Looking to buy a Evo 7 front bumper and hood. I cannot source one here in Texas, do I need to import one? If so, where do I go for that? I'd also like to get a nice looking lip for the bumper as well.

 

I could help you source them, but there is really no cheap/quick way to get them. If you consistently scour the shops that import front clips you might get lucky (but not likely to find the color you want). So the only reliable way is to source them from dismantled cars in Japan, and then ship them freight (read 8-10 weeks). Expect to pay $1-2K shipped, depending on condition.

I have personally done the conversion twice.

P.S. You will also need a LHD evo 7 hood latch, which you can buy from the EU.

 

I'm not worried about quick, however I'd like to save money where I can. (like most everyone) Is there any aftermarket replica front ends I can get here in the US? Are you a distributor or do you just know how to get what I'm looking for?

 

A few companies make carbon evo 7 style hoods, but I do not know of any aftermarket evo 7 style front bumpers.

You can either try to find the items already in the US (rarely for sale). Work with a company that imports parts/front clip and have them source them for you. Or import them yourself (you need a foreign seller that is willing to ship them to the US).

The cheapest would be to find a pair in the US and go pick them up. Barring that, you are looking at shipping 2 LARGE items, from somewhere around the globe to your house. That coupled with a service fee for whoever is sourcing the parts/arranging shipping is going to cost some dinero.

I know how to do it because I have done it. If you are patient, they will pop up on ebay from time to time (usually as a company that imports front clips). But you could be waiting a while. Far easier to source them in Japan.

The OEM Evo 7 undertray is also really nice. Much better than the 8/9 trays.

 

Ok I kinda figured all that. I'm guessing that these parts come in used condition but are still useable right? Do you have a website? What happens if something comes in damaged?

 

I am just an enthusiast, not a business. I only offered to help because I have done it before and know the drill. I do have a good itrader and ebay rating though. As far as damage during shipping, you could either refuse delivery (like if it got crunched - very rare) or do a paypal dispute.

Shipping usually goes: Japan seller -> business importing parts via a cargo container -> container gets unloaded in US -> items get shipped via freight handler to buyer.

Ideally, you live near a large sea port and can work with a local business to collect the items from their shop. Something like these guys https://www.alnjdmautomotors.com/

 

Well thanks for all your input, I will keep all this in mind while I am looking for all these parts. I wasn't really aware of the process. Maybe I will get lucky and find some that are already state side.

 

There's a guy in the Chicago area who use to bring some in, he's on the Strictly Modified Evo group on Facebook. Not sure if he still has a line on anything, but he's who I got my hood from. Nemsin is right though, no option really ends up being inexpensive though since you'll be dealing with shipping big parts. Oh, though the parts may become slightly easier to find now because the 7 is import legal into Canada now.

 

Ok cool. I didn't know they were legal in Canada now.

 

Yep, Canada, unlike the US, has a more sensible 15 year limit on importing cars that were never sold in their market.

 

We can thank the auto industry lobbyists for that. The 25 year rule exists to protect GM & Ford's profits. Too big to fail

 

Lobbying Legalized bribery strikes again, protecting the few over the many.

 

Actually, interestingly enough, Mercedes is the initial reason why you guys have a 25 year import law. They really lead the charge as people were importing their vehicles from Germany for less than they cost in the States.

 

I remember reading that online too. But considering Mercedes has ~2% market share in the US, who do you really think is influencing policy here.

Hint: Follow the money. https://www.opensecrets.org/lobby/cl...0155&year=2016

Also, how about that bailout. http://www.reuters.com/article/us-au...A3T0MR20140430

There is some shady sh*t going on behind closed doors. Not just with the Russians.

 

Its a shame, all I want it to be able to go and buy a GTR or Supra or Evo of any generation without having to jump thru red tape....