Composite Alfaholics Panels

[Polyal]

Have you guys seen these bad boys?

http://www.alfaholics.com/2012/04/alfaholics-glass-fibre-bootlid-%E2%80%93-gt/

http://www.alfaholics.com/2012/04/alfaholics-glass-fibre-door-%E2%80%93-gt/

Just so happens my boot and door will need a little bit of rust prevention/work. But if the total comes to be more than these replacements then I think I am going to have to consider it.

What are the legalities with using composite panels? I know carbon fibre is frowned upon as it is very brittle and can shard on impact but fibreglass as been used for years without to much drama.

Are the door replacements meant for street use? I am assuming as they have two specifications and it seems all the original accessories will fit on.

Good bit of weight saving too!

[pancho]

I can't speak for legalities but shipping of large panels will bring a tear to your eye - so just remember to factor that in. There are a few bootlids and doors kickign around - just depends on what exact condition and type you're after.

[Polyal]

Hmm any ball park figures for shipping panels?

Ive been quoted around $600 for a door (with reg) and it still is not exactly perfect and would require painting...ah! This window reg issue is going to kill me.

[Derek Entesano]

So what is the issue with the window mechanism?

[pancho]

well - alfaholics will NOT modify the invoice - so you MUST pay all import duties and taxes on top of the door price itself. I'd say at least $500 for shipping and imports on a door. I think you're best off looking for a better door. NOS GT Regulators are around $75-80

[Cool Jesus]

Polyal, I've been importing vehicle parts for many years now and as long as the total combined cost of the consignment isn't greater than $1000, the import won't attract any duty or tax. That's the value of the items, shipping costs are not part of the value. I'm fairly certain the self assessed clearance (SAC) that is mentioned in the fact sheet is the docket that's filled out by the seller who places the value of the items on it and attaches it to the parcel/package/etc...

Not that I could locate it, perhaps the particular restriction may have changed, however I thought that the $1000 threshold was over a 12 month period. It doesn't seem to be jumping out at me on the customs website, so perhaps this restriction may have been removed because of the GFC??? to promote the global economy.

http://www.customs.gov.au/site/page5549.asp#Duty

Of course, to be completely confident, its just a quick email enquiry to Customs to be certain about any tax or duty that may be imposed.

[aggie57]

Polyal, I've been importing vehicle parts for many years now and as long as the total combined cost of the consignment isn't greater than $1000, the import won't attract any duty or tax. That's the value of the items, shipping costs are not part of the value. I'm fairly certain the self assessed clearance (SAC) that is mentioned in the fact sheet is the docket that's filled out by the seller who places the value of the items on it and attaches it to the parcel/package/etc...

Not that I could locate it, perhaps the particular restriction may have changed, however I thought that the $1000 threshold was over a 12 month period. It doesn't seem to be jumping out at me on the customs website, so perhaps this restriction may have been removed because of the GFC??? to promote the global economy.

http://www.customs.gov.au/site/page5549.asp#Duty

Of course, to be completely confident, its just a quick email enquiry to Customs to be certain about any tax or duty that may be imposed.

Which is why Tirerack do such a roaring trade to Australian buyers...two porker tyres <$1k = 0% duty and GST.  Nice!

[pancho]

Correct - basically any package brought into the country invoiced at over AU$1000 and mark you'll be up for the additional costs such as import duties, processing fees etc.

 I personally wouldn't put glass fibre doors on a road car.

[cjheath]

I personally wouldn't put glass fibre doors on a road car.

At least not without serious side-intrusion bars, which would kinda defeat the purpose... Though Alfa doorskins aren't terribly strong, in a side impact they're at least anchored by the latch as well as the hinge, so not as bad as they might have been. Composite panels would likely come off worse, IMO.