Exporting to Canada

[kpaske]

Oh yeah, I totally agree - it's his problem - I'm just trying to help the process along. Because I wasn't working when we initially started discussing the sale I offered to drive the vehicle up if he paid for expenses and a flight back, I just wanted to make sure I was crossing the border legally and all that.

[mrtew]

I moved to Canada and imported my VX and it wasn't that big of deal. I showed did have to fax the title and registration to the border a few days before I crossed and that was it. Then to register it when I got it here I had to do the DRLs and the speedometer stickers and the inspections etc but that seemed to be a totally different process from the border crossing. The child seat hook or whatever it is, is just a 3 dollar item you buy at Canadian Tire (like Kmart) and you don't have to install it... just have it in the glovebox. And they can also install the DRL box for about $100 total I think it was. And the speedo can just be vinyl stickers you put on at 50, 80, and 100 kph (30, 50, and 60 mph). The biggest deal is going to be paying the taxes!

[skipidak]

Hi guys,

Let me start with that - I am Canadian and I alwys wanted to have one of these small beasts which unfortunately have never been for sale in Canada. Finally decided I will import one from down the States. After some research and few phone calls here and there (RIA/etc) I decided to make the plunge. So I just brought my new 2000 VX to Canada . The customs part/payments/duties/etc is all done. Now I have to do the harder part - to get it Registered here. I've been at Canadian Tire (one of the RIA approved 'modifiers') and pretty much I was told all I need is to have DRL enabled. I really don't like the idea to have Canadian Tire guys to poke in my car, I'd rather do it myself. Is there an easy way to enable the DRL on the car (doesn't matter headlights or the fogs)? I've seen several cars in the States for sale with DRL in description, I know some states require DRL (mine unfortunately has no DRL), I am thinking there might be an easy way to do it without much cutting and splicing.
Any advice will be much appreciated!!!

cheers!

[kodiak]

I believe you can buy day time running lamp kits at any auto store in Canada.

[skipidak]

I believe you can buy day time running lamp kits at any auto store in Canada.

Thanks for the advise Kodiak,

I actually decided to have a look on the relay panel and immediately realized it is a very easy mod to do - all that was necessary was to ensure headlights relay gets power wherever ignition is on (to ensure headlights work only when ignition is on) and make ground permanent (to bypass headlight switch off position). In just about 10 minutes I had perfectly working up-to-code DRL-s on the car - only headlights are on when headlight switch on off position - no marker lights/taillights or instrument panel lights. I am happy Waiting for "form 1" to arrive in mail and go get it certified.

[Kenny]

Welcome, eh.
:grinr:

[mrtew]

Thanks for the advise Kodiak,

I actually decided to have a look on the relay panel and immediately realized it is a very easy mod to do - all that was necessary was to ensure headlights relay gets power wherever ignition is on (to ensure headlights work only when ignition is on) and make ground permanent (to bypass headlight switch off position). In just about 10 minutes I had perfectly working up-to-code DRL-s on the car - only headlights are on when headlight switch on off position - no marker lights/taillights or instrument panel lights. I am happy Waiting for "form 1" to arrive in mail and go get it certified.

WOW I wish I'd known that before I got Canadian Tire to splice their freaky box into my electrical system! I ended up with the opposite situation though.... when I turn my key on every single light turns on except the headlights! Could you post pictures or a description of how you actually did it or both in case I decide to go that route when my box breaks.

[Kenny]

WOW I wish I'd known that before I got Canadian Tire to splice their freaky box into my electrical system! I ended up with the opposite situation though.... when I turn my key on every single light turns on except the headlights! Could you post pictures or a description of how you actually did it or both in case I decide to go that route when my box breaks.

Ya, the dealer that did my DRL did a complicated relay system that I had to disable as the HLights came on with the key turn, then off during cranking, then back on after it starts. It killed my HID bulbs in no time with the on/off/on at every start. So now I just wire my fog lights as DRL (this is fine since GMC trucks and some vans use low output lights next to the main headlights as DRL.) All you have to do is add a relay with fused constant power and the green/red ignition wire to trigger the relay.

If you tie into the headlights, you have to splice in so the steering column switch can still go Hi-Lo.

Also I found that with the headlights wired to come on with the ignition wire, it was a nuisance at the drive-in movies. I had to pull the HL fuse or blind everyone with HIDs.