I made it! I had a bit of a scare at the border...but I think the border officers were just messing with me, trying to make me nervous.
As I came up to the counter I handed the officer all of my paper work and he asked "Do you have your 'certificate of compliance' from the manufacturer?". To which I replied "That only applies to vehicles that are newer than 25 years old, which mine is not". The officer replied "You're right; that was a trick question". After five minutes of messing with his computer then looking at my paperwork he said "I don't think they're going to let this in, because it has to be 25 years old and 2017 IS the 25th year". I replied that "If you enter the VIN from the van it will show that the van was 'born' on March 28th 1992. Making March 28th 2017 it's 25th birthday". He then abruptly told me to give me your keys and take a seat." I then sat down for about a half hour envisioning driving back to Sabbir who I bought the AMAZING van from and asking if I could have my money back.
After the longest half hour ever I saw the officer talking with 2 other officers about when the date would count, month, day or year for a 25 year old vehicle. A couple minutes later he asked the others if any of them knew where the VIN was located, no one did. So I then piped up and said "I know, may I come out with you?" He allowed it and then the moment we stepped outside he and the other officer were raving about how nice my van was and that it is the nicest one they have ever seen come through the border. One also added that they normally see dirty hippies come through one vans they live in that are all beat up and rusty.
So I made it through the border with only minor stress and have been enjoying the van for a few days. My kids love it, my wife loves it and I REALLY love it!
Tomorrow I license it and then I will be 100% golden!
