it could happen to you cause it happened to him

fatstax · COBOURG, ONT

it could happen to you cause it happened to him

poncho62 · ADMINISTRATOR

``Wheaton, who’s from Enfield, spent $137,185 on the car, including $85,000 on parts and services. ``

On a car that is likely worth about $40,000 now....smart

sasquatch · NORTH BAY, ONT

Yeah agree on that!! Lol
I remember way back in the late 50's young guy we knew had smuggled a new Corvette engine across the border to drop into his 47 chev .
Always figured somebody squealed on him, as after a month or so he was in deep sh*t, the engine was seized . Not sure what he was fined.

MANCAVER · info@mancavestuff.ca

The picture shown is a stock picture. His 67 Malibu may well be worth what he put into it. Impossible to tell without details on the build.

slim · DUNDAS, ONT

137,000 + 55,000 =192.000 Wonder if that 55.000 was the fine only and they still want their 17 intax ?

Lightspeed Mike · BELLEVILLE, ONT

I remember being told a story of the same sort of ordeal about a guy here in Belleville. Had a Corvette, brought it to the States for a pile of work. Didn't declare it and the feds caught up with him.

fatstax · COBOURG, ONT

I was a bit taken by the dollar figure, likely inflated slightly by the feds for gov-ment reasons

fleet 51 · PORTLAND, ONT

HI SASQUATCH : Your story regarding the smuggled Vette motor that ended up impounded -- I am almost positive that I have a photo of the " car "( a 48 Fleetline ) with the 265 / 2- 4 barrels in it -- LATER -- DON / fleet 51

Keeper · OSHAWA, ONT

Wow so if I break down and have my car repaired, I have to declare it at the border? WTF?

Though this might be a bit different, it seems to fall under the same rules. Was not aware that you had to declare services, man does that open up a can of worms...lol

sasquatch · NORTH BAY, ONT

Interesting Don!! The car was grey primer then.

427CARL · CLINTON, ONT

he was a customer of my friend in Sackville OLDGOLD.ca car was restomodded in Chicago has deep pockets looks good on him

427CARL · CLINTON, ONT

Keeper wrote:
Wow so if I break down and have my car repaired, I have to declare it at the border? WTF?

Though this might be a bit different, it seems to fall under the same rules. Was not aware that you had to declare services, man does that open up a can of worms...lol

its common sense if you had a roadside repair and its not visable keep your mouth shut If you bought new tires and rims tell them

MANCAVER · info@mancavestuff.ca

If you get caught, they will seize the property untill you pay 50% of the undelcared value. So if you tried to sneak in a $2000 object and got caught, you would pay a $1000 penalty. You wouldn't be charged though. They told me," they don't charge people. They are not the police. We just want our tax money". If you are caught, you will be flagged for up to 5 years and usually get a shakedown whenever you cross back into Canada.

Keeper · OSHAWA, ONT

I am just trying to follow the logic. I understand the "Goods" as they want the tax money.

I am baffled at the services. Just what is covered under that umbrella? "Hey I hired a hooker, you want me to declare that as a service?"

I am in no way defending this guy, just reading that article raised a bunch more questions.

Fordy Acres Car Farm · DORCHESTER, ONT

I always declare when asked....if they don't ask, I don't tell. I like going over there, so it's not worth it for me to lie and risk missing out on a lot of shows, races or ???

An uncle on my Dad's side tried to bring in some spankin' new tires mounted, balanced and installed. "Anything to declare?" nope "You sure?" Dang fool never got them to wash off the blue wax from the white walls when he bought them - obvious to the agent. Mistake #2? Receipt was found in Auntie's purse! DOH!!!

hemi43 · ONTARIO

Why mess with the border?? Car parts are so much cheaper in the States, as well as everything else, and most things are now duty free. I've already saved so much money, I just pay the tax (13 %). It's not worth the hassle not declaring anything. I enjoy travelling in the US and don't want to jeopardize the hassle free crossings I now enjoy.

-- Edited by hemi43 on Friday 14th of March 2014 11:31:36 PM

Gazoo · BADEN, ONT

I suppose it all depends on how far you have to drive to the border, and how much you are buying.
For me, it's a two hour drive one way to the nearest border, so if I was to drive that to save a couple hundred dollars...I wouldn't declare it. The only time I buy anything in the States, is when I'm there for 3 days/spend 2 nights, then it's $900. allowance.

sasquatch · NORTH BAY, ONT

If i remember correctly my God that is ??? over 50 years ago, Lol, it could have been the RCMP, but some government department siezed the engine. Who knows what the regulations were back then, maybe Don will know.

wuga · PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY, ONT

I am always totally legal at the border and I have found that if you declare everything, most times under $200.00/person, even if over for a couple of hours, they won't even bother you. Same goes if your over the 48 hours. Buddy got nailed for an extra $3700.00 bringing a car over and lost his Nexus. Not worth it. Just pay the HST if necessary and keep them off your back.

Warren

MANCAVER · info@mancavestuff.ca

It kind of bugs me that you have to pay tax on the shipping you paid to get something shipped to the border. I don't know why,,,,,,it just does. disbelief

GhostPost · ONTARIO

I used to travel to the States just for my meds. Sometimes I made a day of it, for shopping etc. Other times I went just for meds. At the time the medication was not yet available in Canada which now is. The medication is an over the counter drug. Since i am honest t a fault I answered her question with yes I only purchased these two bottles. She then said you drove all this way for those 2 bottles? I said yes, not available in Canada she said exactly not FDA approved. She then said. I will let you take those 2 bottles because I use the stuff myself but if yu had a case Id seize your car. She asked why I took the medication. Typical Dumb Pale Stare in Disbelief. I said I will continue to come back across monthly until it one day comes available which now Costco carries.

Whenever we travel to the USA for car functions, wife shoe shopping or holidays I always seem to have the arrogant pissed off agent. I am kind, poliet, answer questions directly in his eye. I have nothing to hide. I am more than happy to have them search us or the vehicle if I give him reason to. But apparently my last name is "Random Search"....
I only ever have issues going into USA. Never coming home. I am always honest, have recipets in hand and declare everything. Like everyone said above. I enjoy my neighbours down stairs away to much to screw things up.
There is a new TV show boarder patrol in Canada. I can't believe how stupid people are. From what I have seen they all deserve a cell. My buddy used to work at Pearson Airport. Watching crap in a toilet. Special toilet that filters drugs and stool. Seperates the two. They hold people for upto 48 hours if they have a reason to make them go to the washroom. My friend said it was worst job he ever had. 99.9% of the time they were right if they suspected people.

fleet 51 · PORTLAND, ONT

HI SASQUATCH : If we are talking about the same incedent , and I think we are . ( you must have lived there at one time ) -- My photo was taken Easter weekend , 1958 , in Woodstock and shortly after that , the RCMP rolled in and stood beside the car at the local G M dealer , while the motor was pulled and crated - Us younger guys were really curious , because we had never see the RCMP in town -- ever ! The owner got it back some time later , after settling up the the Feds . The car was a nice met blue by that time -- LATER -- DON

427CARL · CLINTON, ONT

MANCAVER wrote:
It kind of bugs me that you have to pay tax on the shipping you paid to get something shipped to the border. I don't know why,,,,,,it just does.

99.9 % of the stuff I buy is Free Shipping to border

wuga · PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY, ONT

Regarding the shipping, I challenged this and was finally told by a superior that you only pay on the article, not the shipping or any state tax charged. I have now gone through this three times and won every time. If you go to CTC and get a repair done on your vehicle, HST is charged on the invoice total, parts and labour and the same at the border. I don't think they are looking for the guy who lost a fan belt. I am having an engine built in Michigan, when I took my heads and cam over to be installed, I stopped at the border to show I was taking stuff into the US and wanted it noted so I didn't have to pay taxes on these parts again when I brought the engine back to Canada. They will not do that for components that will be combined into a larger build since the parts may be buried and not identifiable. If you were to take a TV back for warranty, they will note the make, model and serial number so you only pay for any service charged

I remember back in the early 60's a buddy bought a 4 speed in the US, smuggled it back an put it under his bed. One night the RCMP showed up and seized it.

Warren

gkent · BRANTFORD, ONT

I don't feel sorry for the guy at all. There are very competent shops and competitive rates in Canada. You want to scoot over and save 30% on parts that's another matter.

flatblack55delivery · PORT HOPE, ONT

Agreed spend the money at home where it counts.When you spend stupid money like that I doubt he was hard up looking to save a buck or two .He got greedy and got caught . Lesson for everyone. Ed

wuga · PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY, ONT

There are very few places in the world where you can get custom speed equipment much less complete rebuild kits for the buick/rover aluminum engine. Outside of England, D&D is one of the only places that specialize in this engine and they have many things custom made like rocker shaft assemblies and pistons. When I go to shops here in Ontario, if it isn't a sbc (I'm being facetious) they don't know where to get the parts. Since there is a delay in building my engine, I talked to the owner of D&D yesterday and they will sell me all the parts for the build and I will have it assembled here. As you can see from my build (dog spit) all other monies have been spent locally except for some parts from Speedway. Whoops...the blower was built by Rick Deans in Washington state using some parts from Australia.

Warren

Super Bee · TORONTO, ONT

I to have challenged the shipping issue with CBSA. Just before Christmas I had a car full of stuff I picked up at CBI to bring over. A set of wheels, a set of heads a driveshaft and many more things as well. Great deals and well worth the price even if I had to pay tax on the shipping but I thought I would challenge it since I was declaring everything in my car. I always do and I always get pulled apart as I just go over to CBI and return 20 minutes later.

Well CBSA informed me that I had to pay tax on the shipping to the border. I asked the guy to please show me in the regulations or something that is printed as to the shipping being taxable. He could not show me anything so he let me off the shipping tax. It is not the amount to me it is the principle.

I get pulled apart every time I come back over and I have decided that it has to do with my timing. I really do only go over for about 20 minutes unless I am picking up a car which I have done twice. I had a car shipped to CBI and imported it through Lewiston and one I had shipped to a friend in Detroit. Both times when bringing the car over they gave it a quick glance and said go inside and pay. I have less hassle at the border with cars than I do with a 20 lb box of tie rods from Rock Auto.

gkent · BRANTFORD, ONT

It never occurred to me until I got really hassled once but usually they ask "what is the VALUE of the goods coming across?" . In that particular instance I told the guy three times what I had spent and what I had bills for but he wasn't satisfied so pulled me over with over $800. declared after only an 8 hour stay in the U.S.. The guys that checked me sent me on my way after telling me to have a good day!

My point here is that you have to listen to and answer the question. "Value of goods" is subjective but in my opinion does not include shipping fees of any sort. HOWEVER, keep in mind that HST includes PST and GST - GST being the key here since that includes both goods and SERVICES. Shipping would constitute services.

To make this point a little clearer, consider you go to the US and have new tires installed which you declare upon return. You'd be required to pay tax on the full invoice value (including installation), not just the cost of the tires. Another instance would be where you bought a complete engine in the US, again you'd pay on the full invoice value which would include labour, not just the components.

FWIW, I usually don't bitch about a couple extra bucks tax on shipping if they charge it. The number of times I've been let through at no charge more than makes up for it.

gkent · BRANTFORD, ONT

"There are very few places in the world where you can get custom speed equipment much less complete rebuild kits for the buick/rover aluminum engine. Outside of England, D&D is one of the only places that specialize in this engine and they have many things custom made like rocker shaft assemblies and pistons."

Doesn't matter if its the only place on the friggin planet, you bring it into the country and don't declare it its called smuggling and if you get caught you pay the price!

Super Bee · TORONTO, ONT

gkent

I agree with you completely. I am not complaining about the few dollars I am trying to make a point. If I declared the value of what I had the last time I went over and came back I would have been at 5 K but I had spent 1K. There are times I go over and I have spent $150.00 with receipts top prove that including shipping and I get the third degree and my car getting torn apart. Once I even had them question the OBD2 reader I had in the glove box and they wanted to see a receipt for it.

I know the next thing everyone says is why did you piss them off? Well I never have and I have just gotten to the point where I do not care anymore because I have done nothing wrong and I have declared everything I have. When they start giving me the third degree I just give it right back at them. When I do that they finally figure out that I have nothing to hide and send me on my way as fast as possible. If it has been a particularly bad day from them I do not let them off easy. I can waste their time as much as they can waste mine.

wuga · PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY, ONT

Gkent

Did I say anywhere in any post that I wasn't declaring everything? I was responding to buying locally but when I can't, I go where I have to and if it calls for it, it is declared and the tax is paid. This is twice now that I've responded to your posts implying that I don't shop locally and that I smuggle.

Warren

gkent · BRANTFORD, ONT

I was just making a comment pertaining to your statement. Maybe you just have a guilt complex!!!

Believe me, if I had intended to call you a smuggling bastard, I would have.

-- Edited by gkent on Tuesday 18th of March 2014 10:56:19 PM

Modfather · VICTORIA HARBOUR, ONT

Well it is a shame that he did not consider a Canadian restoration shop. I am sure for the amount he originally spent he could have got it done here. Sometimes you just cant fix stupid JMO though.

bmw2002e3 · ST MARY'S, ONT

Curious how the heck they found out?

More importantly, how do you deal with used swap meet items?

parklane · St THOMAS, ONT

bmw2002e3 wrote:
Curious how the heck they found out?

Usually somebody bragging, and the wrong people listening. There were a few guys that got a visit by the RCMP in our town in the 60s and early 70s. There were also a few speed shops in Detroit that contacted the border, and by the time you got there, they knew exactly what you had purchased. Ask me how I know,

Bob T · BRANTFORD, ONT

Parklane.. That wouldn't have been Gratiot Auto Supply ?L.O.L. Another way to get caught is talking about it on the interweb.

sasquatch · NORTH BAY, ONT

X2 Bob!!! Lol
Remember back many years ago a friend takin off at midnight and driving to "Midwest Auto Supply" to buy a set of "Venolia" pistons for his drag car.
Never went with him, he may have declared them , never heard about it anyway.

parklane · St THOMAS, ONT

Bob T wrote:
Parklane.. That wouldn't have been Gratiot Auto Supply ?L.O.L. Another way to get caught is talking about it on the interweb.

Ya, they be the ones. Plicks

bmw2002e3 · ST MARY'S, ONT

parklane wrote:
bmw2002e3 wrote:
Curious how the heck they found out?

Usually somebody bragging, and the wrong people listening. There were a few guys that got a visit by the RCMP in our town in the 60s and early 70s. There were also a few speed shops in Detroit that contacted the border, and by the time you got there, they knew exactly what you had purchased. Ask me how I know,

Yipes! Its a good heads up reminder.

DavyJ · NIAGARA REGION, ONT

I have seen in Niagara Falls Ny, where they sit and video the tire shops and then wait for the people to drive home across the bridge...............in my opinion they get what they deserve if they don't declare em.............After living in a border town for 54 years, if I have to pay on something I declare, I am fine with that. I know I am ahead by a long shot over the years. Also it is not worth the risk of having your ability to cross the bridge taken away...........
as to the guy who got caught, it sounds like he had enough money to do it right, so it was just greed to try and sneak it in..................................

51 Styline · NIAGARA FALLS, ONT

DavyJ wrote:
I have seen in Niagara Falls Ny, where they sit and video the tire shops and then wait for the people to drive home across the bridge...............in my opinion they get what they deserve if they don't declare em.............After living in a border town for 54 years, if I have to pay on something I declare, I am fine with that. I know I am ahead by a long shot over the years. Also it is not worth the risk of having your ability to cross the bridge taken away...........
as to the guy who got caught, it sounds like he had enough money to do it right, so it was just greed to try and sneak it in..................................

Its a lot different nowadays. In the 60s the US speedshops catered to the Canadians as there wasn,t much to choose from over here. The borders were tough but if you treated them with respect they didn,t pull you over unless you really had a lot of parts with you. Of course you could buy a Duntov solid lifter cam for 18.00 US . Corvette dual point distributor for 12.00. 327 dual Quad aluminum intake was 53.00. All from Chev dealer. I got pulled over one time and had absolutely nothing in the car. I was over to Jerry Hamam speed shop for a visit and the inspector didn,t believe me. sometimes you win.

GMDad · CALEDONIA, ONT

I know of some oval track racers who smuggled stuff and had it seized. Apparently the Speed Shop neighbours would take down Ontario licence plate numbers and then phone them into the border. Had heard at one time they got a fee for doing this but never any proof if this was the case.

parklane · St THOMAS, ONT

Ya, heard that Gratiot Auto used to get a fee for squealing to the border guys back then too.