How to trailer your car to Mexico, Dr Evils Mexican adventure |
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How to trailer your car to Mexico, Dr Evils Mexican adventure |
Dr Evil |
Jun 27 2005, 09:18 PM
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#1
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Send me your transmission! Group: Members Posts: 23,002 Joined: 21-November 03 From: Loveland, OH 45140 Member No.: 1,372 Region Association: MidAtlantic Region |
I have seen a bunch of posts with bad information regarding trailering rollers down to Mexico over the years. I had been unable to give exact answers to questions about how, when, restrictions, etc. Well, todays events have been a real eye opener and I wish to enlighten all who care.
The story: I went to trailer my car down to TJ today to get it done before the big move. I forgot to bring my CURRENT registration. As I crossed the boarder into TJ I was waved down, as will all of those who are towning a turdly car be, to the MExican secondary inspection. They asked to see my registration for the vehicle in tow. I had last years in the car, and the new one at home. "Sorry sir, but you can not bring unregistered vehicles into Mexico," the officer told me and sent me through the fence into the line going back to the US (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/dry.gif) Myth - If you trialer a turdly vehicle across the boarder to TJ, they will confiscate your car..... (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/bs.gif) This was posted some time ago on the bird board by someone who claimed to have talked to the US and Mexican consulates about this and was told this confenscated BS. As you can tell this is not true. I went home and returned with the current registration. After thye looked at it I was allowed to pass. No problem. More fun came after I took the car off of the trailer at the shop. I was in the right lane and was turning right to park on the curb when a cab driver decided to run over my trailer form the next lane over....the no right turn lane (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/dry.gif) Dumb ass. I felt a little jolt and then looked back to see the left wheel and fender of the dolly nicely tucked into his left front wheel well. After getting free he took off. I really did not care as I paid the $8 for the insurance so all was covered..."no really, it happend inthe WalMart parking lot. I swear (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/wink.gif) " Lesson re enforced; ALWAYS get the cheap insurance! (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/smilie_pokal.gif) Next lesson, how to avoid secondary inspection (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/dry.gif) When I was turned around the first time to go back for my registration I was still towing my car, obviously. Well the boarder crossing has changed a bunch over the years and so has the proceedures for pulling up to the booth. There are a series of stop signs and lights that were obviously designed by a civil engineer with a serious case of ADD who was off of his meds. Anyway, usually you come to the first stop pole and wait for the signal light that is just past it to change, then you go to the next stop sign before the gaurd waves you up to the booth. Hard to imagine, I know. The main point is this, when trailering a car across the boarder to the US do not pull forward between the big yellow things until the boarder gaurd waves you all the way forward. I almost did but he stopped me. He said that if I would have pulled up to the last stop sign, where I would have normally, that my trailer would have been stuck between the big yellow things with the sensors and would have triggered an alarm forcing him to have to send me to secondary inspection (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/ohmy.gif) Lucky me. I hope all of you can bennefit from my research today. It was a real drag, but in the end you sometimes have to make your own silver lining (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif) |
SirAndy |
Jun 27 2005, 10:53 PM
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#21
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Resident German Group: Admin Posts: 41,682 Joined: 21-January 03 From: Oakland, Kalifornia Member No.: 179 Region Association: Northern California |
i've seen it a few times. doesn't happen the 2nd day, but it WILL crack. and it looks pretty fugly, once it starts cracking ... easy way to prevent rust, spray in some "Metal Ready" before the painter gets to it. i did on mine, haven't put the black plastic liner back in yet, so far NO rust, zero, zilch. and my car was parked outside all winter (read: lots of water in that channel) ... (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/cool.gif) Andy |
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Dr Evil |
Jun 27 2005, 10:54 PM
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#22
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Send me your transmission! Group: Members Posts: 23,002 Joined: 21-November 03 From: Loveland, OH 45140 Member No.: 1,372 Region Association: MidAtlantic Region |
Damn it, I can't do it now. (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/dry.gif)
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Mrs. K |
Jun 27 2005, 11:24 PM
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#23
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Grieve we must, but celebrate a great life! Group: Birthday Fairy Posts: 7,513 Joined: 6-June 04 From: Long Beach, CA Member No.: 2,166 |
(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/ohmy.gif) Am I reading this correctly??? (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/confused24.gif) Lisa (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/blink.gif) |
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john rogers |
Jun 27 2005, 11:38 PM
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#24
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Senior Member Group: Members Posts: 1,525 Joined: 4-March 03 From: Chula Vista CA Member No.: 391 |
As noted the seams on my race car were welded and the paint cracked at the race in Tecate. If you don't race it may be alright? It would be worth a try I think as it does look good. I think it has to do with the front strut mounts moving and flexing the upper sheetmetal. They welded in the filler hole I had in my hood and it is undetectable from the top and barely visible from the inside.
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Dr Evil |
Jun 27 2005, 11:58 PM
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#25
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Send me your transmission! Group: Members Posts: 23,002 Joined: 21-November 03 From: Loveland, OH 45140 Member No.: 1,372 Region Association: MidAtlantic Region |
Wow, someone read my post (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/wink.gif) |
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Mrs. K |
Jun 28 2005, 12:04 AM
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#26
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Grieve we must, but celebrate a great life! Group: Birthday Fairy Posts: 7,513 Joined: 6-June 04 From: Long Beach, CA Member No.: 2,166 |
(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/lol2.gif) (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/lol2.gif) (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/lol2.gif) Ya gota stay up pretty late at night to get something by me! (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/cool_shades.gif) Lisa (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/driving-girl.gif) (my $.25 cents worth (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/lol2.gif) ) |
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skline |
Jun 28 2005, 12:11 AM
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#27
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Born to Drive Group: Members Posts: 7,910 Joined: 26-December 02 From: Costa Mesa, CA Member No.: 17 Region Association: Southern California |
I read that too but wasnt going to say anything, as for Markydoo's car, it did crack on his too. I noticed it the other day when he brought it by. However, from 10 feet away it looks perfect. You only notice it if you walk up and look for it. I am going to POR15 mine and put the channel seal back in. I am anxious to see your car all done and running. I dont think I have seen it since the Baja II run.
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Dr Evil |
Jun 28 2005, 12:12 AM
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#28
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Send me your transmission! Group: Members Posts: 23,002 Joined: 21-November 03 From: Loveland, OH 45140 Member No.: 1,372 Region Association: MidAtlantic Region |
Thats it, I am not gonna do it. I will be calling them in the morning to have them leave it alone. Small discount, too.
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Mueller |
Jun 28 2005, 12:22 AM
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#29
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914 Freak! Group: Members Posts: 17,146 Joined: 4-January 03 From: Antioch, CA Member No.: 87 Region Association: None |
how often does one change front fenders??? (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/screwy.gif) go out and take a look at your fenders, believe me, any little modifications filling in holes and making new ones are minor compared to the full removal and replacement (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/welder.gif) looking forward to seeing the new paint job Mike (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/clap.gif) |
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MattR |
Jun 28 2005, 12:41 AM
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#30
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Advanced Member Group: Members Posts: 3,279 Joined: 23-January 04 From: SF Bay Area Member No.: 1,589 Region Association: Northern California |
So what color? Are you gonna get them to use the leftover paint from lawrence's paint job? (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif)
Hey, call me over when you get the car back up. We can sawzall it up and sell the cocaine they stash in the longs. It will pay for your med school and my engineering school! |
Dr Evil |
Jun 28 2005, 01:41 AM
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#31
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Send me your transmission! Group: Members Posts: 23,002 Joined: 21-November 03 From: Loveland, OH 45140 Member No.: 1,372 Region Association: MidAtlantic Region |
Its a secret, shhhhhh (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/ph34r.gif) |
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Red-Beard |
Jun 28 2005, 05:07 AM
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#32
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"Ya canna change the laws of Physics" Group: Benefactors Posts: 1,124 Joined: 11-February 03 From: Houston, TX Member No.: 288 Region Association: None |
It won't look like your car if it's not primer...
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Root_Werks |
Jun 28 2005, 08:23 AM
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#33
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Village Idiot Group: Members Posts: 8,337 Joined: 25-May 04 From: About 5NM from Canada Member No.: 2,105 Region Association: Pacific Northwest |
(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/boldblue.gif) Cool Mike! I can't wait to see the finished car!
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andys |
Jun 28 2005, 09:39 AM
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#34
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Advanced Member Group: Members Posts: 2,165 Joined: 21-May 03 From: Valencia, CA Member No.: 721 Region Association: None |
So Mike, are you saying how much?? Los Pancho's? I'm strongly considering them too, though I haven't personally examined their work...pic's look good, but you really can't tell untill you see it in real life. Thank's for The Boarder Crossing info......I'd probably flat tow mine; that shouldn't make any difference as long as I have my current plates and registration, right? I shouldn't have any trouble on the Mexican side; wife's brother is a Mexican Senator. Andy |
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Dr Evil |
Jun 28 2005, 09:57 AM
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#35
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Send me your transmission! Group: Members Posts: 23,002 Joined: 21-November 03 From: Loveland, OH 45140 Member No.: 1,372 Region Association: MidAtlantic Region |
Andys,
As long as the car's registration is current, you will be fine. The work that Los Panchos does is better than Maaco, or those cheapo places, but if you are expecting a $10K paint job for $1K you will be dissappointed. As of late, I have been having issues with fish eyes and imperfections in the paint. Oddly enough, the worst examples were with my own stuff. Others have been thrilled (Jim Tab), some have been more critical, but still baically happy. Here is the skinny, you can get your car painted for about $1k if ther is no major body work to be done. If you have body work then it will climb a little. I am having all of my trunk rust ground out and filled with metal, and my holes in the side all covered with metal, plus my fender flare straightened out. My total with paint and them spraying sealant in my trunks and floor boards cost about $1400. That price is including 10% tax. They are also looking to see if they can get me a new front windshield. The paint job will be like 3 coats of paint and 3 of clear. The extra clear is very helpful if there is a discrepancy as you can buff it out usually. All in all, I think that the price is worth it. I used the lessons that I learned to see if I can get them to do the best job on my car. I told them if they get this one right, I will keep people coming to them as I will tell everyone. I spent a good hour talking to the guy who is gonna do the work for me and was told that h is the best that they have. If so, I will give you all his name so you can ask for him. He knows this so lets see how it turns out. Mike |
Eric_Shea |
Jun 28 2005, 10:18 AM
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#36
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PMB Performance Group: Admin Posts: 19,278 Joined: 3-September 03 From: Salt Lake City, UT Member No.: 1,110 Region Association: Rocky Mountains |
Is it done yet? What's taking them so long? (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/confused24.gif)
(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/w00t.gif) Purple, Purple, Purple, Purple, Purple, Purple, Purple, Purple, Purple, Purple, Purple, Purple, Purple, Purple, Purple, Purple, Purple, Purple, Purple, Purple, Purple, Purple, Purple, Purple, Purple, Purple, Purple, Purple, Purple, Purple, Purple, Purple, |
SLITS |
Jun 28 2005, 10:56 AM
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#37
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"This Utah shit is HARSH!" Group: Benefactors Posts: 13,602 Joined: 22-February 04 From: SoCal Mountains ... Member No.: 1,696 Region Association: None |
Ok, I can't take it anymore.....It's BORDER NOT BOARDER
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roundboy914 |
Jun 28 2005, 11:04 AM
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#38
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Member Group: Members Posts: 210 Joined: 16-October 03 From: Chicago, IL Member No.: 1,251 |
glad i'm knot the only won that was bothering.
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grantsfo |
Jun 28 2005, 11:37 AM
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#39
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Arrrrhhhh! Group: Members Posts: 4,327 Joined: 16-March 03 Member No.: 433 Region Association: None |
Just a few comments regarding border crossing into and out of Mexico. One thing you can plan on with Mexican Customs/Border law is that enforcement changes daily and by region. Often regulations are implemented without much warning. What one person expriences one day can change on the next based on the Mexican Customs/Border agent and location.
While I dont have much experience with cars in tow crossing the borders I do have twenty years of expereince moving almost everything else (legal trade that is) across the border with Mexico. 99 times out of 100 you'll be ok making it though customs without issue, but the one time you get a jerk bent on a power trip or an unethical agent you will wish you never did business in Mexico again. Towing a car is probably not going to cause a problem most of the time, but you cant be certain that the expereince above is going to be the rule. I would believe the story of a car being siezed in certain circumstances by Mexican Customs. I wouldnt so easily dismiss that story as myth. |
Dr Evil |
Jun 28 2005, 12:27 PM
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#40
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Send me your transmission! Group: Members Posts: 23,002 Joined: 21-November 03 From: Loveland, OH 45140 Member No.: 1,372 Region Association: MidAtlantic Region |
Respectfully, it was not a story of it happening, it was a hypebole about what both consules supposedly said. I have lived here for the better part of 16 years and have dealt with travel and transport to Mexico for as long. True, a bad cop with a power trip can ruin your day and be an exception to the rule, but it is no different on this side of the border. Here is the logic, if they confenscate your car they will have to dispose of it if it is trashy. Since you legally own it you do have rights in Mexico, but it would take some effort to get it back, but you most likely would with no problem. Also, the federal cops are not the crooked ones, typically. Why would they take your vehicle, that you legally own, and not just turn you around? There would have to be some reasons there to warrant such behavior. What you descride is possible, but so is getting hit by a meteor. You have a better chance of getting eaten by a shark off the FL coast than having your property taken without just cause in Mexico. I only wish to alleviate anyones anxiety about getting their cars painted and worked on down in Mex. You should always be respectful and realize that you are a guest. Other than that, I have never had a problem. |
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