gjm

On this occasion it was Mercedes parts I'm after. To give an idea of the price difference, one part (from a significant NZ-based supplier) was listed (with discount) at NZ$110. To buy from the US or UK, the same part (by possibly a different/better manufacturer) lists at (equivalent) NZ$35. Plus shipping, of course. As Charlie says - NZ Customs are cracking down on multiple shipments now, and (I'm advised) keeping records. So even if you place 3 sub-$400 orders at FCP, if they arrive in a timeframe considered to make them the same consignment, tax and duties will be levied. The secret is to plan well ahead, and/or order from different suppliers.

Sadly FCP Euro would have cost nearly twice as much (in this instance) - lots of research went into my purchases. Normally does... When there's hundreds of $$$ to be saved, I'm happy to spend some of my own time finding where those savings are! Pelican are also good on parts. sadly, I've found that 'x'tensioner is cheaper at FCP, while 'y'pump is cheaper at Pelican. And they don't typically price match (even for identical items) - I asked. For something as relatively simple as this (requesting payment for duties), there really is no excuse for such shoddy service. I just keep reminding myself that I've saved money!

I wonder how FedEx deal with "the New Zealand border assessment requirements". NZPost assure punters these are necessary, in line with legislation, and there's nothing they can do to speed things up. Yet other carriers don't seem to need the "up to 5 days" to issue a notification, get items into the delivery network faster than "within 2 working days", and typically deliver next day and not with a "delivery target [of] up to 3 working days nationwide." Assuming I respond instantaneously, that could be 10 days before delivery, and that's after finally acknowledging something the overseas carrier knew about nearly 2 days earlier! OK. Where do we complain? (And yes - I'll have a word with the supplier about FedEx... Only issue with FedEx has been the sometimes extraordinary charges they seem to have applied to shipments, when asked.)

USPS I've never had a problem with. They pick up, they deliver, they report and update. The problem is the carrier handover to NZPost... Of course, that's where Fedex scores. ?

I'm not fussed about there being duties due - that's a given. One of those suck-it-up things. Still half the price of buying here. It's just that it takes them so bloody <tumbleweed> long... to get things sorted. They seem completely useless and totally incapable of getting something very straightforward sorted. If I wasn't saving hundreds of $$$ I'd've bought locally.

NZPost. Again... Parcel took 3 days to get from sender (in US) to Auckland airport. USPS tracking updated up to 3 times a day with progress, including clearing disembarkation at Auckland. 1.5 days later, NZPost acknowledged arrival in Auckland. Another 1.5 days, and they tell me it's held 'for processing'. Another day (up to yesterday) and it's up for "Import Duty and Tax Assessment". So it's already taken NZPost longer to get a parcel from a plane and into a warehouse than it took for a US company to get it from a US-based business to the aircraft door in Auckland. Could be another 5 days before I hear what the results of the 'assessment' are. For reference - stated value on the parcel is (US) $197.50 + $105 p&p, so it's not like I've got a box of camshafts coming in as a gift, or even with a massive undervaluation! (As a side note, it'd be interesting to know how NZPost decide whether something is for "business or commercial use" or is a personal import, and what difference this might make to duties, etc.)

Quite, Father Ted Andrew.

It's a fabulous engine. Pistons as used in the Aprilia RSV1000, valvetrain from a GSXR750. Budget meant it got a cast crank instead of the planned forged steel one but Racing Green will sort you a billet item. Get the valvetrain sorted, too.

Is one of the darkest... There's other cars around that have also been treated. I'll try to find details of a blue that has a similar disconcerting property. It makes things look 2-dimensional.

Novus and Smith & Smith are as bad as each other. Under-paid staff, poor quality glass (when it fits) and barely adequate (if you're lucky) fitting. Attention to detail is often lacking, care of vehicle similarly disappointing. Yet they get lots of positive feedback...? A friend has an Isuzu Gemini TC coupe. Great little car - GMs 'world car' from the late 70s. Opel Kadett, Holden/Isuzu Gemini, etc. Went to get a screen for it and was categorically assured these cars never came with a top tint - which is b*ll*cks. Of course they did. It's just that the cheap glass suppliers don't make one. Unfortunately glass supply is some of the issue. My Merc W126? I'm looking for a good used front screen as they are no longer made. And that's going to become an increasing problem for may vehicles in years to come.

Mental motoring. At least the bodywork won't have rusted.

Parts for the big, black Mercedes. ? Actual value is more than this but the shipper has offered a 'gift'... Can't see that working on car parts. Best not to rattle that cage. Declared value can be whatever I'd like it to be - this seemed like a good figure 'til I ran it through the calculator. Maybe $135 (US) is a better idea. However... Post-new rules, I'll only pay GST on what's coming in, so it'll actually be cheaper! (At least, that's how I've understood the changes - duty will only be charged on consignments valued in excess of $1000 - under that you get hit for GST regardless of declared value. )

Election time next month. Vote for a new Mayor.

Not all councillors are like that... I know our Mayor has been having stand-up battles and arguments with folk from central transport agencies over their nonsensical "it's safer" bullshit.

Not mine. Not yet, anyway, although I could be tempted... Needs a lot of work although appears structurally sound. Does look like an MG Midget next to it.

It's a 4-cylinder kit.

Certainly looks way OTT. That said, they can go for up to $1k here. In perfect condition, of course.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/223655924876 ?

Here's an unusual one. Built by Antem Mochet, it runs a 750cc engine from BMW built by the Centre des Etudes des Moteurs à Explosion et à Combustion (CEMEC). In post-WW2 France, CEMEC continued the construction of BMW motorcycles taken from the German occupying forces. Two were built. One for Mochet himself (who was a maker of microcars) and one for racing. The car didn't reach production and Mochet went back to much smaller engines.

It's the 1970 Garmisch concept. A bit awkward from the front but much better in profile.

I'm looking at suspension for one of the Mercs. Commercial sellers in the UK and Germany are happy to sell ex-tax.

Aye. It's a very sad situation. The 320d at my old landlord's place. I asked him to look it over - it won't start. Turns over without any issue whatsoever, but just does that - turns over. doesn't fire. It's been standing for some time but fresh diesel isn't changing anything. As it stands it's probably worth little more than parts, and I'm not in a position to break it and achieve any value from it. It's a very sad way to part with a car that we've looked after so well for so long, but practicalities are that this may be the only solution.