Headed to UK in March. Anything I should bring back?

[friar mike]

thread hijack

yep its funny how a thread can run a muck. sorry about that I did start out on track. There is a Vincent group in CA that ride theres all the way up here and back every few years and thats no bull. I haven't seen a ISDT in person but I do like to ride this GasGas now and then. now back to you the thead at hand.

[friar mike]

this web site mite help.

http://www.jonniejumble.co.uk/autojumbles_upcoming.shtml

[Jim-ME]

I would bring back as much stuff as I could that you will need or think you will need for you never know when any of it will become NLA. Personally, if my plan comes to fruition I hope to bring back a Turner 2.5l diesel, some body parts, and some spare drivetrain parts in a friends container in the fall of 2008. Anyone else notice that swivel balls and certain door trim parts are now NLA?
Jim

[thixon]

Jim-ME

Swivel balls are on the list. My truck needs them, and I may try to bring back a couple of sets.

[thixon]

Friar Mike,

Its solid. I'll be at the Garstang Jumble in March. I have to head to Harrogate, and the Garstang Jumble is only about an hour away.
I'll be looking for a cheap canvas top, and ball joints. Anything else I see will be gravy.

If I can't find ball joints at the jumble, where do you suggest I go for new? I need a set anyway. I've checked online with Paddock, and John Craddock. Looks like they're priced at about 45 pound per (before VAT). That means I'll have just under $185 in a set, prior to the VAT. I'm confused about whether or not I'll have to pay at 17.5%, 5%, or 0% if I buy parts from a dealer. Any idea?

I've also been watching a set on ebay here. 4 days left, and they're up to $120.

[friar mike]

Friar Mike,

Its solid. I'll be at the Garstang Jumble in March. I have to head to Harrogate, and the Garstang Jumble is only about an hour away.
I'll be looking for a cheap canvas top, and ball joints. Anything else I see will be gravy.

If I can't find ball joints at the jumble, where do you suggest I go for new? I need a set anyway. I've checked online with Paddock, and John Craddock. Looks like they're priced at about 45 pound per (before VAT). That means I'll have just under $185 in a set, prior to the VAT. I'm confused about whether or not I'll have to pay at 17.5%, 5%, or 0% if I buy parts from a dealer. Any idea?

I've also been watching a set on ebay here. 4 days left, and they're up to $120.

Oh ya the old VAT (value Added Tax) when I order part from the UK I don't pay VAT but when I lived over there I had to. I don't know what the percentage is now haven't looked and I don't know if there is a way for travlers to get out of paying VAT. but at a jumble you by from a person not a business there is no VAT.

[greenmeanie]

VAT is still 17.5%. Most businesses will be able to provide a VAT exemption form that you present to British Customs saying the item was bought for export.

As stated above a private sale involves no VAT.

The issue can be with US customs who may wish to impose an import tax on the parts. I believe there is a cutoff value (IIRC $300 or $500?) after which import duty of 2.5% is added.

The thing is to keep all your receipts as proof of how much was paid. Unless you go overboard its usually not an issue. I once came back from Glasgow with a suitcase full of 101 parts and no one batted an eyelid, although the drug sniffing dog did whimper a bit.

Cheers
Gregor

[thixon]

Thats more or less my plan. I'm taking an extra suitcase, and plan to put what I purchase in that. Generally, I have had no problems bringing items back this way (but I'm usually not bringing back anything anyone cares about!). In this case, a canvas top, and a few auto parts probably won't conern anyone much in customs. I hope not anyway.

[friar mike]

you should have seen the look on the customs in US when I came back with 200 pounds of Whitworth tools no import tax ( I told them thay were mine) but you see when I left there was no homeland BS and when I came back. on the Xray thay saw a BIG block-o-steel also if you send things home via the post make dam sure you check the GIFT box if you don't you won't like the surprise you will get when you go to pickup your box.

[thixon]

Friar Mike,

Something tells me if I where to come back through now, with what showed up on x-ray as a big block of iron, I'd be in a bit of a pinch.

My list keeps growing. My definates are swivell balls and a canvass top. It may grow to a tailgate and a hoopset if I can find a way to get them back without paying shipping costs. I might just cram everything into a box and check the box as luggage. It'll be an adventure no matter how it turns out.

[thixon]

Greenmeanie,

Thanks for the info on the VAT tax. Sounds like I'm better of filling out the exemption form if I buy retail, and deciding how honest I'm feeling as I pass through customs back home. 2.5% beats the crap out of 17.5% + 2.5% any day.

[friar mike]

Friar Mike,

Something tells me if I where to come back through now, with what showed up on x-ray as a big block of iron, I'd be in a bit of a pinch.

My list keeps growing. My definates are swivell balls and a canvass top. It may grow to a tailgate and a hoopset if I can find a way to get them back without paying shipping costs. I might just cram everything into a box and check the box as luggage. It'll be an adventure no matter how it turns out.

remember you are allowed 100 pounds per bag or it will cost you big time for over waight and thats from England to your frist stop in the US if you have to make a hop max is 80 pounds per bag and you allowed only 2 checked bags unless things have changed. the hoops mite not make it on over all size on the plane. I have never messed with them do thay brake down?

[greenmeanie]

Thixon,
If you have any rooom spare pick up a couple of euro allroad hitches - they are not available over here anymore and people will pay good money for them.

I would be tempted to but the hoop set and canvas and then ship them as they are both large and heavy. If you are planing on buying a new canvas check out Undercover Covers. They have the best rep of the suppliers and also produce something like 80% of tilts for military vehicle manufacturers in europe.

Cheers
Gregor

[jp-]

Thixon, I am looking for something...

About 5' 3" - 5' 9", preferably blonde, somewhat slender, made between 1975 and 1983, nice accent a plus, must like Rovers.

Top dollar paid

[thixon]

JP,

No problem. I may have touble stuffing her into my suitcase for the trip home though. Maybe I can poke some holes in a box, and UPS her back.