swap meet

[Joe in Canada]

Just curious if anyone south of the boarder comes to Canada for the bargains in cars and parts seeing the American dollar is worth 27% more. I know one restoration shop has several American customers cars being restored here. If a car cost $20,000. that is only $15,000. in American dollars. The last time the dollar was this bad I would buy a new GM pickup with employee discount and deal it back in after 6 months and get my money back. Then the truck would go to the US for American dollars. Here is a swap meet about 2 Hr. from Buffalo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Zt0j-Ofo9M where you would probably get a deal on the exchange rate alone.

The commentator actually hade the numbers wrong he said over 500 where he should have said 620.

Edited March 14, 2015 by Joe in Canada (see edit history)

[John_S_in_Penna]

I used to get to Canada routinely, and grew up

2 hours from the Canada-US border. But with

the travel restrictions (needing a passport now)

I never get to Canada, sorry to say.

Canada was like visiting your sister down the road

(same parents!), but now it's not so easy. The high

sales taxes and gas prices there aren't an enticement either.

When going to car shows or vacationing, it's much easier

to travel 2 hours in the other direction.

Sorry to give such news, because Canada is friendly and beautiful!

Edited March 17, 2015 by John_S_in_Penna (see edit history)

[60FlatTop]

I'm an easy hour away and we used to think nothing of hopping over to the Canadian side for lunch or a drive along the Niagara. The last time we crossed,the US border guard was such a jerk with an attitude we decided to leave him alone in his misery. That was 2011, seems to be working out OK for me.

Sorry to give such news, Canada was fun to visit.

Bernie

[uh6077]

Looks like it is a bit over 4 hrs driving from Rochester so it would likely be closer to 5 depending on traffic at the border. I go into Canada pretty ofter, either to the falls or 1000 islands. My work takes me to Canton and Massena NY a few times a year so when I am there I hope over the border to visit family. Really quick and easy up there but the crossing at Niagara can be a pain. The guards do seem to have an attitude I guess form dealing with tourists all day. We went a few weeks ago and the Coversation went like this.

Guard- "Where are you a resident of?"

Me- "New York"

"Sir New York is a pretty big state, how about being more specific"

"Umm, Rochester" (in my head I was saying "You didn't ask what city a-hole)

"Sir, please put your arm inside the vehicle" (window was down and my arm was on the window, elbow sticking out)

[bruffsup]

The exchange rate is not anywhere near 27%. although it may reach that level at some point. It is especially poor if you change your money at a US Bank and almost as bad at Canadian banks.

There are no great bargains buying antique cars here. Remember a thing called Ebay and US auctions? Contrary to popular belief we are not all Bob and Doug MacKenzie. Ever heard of a company called RM? Headquarters Chatham Ontario. Where do you think they sell their cars and consignments? Moose Jaw? The only area I can see for a deal might be the Barrie or Stirling Flea market but just see how many vendors KNOW the exchange rate and price accordingly. If you like fishing and hunting though we have it all.

[motoringicons]

The Barrie swap meet used to be a great treasure trove for finding parts and unrestored cars. Like most swap meets, it's not nearly what it used to be. I haven't attended in many years.

[dictator27]

Looks like it is a bit over 4 hrs driving from Rochester so it would likely be closer to 5 depending on traffic at the border. I go into Canada pretty ofter, either to the falls or 1000 islands. My work takes me to Canton and Massena NY a few times a year so when I am there I hope over the border to visit family. Really quick and easy up there but the crossing at Niagara can be a pain. The guards do seem to have an attitude I guess form dealing with tourists all day. We went a few weeks ago and the Coversation went like this.

Guard- "Where are you a resident of?"

Me- "New York"

"Sir New York is a pretty big state, how about being more specific"

"Umm, Rochester" (in my head I was saying "You didn't ask what city a-hole)

"Sir, please put your arm inside the vehicle" (window was down and my arm was on the window, elbow sticking out)

It's pretty much the same on the left coast. The CBSA agents are told not to be specific when they ask for your home area. They have already seen your licence plate before you got to the booth and they know what city you're from. Take off your sun glasses and except for handing the agent your passport, keep your arm inside the car.

We own a motor home and the border is only twenty minutes away for us. At a recent RV show, my wife and I attended a seminar on the dos and don'ts of border crossing in either direction. One thing heavily emphasized was this: if you are bringing anything purchased while away, decide on which items you and your spouse are each going to claim long before you get to the border. If you do it within 300 feet of the border, they can hear you! The advice from the seminar leader was simple - say as little as possible within that distance.

Crossing the border isn't what it used to be! :eek:

Unless, of course, you do something like this. The seminar leader recounted this story: A CBSA agent noticed that an older (60ish) couple in the line up were being quite amorous. When they got to him, all he said was, "The motel is two blocks down on the right."

Terry

Edited March 17, 2015 by dictator27 (see edit history)

[1912Staver]

I am also quite close to the border, and cross reasonably frequently (once or twice a Month, generally to retrieve Ebay stuff from my freight guy in WA. State or a swap meet }. I always am up front about what I am doing and how much I paid for things. For Ebay stuff always I have a printed invoice, a little harder for swap meet purchases but I don't under estimate.

Once in a blue moon I run into an agent having a bad day but generally most are pretty decent. The odd one has even shown a little personal interest in old cars, but most appear to not have the slightest interest. {Who are you? , where are you going? Value of goods? }, Vintage motorcycle parts attract some suspicion but once I explain they are for my early 1950's Norton or BSA things calm down. I guess biker gang members don't own too many old British cycles. Be polite, answer their questions, be honest, no real problems after probably 100 or more crossings.

Greg in Canada

[John_S_in_Penna]

Barry, who are Bob and Doug MacKenzie?

Fictional characters, I suppose. (Sorry, I don't

find much worth watching on television these days!)

What Joe said about currencies is indeed correct.

World exchange rates haven't been fixed in decades, so

they naturally fluctuate; and the Canadian dollar

is currently worth 78 U. S. cents as the U. S. dollar strengthens.

[statistics from today's Wall Street Journal.]

Mathematically, 1.00/0.78 = 1.28, meaning that, for now,

the U. S. dollar is worth about 28% more than the Canadian.

Edited March 17, 2015 by John_S_in_Penna (see edit history)

[Joe in Canada]

Another video from the 43rd year of the Lindsay swap meet run by the AACA Ontario region https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qkBoJd5LW6M on YouTube. I also agree the boarder guards can be a pain and they are bad both ways doing their job getting you edgy trying to slip you up to catch contraband. Another tip to declare cash over $10,000. you are carrying as the US boarder guard will confiscate it and end up in court to get it back. As for Stirling being a place to buy cars I was there two years ago and there might have been 15 where Lindsay the same year had over 120. But the two meets are only 1 1/2 Hr. apart so you can do both if you want. As for Barrie it is becoming a ghost town with many of the automotive venders moving to Lindsay and the property has been sold so see what happens in the future. Also on the same weekend as Lindsay and Stirling an antique car auction in Toronto that at one time was run by RM I believe only another 1 1/2 Hr. away again. The first weekend in May will be a busy old car weekend.

When exchanging currency when coming to Canada get it exchanged here I. I have a friend that is tighter than bark to a tree and he swears by Continental Currency Exchange usually 2% better than the bank he tells me. http://www.continentalcurrency.ca/ Also in Canada the banks give a better exchange rate than in the US banks. This can be all checked on line as every day has different rates.

Edited March 18, 2015 by Joe in Canada (see edit history)

[Guest Bob Call]

If you owned a TV set in the 70's you watched a Canadian sketch comedy program named "SCTV" which was set in a fictitious TV network that broadcast from Melonville (I don't think they ever mentioned the Province). One of the favorite segments was the "Great White North" hosted by the MacKenzie brothers, Bob and Doug (Rick Moranis and Dave Thomas). Also featured on SCTV was the late John Candy and Martin Short, and, others you would recognize.

http://us.search.yahoo.com/search?fr=yhs-invalid&p=SCTV+mackenzie+brothere

[Dave@Moon]

Mathematically, 1.00/0.78 = 1.28, meaning that, for now,

the U. S. dollar is worth about 28% more than the Canadian.

That is only meaningful in relation to historical norms. Every country's currency has a base/intrinsic value that is not an equivalence to others. In other words a Canadian dollar has never been the equal of an American dollar in the same sense that an American dollar has never been the equal of a British pound or a Japanese yen. Fluctuations occur of course, but unless the currency is deliberately devalued it is rare to see lasting wholesale changes in relative values.

Over the last 5 years the Canadian dollar has averaged around 78 cents American, so the current situation is typical. It's only low in relation the very recent spike in it's value in January 2015, where it was at nearly 95 cents. It's low over the past 5 years came in 2011 when it was worth 68 cents American.

http://www.oanda.com/currency/historical-rates/

[Joe in Canada]

In 2009 when the US banks had a melt down and I do not think anyone was held responsible for the issues sorry that is a different topic. The Canadian dollar was higher than the US at times but the last 2 years times have changed for the Canadian Dollar. Thank you Dave http://www.oanda.com/currency/historical-rates/ click on range on the left side of page and then click on 5 years and check out the graph and that will show you the bargains that can be had with the US dollar exchange. Oh yes someone mentioned the heavy Canadian tax, there is no tax if the car is leaving the country. As for the higher price of gas you can fill up before crossing the boarder then you may need to only put in another $50 to get back unless you have a diesel.

[bruffsup]

Something else to consider. If you buy a car in Canada for more than $8000 (Canadian!) and the car is over 50 years old and if it has been in Canada over 35 years it requires a Heritage Export Permit. Fine for first offense is $1000, second offense $25,000 ! Very few collectors , car shipping companies and even Canada Customs officers are aware of this. There are also severe penalties for undervaluing. Last week a "pre clearance" border checking agreement was signed between the USA and Canada. This will enable US Customs officers to operate in Canada at land crossings. ( they already are at our airports) and the same for Canadian officers in the US.

Eventually travelers and their goods will be inspected going and leaving both countries.

[dei]

Something else to consider. If you buy a car in Canada for more than $8000 (Canadian!) and the car is over 50 years old and if it has been in Canada over 35 years it requires a Heritage Export Permit. Very few collectors, car shipping companies and even Canada Customs officers are aware of this.

This is true. I learned of this about 10 years ago regarding a particular vehicle I won't mention due to an on going issue. I believe it still remains in Canada because of this little known law but not 100% on that.

I have lived right at the border of Ontario & Michigan most of my life and seen the dollar swing as high as 15 cents more than the US dollar, not recently but it has happened. Sadly our merchants here, when the US dollars is higher than ours, do not always offer that full exchange to helpful Us Tourism dollars so convert your money at the best exchange place you can.

Everyone just has to make a buck somehow!

[bruffsup]

I can tell you for 100% certain this law still very much exists today as I have had to comply with it when recently exporting a car.

Here is who you should contact if you want to comply. EVEN PARTS OF CARS ARE SUBJECT TO THESE RULES IF THEY MEET THE MINIMUM MONETARY AND TIME STIPULATIONS !

Program Officer, Movable Cultural Property (Import and Export)

Heritage Policy and Programs

Department of Canadian Heritage, Government of Canada

25 Eddy Street, 9th Floor, Office 86, Gatineau, Québec K1A 0M5

Monica.Belley@pch.gc.ca / Tel.: 819-934-0560 / Toll Free: 866-811-0055 / Fax: 819-997-7757

Edited March 20, 2015 by Barry Brown (see edit history)

[John_S_in_Penna]

A few other countries have issued similar rules to protect

their "cultural property." But isn't such an item the property

of its owner, not the property of a "culture?"

Ancient artifacts, such as from Greece, are more commonly

a country's intent. However, such rules are always

controversial and probably not well conceived.

For example, experts have argued, how can one prove that a Greek vase

is Greek cultural property when Greece's influence was spread abroad? A Greek

vase may have been crafted elsewhere originally and transported to an Dutch Museum

in 1805, long before any cultural property law! Who has records from 1805?

Such bureaucracy adds red tape and can add doubts to legitimate collectibles.

Now they're trying to add protections to cars???

An "American" car could have been made in Canada (as many were),

and be exempt from the law.

A "Canadian" car may have been manufactured in Detroit, then sold

in Canada and been in Canada for many years, possibly triggering that law.

Edited March 21, 2015 by John_S_in_Penna (see edit history)

[Joe in Canada]

The car has to be of some historic value. Example Sam MacLauchlan's first car that is in Oshawa, or one of Hitler's car that resides in Ottawa before you have a problem. The US was the same rules if you check as all country's do. Actually I would be very content to see a few Mustangs and Camaros leave to cull the heard

[bruffsup]

You may be aware of this famous case involving the French and American governments and the repatriation of a Turcat- Mery to France.https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/historic-antique-vehicle-returned-france

Admittedly many native artifacts and famous pre Canada explorer Samuel de Champlain's astrolabe ( presumed) were sold before Heritage Canada was even formed. I am certain these exports help trigger the legislation. It is my opinion that the bureaucrats over reacted big time when they chose to include just about everything except stale pizza as potential cultural artifacts.

[GLong]

My experience, and understanding is that an American product, car, clock, furniture, etc. can return to America without issue. I've brought several cars and old furniture and antique clocks, all with obvious provenance as having been made in America. I did not have any issues returning into the States. Some paperwork to fill out was it. Although the latest car, a '27 Pierce Arrow was a bit of a bother with the paperwork, it is all computerized now, and the software is not user friendly.

I had books, a Pierce Arrow roster, and showed the Customs officers the engine/chassis plates stating Buffalo New York for the Pierce Arrow Motor Car company..

If it had been a few years ago, the paperwork was done with about 4 questions.

I once picked up a Pierce Arrow and a pile of parts in Ontario, and returned to the States at the Peace Bridge at Buffalo, which is right at the end of Lake Erie as it turns into the river on the way to Niagara Falls.

The Customs/imigration officer asked what was in the trailer, I told him a Pierce Arrow Car. He said let take a look. I opened the side door, he took one look at the fender headlights and said yep, just like on the billboard three miles ahead advertising the Buffalo Transportation Museum.. He said have a good day !! and I was on my way to Hershey.

I've heard about and now read about some issues bringing into the states an automobile, but never have had any issues. Pain in the butt officers? only once or twice over 40+ years of crossing once or twice a year.

GLong

[Joe in Canada]

Was that Ricks car you bought???

My experience, and understanding is that an American product, car, clock, furniture, etc. can return to America without issue. I've brought several cars and old furniture and antique clocks, all with obvious provenance as having been made in America. I did not have any issues returning into the States. Some paperwork to fill out was it. Although the latest car, a '27 Pierce Arrow was a bit of a bother with the paperwork, it is all computerized now, and the software is not user friendly.

I had books, a Pierce Arrow roster, and showed the Customs officers the engine/chassis plates stating Buffalo New York for the Pierce Arrow Motor Car company..

If it had been a few years ago, the paperwork was done with about 4 questions.

I once picked up a Pierce Arrow and a pile of parts in Ontario, and returned to the States at the Peace Bridge at Buffalo, which is right at the end of Lake Erie as it turns into the river on the way to Niagara Falls.

The Customs/imigration officer asked what was in the trailer, I told him a Pierce Arrow Car. He said let take a look. I opened the side door, he took one look at the fender headlights and said yep, just like on the billboard three miles ahead advertising the Buffalo Transportation Museum.. He said have a good day !! and I was on my way to Hershey.

I've heard about and now read about some issues bringing into the states an automobile, but never have had any issues. Pain in the butt officers? only once or twice over 40+ years of crossing once or twice a year.

GLong

[GLong]

Yep, I had all the missing parts that Rick had removed to complete his other car. I had the car running in a day. The yellow paint blew off with a power washer !! I took it to Hershey and it sold. It has returned 'home' to Buffalo.

The new owner is keeping it as original as possible, no new paint, upholstery etc.. He is planning on buying some nickel parts like a radiator shell that looks nicer than the existing one, more nickel, less rust.

He may have it at the Pierce Arrow national meet in Buffalo this July.

GLong

[Joe in Canada]

I had to take a second look when I seen it at Hershey last year to see if it was Ricks car or not. I must say it looks much more presentable after you were finished with it. I actually spoke with you at Hershey when you were attending to the car.

[GLong]

Joe, next time, lets exchange emails and phone numbers. I'm about a 2 hour drive from Sarnia, and about the same from Windsor. If you ever come into the States to attend a car show/event etc. It would be fun to meet.

Yes, Rick's car looked much better with 99% of the ugly yellow paint blown off with the power washer. It ran surprisingly well. The new owner is not moving very fast on the car, it might show up at the Buffalo meet in July, but I rather doubt that it will be tour-ready.

GLong