Question for US builders

[humble]

I'm inching ever closer to the start of my build, tentatively planning to place my order next summer during a factory visit and tour. I've done my initial build estimates but I'm trying to find any unexpected costs US builders ran across. More specifically, once you have made your final payment to Ultima, did you encounter additional import fees, US taxes/duty, transport fees or the like before the crate landed on your doorstep? I'm sure this has been asked before, but many searches proved fruitless.

Will

[Rscocca]

From when I did mine about 2 years ago,
You pay taxes on cost of kit when you register the car at DMV (NY).

You pay to have it shipped from port to you location. Usually set up with importer.

Just noticed your from CA, definitely call DMV as they have a limited number of Vin number they give each year for home built cars and they are ultra strict.

Other then that no surprises.

Keep your receipt from DMV, Import papers and invoices. I received a letter asking for proof a year later.
Cheers,
Bob

Edited by Rscocca on Friday 23 September 19:31

[Storer]

I would suggest that all builders have a contingency fund built into their budgets.
There are always little extras that tempt you as you build. If you have costed things to the Nth degree then add at least 15%. You might get away with 7.5% extra if you are strict with yourself.

Remember that building an Ultima is supposed to be fun. Worrying about every last $ will detract from the enjoyment.


Paul

[humble]

This isn't my first rodeo and I can attest to the adage "project cars take twice as long to build and cost 3 times more than budgeted". The 4 most dangerous words to any build are "while I'm at it..." I have a more than a few non-stock upgrades planned, but it'll be a mostly cut and dry build focused on track days. Really my worry was having a large unexpected import or customs fee, because I've never imported something quite this large. Even the last step, getting it from the port to my house will be an adventure i'm sure.

[ROWDYRENAULT]

Humble: I will only correct one thing posted here. The SBC 100 rule here in Calif is as simple and straight forward as it gets. Once you get your Statement of Origin from Ultima you go to DMV and source a SBC100 number. You will pay taxes on your estimate of value of the completed car. I think most of us have put that at around $75,000. As noted you need to pay for shipping from the Customs house to your house or simply pick it up your self at the Customs house. You will need to engage a custom house to represent you in the importation. Yes you could do it yourself but the reality is its $150 well spent. I would suggest waiting until January of the year that you expect to be finished to go to DMV. The Ultima owners in the West are just beginning to formulate a plan for a meeting in Morgan hill sometime in the next two months. Keep checking here for details or send me an E mail and I will but you on the list. By the way the alignment of stars to build one of these is perfect the Evo model is a nice step forward for the car. The factory has the adapters for the 6 speed Porsche box which is a help and you can't buy cheaper more reliable horsepower than an LS PLATFORM. Lee

[crossram]

I'm from CA got my kit 3 years ago

Waiting for the shipment is agony - It takes a long time by boat to make it from England- just buy the thing


The crating and shipping the company does is always fist rate, I had my transaxle shipped at a later date, everything after that is fed X and fast.

instructions are good

Buy a set of good files because there are a lot of parts that need that hand made touch

I threw out a lot of the hardware because I wanted my build to be to a higher level, I used a lot of aircraft rivets etc... I'm sure they work fine with the parts provided I'm just picky.

enjoy the build and have fun.

[humble]

I already pulled the trigger, and put the deposit down on 10/31. Now i'm getting my garage ready and doing my research. I'd like to use a new LT4 supercharged crate engine since the price has dropped but I need to verify mounts, bell housing bolt pattern, and flywheel depth and bolt pattern are the same. I'm okay with a little fab work to redirect the intake, but I really don't want to redo everything. A crate LS7 is always a good fall back

Will

[Steve_D]

humble said:

.......Now i'm getting my garage ready and doing my research.......

Get or fabricate a build dolly.
Get an air supply
Get an air riveter.

That should keep you busy for a while.

You won't need the engine for quite some time yet.

Steve

[UltimaCH]

Steve_D said:

Get or fabricate a build dolly.
Get an air supply
Get an air riveter.

That should keep you busy for a while.

You won't need the engine for quite some time yet.

Steve

+1

[crossram]

Auto Bionics has a adapterplate in the works for the LT4 I believe , here is the Facebook site, the website and marketing is pretty weak.

[John1949]

First item for my garage for a build would be a 2 post lift -- forget a chassis dolly.

[Steve_D]

John1949 said:

First item for my garage for a build would be a 2 post lift -- forget a chassis dolly.

Sorry, can't agree. There is very little you need to get at from underneath which the two post would be most useful for. For the rest of the build the posts will be right alongside the door openings and will significantly get in the way of fitting items like the side pods.

Steve

[BogBeast]

Steve_D said:

Sorry, can't agree. There is very little you need to get at from underneath which the two post would be most useful for. For the rest of the build the posts will be right alongside the door openings and will significantly get in the way of fitting items like the side pods.

Steve

Something like http://www.automotechservices.co.uk/products/as-55... (or simliar) as a compromise?

What do dolleys cost to make these days?

[Graham-P]

Probably better off with a scissor lift IMO have a look at the Automotech site, I'm thinking of this one I have a shallow pit dug in the garage floor to hide it when not in use.

[Steve_D]

Any type of lift restricts what you can do with it mainly due to it being fixed in position.
A dolly with decent castors can be moved outside onto your drive so you can work in the sunshine.
It can be moved up against a wall to give the most access to the side you are working on.
It can be turned around so the end you are working on is closest to you bench and toolbox.

If you are not convinced ask the Factory why they build cars on a dolly.

Steve

[Storer]

And once you have finished the Ultima the dolly can be used for the next project...




If you have plenty of space a car lift is very useful. If space is restricted then they get in the way.


Paul

[humble]

Now that looks like a "fun" project I've been chatting with Chris Julian and I may rent his dolly for a short time. I have a big garage for San Francisco but normal by any other measure, so space is at a premium. Everything needed to build the Ultima will be at the house around the same time, and I'll have a team of guys working on it so I'm hoping for a quick build. I'm now trending toward proven solutions to make things easy, LS7 crate engine, g97 trans, and only minor mods, so there are no delays in the assembly.

[Steve_D]

humble said:

Now that looks like a "fun" project ..........

If you think that axle is large wait till you see the engine that will be powering it.

Steve