I've got a situation that is causing me some stress. I'm moving to Houston in April so I've gone through all the steps of getting ready for the move including importing my truck (2015 Sierra) and my Mustang. Truck was easy as it's new, as sold in the US save for an Airbag sticker.
The Mustang has been a nightmare. I thought it was exempt from EPA and DOT requirements due to it's age but I'm having problems with it "not being in original, as-manufactured condition."
This leaves me with these options:
1. Leave it in Canada for the 2-4 years I will be gone. It will be put in long term storage at our farm in Sask. I will have the hired man start and run the car regularly and I can change the oil etc when I come to visit.
2. Hire an ICI (official importer) to help me "modify" the car to meet the requirements. This process is usually reserved for high dollar cars (like exotics) as the process can cost upwards of $20,000.
3. Just try and cross the border and import it as a 1989 Mustang and hope the US border guys and Texas inspection folks don't care or notice that it's modified.
Anyone have any suggestions? I've tried petitioning the EPA for a final exemption as it "holds material and personally significant meaning to me." I'm not holding my breath.