I'm just curious if someone could fill me in on the regulations/laws for the 3rd gen rx7 as far as right hand drive goes. I'm more of a first gen guy, I know that the first gen from japan would be illegal due to the lack of a frame member where the storage compartments would be.

If I got a RDH 3rd gen, would I be able to register it?

Any info helps, thanks!

 

I took mine to the DMV and they were happy to help.

 

Search, tons of threads talking about this stuff....and put on your flame suit.

 

I don't want to buy one if I cannot/won't be able to register it. What were you able to find out when you went to the dmv?

 

RHD First gens are "difficult" to find compared to FDs, or even FC's for a few years I had access to most of the auctions... and rarely(maybe once a week, if that) did I see an FB or SA22c


J.

 

registering imported vehicles for daily use is such a pain. but if you were able to find a vehicle over 25 years old it would be exempt from a lot of dol bs which makes it easier to register, but finding one would be harder. do your research or look for one that is already registered and try to buy that.

 

This is no documentation from Mazda which states the safety tests are exactly the same for a RHD FD as compared to a LHD FD. As such, it's not legal by DOT standards (Federal). However, there are no state laws against RHD cars directly, so you can "no-so legally" get them licensed most of the time in non-picky states. However, that still doesn't make them 100% legal.

 

Insert facepalm.jpg

 

import it to canada and than to states.. if if if that works
i am just saying i really dont know

 

Great way to get your car seized and money lost. I know.

 

1. Buy RHD half-cut
2. Buy LHD roller
3. Custom work. Time + $$$

OR you could spend $20000 on the RHD Converted RX-7 for sale on this forum.

 

Thanks for the tips guys. I may have to wait on this RHD idea...or convert one myself. May be just smarter, easier, and cheaper to get an FD from 94 or 95 and just enjoy it!

 

It depends on how much you want to spend, I got mine for $16,500 through a business who specializes in importing vehicles. I was its second owner and it only had 43,000km on it.

 

That isn't too bad. I will keep my eyes open

 

If you can't find anything pm me and I'll get you in contact with the person I dealt with.

 

I appreciate that. I will be in the market for one in the spring as winter is just starting for us in ny. I would like to keep your offer for the spring. I may have to post another rhd thread then and see if you're around

 

I should be around, I just friended you so you don't have to search for me.

 

For some big cash I would even drive them to you

http://www.tigerjapanesecars.com/details.php?id=42
http://www.tigerjapanesecars.com/details.php?id=44
http://www.tigerjapanesecars.com/details.php?id=45

 

These must only be legal in japan...?

 

These owners also thought they were buying from a legit importer:

https://www.rx7club.com/automotive-news-lounge-22/kaizo-raided-feds-went-through-records-861492/

As I said, you may get the car licensed at the state level, but it's not legal at the Federal level. Does that mean they'll come to your house and get the car? Who knows, but why chance it when LHD are easily accessible?

 

Thanks for the tip, it's very helpful. LHD are much more accessible. Not worth all the money, time, and work just to have something illegal.

Thanks again

 

I just took my RHD down to the DMV with a Utah title and thye were happy to help once I explained that the car didn't pull up any info in their system because it had been imported years ago.

 

The DMV = State. You do realize the FEDERAL Government at any point in time could seize/crush/dowhatevertheyplease to your car because it is RHD?

This is the kind of pseudo statement "Oh I just took my car to the DMV" that gets people in trouble. A show car/collectors piece that is only taken to shows/tracks you might get away with. You MIGHT get away with have a RHD JDM car forever...but you MIGHT also have your car legally seized because technically it is not Federally compliant.

If you are ok with the risk then go for...it is NOT Federally legal...as has been discussed ad nauseam.

 

Yes I realize the implications. I also know that at any time I can disassemble the car, produce reciepts for a chasis engine and tranny and re-register in my home state as a kit car. Don't believe me? Ask the owner of the 1992 RHD FD featured in Import tuner. Same deal except registered through PA.

Is the car DOT hell no. It is grey market all day.

Also registering a show car/collector car is completly different and 100% legal. There is an annual inspection that occurs to make sure you don't exceed "x" miles. Where x is the annual mileage you are alloed for travel to shows. Usually it is 3000 miles.

So how to get the car Federally legalized? I'm sure it has been discussed to death but here are cliff notes for those interested again.

Get a letter of bond from Mazda stating the differences in the car from JDM to USDm compliance. Submit this to the DOT/EPA along with a copy of proof from an acknowledged RI showing the differences have been brought into compliance. Submit paperwoek, pay STUPID amounts of money...pass countless inspections again and again....get a bond released and new VIN number.


:Why doesn't this work with skylines?": Because no similar model car was released in US for Nissan to compare it to in their letter to the DOT. Can you get one? SUre R33 GTR in the year 1995. It was the only one added to the authorized import list after the motorex fiasco. Problem is there are no authorized RI's for that vehicle at this time.


But back to the point: The OP asked how he could register the car....we answered him. He did not ask how to federally import the vehicle.


Oh and for the Canada thing. It is harder and costs more in the long run actually.

 

Oh yeah I forgot the most important thing....

The federal Gov't is not going to come kick in your door and take your car. The cops are not going to ask for a copy of your DOT bond during a routine stop.

Here is the trick to keeping your grey market car away from a crusher......ready......it's tricky.....


DON'T DO STUPID **** IN IT!!!!!!!!!!!