NOT SO Duty Free Trueno

[Hama86]

Hello, long time no update.

I am enjoying my car now. 2 weeks ago I participated in a Gymkhana practice event and the car survived 1st gear dynamic driving. Really easy to go side ways, though as a noob, I could only do one good long drift. The handbrake seems a bit weak, no bite. Next Gymkhana event is the following Sunday.

As for the transportation, I got a proforma for a RORO transport from Yokohama to Bremerhaven. It is, with the current Yen course, a 1000€ deal including documents, translations, export company and transport. An importer gave me also some hopes for the first days of the car on arrival, around 157€ (though I think it will triple).

The bad part however is the car itself.

• The windshield is weak. A lot more chips appeared already in a matter of months.
• The only lights with e-marks are the once for the license plate illumination. Front once all need e-marked light assemblies and bulbs for registration. Luckily, pre-1991 cars do not need rear fog lights.
• German laws s*ck! My TE37's and any aftermarket suspension parts are illegal. Therefore I have a few options. I could import my car with the TE37's but use them for motorsports in Germany (races on closed tracks allowed) OR I sell them in Japan, and use the cash for stock wheels, transport and modifications later.
• My car came with tinted windows on the rear, but they are probably older than I am and were faded. They were so bad it took my buddy and me the whole day to remove the rear window alone, with a heat gun. I can now see and recognize cars and structures . The rear side windows will be done on Saturday.
  

I bought a magazine with illustrations about the different AE86 models. As far as I can see, there are 2 stock wheel options for the Kouki models.


(top left and middle right are labeled as Kouki wheels)

The 13 inch stock aluminium or the 14 inch optional Intra's. Are these wheels readily available in Europe? I saw a few Intra's on eBay, even cheaper than the usual prices in Japan (those wheels are made in West Germany ). Though my car dealer has the stock 13 inch's around for very cheap, maybe I should get those. Any thoughts on availability for stock wheels in Europe?

I also got more information about my replacement engine. The donor car was a 2 owner car, maintained by Carland since 29.000 km on the clock and at the time of the transplant had 132.000 km.

Sadly, no official documents to proof this.

That is it so far. I will keep you updated.