[puppybear]

hi , ive just imported a 1965 overlander to the uk for restoration and then maybe sell on or bring with us as me and my family are moving to S.A. some time in the new year around feb / march time and a friend of mine who is there already is going to help me import them and get them ready for australian roads . Firstly if youre going to import and are not handy with tools minor motor mechanics , wielding , gas , plumbing or a bit of wood working then buy as new as you can older ones are cheaper but need work unless already restored .Secondly have you got deep pockets as ive been quoted $11000 aus dollers just for the boat trip not including perchase of the airstream or transport to docks ( los angeles )it usually runs at $1.50 per mile or there abouts to get to the dock , or dock costs i.e. getting it on and of the ship then theres tax ( that wont be to bad if the item is older than 15 years ) if you buy older then restore you can only really get the parts from the usa and these parts are heavy so postal costs are high .... but if you love them as much as me then its worth it and money is only there to be spent ...cannot take it with you .
As you can see it all adds up , ive priced up ,all in ,a restored fully working ploished ready to roll good quality airstream at about 30 000 to 35 000 australian dollers although if you want to restore it youre self and just want help importing and delivered to youre door youre probebly still looking at 25000 dollers au ........ still want one ..... by the way when mine finally got here it had been booked on 4 different ships with two different companies had a blow out on one tyre on the way to the docks broken into while on the ship and a window smashed and finally delivered 4 and half months after i bought it only to find someone had stolen one of the wheels to .... you can only claim on marine insurance if you can prove were the theft / damage occured and then its only 10 percent of the value .
i will not be put off by any of this as i have finally got my airstream and am about to return her to her former glory .
if i can help any more please mail me

steve . good luck