The story so far is that I've been let down by a supplier for parts for my MR2 project. They now can't get them until July, but I've been gunning to get the car done in time for Le Mans in 3 weeks. Nice of them to give me plenty of notice!

Parts are a boot lid and engine cover in carbon fibre. The car has been painted black in places to match the black of the carbon so putting the OE metal parts on would be a crime.

I can get the parts in the USA, but the shipping cost is obscene - the best part of $800. Add VAT, import duty, etc and I'd be well over double the cost of the parts here.

Anyone got any bright ideas of a way of getting them over here within 3 weeks and for a sensible price?

Failing that, anyone know someone with these parts on a car that they'd be willing to sell? I'd pay retail rates (plus something for their trouble) to get them in time if someone could be without them for a month or so whilst more stock comes into the UK.

Thanks, Chris

a quick, and sort of cheap temporary solution could be to use that fake carbon laminate over your existing parts?

Chris

Which level of MR2, mk1, mk2???

I have a MK1 engine cover if that's of any help?

I also know of a good Toyota Mr2 breaker?

where is the supplier located in the states?

mk2 I'm afraid!

The supplier is in California. I have a mate out there, but it seems shipping by air really is that expensive, unless anyone knows a trick to get the prices down.

Anyone know how long it takes for 'ocean freight' across the Atlantic?

Chris

"Anyone know how long it takes for 'ocean freight' across the Atlantic? "

Never quick & can be horrendous if they have a few stops at other ports rather than it being direct one port to another - I very much doubt you'd get anything large in less than 3-4 weeks

ocean frieght is a minimum of 6-8 weeks.

The only way I can think of to get the cost down is if you know someone who has an account with one of the big couriers that they put a LOT of business through - i.e. they get a large discount due to volume of custom.

Volumetric weight is often a right PITA.

Chris,

I notice you've quoted the 'shipping' in $s. Does this mean it is the supplier of the parts quoting you? I have recently shipped some smaller parts from Ohio and the best (read fast + cheap) way was UPS.

To get any decent discount you need to open an account with them for your business but there's no commitment to volume. As an example I just shipped 5kg, Ohio - Northampton in 3 days for £41.

HTH

Mike

Yes, the supplier has quoted. I also got a quote for DHL via parcel2go and it was similarly priced.

Will look into UPS though - thanks for the tip.

Chris

U2U'd you my contact there.

Thanks guys. Yes, the volumetric weight is the problem. Fairly light, but large packages. It's almost cheaper to fly over there and collect!

Chris

i have a contact in Atlanta but that wont help.

I sit proper prepreg and put in an oven?

Can Claire make you what you need...?

Hello guys, this is andys wife, saw this post and thought I could help.....
Part of my job over the past couple of years has meant that I have had quite alot to do with importing from the states..... Not easy, but I have some bits of advice for you....
Make sure that you account for the VAT and duty on any shipment coming in from the US..... this can be quite a nasty surprise when the goods arrive in the UK (20% of the value) and I think that the duty is a percentage of that.... Example: I have just paid a 6000 sterling VAT bill for my last container and the duty was about 500 sterling..... This will be applicable to any shipment not classed as a gift, which I couldn't get away with on a container full of stainless steel duct work!!
The 2 companies that I use are Trifor and Cory Brothers. Trifor ship accross the sea, Cory brother take delivery and clear the items for you..... Maybe worth a try..... Also remember that your items could be sat at port state side for up to 3 weeks waiting for the ship to leave, somthing that I learnt the hard way when giving delivery times to my customer!
This may or may not help, but thought I would share my experience.
Hope everything gets sorted for you, good luck