Interior Panels - Shipping Costs And Alternatives

[Huw]

Good morning all

 

Currently gathering all the bits to finish my zed properly.  Did most of it at uni but never truly sorted out the interior.

 

Anyway, my interior panels (quarter window, larger rear quarter, taillight panel) are in pretty average nick - some re-dyed from the original blue - and I am looking to replace them with new ones.

I know a couple of places in the US (MSA being one) but the shipping costs more than the panels themselves.  Just wondering if anyone has any experience/suggestions?

 

Most of the ones I can find over in Japan (where I am now - Zed in Melbourne) end up at about the US cost as they are more expensive for each unit.

 

I want to replace the panels completely (I don't think they are worth refurbishing).

 

Huw

[Shaun05]

Looks like we're in the same boat. I'm after 260 interior rather than 240 but we're looking for similar stuff. I have found the same things as you. The panels are not TOO expensive. I tried www.zcarsource.com but they wanted $800US to ship them. At those prices, I'm almost better off getting a cheap flight to the US, picking them up myself and stuffing them in my luggage for the return trip. Ridiculous!

 

I considered getting a freight forwarding company like shopmate (it's auspost) to forward them to me for about 1/3 the price but haven't gone ahead as yet. I'm going to try eBay US and search around in Australia for a while before taking the plunge. Perhaps, if neither of us find stuff that way, a combined postage deal can be made? 

[Retro Z]

Im in for 2 complete sets of all the plastics if they offer postage discounts

[Huw]

Hmmm ok. Will do some more digging and consider. I understand the reason is that it cannot go UPS due to size and thus the ridiculous price tag.

[Groundhog]

Be careful of total value of the shipment re customs duty.
If you use USPS then my understanding is duty payable of $1000 AUD. If your supplier uses a courier company (and they all do) then customs duty and GST is payable over $500 AUD.

I've just been stung! Like you I am seriously considering taking a cheap flight to LA.

[gav240z]

I got to the US once or sometimes twice three times a year for work (never quite sure how many times). I have a contact in SFO I can send stuff to. I brought a bunch of stuff back with me last time. The only trouble with larger items is it won't fit in traditional luggage. You can go oversize luggage for additional costs, but I worry about damage especially to fragile stuff.

 

The other alternative is to go with a pallet and ship it, yes you will get stung for import duties with customs but there is no way around this I'm afraid. I haven't shipped anything via a pallet yet, have been looking to import door shells, roof turrets, bonnets, 1/4 panels etc.. But.. I have some concerns dealing with costs on this end. I need to do more research or maybe speak with a broker.

 

Another option is to source via Japan, I've found some items from Japan are better priced and costs a lot less to ship however this isn't always the case. AUD vs YEN at the moment is sub-optimal. AUD vs USD seems to be better at time of writing.

[gav240z]

 

Anyway, my interior panels (quarter window, larger rear quarter, taillight panel) are in pretty average nick - some re-dyed from the original blue - and I am looking to replace them with new ones.

 

Wait wait wait... was HS30 00643 originally a blue car with blue interior? I have not yet in all my experience seen another AU delivered 240z in this combination. I have to say it's my favorite colour combo so would be happy to learn that AU market cars were available in this combination. If this is the case it must be a very rare combo.

[dattocam]

Guys,

 

Before going to to UPS or other similar similar postal services contact your local (us-aus) muscle car importer. Most have a depo in the states (LA is most comon) where you can have the items shipped to. They will then back fill there containers with small such as wheels, engines anything car related to line a little extra cash in there pockets.You will pay a fraction of the price to ship internal in the states and then f all extra to have it put in a container.

 

I did this with wheels a few years ago. Made it more than worth while.

 

Cam

[Huw]

It was originally a White car with black pinstriping. Also had a lovely blue interior which previous owner had glued shag felt to.

 

Only after I painted it did i appreciate the white zeds. Although, the 73 blue is still my favourite, if a little incorrect. Dont think I could have lived with blue interior.

 

The US importers suggestion is a great one. Thank you. I will chase these down and see how we go.

 

Huw

Edited April 11, 2016 by Huw

[Huw]

I got to the US once or sometimes twice three times a year for work (never quite sure how many times). I have a contact in SFO I can send stuff to. I brought a bunch of stuff back with me last time. The only trouble with larger items is it won't fit in traditional luggage. You can go oversize luggage for additional costs, but I worry about damage especially to fragile stuff.

 

The other alternative is to go with a pallet and ship it, yes you will get stung for import duties with customs but there is no way around this I'm afraid. I haven't shipped anything via a pallet yet, have been looking to import door shells, roof turrets, bonnets, 1/4 panels etc.. But.. I have some concerns dealing with costs on this end. I need to do more research or maybe speak with a broker.

 

Another option is to source via Japan, I've found some items from Japan are better priced and costs a lot less to ship however this isn't always the case. AUD vs YEN at the moment is sub-optimal. AUD vs USD seems to be better at time of writing.

Interior panels seem to be almost double the cost here in Japan. May have missed a supplier or two. If I could find them here it would be great as I could simply bring back next time I am in Aus.

[Huw]

By way of follow up.

 

I chased down a couple of importers, all of whom were very happy to help. However, in the end it came pretty close to to the motorsport auto shipping quote once local delivery, shipping, tax and time/effort were factored in. . . So i just bit the bullet and paid the shipping. Hopefully only have to do so once.

[Shaun05]

So, who did you eventually buy from and what did they charge for shipping?

[qhongtran]

I am just about to commit to a set of tripple webbers, manifold, AC unit, Heater unit, race headers from the US... but not too sure on postage as yet!! 240z 1973. Considering parts are about 1/2 price of what they sell here in AUS... is it worth it???

[andyk_79]

I am just about to commit to a set of tripple webbers, manifold, AC unit, Heater unit, race headers from the US... but not too sure on postage as yet!! 240z 1973. Considering parts are about 1/2 price of what they sell here in AUS... is it worth it???

 

You might find shipping and import duties will be a killer! Last time I went over the threshold for import duties and port charges it added a third again to what I had already paid......  That said it was something not available from an Australian supplier so it was worth it !