Transferring chassis?

[2plus4plus0eq6]

Hi,

I have a curious question. I'm from Canada and here we cannot import a vehicle overseas unless it's at least 15 years old, but we can import parts from vehicles and put them on a legal vehicle. I'd like to know where the line is. I've heard of people importing all parts of an s15 and throwing it on a s13 or s14. I mean.. wouldn't it have been easier and cheaper to just swap the vin numbers? How many imported parts can one person install onto a car before it's considered illegal and deemed a different car.

Is it the vehicles frame which dictates what car it is or not?

Someone please shed some light on this subject.

Thanks

[MurphyWorks]

I cannot speak for Canada but I know in the states simply swapping the VIN would be not work. The car had to be sold in the US and crash rated for it to be approved for public roads. I have not heard of a car being impounded for a conversion, after all the chassis (frame and body) is what was crash tested.

[2plus4plus0eq6]

So if the frame and body is tested, it would seem that tampering with any of those 2 things would be out of the question. Like front end conversions.

I spoke to a guy where I live and he believes that a car can be modified up to a certain percentage. Not sure what that is here. He thinks it's 50%

[MurphyWorks]

I know you can do front end conversions in the states no problem, your only swapping fenders, hood, lights etc. Again I cant speak for Canada it may be worth a call to your licensing division to see what they say. You could swap everything from an S15 onto a S13 chassis as long as the body retains the same vin and was originally USDM. When I say the chassis I mean the uni-body structure of the car since the frame and rails are integrated into the body.

[L-B]

I'm in the middle of an s13 build in Alberta. I am changing every body panel. As long as it passes inspection your good. What I would worry about is the structural integrity of the car for your peronal safety. I have also heard rumour if u buy a car u can totally strip it and ship it over here in pieces. You'd have to ship it all separate. Then convert it to a left hand drive. And register it as a custom chassis. You can do anything if you got the money.

[2plus4plus0eq6]

Interesting. Would you happen to have any legit info for that

I would think all legal guidelines should be under the motor vehicle act?

[2plus4plus0eq6]

You got a link for your build as well?

[L-B]

Yeah I'll post a thread sooner or later I'm at work right.