Mustang Owners Club Australia Forum

Technical & General Discussion Area => Importing Cars & Parts - General Freight => Topic started by: robgarns on June 29, 2017, 08:13:50 pm

Title: Massive Asbestos Problem Brewing
Post by: robgarns on June 29, 2017, 08:13:50 pm
Be very very careful importing any car right now.

Cars coming into Aus are now being inspected for asbestos and it can be brutal. Brakes, clutches, exhaust insulation, firewalls, even fibreglass are been inspected, samples taken and tested. Cars have been partially dismantled, cars that fail cannot be imported and even worse cannot be re exported

My understanding is that while the rules have been on the books for some time, only now are they been aggressively implemented and it is causing chaos. I heard today of a Cobra with $35,000 of rectification work including repairing holes from samples of the fibreglass!!

Do not bring any car in unless you have certification of every possible part that could contain asbestos is the advice I have been given
Title: Re: Massive Asbestos Problem Brewing
Post by: evan on June 29, 2017, 08:16:23 pm
Sounds like our cars just went up in value  :evilone:  :grin:

Evan.
Title: Re: Massive Asbestos Problem Brewing
Post by: robgarns on June 29, 2017, 08:37:16 pm
Fair chance it will reduce supply and that may boost prices of cars already here... However it also has the potential to cause havoc in anything to do with classic cars and all those who earn their living from them - that is not good
Title: Re: Massive Asbestos Problem Brewing
Post by: BAC on June 29, 2017, 08:55:00 pm
What are the local shipping agents and customs brokers saying about all of this?
Title: Re: Massive Asbestos Problem Brewing
Post by: Pedro on June 29, 2017, 11:09:47 pm
It's all over other classic car forums. Someone even reported they pulled out the windscreen rubber because some are reported to contain asbestos.
Title: Re: Massive Asbestos Problem Brewing
Post by: mustang_talk on June 30, 2017, 07:19:19 am
Detailed info on asbestos restrictions...

http://www.border.gov.au/Busi/cargo-support-trade-and-goods/importing-goods/prohibited-and-restricted/asbestos
Title: Re: Massive Asbestos Problem Brewing
Post by: robgarns on June 30, 2017, 07:36:35 am
If you read the Regs, potential is there to dismantle a car, impound it and sell it!

The importers and agents I have spoken to are gobsmacked and quite fearful that their business could be destroyed - they need to react and get some common sense back into the debate

I have just taken delivery of a couple of cars ex UK - no tests, no requests, no problems, others have had no end of problems - whether it is random or they sampling cars, no idea

I had planned to take a car out of Aus for a rally and bring it back, now terrified....
Title: Re: Massive Asbestos Problem Brewing
Post by: BAC on June 30, 2017, 10:01:54 am
Detailed info on asbestos restrictions...

http://www.border.gov.au/Busi/cargo-support-trade-and-goods/importing-goods/prohibited-and-restricted/asbestos

As I have mentioned previously, the spirit of the above regulations seems to be aimed at large scale importation of commercial quantities of goods for resale in Australia (e.g. the Great Wall debacle) and is being taken out of context if they are now using them to pursue individuals importing classic cars for private use.

There needs to be some common sense applied and a dialogue between relevant parties and the government as I'm sure this was not the pollies' intention when these laws were put into place.
Title: Re: Massive Asbestos Problem Brewing
Post by: robgarns on June 30, 2017, 06:20:40 pm
Common sense and Govt - great idea but good luck!

Clearly it is ridiculous but so is a Luxury Car Tax for an industry we no longer have!! The contrast with other countries could not be greater - the UK has a fantastic classic car industry while we do everything we can to make it difficult and expensive. Some idiot in the bureaucracy has decided he/she does not like classic cars and common sense goes out the window
Title: Re: Massive Asbestos Problem Brewing
Post by: BAC on June 30, 2017, 06:59:06 pm
Clearly it is ridiculous but so is a Luxury Car Tax for an industry we no longer have!!

Understand the comparison but the diffference is the LCT brings in money for the government but all this asbestos situation does is create busy work for the ABF without any real net gain for anyone (except maybe the testing labs).

What nobody has been able to shed some light on thus far is:  the rules have been in place for some time but they are only now being rigorously enforced - who flipped the switch and why?
Title: Re: Massive Asbestos Problem Brewing
Post by: mustang_talk on June 30, 2017, 07:08:04 pm
Perhaps this may shed some light ??

http://lawgovpol.com/case-study-james-hardie-and-asbestos/
Title: Re: Massive Asbestos Problem Brewing
Post by: BAC on June 30, 2017, 07:12:27 pm
Perhaps this may shed some light ??

http://lawgovpol.com/case-study-james-hardie-and-asbestos/

If you're saying the health risks of asbestos justify the current crusade, then all I can say is the money and effort would be much better spent elsewhere...
Title: Re: Massive Asbestos Problem Brewing
Post by: mustang_talk on June 30, 2017, 07:36:25 pm
It's difficult to say, my guess is that someone within a government department has conducted an audit of sorts and issued a massive fine in relation to asbestos coming into Australia. Historical cases referred too to justify fines. This has lead to those fined imposing stricter conditions to demonstrate tighter controls for fear of losing contracts etc..just a thought.. I could be wrong..

Okay, check this out
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/asbestos-contamination-2-importers-charged-in-8-years/news-story/e2c3ae3e82678fca1c594f2c711a8d12

And this
http://wa.strata.community/useruploads/files/160804_no_time_to_stop_imports_of_asbestos.pdf

But wait there's more
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-02-14/australian-building-sites-contaminated-with-chinese-asbestos/7166674

So it appears classic cars have been caught up in the stricter compliance checking and enforcement...
Title: Re: Massive Asbestos Problem Brewing
Post by: StephenSLR on July 01, 2017, 03:37:36 pm
Classic car importers driven out of business by Australian border force inspectors

https://au.news.yahoo.com/video/watch/36033392/classic-car-importers-driven-out-of-business-by-australian-border/

Keep in mind it's a news story, designed to be sensationalist.

s
Title: Re: Massive Asbestos Problem Brewing
Post by: BAC on July 01, 2017, 05:41:32 pm
How that ABF spokeswoman can keep a straight face while telling the reporter that they are only inspecting classic cars "to keep the public safe" is just staggering.

It is obvious to blind Freddy that the intent of the law is to stop sub-standard Chinese goods containing asbestos from entering the country, not to focus on individuals pursuing a private hobby.

Who's the moron that decided that importing old cars is a significant risk to the community?   :ouch:
Title: Re: Massive Asbestos Problem Brewing
Post by: pgold on July 01, 2017, 06:47:48 pm
A combination of negative media reports and negotiation from our motoring bodies is probably the only way we can get some common sense to the problem.
Brakes and clutches which if containing asbestos are releasing harmfull dust as they wear out and we don't need that. All other parts which I can think of containing asbestos is contained in the material and its fibres would only be released during maintenance works.
The replacement of brake pads/shoes and clutch plates before import or before registration and a warning label to the potential of asbestos in gaskets, insulation and rubbers fixed to the car at time of import.
There are millions of buildings in Australia built from the 1940's to about 1995 containing some asbestos many of them are government owned. If you children wen't or are going to a government school built before 1995 there is probably asbestos somewhere. Are they replacing all of them _ not any time soon.
Don't get me wrong - I have relatives who have pasted from asbestos's and it is a horrible way to die and precautions need to be taken when working with asbestos products.       
Title: Re: Massive Asbestos Problem Brewing
Post by: StephenSLR on July 01, 2017, 06:53:30 pm
There are millions of buildings in Australia built from the 1940's to about 1995 containing some asbestos many of them are government owned.

Unfortunately we can't have planes flown into all of them.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QhF-sMdJVg

s
Title: Re: Massive Asbestos Problem Brewing
Post by: gbader on July 08, 2017, 12:44:03 pm
Well mine popped out of AU customs yesterday and is now safely tucked away - got stung with the $300 clean (which I assume is a contribution to the Xmas fund as the car does not look like it was cleaned)

Small (50c size) bit of paint missing off the boot but the battery sticker will cover that. My main gripe was that one of the Californian black plates went missing (posted one but I stupidly thought the rear that was riveted on would be fine), checked AU side unloading pics so we think it went during the 2 weeks it sat at US cutoms

Anyway, big relief after reading this thread

Cheers
Title: Re: Massive Asbestos Problem Brewing
Post by: StephenSLR on July 08, 2017, 12:55:58 pm
got stung with the $300 clean (which I assume is a contribution to the Xmas fund as the car does not look like it was cleaned)

I got stung with that too, they probably saw a spider web and used a broom to clean it.

My main gripe was that one of the Californian black plates went missing

Damn. Luckily mine made it through with Colorado collector plates.

s
Title: Re: Massive Asbestos Problem Brewing
Post by: BAC on July 08, 2017, 01:35:18 pm
Well mine popped out of AU customs yesterday and is now safely tucked away - got stung with the $300 clean (which I assume is a contribution to the Xmas fund as the car does not look like it was cleaned)

Good to hear it.  The cleaning fee is totally arbitrary IMHO.  I've brought in 3 cars over the last few years, only one got stung with the cleaning fee and it was the dirtiest of the lot when I received it...


Anyway, big relief after reading this thread

The advice I have from my import agent is this issue has been massively blown out of proportion by the internet community.  In their experience, it is only a random inspection done on a very small sample of imports coming in and even then they are tending to target high dollar value commercial shipments (e.g. a business bringing in several classic cars at a time for resale) rather than individual private imports.

This makes sense if you think about it - if they were inspecting the majority of containers they would have had to double or triple the Customs workforce and the docks would grind to a halt.

There is also a declaration you can sign to state that your goods are asbestos free.  My import agent has advised me they do not know of a single shipment that has been inspected where that declaration has been in place.

One more thing - for people who are worried about bringing in cars from the US, some shipping agents are looking at setting up a service where they remove the most likely asbestos containing components (brake pads, clutches, etc.) prior to loading for export.
Title: Re: Massive Asbestos Problem Brewing
Post by: nassi on July 26, 2017, 06:07:44 pm
Bosskraft are available to help..

Hi all,

As most would be aware, Bosskraft relocated to the USA last year and with the recent enforcement of long existing asbestos legislation, by ABF in Australia, Bosskraft have jumped through the hoops and become asbestos qualified in the USA, authorised by the US Federal Gov to identify, take samples for testing (if required) and remove it from vehicles. The hope is that we can intercept these issues BEFORE the cars (or anything, actually) leaves the USA, and we'll be able to issue a certificate, clearing the goods of asbestos, which should keep the ABF off the importers tails.

We've been working with our long time customs broker in Australia and he suggests that this asbestos issue, is not something that will go away. It's here to stay. He also suggests that there was currently nobody in the USA, authorised to perform this work, and it left importers open to likely seizures by ABF, of imported vehicles, with fines likely to be issued if caught out (and they're frighteningly high!). That being the case, we've figured that the best way to avoid impound costs, storage costs, ridiculous multiple mechanics 'on scene' costs in Aust, is to deal with the issues in the USA, with US Federal certification to satisfy the Aust Gov, issued when cleared of asbestos.

Anyway, if you need our assistance, touch base with us and since we're banned from the 'other forum' for speaking our minds against the poor management of the club, we'd appreciate someone sharing this info on their page, as it may be useful to people on the page attempting to import.
Title: Re: Massive Asbestos Problem Brewing
Post by: 69candy on July 26, 2017, 06:35:38 pm
Bosskraft are available to help..

Hi all,

As most would be aware, Bosskraft relocated to the USA last year and with the recent enforcement of long existing asbestos legislation, by ABF in Australia, Bosskraft have jumped through the hoops and become asbestos qualified in the USA, authorised by the US Federal Gov to identify, take samples for testing (if required) and remove it from vehicles. The hope is that we can intercept these issues BEFORE the cars (or anything, actually) leaves the USA, and we'll be able to issue a certificate, clearing the goods of asbestos, which should keep the ABF off the importers tails.

We've been working with our long time customs broker in Australia and he suggests that this asbestos issue, is not something that will go away. It's here to stay. He also suggests that there was currently nobody in the USA, authorised to perform this work, and it left importers open to likely seizures by ABF, of imported vehicles, with fines likely to be issued if caught out (and they're frighteningly high!). That being the case, we've figured that the best way to avoid impound costs, storage costs, ridiculous multiple mechanics 'on scene' costs in Aust, is to deal with the issues in the USA, with US Federal certification to satisfy the Aust Gov, issued when cleared of asbestos.

Anyway, if you need our assistance, touch base with us and since we're banned from the 'other forum' for speaking our minds against the poor management of the club, we'd appreciate someone sharing this info on their page, as it may be useful to people on the page attempting to import.

Good to know!!
Title: Re: Massive Asbestos Problem Brewing
Post by: BAC on July 26, 2017, 08:49:38 pm
Whereabouts are they in the US?
Title: Re: Massive Asbestos Problem Brewing
Post by: nassi on July 27, 2017, 06:48:39 am
Whereabouts are they in the US?

They have premises in Arizona and California but do travel as well to locate vehicles and parts for the business.
Title: Re: Massive Asbestos Problem Brewing
Post by: BAC on July 27, 2017, 10:27:10 am
Thanks, was just wondering how the inspection service will work in terms of logistics: would you have to get the car shipped from the seller to Bosskraft and then arrange to get it on-shipped to port after they've inspected it? 
Title: Re: Massive Asbestos Problem Brewing
Post by: Dwayne on July 27, 2017, 10:34:33 am
I'm only guessing here, but either way they would need to send the samples off for testing somewhere so they'll need the car for a few days at least.
Title: Re: Massive Asbestos Problem Brewing
Post by: scollist on July 27, 2017, 11:03:47 am
I would expect they would take the easier route of replacement of the suspect parts. E.g Brake linings, exhaust manifold gasket etc.  Easier, cheaper, faster.

What you're really paying for is the certification that those new parts are asbestos free. You could get someone local to the car to do the work, but who would certify.

So what we need from Australian Border Force (ABF) is a list of all areas that need to be certified. Certainty is a good thing. Unfortunately they haven't provided that so far.
Title: Re: Massive Asbestos Problem Brewing
Post by: Prendo on July 27, 2017, 03:49:52 pm
I would expect they would take the easier route of replacement of the suspect parts. E.g Brake linings, exhaust manifold gasket etc.  Easier, cheaper, faster.

What you're really paying for is the certification that those new parts are asbestos free. You could get someone local to the car to do the work, but who would certify.

So what we need from Australian Border Force (ABF) is a list of all areas that need to be certified. Certainty is a good thing. Unfortunately they haven't provided that so far.

It's all good and well to change what you think you know to be suspect parts, but unless you have an asbestos qualified person examine the car, you'd only be guessing what those items are. It'd be a far less expensive and a much safer position, to engage this company to handle the issue in the USA and certify the car clear of asbestos, before it sets sail, than stress about it floating into the hands of the waiting government, with unknown costs to be slapped on you when they're done going through it.
Title: Re: Massive Asbestos Problem Brewing
Post by: nassi on July 27, 2017, 07:54:22 pm
Thanks, was just wondering how the inspection service will work in terms of logistics: would you have to get the car shipped from the seller to Bosskraft and then arrange to get it on-shipped to port after they've inspected it?

Brian I am not sure how it works but will ask if you need.  Sean has a website,  bosskraft.com  I am sure you can enquire through that, but can follow up if thats your preference.
Title: Re: Massive Asbestos Problem Brewing
Post by: BAC on July 27, 2017, 08:10:03 pm
Brian I am not sure how it works but will ask if you need.  Sean has a website,  bosskraft.com  I am sure you can enquire through that, but can follow up if thats your preference.

Thanks, no immediate need - just like to know what the options are if I ever want to bring in another car.  My preferred shipping agents (CFR Rinkens) are looking at setting up something similar as well.
Title: Re: Massive Asbestos Problem Brewing
Post by: scollist on July 28, 2017, 09:04:34 am
It's all good and well to change what you think you know to be suspect parts, but unless you have an asbestos qualified person examine the car, you'd only be guessing what those items are. It'd be a far less expensive and a much safer position, to engage this company to handle the issue in the USA and certify the car clear of asbestos, before it sets sail, than stress about it floating into the hands of the waiting government, with unknown costs to be slapped on you when they're done going through it.

I agree that peace of mind is needed. But I'm not sure about the 'far less expensive'.  If the car is in New Jersey and BossKraft are in CA or AZ it is not going to be cheap to bring the two together to complete the service.

But again - BossKraft would need to be certifying against all the areas of the car that have potential to contain asbestos. So the ABF would need to provide guidance on all the areas that need to be certified.

Given you're in California, do you know BossKraft?
Title: Re: Massive Asbestos Problem Brewing
Post by: 67FBGT on July 28, 2017, 05:15:59 pm
One would hope that the authorities will undertake enough sampling at this early stage to quickly put together a database of which components they are finding typically contain asbestos and those that almost certainly wouldn't, and then the process of checking a vehicle of a particular make/model/source and clearing it would become much simpler.
The reality is that while we all think of asbestos as that nasty stuff contained in the matrix of the old fibro, in reality it was used during manufacture of hundreds of different materials and products used in building construction, far and away more than most people realize. Thinking of ripping up old vinyl or old hessian carpet backing during a reno? Better to get advice first and if necessary get it checked. Etc.
It could be a similar situation with vehicles. So while the metals used one can expect to be safe, what about all the other components? That's why vehicles have been sampled and I'd like the findings made public. With regard to our old Fords, setting aside the obvious like brake and clutch linings, what about sound deadening products, vinyls, soft paddings and trim, electrical parts, cable wrappings, rubbers, mouldings, in fact anything non-metallic that would benefit from enhanced heat resistance.
Down the track we will all be better off, or at least our kids will.
Just got to get those other countries where asbestos is not illegal but whom we trade with to come to the party too.
Title: Re: Massive Asbestos Problem Brewing
Post by: StephenSLR on July 29, 2017, 05:37:51 pm
Down the track we will all be better off, or at least our kids will.

While more and more planes are flying over our homes?

Yeah right.

How's the serenity?

s
Title: Re: Massive Asbestos Problem Brewing
Post by: 67FBGT on July 30, 2017, 10:23:25 am
Quote
While more and more planes are flying over our homes? Yeah right. How's the serenity?
I hear you, you have a point, but I'm only commenting on this bloody asbestos! The more of the stuff that is removed and put back in the ground where it came from in the first place then all the better.
Title: Re: Massive Asbestos Problem Brewing
Post by: StephenSLR on July 30, 2017, 11:14:46 am
this bloody asbestos! The more of the stuff that is removed and put back in the ground where it came from in the first place then all the better.

No argument there.

s
Title: Re: Massive Asbestos Problem Brewing
Post by: Prendo on August 22, 2017, 06:51:49 am
I agree that peace of mind is needed. But I'm not sure about the 'far less expensive'.  If the car is in New Jersey and BossKraft are in CA or AZ it is not going to be cheap to bring the two together to complete the service.

But again - BossKraft would need to be certifying against all the areas of the car that have potential to contain asbestos. So the ABF would need to provide guidance on all the areas that need to be certified.

Given you're in California, do you know BossKraft?

I've only met their crew and seen their displays at shows here in California. They were in Monterey, California this week, for car week. AWESOME!!

I discussed this asbestos thing with them and they do certify the entire vehicle after they've inspected and checked it all out, but also only after they've removed the asbestos. They will not certify a car clear unless they've removed it themselves. Guess you can't trust others to do the work!! Said that they've been involved with a working group involving freight forwarders and other agencies in Australia, in setting up the service so that they deal with the issue properly. Sounds like they're all over it and have researched the issue well, from my understanding.

As for the 'far less expensive' part, it would be far less expensive in comparison to the recent impounds that have been going on and circulating the internet and facebook. I'd rather spend a few hundred dealing with it here in the USA, than hoping to avoid an impound on arrival. Copping a $15,000 hit from clearing an impound would scare me to death!
Title: Re: Massive Asbestos Problem Brewing
Post by: nassi on August 22, 2017, 08:18:19 am
All official.https://postimg.org/image/s2i7c5789/
Title: Re: Massive Asbestos Problem Brewing
Post by: robgarns on August 30, 2017, 05:42:30 pm
I have just asked the question about taking a car offshore for a Rally and then bringing it back. Official response indicates total madness:

RG

"If you were to consider bringing it back, the below may serve to assist.

Basically, we asked the question of ABF, if we had the car examined prior to export and assuming it was all clear of asbestos, would the certificate still be valid when the car(s) came back (on the proviso of course that they weren’t altered before being returned)?
It stills means an asbestos / hygienist check but at least you’re in a bit of control.
 
Quote:
 
“To clarify if the importer is having both vehicles assessed by a competent person and relevant parts tested by a NATA accredited laboratory before export and there are no changes (e.g. parts replaced) made to the vehicles while overseas then yes this is sufficient assurance to provide a no response to the asbestos community protection (CP) question when it returns to Australia. The importer/broker will need to be able to clearly link the competent person report and laboratory results to the vehicles imported.

The testing report must contain the following information:
- the test method used
- the date and origin of the sample
- description of the sample (and sub-sample if applicable) including weight, size and colour
- whether fibres are detected under Polarised Light Microscopy / Dispersion Staining method (PLM/DS) at the detection limit, and if so -
- what type of fibre
- if mineral fibres of unknown type are identified, the confirming technique used to assess asbestos content
- name of the analyst.
If required you can find more information on our website at: http://www.border.gov.au/Importingandbuyinggoodsfromoverseas/Pages/Asbestos.aspx”
 
Unquote.
Title: Re: Massive Asbestos Problem Brewing
Post by: mwizz on August 30, 2017, 07:59:05 pm
unbelievable
Title: Re: Massive Asbestos Problem Brewing
Post by: RocketScientist on September 03, 2017, 06:23:48 pm
I am surprised that everyone is having such troubles about this. I talked about America West , who import Mustangs direct to WA and all they recommend is having the brakes replaced before the car gets shipped. Customs is happy and every one else seems to be happy.
Title: Re: Massive Asbestos Problem Brewing
Post by: robgarns on September 14, 2017, 02:29:12 pm
Personally I would remain nervous about offshore certification - you need to be 110% sure that Border Force Australia will accept that the certification has been done by an appropriate laboratory in the US or anywhere else AND THAT IS NOT A GIVEN right now

Some cars are clearly getting through but until the whole import industry and the classic car fans across the country scream about this lunacy it remains a problem that can cause enormous grief and effectively wipe out an Industry

Peter Dutton is the Minister in charge of Border Force - my suggestion is that everyone who feels p...... off should email him!! minister@border.gov.au
Title: Re: Massive Asbestos Problem Brewing
Post by: MStang67 on September 14, 2017, 06:34:20 pm
Well,

Is there not a list of items that contain ASBESTOS in our beloved Pre 1973 Mustangs ??? Besides brake pads?

I am sure they do not scan/test the whole car they inspect each time ?



Title: Re: Massive Asbestos Problem Brewing
Post by: peterp on September 14, 2017, 08:30:00 pm
Here is a link to a document on the WA Mustang Website written by Cargo Online.

http://wa.mustang.org.au/images/documents/Asbestos%20In%20Imported%20Used%20Cars%204.5.17.pdf

peterp
Title: Re: Massive Asbestos Problem Brewing
Post by: Pedro on December 04, 2017, 10:44:44 pm
This link to a Qld based certifier was posted up on another forum ... https://www.dazmac.com.au/
Title: Re: Massive Asbestos Problem Brewing
Post by: BAC on January 23, 2018, 06:22:14 pm
Just had a car cleared through Customs and no asbestos issues.  :thumb:
Title: Re: Massive Asbestos Problem Brewing
Post by: mcarnage59 on January 24, 2018, 10:08:11 am
Just had a car cleared through Customs and no asbestos issues.  :thumb:

So its here and you haven't posted photos yet!
Title: Re: Massive Asbestos Problem Brewing
Post by: BAC on January 24, 2018, 01:08:04 pm
So its here and you haven't posted photos yet!

Geez, gimme a chance - just got back from driving it home this morning!  :grin:
Title: Re: Massive Asbestos Problem Brewing
Post by: mcarnage59 on January 24, 2018, 01:34:05 pm
Geez, gimme a chance - just got back from driving it home this morning!  :grin:

Congrats, bet its a little more subdued than the last one.  We await the photos!
Title: Re: Massive Asbestos Problem Brewing
Post by: BAC on January 27, 2018, 04:01:09 pm
We await the photos!

Getting a bit OT in this thread, but here's a teaser from when I picked it up:

(https://i.imgur.com/nfuxwCC.jpg)
Title: Re: Massive Asbestos Problem Brewing
Post by: mwizz on January 27, 2018, 05:24:18 pm
Very nice indeed Brian
Title: Re: Massive Asbestos Problem Brewing
Post by: 67FBGT on January 27, 2018, 07:45:00 pm
Very nice BAC!
Could I be cheeky and ask what the wheels and tyres are? That's just the look I like, grey understated finish, I'm not into polished bling.
Title: Re: Massive Asbestos Problem Brewing
Post by: BAC on January 27, 2018, 09:52:25 pm
Could I be cheeky and ask what the wheels and tyres are? That's just the look I like, grey understated finish, I'm not into polished bling.

They are American Racing Torq Thrust Originals (I believe the part # is VN309) in 15 x 7" with 225/60R15 tyres.  Funnily enough they are not really to my taste so will probably be up for sale at some point.  Wheels and tyres are in pretty much as new condition.

I'll start a thread on it in due course, but back on topic this is the first car I've brought in since the asbestos hysteria started and I'm happy to report it didn't get pinged for testing.  :thumb:
Title: Re: Massive Asbestos Problem Brewing
Post by: mcarnage59 on January 27, 2018, 10:09:50 pm
Nice car BAC, although I’m sure there is plenty for you to do to get it to your liking.
Title: Re: Massive Asbestos Problem Brewing
Post by: BAC on January 27, 2018, 10:18:33 pm
I’m sure there is plenty for you to do to get it to your liking.

Yes, I have some plans for this one...  :evilone:
Title: Re: Massive Asbestos Problem Brewing
Post by: fredm666 on January 28, 2018, 10:37:29 am
I'll start a thread on it in due course, but back on topic this is the first car I've brought in since the asbestos hysteria started and I'm happy to report it didn't get pinged for testing.  :thumb:

so what they are doing is a random selection for testing, correct?
Title: Re: Massive Asbestos Problem Brewing
Post by: GLENN 70 on January 28, 2018, 01:01:54 pm
I haven't herd of much going on lately . A bit like when they clamped down on modified cars coming in , all hell broke out then not much at all  :shrug:
Title: Re: Massive Asbestos Problem Brewing
Post by: BAC on January 28, 2018, 01:35:01 pm
so what they are doing is a random selection for testing, correct?

I very much believe so.  Before I brought this car in I talked to a number of the local Customs brokers and the story was pretty much the same: a few cars are getting pinged for testing here and there but not a high percentage and hardly any in the last couple of months.  One broker said they have their customers fill out a form declaring the car to be free from asbestos and haven't had a single car checked. 

The article below is interesting (once you get past the hyperbole) in that there is a list of classic car asbestos 'busts' from last year at the bottom: 

http://www.news.com.au/technology/innovation/motoring/australian-border-force-detects-asbestos-in-classic-cars-owners-risk-thousands-of-dollars-in-fines/news-story/558ae57b52f7e995237f6e3193ea62b1 (http://www.news.com.au/technology/innovation/motoring/australian-border-force-detects-asbestos-in-classic-cars-owners-risk-thousands-of-dollars-in-fines/news-story/558ae57b52f7e995237f6e3193ea62b1)

Most were in Adelaide and Sydney, with a couple in Brissy, one in Perth and none in Melbourne.  :pepper:
Title: Re: Massive Asbestos Problem Brewing
Post by: fredm666 on January 28, 2018, 02:29:24 pm
I very much believe so.  Before I brought this car in I talked to a number of the local Customs brokers and the story was pretty much the same: a few cars are getting pinged for testing here and there but not a high percentage and hardly any in the last couple of months.  One broker said they have their customers fill out a form declaring the car to be free from asbestos and haven't had a single car checked. 

The article below is interesting (once you get past the hyperbole) in that there is a list of classic car asbestos 'busts' from last year at the bottom: 

http://www.news.com.au/technology/innovation/motoring/australian-border-force-detects-asbestos-in-classic-cars-owners-risk-thousands-of-dollars-in-fines/news-story/558ae57b52f7e995237f6e3193ea62b1 (http://www.news.com.au/technology/innovation/motoring/australian-border-force-detects-asbestos-in-classic-cars-owners-risk-thousands-of-dollars-in-fines/news-story/558ae57b52f7e995237f6e3193ea62b1)

Most were in Adelaide and Sydney, with a couple in Brissy, one in Perth and none in Melbourne.  :pepper:

interesting article.
in the video someone is dressed like they are handling nuclear waste   :lol: :lol: :lol:

but it looks like they are not doing too much on the houses with asbestos walls/ceilings, considering you can still easily buy them...


(off topic), talking about asbestos, Wittenoom gorge is an amazing place and Australian Government cancelled that place from the maps  :grin:
Title: Re: Massive Asbestos Problem Brewing
Post by: 67FBGT on January 28, 2018, 05:46:03 pm
Quote
(off topic), talking about asbestos, Wittenoom gorge is an amazing place and Australian Government cancelled that place from the maps
Sounds like you've been there?
I believe Wittenoom had Australia's sole blue asbestos mine in the 1950's & 60's, but that the town has been progressively closed down in more recent years, although a few people still live there apparently. So what stops visitors going there? Just removal of signage and from maps?
(Sorry, getting off topic I know, but I find the whole asbestos issue interesting).
Title: Re: Massive Asbestos Problem Brewing
Post by: fredm666 on January 28, 2018, 06:17:04 pm
Sounds like you've been there?
I believe Wittenoom had Australia's sole blue asbestos mine in the 1950's & 60's, but that the town has been progressively closed down in more recent years, although a few people still live there apparently. So what stops visitors going there? Just removal of signage and from maps?
(Sorry, getting off topic I know, but I find the whole asbestos issue interesting).

Yes, I've been there last September when we were at Karijini NP.
Wittenoom has been progressively wiped out, 95% of the houses and all road signs completely removed by the government... only roads (made of mix of asphalt and asbestos) are still there. 3 persons still live in Wittenoom http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-09-05/wittenoom-home-of-australian-asbestos-population-three/7793902  (gem shop walls and sign are there today).
The gorge is stunning in my opinion, we drove into it till the end; we passed by some blue asbestos tailings and there are 'Danger' signs everywhere along the gorge.

oh, Wittenoom asbestos mines were owned and managed by CSR, the same company that produced sugar for Australian market
Title: Re: Massive Asbestos Problem Brewing
Post by: 67FBGT on January 28, 2018, 07:29:57 pm
Interesting article, thankyou.
Would that be the same CSR that today markets building products, such as plasterboard etc?
Title: Re: Massive Asbestos Problem Brewing
Post by: fredm666 on January 28, 2018, 08:04:16 pm
Interesting article, thankyou.
Would that be the same CSR that today markets building products, such as plasterboard etc?

Yes, same company; there are interesting articles regarding the controversy with Wittenoom workers.
Title: Re: Massive Asbestos Problem Brewing
Post by: gstsaver on April 23, 2018, 10:57:08 am
I had a bad experience with the Asbestos testing.  They left parts off of the rear brakes, ruined front pads and also now have a valve cover gasket leak as they had to take a sample of the valve cover gasket to test in addition t samples of the brakes linings.  Very rough testing that I paid for.
Title: Re: Massive Asbestos Problem Brewing
Post by: BAC on April 23, 2018, 03:48:41 pm
I had a bad experience with the Asbestos testing.

Please share more details of your experience: who did you import through, what did the testing cost, did they find anything, etc.
Title: Re: Massive Asbestos Problem Brewing
Post by: gstsaver on April 24, 2018, 12:45:02 pm
The testing was included in their shipping costs.  They found nothing but like I said it ruined front pads and complete rear brakes ...even though they say they just need a very small sample.  They actually likely took a small sample but very roughly so the front pads (although nearly new) were cracked.  The valve cover gasket obviously leaks on that side now.  I don't want to mention who they are yet as I am communicating with them to hopefully get compensation on the rough job their 'mechanic' did of taking these sample and not telling me that they has to take a sample of a valve cover gasket.  Apparently each car is different in what they have to test ..I assume if it is a manual transmission they need to take a sample of the clutch plate as well
Title: Re: Massive Asbestos Problem Brewing
Post by: BAC on April 24, 2018, 01:32:28 pm
Was the testing done overseas or by Customs when the car arrived in Oz?
Title: Re: Massive Asbestos Problem Brewing
Post by: gstsaver on April 24, 2018, 04:10:12 pm
My understanding is that the testing is done overseas and then confirmed by Quarantine here.
Title: Re: Massive Asbestos Problem Brewing
Post by: BAC on April 24, 2018, 04:17:10 pm
My understanding is that the testing is done overseas and then confirmed by Quarantine here.

Ahh, OK - makes more sense now.  Just in case you didn't know, it's not mandatory to have the car tested overseas before shipping to Australia. 

Benefit of getting it done before shipping is that any suspect parts can be replaced, downside is Oz Customs can choose to ignore the results of any testing you've had done and insist it be re-tested (at you expense) once it lands here.  So worst case you can end up paying twice, whereas if you wing it and just put it through untested chances are it will not be inspected at all.
Title: Re: Massive Asbestos Problem Brewing
Post by: 66FBK on April 25, 2018, 12:22:15 am
I spoke with American Classic Imports in Brisbane this week about importing another car and they have a service in their warehouse in LA that changes all your pads and shoes and supplies an asbestos clearance certificate before it is shipped for $333. They said that they have not had any issues as yet. Not a bad service as $333 would not by the pads in AU.

Hi David

Thank you for your enquiry in to shipping out a Mustang

Shipping from CA to BNE                       $3000.00
Lodging the Import approval                   $65.00
Customs Inspection Fee                         $360.00
New brake pads                                      $333.00

Plus 10%GST on the landed cost.

Sharon Hutchen

American Classic Imports
PH: 61+7 54330537
Title: Re: Massive Asbestos Problem Brewing
Post by: BAC on April 25, 2018, 12:49:34 am
As stated before, the advice I've been given is having a car tested and/or parts replaced in the US is no guarantee it will not be re-tested when it lands here, so you could end up paying twice.

Happy to be corrected if someone has better info...
Title: Re: Massive Asbestos Problem Brewing
Post by: big al on April 25, 2018, 06:24:36 am
As stated before, the advice I've been given is having a car tested and/or parts replaced in the US is no guarantee it will not be re-tested when it lands here, so you could end up paying twice.

Happy to be corrected if someone has better info...
Brian, you are correct!

Al
Title: Re: Massive Asbestos Problem Brewing
Post by: GLENN 70 on April 25, 2018, 08:11:57 am
Just changing the brake pads/shoes means nothing ,it's a good start but it may not stop with that .  If your car gets red flagged they might go full hog on it . Exhaust gaskets ,carby gasket ,valve cover gaskets ,intake gaskets ,head gaskets etc ,etc , wiring covering , even rubber seals and heat proofing through out  the car . It's a lot of crock what they are doing and it's like when they brought the new rules in about modified cars could not come in . To bring a car in now you can be lucky or unlucky  :shrug: . I was told you can bring in commercial vehicles in with no checks ,does anyone know if that's correct ? .
Title: Re: Massive Asbestos Problem Brewing
Post by: gstsaver on April 25, 2018, 11:07:30 am
Ahh, OK - makes more sense now.  Just in case you didn't know, it's not mandatory to have the car tested overseas before shipping to Australia. 

Benefit of getting it done before shipping is that any suspect parts can be replaced, downside is Oz Customs can choose to ignore the results of any testing you've had done and insist it be re-tested (at you expense) once it lands here.  So worst case you can end up paying twice, whereas if you wing it and just put it through untested chances are it will not be inspected at all.

Yes- but my understanding is that if there is asbestos found there is a big fine AND you still have to remove parts. 
Title: Re: Massive Asbestos Problem Brewing
Post by: BAC on April 25, 2018, 11:35:50 am
Yes- but my understanding is that if there is asbestos found there is a big fine AND you still have to remove parts.

Not sure how big the fine is, but as Glenn says if your car is red flagged on entry to Australia (which seems to be a totally random thing) they will likely go through everything including exhaust gaskets, head gaskets, body coatings, etc. that your pre-shipping test would not have covered.

Based on the actual hit rate of asbestos inspections here, IMHO you are better off rolling the dice rather than having your car messed with before shipping.  Just my 2c...
Title: Re: Massive Asbestos Problem Brewing
Post by: sms777 on April 25, 2018, 12:38:46 pm
One of my clients recently been tested randomly with a fresh import. Found asbestos residue in brake pads.....fined $1200.
Title: Re: Massive Asbestos Problem Brewing
Post by: BAC on April 25, 2018, 12:49:40 pm
One of my clients recently been tested randomly with a fresh import. Found asbestos residue in brake pads.....fined $1200.

Did the $1,200 include the cost of the testing?
Title: Re: Massive Asbestos Problem Brewing
Post by: bish09 on April 25, 2018, 03:06:29 pm
I imported late last year and didn’t have any issues at all. All a big hype, fake news lol
Title: Re: Massive Asbestos Problem Brewing
Post by: BAC on April 25, 2018, 03:16:42 pm
I imported late last year and didn’t have any issues at all. All a big hype, fake news lol

It is real and is happening, just nowhere near the level of the hype/hysteria that's been going around.  Hit rate seems to be pretty low, but if you're unlucky you can get caught out.

That said, I've brought in 2 cars in the last 12 months and no dramas.