Hey guys and gals, need some advice. Not sure where to post this, so will try here. Been having some neurological problems in my legs and lately having a bit of a problem using the clutch, so have reluctantly decided to sell my truck and find an auto, gas or diesel. Now here is where things get complicated. I reside permanently in Mexico, but bought the truck new in Texas. For about 10 years this truck had a Texas plate, but now is legally licensed in Mexico. I was told that the Mexican authorities would cancel the Texas plate, but suspect that they did not. I still have the Texas plates, so perhaps this truck could again be easily licensed to drive in the US?

My initial questions are:
- How can I find out if the Texas plates are still valid and can be renewed?
- This truck has many upgrades, so how do I value it?
- Should I sell it locally or try to sell it to someone in the US?

Thanks in advance for any and all advice.

 

Hi Stan, I'd start with contacting a Texas DMV office. They can tell you if the plats are still "issued" to your truck or have been reissued. As far as bringing a vehicle into the US, regardless that it was originally sold in the US for the US market could be a P.I.T.A. I know people that brought Canadian vehicles into Alaska that had a very difficult time with it. Every inspection imaginable.

 

Thanks cougar for the reply and suggestion. Will do.

Now trying to figure out how to put a price on this truck after so many upgrades. After all these years this truck now has a few minor bumps and scrapes so trying to figure out if I should get a body shop to make the truck 'pretty' before selling it, or sell it as is. Body shops down here in general are relatively inexpensive and do a great job.

Got one small dent and scrape near the LH tail light with a unique cause. As I often am, was out one day on a narrow dirt road when a donkey came down the road carrying a load of firewood. As it passed the truck it swayed and the load of wood hit the truck. Not worth while trying for an insurance claim. How do you write up a claim and say it was caused by a donkey?

 

IF, your instrument cluster is still US and not metric, and all emissions equipment are there and operable, and no to minimal engine mods that set codes it will be easier to get it across the border. If you "pretty it up" and sell it over the border, you should get a decent price for it depending on mileage. As for any inspections, it will be the luck of the draw. They may do minimal, or they may run you through the ringers. Just have all your ducks in formation.

 

While this truck was made in Mexico, it was made for the US market and sold new by a Dodge dealer in Texas. The instrument cluster is US. Tried to buy this same truck in Mexico but for some reason the Mexican Dodge dealers at that time could not sell a Cummins truck with a 6 speed, so was forced to go to Texas and drive the truck back home via the Mexican city where it was made.

This truck has 232,000 miles on it and is in excellent condition. I would have no problems jumping in it right now and expect to drive to Alaska and back with only an oil change en route. No rust either as I live in a semi-arid area.

 

Update. Just checked with the Texas DMV and the Texas plate is still valid. This means that technically the truck has never been out of the US, so can be easily licensed again.

 

Cool should be fairly easy then. Probably some fee for expired registration, but that's it.

 

Shoulda snuck it back in over the last 4 years!!

2nd gens around here go for 12-18K in what you are describing as "good, used condition....I would say mine is worth that in the higher range..

Kurt

 

Kurt, I hear you, but never had any reason to sell it until my legs started to act up, resulting in me having more and more trouble pushing the clutch in, particularly in stop and go traffic. Really don't want to sell the truck as as I with all the upgrades it is now the truck that I want. Unfortunately time and age (I will be 83 next month) is catching up with me, so now need to change to something with an automatic.

 

Sorry about hearing that it is time for an auto.
BUT…Atta boy keeping the manual 6 speed till almost 83.

 

How big of a project would it be to swap in an auto tranny?

 

Now there is an option that never crossed my mind. In my case it would be difficult, but not impossible. Going to noodle this.

 

Heck I do the reverse all the time to cars and trucks I really like.
Half the trucks I own have had a manual tranny swap.

I think it sounds like a plan worth checking out. Then you get to keep the truck that you modified just right for you, right down to the scratch from the mule with the wood.

 

I have a suspicion that going from a manual to an automatic is actually more complicated and more work especially on a 3rd gen which has more computer garbage. Could this be correct?

As you are experienced in this kind of job, if I bring my truck up to you, can yo do the job for me while wait? I can hand you the tools.

 

What says you need to put a 3rd gen auto in.
Why not a 47RH that can be controlled by pressure switches, or toggle switches?
On get a complete manual valve body for a 47RE and shift it through all the gears.

Lots of options other than chasing down all the factory 3rd gen wires, ECM/PCMs ETC.