In a message dated 3/10/03 11:42:27 AM Eastern Standard Time,
matthias.k@ATTBI.COM writes:

> To make these Vanagons comply with  DOT what would be needed?? Change
> all the glass and lights??

probably just change the speedo with US spec one and thats pretty much it.
that and a letter of compliance is all it takes (more or less) to get a
canadian vanagon over here.  i seriously looked into getting a '90 white Doka
automatic into the country last fall (but someone else bought it you KNOW who
you are :<)
the european spec vanagons are pretty much the same as the north american
ones. no extra "reinforcing" or whatever..same seatbelts, same glass, same
bumpers.  david marshall of fast forward (albiet he's from canada) has a euro
spec vanagon on its way over to north america now..and the canadian vans can
be brought into the us.
 As far as lights (most Euro spec have H4 - which i have in my vanagon) and
engines (emissions) there are so many crazy lighting upgrades (Got Dam Hondas
runnin around with green turn signals!) and engine conversions here in the
USA that i dont see why having a '90 vanagon with a 1.8 TD (or whatever)
engine should be a big deal.
but it is.

because this is America,. the land of the red tape, white and blue ..  :<)

so those cool vanagons are gonna (maybe, maybe not, if someone is smart) get
diced because of bureacratical (ok so i didnt win the spelling bee) customs
bullsh*t..

chris