I have just joined Briskoda. I live in the good ol' US of A and Skodas are not sold here - at all. So I have decided to buy a VW Jetta or Passat and convert it into a Skoda Octavia circa 2000. I am having a very difficult time finding the misc. parts that I will need - esp. wheel centre caps, the front and rear emblems, the badge on the steering wheel, a Skoda stereo, Octavia floor mats, and so forth. Any help would be greatly appreciated. -Charles Knight

[email protected]

Possibly easier to do on a Passat since the Passat is more like the Skoda Superb than the VW Bora/Jetta is to the Octavia. I wish you luck in your challenge. VW's are certainly better than the vast majority of cars on your side of the pond. What part of the States do you live in?

Colin - I live in the lovliest of the 50; Virginia. I plan to imitate an Octavia circa 1999-2001. My understanding is that while it may share the VW Jetta platform, it is larger then a Jetta, but smaller than a Passat. Truly, no one over here will know the difference, but getting the American VW and then Skoda parts is so difficult that I want them to fit when they arrive (some body work required). I just don't understand why I can't go on a European Web site, click click click the parts I want and give them my VISA number, like www.ebay.uk and so forth. Ah well, no one said that it would be easy! Charles

CK

Are you familiar with the phrase 'wind-up merchant' and if not, I can recommend a number of good value shipping agents who could ship you over a genuine article 1999 left hand drive Octavia

Seconded , just get one imported rather than making a poor copy

Fabpreza - Thank you for responding. My understanding is that I could not drive, without a hassle, an Octavia in "the States." I have nothing against importing an entire Skoda, but I wonder seriously if I could register it at the local DMV (Dept. of Motor Vehicles)! I'm trying to keep an open mind.....

But CAN you get one imported to the US? My understanding is that it's realistically impossible. If you know something I don't know....

Anything is possible, but it might not be feasible. Importing a vehicle can be very expensive, and the DMV might not approve of the european standards. Your best bet is going to be the continent though as you don't want a RHD I assume

Oh, and welcome to the forums.

Quinten - I am convinced that a "rebadged" VW Jetta/Passat will pass for a genuine Skoda Octavia to 99.99% of all Americans (we aren't that smart!). But I do need real help getting a few real parts....

You could try JHM butts (see http://www.jhmbutt.co.uk ) and see if they ship internationally?

Importing a car into the USA is probably a minefield. I know about it because I got talking to a operator of the New York Sightseeing tour buses whilst there who told us how hard it had been for them to get them from Scotland (where they were made) to NYC. Apart from the fact they are double deck (and believe me thats a problem if you stand up on them with NYC traffic lights only about 16 Feet high), they had to go through all sorts of emmisions checks and comply with numerous legistation. Luckly they are similar to ones built in Canada so it sped up the process some what, but they are still banned from some streets in NYC.

But if you were serious in doing it I feel you may be lucky some the Octavia is similar to the Jetta built for the US market then you might be allowed to import it as I believe this is an exeption. Best talk to an importer of European cars or talk to the NHTSA. Infact go to there website and check out http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/import/ however it may be expensive and not convient. Think about it you'd have the only car in the country, and if we're allowed to import Hummers then you should be able to import Skodas!

An excellent case in point. I can go to their web site. Piece of cake. But clicking on Octavia or Accessories takes me to a registration form. The last time I filled that out with my US info - no luck. I have tried again, but I am not getting my hopes up. I have spent ALOT of time on the Internet, from Marlborough Skoda to Moldavia (by the by - Skoda-auto.com does not really have a parts order page, nor do the UK dealers - it's just "contact us" (they don't always write back) or "fill in the part you want" - well if I knew the part #.......!!!!! On Amazon.com you can pick any book in the known world and "click--click" you're done - it shows up a few days later. I do have two parts so far, a Skoda key and keychain - the key chain was carried by hand from the Czech Republic to me. Oh, and I did manage to but an Octavia brochure on ebay.uk - pretty cool. Anyway, don't get me started........Charles

Colin - the NHTSA site is a great suggestion. Their list of modifiable imports goes from Saab 334 9000 1994 to Sprite 12 Musketeer Trailer 1980 (no Skoda). I searched 'Skoda' for the whole site, but didn't find much. Again, with some floor mats and "MY SKODA" vanity plates, people will THINK I have the only Skoda in North America - where can I get a set of Skoda Octavia floor mats shipped to the US? Skodaly Yours,

Probably a few international phone calls. Once they find your serious they will sit up and take notice. Try a few dealers listed in the dealers section of this website. There is a lot you could do with the parts if you want to and have the time and effort. Radio shouldbe easy to find if you try ebay but weather the guy will post to the USA is another matter!

You're right. I have not picked up the phone, and I need to give that a try. I'll let you know what happens.

I still have a Skoda Symphony + changer for sale

What is that in American?? Is that like "tyres" or "centre caps" or better yet, the "boot" ?!? -Charles

I'm sure he means he has a radio and CD changer for sale. I often get caught out in America when I am there using words like Plaster (Band-Aid), Lift (Elevator), Lorry (Truck). More confusingly the word pavement (sidewalk).

Fabpreza - Thank you for responding. My understanding is that I could not drive, without a hassle, an Octavia in "the States." I have nothing against importing an entire Skoda, but I wonder seriously if I could register it at the local DMV (Dept. of Motor Vehicles)! I'm trying to keep an open mind.....

Charles,why not have a quiet word on the side with Patti and Selma, they work there don't they??

Exactly. I picture that I have of the L & K shows a stereo (?) or screen of some sort that has a 'floating' Skoda logo - do you know what that is? Here is a copy of my (new) email to a UK dealer:

I live in Charlottesville, Virginia (VA) USA, and I need to buy some Skoda parts.

I hope that your parts department can work with me as far as payment (method) and shipping, etc.

For example, how can I buy a Skoda First aid box (000 093 108A)?

I need four Skoda centre caps, but I first need to know what sizes they come in.

I need a set of Octavia floor mats; what info do you need from me?

The Skoda emblem that is on the trunk and the steering wheel

Is it just me and Daveclar, or are we all living in a parallel universe where Tom (of 'Talk to Tom' fame) is now alive and well and living in Charlottesville ?

CKnight,

Just a random thought:

I believe an "alien resident" of the USA is allowed to import a vehicle for his/her personal use. However, after the prescribed period of "personal use" (several years?) he/she is free to sell it locally.

I could be (probably am) completely wrong - but it might be worth exploring, if you are determined to get "the only Skoda in the USA"

Another thought, there are several members from South America who can buy one locally... Maybe a nice holiday down south is in order?

Try this company in Spain. I know that one of our members in Singapore used them and was pleased with the prompt service.

Thanks to Mike, Quinten, and Dennis - I just received the password to obtain a .pdf catalogue from

J H M BUTT & CO LTD in England, and that's a help. Test drove a 1999 Passat GLX and 2001 Jetta GLS this weekend as a potential "subject". How important is a rain-sensitive windshield in the big scheme of things anyway? I appreciate and will consider all of these good suggestions as I pursue the "Skoda USA." project.