
Gave him,,, Model Number,, VIN ,,Date of Manufacture
Received back MCI Service Bulletin NO. 174A and covering letter certifing compliance.
Gave these to USA Customs 72 hours prior to arriving with coach.
All went well, took about 15 minutes to get stamps of approval and out to Can Customs.

Bob   phone No in error above s/b  2504983269

[Timkar]

Brought a pre-71 converted coach in to BC last May.
It was registered as a motorhome in Minnesota.
Faxed paperwork to US Customs minimum of 72 hours prior to arrival
Clear US Customs, pay tax at Canada customs, go to weigh station and get it weighed.
I went to get it inspected and the shop phoned the provincial authority and were told that
as long as it is over 20,000 lbs and is imported as a motorhome it does not require inspection in BC (strange loophole)
Only requires weigh station ticket, ICBC sights VIN number in two separate places and you can get it registered.
That's my recent experience.
HTH...

[cody]

As always other factors can come into play here as importantly as having the correct paperwork, where you choose to cross is also important, I know of some crossings that the good lord himself couldn't get thru and others that are much easier depending on activity at the time and even who is on duty.  Choosing between sarnia/port huron and the soo crossing here in the UP is a major time example, I can usually roll right thru with just a wave and a smile but at other times it's coffee break time while they count socks and thats with a coach thats not being imported, I can well imagine the complexity of the import process if you found the wrong crossing point.

[abacusblack]

Thank you everyone for your advice and suggestions. Please keep them coming,they are greatly appreciated and I will be contacting many of you for more information.
I have so far found two coaches that have kindled my interest. One is a 1958 GMC 6cyl, 4 spd with new clutch. The coach has an older but well done conversion just needing a little modernizing and replacing peeling wall paper. It has been sitting for a few years and I have not seen a start up as the seller stated that he did not want to go through the effort if there was not an offer. It may be that the batteries are bad or he is short on fuel and it looks like a source is many miles away. I did not press the point as I was there to take photos and gather information for further study. I am interested enough for a second inspection.

The second coach is a 1977 MCI from a bus Re seller that is registered as a Bus but has a conversion started. ie framing. counter stove top, flooring ect. windows skinned ect. Here is the possible problem for a Canadian wishing to import. All the components and materials needed to finish the conversion are piled on the coach floor and stacked in the bays. These items all look new and of good quality and seem to be all there in the video that is included in the ad. The problem I see and confirmed with a local Broker is that every loose item must be itemized, a value set and taxes and duty paid over and above the price of the Bus. This could be costly as for example there are two new flexsteel seats still in the plastic and inverters, furnace ect still in wrapping too. I think this is a great bargain at $ 11,000 but a possible nightmare at the border.
Thanks again for your help and any ideas on this smozzle.     Brian Hartley.  Mission BC.

[luvrbus]

I have no idea about other buses fwiw on a Eagle bus it has to be a pre 1971 model to import to Canada 1971 is when Canada and the US adopted the highway safety standards  where are you Tim when we need you Tim just got his bus into Canada a few months ago



good luck

[Timkar]

Hi Clifford....Awat from home right now, but noted my experience a few above your post.
HTH...Tim

[abacusblack]

Thanks Everyone!
Now I have something to work with. If the coach is registered in the USA as a motorhome, is converted and is 1971 or older it seems to be easier to get into Canada if it is on the admissible list. Now I need to find the phone number to get a GMC recall letter as tailbob was gracious enough to provide the info for  MCI. You are all a great help guys. Thanks Again.

[RJ]

Brian -

It's going to be VERY difficult to find any type of recall info on a 4104.

GMC ended the '04 production run long before the FMVSS went into effect.

Up until that time, recalls were "Recalls?  What the heck's a recall?"

GMC sold off their USA bus building division in 1987, including the Canadian subsidiary.  Everything in the Pontiac plant went to Roswell, NM, the Canadian factory remained until MCI sold it off to NOVA. 

The highway models were imported into Canada right up until the end of production in 1980, fyi.

Interesting project, keep us posted!

FWIW & HTH. . .