Before I export my 69 to Norway I would like to buy some new parts in the US to save some money and need answers on a couple of questions.
First of all the battery, original it should have a Delco R-59, is this a battery with top posts ? and which battery do you recommend ? I was thinking of a Delco battery like the 24 6 or 7YR.
What about engine oil ? and Dextron ? would like to buy 5-6 gallons of each at a good price, any recommandations ?
Anything else I should think of before it is shipped ? It will be in a container so it is pretty safe to have some items in the car.
Congratulations on your purchase! I'm sure you're going to have 'fun' restoring it, but being in Norway will make it even more challenging.
The original battery was indeed a top post and there are many brands available with the same case size (type 24, I believe) (to fit the battery tray and hold-down bracket). You could buy a reproduction of the original, but they're expensive and I'm not sure they hold up as well as a modern Delco or other brand name battery.
Dexron transmission fluid and good quality motor oil (in bulk--ie: by the case) is available at many large auto parts stores and even Wal-Mart etc in the US for very good prices. I assume you're coming over to load the car for shipment, so you should be able to find these items close to the shipment point. Make sure you pack them well to avoid spillage etc and damage to the car.
Since you're using a container, you might also take the opportunity to fill it with the other large parts you will need (ie: fenders/quarter panels/door skins etc), that you will need and save the cost of overseas shipping/time delays later. Something else to think about is spare headlight bulbs (small size/round) which are becoming less easy to find at auto parts stores in North America, since most cars have modular headlamp systems now, probably the same as Europe.
Any issues regarding theft from containers? I have read recently where this is becoming a big issue. Small parts / items are easier to grow legs. I know Wouter and some others on this site have shipped cars overseas.
Any issues shipping flammable materials? Cases of oil, transmission fluid, etc may be an issue. )And even batteries.) I know you are supposed to have the gas tank drained for shipping.
All things to consider...
I used to be indecisive. Now I'm not sure. I feel like I am diagonally parked in a parallel universe. 1968 400 convertible (Scarlet) 1976 T/A - 455 LE (No Burt) 1976 T/A New baby, starting full restoration. 1968 350 - 4 speed 'vert - 400 clone (the Beast!) 1968 350 convertible - Wife's car now- 400 clone (Aleutian Blue) (Blue Angel) 2008 Durango - DD 2008 GXP - New one from NH is AWESOME! 2017 Durango Citadel - Modern is nice! HEMI is amazing! 1998 Silverado Z71 - Father-daughter project 1968 400 coupe - R/A clone (Blue Pearl) (sold) 1967 326 convertible - Sold 1980 T/A SE Bandit - Sold
I am not sure if I am going to take the trip up to Houston, as it is a low value car, on the other hand so do I have a lot of bonus points with KLM that I should have used.. still thinking about it.
The cheapest Dexron you can find here is around 8.50 USD for a pint, 10W-30 mineral oil goes for about 5.00 USD, the quality is so so I think.
I would like to buy some larger parts for it, I have a add out here for the trunk lid but I really do not know the condition of the other parts ( I have contact with another member here that will maybe take a look at it this week if he have the time, will know more then) And of course new tires would have been great.
When it comes to theft containers are pretty safe as they will be locked after the customs have checked them and not opened before you come to pick up the car, if the car is going on a Ro-Ro ship the car should be empty of everything including manuals and so on.
I have cheked with the shipping company, oil is ok, gasolin in not, how ever strange that you should drain the gas tank since it is more explosive empty than full.
