My Importation Success Story

moondog · 10-04-06, 09:25 PM

It's still almost hard to believe. Looking out my window at the sweet little diesel '87 HJ60 sitting there. Almost two months ago, I went to Ontario with my brother to take a look at two nonrunning diesel landcruisers, an HJ60 and an '84 BJ60 that I had seen on ebay, but the owner told me for a guaranteed sale he'd cancel the auction. So we left the next morning, of course. We got there after seven hours on the road and much eager anticipation. The HJ, we were told, had a blown motor and the BJ had been sitting in a barn for 9 years, and was parked when its oil pump went out. The body and interior on the HJ were in really good condition, the transmision (5 speed) felt great, good tires, brakes felt good. The body was really rusty on the BJ and the interior smelled like every mouse in that barn had pissed in it for the last nine years. But, we were in love. So I gave the guy $1500 for the pair, and we drove back home to northern michigan, to try to figure out how the hell we were going to get them here. First I called Toyota in California, you all know how that goes. Then I called a Registered Importer, but it would've cost $1200 total in importation fees to do them both. I'm young, I don't have rich parents, I make a living selling artwork that I make, so, it seemed like a little much. Well, when we came through the border after buying the landcruisers, we asked customs how we should go about bringing them in - they told us that we needed to get letters from Toyota, and that "they see them (the letters) all the time". So we called them, and asked, "if they see these letters all the time, where are people getting them?". "From local dealerships", they told us. Bingo! So we called our local toyota dealership and told him our story. He was like, "diesel landcruisers? Hell yeah! A letter from me is really good enough?" So we called customs and made sure, and everyone seemed to agree, any letter on toyota letterhead and signed by a representative of toyota is sufficient. They told us to have him put something in there about the EPA too. So we wrote up a couple of nice letters, exactly what it needed to say, took it to the dealership and he printed it out on toyota letterhead and gave it his John Hancock. We picked up the '87 two days ago, got to the border at about 8 a.m. Went inside, gave them the letter, my title, a bill of sale for $200 (duty free baby), filled out their paperwork and they gave me some new paperwork with a big fat red stamp on the front: Meets EPA and DOT as per letter of conformity. They never inspected the vehicle or anything. Home free! Tomorrow we will go pick up the '84. Fuck Yeah! And come to find out, the HJ60 doesn't have a blown motor at all, it just needs a new head gasket! I'm thanking my lucky stars right about now!

Diescipel · 10-04-06, 09:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moondog

Well, when we came through the border after buying the landcruisers, we asked customs how we should go about bringing them in - they told us that we needed to get letters from Toyota, and that "they see them (the letters) all the time". So we called them, and asked, "if they see these letters all the time, where are people getting them?". "From local dealerships", they told us. Bingo! So we called our local toyota dealership and told him our story. He was like, "diesel landcruisers? Hell yeah! A letter from me is really good enough?" So we called customs and made sure, and everyone seemed to agree, any letter on toyota letterhead and signed by a representative of toyota is sufficient. They told us to have him put something in there about the EPA too. So we wrote up a couple of nice letters, exactly what it needed to say, took it to the dealership and he printed it out on toyota letterhead and gave it his John Hancock. We picked up the '87 two days ago, got to the border at about 8 a.m. Went inside, gave them the letter, my title, a bill of sale for $200 (duty free baby), filled out their paperwork and they gave me some new paperwork with a big fat red stamp on the front: Meets EPA and DOT as per letter of conformity. They never inspected the vehicle or anything. Home free! Tomorrow we will go pick up the '84. Fuck Yeah! And come to find out, the HJ60 doesn't have a blown motor at all, it just needs a new head gasket! I'm thanking my lucky stars right about now!

Oh my god. That's too good to be true but I guess it is.

Congrats, what a score. Plans?

B

AATLAS1X · 10-04-06, 10:10 PM

The secret is out.......................

Good job for thinking outside the box, or having someone tell you to.

Question, How did you find MUD and why would this be your first post?

Diesel42 · 10-04-06, 10:46 PM

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!! And welcome aboard.

roscoFJ73 · 10-05-06, 12:32 AM

Love those good news cruiser stories about the little man having a win

Now we want the fawkin pics for christ's sake

mot · 10-05-06, 01:22 AM

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

That's pretty cool!

Looking forward to seeing pics, too.

Mot

Fantom · 10-05-06, 01:49 AM

That is an awesome story, congratulations. I wish you many happy trails.

moondog · 10-06-06, 07:48 AM

And now we're back from picking up the '84 BJ60. This one, which we thought would be easier, was not in the end. My brother was denied entry into canada, so I had to leave him in port huron and turn back around and drive a few hours into canada with him just hanging out in port huron. I ended up getting to the border at 1:00 a.m. and so they searched the landcruiser and the truck I was pulling it on a trailor with, I was in customs for an hour, but in the end I think they were so impressed to see a 5'2' girl driving this big ol' truck pulling a big ol' trailor, with a landcruiser on it at that (they all liked it you could see), that they let it in and gave me paperwork to say that its meets US standards in every possible way shape and form. and they didn't even fine me for my tomato and avocado

mmm .. . . 24 hours on the road, I'd've driven farther if I had to, but now I must sleep . . . . . . oops, i guess i need to change my signature, they are here!

Creeker · 10-06-06, 10:39 AM

Congrats Moondog. Wonderful to hear a successful import story.

I'm doing a diesel conversion, but I'd be interested in how it goes with your Motor Vehicle Department. May that go as smoothly!

Tapage · 10-06-06, 10:52 AM

pics !!!!!

zach · 10-06-06, 03:05 PM

congrats on the new rides

. now lets see some pic's

moondog · 10-06-06, 03:49 PM

As soon as I can find my camera, I will post some pics. To AATLAS1X's question, well I found Mud after I first bought the landcruisers through doing searches about how to import them. I read the 'Everything I every learned about importing' thread many times. I guess I never posted anything before, because I felt like I was in some sort of diesel landcruiser pergatory. I had bought them, they were mine, but they were not here, and I didn't know how to get them here, and there were moments where I questoned whether or not I'd be able to get them here (not that I ever really gave up) so I guess I didn't feel like I had a lot to say. My plans are to have my brother (the mechanic of the family) get them running and convert them to run on waste vegetable oil and drive all over the land in it, live in it from time to time, tear it up on the back roads, and use it for my business (selling stuff that I make at arts shows). I'm giving my bro the more beat up one in exchange for doing all the work. It worked out - he's wanted a diesel landcruiser for a while now, but couldn't afford it. I wanted one too, but couldn't afford one that runs and wouldn't know what to do with one that didn't.

zach · 10-06-06, 04:09 PM

i make home brew bio in my shed out of WVO from local restaurants. if need any help with the greasle let me know.

Eric Winkworth · 10-07-06, 12:06 PM

ohh my god 5,2 and into land cruisers, if you're single, I think i'm in love!

AATLAS1X · 10-07-06, 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric Winkworth

ohh my god 5,2 and into land cruisers, if you're single, I think i'm in love!

WOW! No pussy footing around that one huh?

AATLAS1X · 10-07-06, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moondog

As soon as I can find my camera, I will post some pics. To AATLAS1X's question, well I found Mud after I first bought the landcruisers through doing searches about how to import them. I read the 'Everything I every learned about importing' thread many times. I guess I never posted anything before, because I felt like I was in some sort of diesel landcruiser pergatory. I had bought them, they were mine, but they were not here, and I didn't know how to get them here, and there were moments where I questoned whether or not I'd be able to get them here (not that I ever really gave up) so I guess I didn't feel like I had a lot to say. My plans are to have my brother (the mechanic of the family) get them running and convert them to run on waste vegetable oil and drive all over the land in it, live in it from time to time, tear it up on the back roads, and use it for my business (selling stuff that I make at arts shows). I'm giving my bro the more beat up one in exchange for doing all the work. It worked out - he's wanted a diesel landcruiser for a while now, but couldn't afford it. I wanted one too, but couldn't afford one that runs and wouldn't know what to do with one that didn't.

Conrats! And where is "Bliss" I skipped that day.................

moondog · 10-07-06, 03:19 PM

Bliss is in the northern lower penninsula of michigan, a wee little town, not on most maps. Does anyone know why I wouldn't be able to post pics? I try and it redirects me to something to log in, even when i already am.

andrea-PE-ITALY · 10-07-06, 03:56 PM

ciao moondog, good luck to you with you new toy..in italy there in a tv spot...he says:" a diamond..... is forever." For us our diamond is our lovely toy.

yotawheeler · 10-08-06, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric Winkworth

ohh my god 5,2 and into land cruisers, if you're single, I think i'm in love!

ill be getten in line as well....most girls walk the otherway as soon as the word Land Cruiser leaves my mouth

moondog · 10-08-06, 07:42 PM

So now that the Landcruisers have made it into the states, now for the fun part. Getting them running. (Theres two of us posting under this name, my sister and me). So I just went and put fresh batteries in the pair of them, a 1987 HJ-60, 2H, 5 speed, and a 1984 BJ-60, 3B, 5 speed. The 2H needs a head gasket, but all the electircs of it worked, starter, glow plugs cycle. Perfect, just gotta get the gasket. But now for the tricky one, the 1984 BJ-60 has been a mouse and rat apartment complex for the last 10 years, as well as donating some electrical components out of the engine. The BJ-60 has everything but the starter working. Behind the drivers side battery there is a square plug with two large wires, white, and red/white stripe. They are 12 gauge wires, looks like the other end plugged into something important. Any ideas what I am missing. There are 4 connectors in the engine on that side not connected to anything, it would be really helpful if anyone firmiliar could help me out figuring out what connections I'm missing. I will list the rest of the connections on another thread.

Diesel42 · 10-08-06, 10:03 PM

Moondog-again welcome. Probably the best way to obtain information will be to post individual questions and/or topics in a new thread. you'll get the benefit of a wider audiance w/ specific threads. Also, you and your sister might consider having your own screen names. Will probably save confusion. But, your in the right place. lots of helpful people here. Don't forget to scan the 40-60's link also as there will be alot more information there as the BJ's and FJ's are virtually identical with exception to some electricals and diesel engines. Hopefully that helps

dieseldog · 10-08-06, 10:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moondog

Bliss is in the northern lower penninsula of michigan, a wee little town, not on most maps. Does anyone know why I wouldn't be able to post pics? I try and it redirects me to something to log in, even when i already am.

Buy a silver star and you'll be able to post pics quite easily. It's a donation to help defray the costs associated with the site upkeep. Congrats to you from another Toyota diesel admirer.

Fantom · 10-09-06, 12:13 AM

Like everyone said, welcome. The little box with the wires is the fusible link box. They are the fusible liks that go to everything else. Below is a link that I found on Mud where you can download manuals about your truck. This should make life a little easier. If you need anything else let me know as I have the same truck (84 BJ60) and the factory manuals.
Good Luck.
http://www.toy4x4.org/download.php
P.S. The web site is in French (whcih can be a pain if you don't know it) but the manuals are in English and it should be easy enough to figure out which you need.

moondog · 10-09-06, 05:44 AM

Well, once the landcruisers are running, perhaps I will be able to afford a silver star. I'd like to be able to make a contribution to this site, it's been really helpful, but right now all of my spare money is going toward the landcruisers. Maybe I can find somewhere I can post them and post a link on here in the meantime.

madams557 · 10-09-06, 06:57 AM

Moondog,
Did you keep a couple of the letter from your local Toyota dealership that helped you get the trucks across the border?

If so, could you post it in the near future so that those of us interested could see exactly how things were worded to meet U.S. Customs' requirements?

Or send it to me as an attachment and I'll try to post it if anyone is interested.

It interest me if this letter format would help make it easier to bring 70 series over the border.

Michael

10-04-06, 09:25 PM	#1
moondog IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Down by the River Posts: 124	My Importation Success Story It's still almost hard to believe. Looking out my window at the sweet little diesel '87 HJ60 sitting there. Almost two months ago, I went to Ontario with my brother to take a look at two nonrunning diesel landcruisers, an HJ60 and an '84 BJ60 that I had seen on ebay, but the owner told me for a guaranteed sale he'd cancel the auction. So we left the next morning, of course. We got there after seven hours on the road and much eager anticipation. The HJ, we were told, had a blown motor and the BJ had been sitting in a barn for 9 years, and was parked when its oil pump went out. The body and interior on the HJ were in really good condition, the transmision (5 speed) felt great, good tires, brakes felt good. The body was really rusty on the BJ and the interior smelled like every mouse in that barn had pissed in it for the last nine years. But, we were in love. So I gave the guy $1500 for the pair, and we drove back home to northern michigan, to try to figure out how the hell we were going to get them here. First I called Toyota in California, you all know how that goes. Then I called a Registered Importer, but it would've cost $1200 total in importation fees to do them both. I'm young, I don't have rich parents, I make a living selling artwork that I make, so, it seemed like a little much. Well, when we came through the border after buying the landcruisers, we asked customs how we should go about bringing them in - they told us that we needed to get letters from Toyota, and that "they see them (the letters) all the time". So we called them, and asked, "if they see these letters all the time, where are people getting them?". "From local dealerships", they told us. Bingo! So we called our local toyota dealership and told him our story. He was like, "diesel landcruisers? Hell yeah! A letter from me is really good enough?" So we called customs and made sure, and everyone seemed to agree, any letter on toyota letterhead and signed by a representative of toyota is sufficient. They told us to have him put something in there about the EPA too. So we wrote up a couple of nice letters, exactly what it needed to say, took it to the dealership and he printed it out on toyota letterhead and gave it his John Hancock. We picked up the '87 two days ago, got to the border at about 8 a.m. Went inside, gave them the letter, my title, a bill of sale for $200 (duty free baby), filled out their paperwork and they gave me some new paperwork with a big fat red stamp on the front: Meets EPA and DOT as per letter of conformity. They never inspected the vehicle or anything. Home free! Tomorrow we will go pick up the '84. Fuck Yeah! And come to find out, the HJ60 doesn't have a blown motor at all, it just needs a new head gasket! I'm thanking my lucky stars right about now!

10-04-06, 10:10 PM	#3
AATLAS1X IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: 97045 Posts: 2,974	The secret is out....................... Good job for thinking outside the box, or having someone tell you to. Question, How did you find MUD and why would this be your first post? __________________ ---> Replacement leather for 80 series ---> Heater restoration kits 1967-74 40 series ---> Replacement leather for 60 series ---> eBay Store - Decals, Heater kits and bits Last edited by AATLAS1X; 10-04-06 at 10:49 PM.

10-04-06, 10:46 PM	#4
Diesel42 IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Northern California Posts: 455	CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!! And welcome aboard. __________________ 1983 BJ42 1978 FJ40-Sold 1975 FJ40-Sold

10-05-06, 12:32 AM	#5
roscoFJ73 Diesel for blood Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: west australia Posts: 6,298	Love those good news cruiser stories about the little man having a win Now we want the fawkin pics for christ's sake __________________ HZJ75 cab chassis 95 model ,stocker FJ73+1HZ Diesel NEW GEARBOX 1HZ =same power as 3F with 30% better fuel economy 2in Dobinsons lift.Powerdown adj shocks 33 in BFG A/T HJ61 with slidin windas regrettfully SOLD:( Volvo 740 GL

10-05-06, 01:22 AM	#6
mot I ruin surprises. Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 4,004	CONGRATULATIONS!!! That's pretty cool! Looking forward to seeing pics, too. Mot __________________ My e-bay Links New Item: LC80 Rear Plate Holder: Starting at $0.01! TEQ Collectibles NEW: Tool Box & Tool Bag JDM Toys R/C FJ40 Chassis OEM foglights and HID's JDM LC60/62 Goodies JDM Powered Fender Mirrors, etc... JDM LC80 Goodies JDM LC100 Goodies

10-05-06, 01:49 AM	#7
Fantom I'm Polish-don't taser me Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Port Coquitlam TLCA# 16277 Posts: 1,145	That is an awesome story, congratulations. I wish you many happy trails. __________________ Mat R. '84 BJ-60 with some goodies, found a new body - soon to start a new creation. PICS or you can see them the old fashioned way here "Idiot proof will not stop a determined idiot"

10-06-06, 07:48 AM	#8
moondog IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Down by the River Posts: 124	BJ60 home free! And now we're back from picking up the '84 BJ60. This one, which we thought would be easier, was not in the end. My brother was denied entry into canada, so I had to leave him in port huron and turn back around and drive a few hours into canada with him just hanging out in port huron. I ended up getting to the border at 1:00 a.m. and so they searched the landcruiser and the truck I was pulling it on a trailor with, I was in customs for an hour, but in the end I think they were so impressed to see a 5'2' girl driving this big ol' truck pulling a big ol' trailor, with a landcruiser on it at that (they all liked it you could see), that they let it in and gave me paperwork to say that its meets US standards in every possible way shape and form. and they didn't even fine me for my tomato and avocado mmm .. . . 24 hours on the road, I'd've driven farther if I had to, but now I must sleep . . . . . . oops, i guess i need to change my signature, they are here! __________________ '87 HJ60 - Max Last edited by moondog; 10-06-06 at 07:51 AM. Reason: signature incorrect

10-06-06, 10:39 AM	#9
Creeker Drinking the Kool-aid Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: On a darkling plain Posts: 162	Congrats Moondog. Wonderful to hear a successful import story. I'm doing a diesel conversion, but I'd be interested in how it goes with your Motor Vehicle Department. May that go as smoothly! __________________ '88 FJ62 - 12HT conversion, OME Lift, ARB front bumper, Roof Rack '04 Prius - stock '66 Pearson Commander - a hole in the water to throw money into. __________________________________________________ ________________________________________ And we are here as on a darkling plain Swept with confused alarms of struggle and flight, Where ignorant armies clash by night.

10-06-06, 03:05 PM	#11
zach IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: scottsdizzy az TLCA# 16680 Posts: 55	congrats on the new rides. now lets see some pic's

10-06-06, 03:49 PM	#12
moondog IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Down by the River Posts: 124	As soon as I can find my camera, I will post some pics. To AATLAS1X's question, well I found Mud after I first bought the landcruisers through doing searches about how to import them. I read the 'Everything I every learned about importing' thread many times. I guess I never posted anything before, because I felt like I was in some sort of diesel landcruiser pergatory. I had bought them, they were mine, but they were not here, and I didn't know how to get them here, and there were moments where I questoned whether or not I'd be able to get them here (not that I ever really gave up) so I guess I didn't feel like I had a lot to say. My plans are to have my brother (the mechanic of the family) get them running and convert them to run on waste vegetable oil and drive all over the land in it, live in it from time to time, tear it up on the back roads, and use it for my business (selling stuff that I make at arts shows). I'm giving my bro the more beat up one in exchange for doing all the work. It worked out - he's wanted a diesel landcruiser for a while now, but couldn't afford it. I wanted one too, but couldn't afford one that runs and wouldn't know what to do with one that didn't. __________________ '87 HJ60 - Max

10-06-06, 04:09 PM	#13
zach IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: scottsdizzy az TLCA# 16680 Posts: 55	i make home brew bio in my shed out of WVO from local restaurants. if need any help with the greasle let me know. __________________ 1977 rhd bj40, full cage, 3 jbeard buckets, 4 inch safari lift, metaltech tube doors and fenders, runs on 100% homebrew bio-greasle 1984 300d, lovecraft grease kit

10-07-06, 12:06 PM	#14
Eric Winkworth IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 1,303	ohh my god 5,2 and into land cruisers, if you're single, I think i'm in love! __________________ 1986 BJ70, 24v with a 3B

10-07-06, 03:19 PM	#17
moondog IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Down by the River Posts: 124	Bliss is in the northern lower penninsula of michigan, a wee little town, not on most maps. Does anyone know why I wouldn't be able to post pics? I try and it redirects me to something to log in, even when i already am. __________________ '87 HJ60 - Max

10-07-06, 03:56 PM	#18
andrea-PE-ITALY IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 82	ciao moondog, good luck to you with you new toy..in italy there in a tv spot...he says:" a diamond..... is forever." For us our diamond is our lovely toy.

10-08-06, 07:42 PM	#20
moondog IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Down by the River Posts: 124	A Few Tech Questions So now that the Landcruisers have made it into the states, now for the fun part. Getting them running. (Theres two of us posting under this name, my sister and me). So I just went and put fresh batteries in the pair of them, a 1987 HJ-60, 2H, 5 speed, and a 1984 BJ-60, 3B, 5 speed. The 2H needs a head gasket, but all the electircs of it worked, starter, glow plugs cycle. Perfect, just gotta get the gasket. But now for the tricky one, the 1984 BJ-60 has been a mouse and rat apartment complex for the last 10 years, as well as donating some electrical components out of the engine. The BJ-60 has everything but the starter working. Behind the drivers side battery there is a square plug with two large wires, white, and red/white stripe. They are 12 gauge wires, looks like the other end plugged into something important. Any ideas what I am missing. There are 4 connectors in the engine on that side not connected to anything, it would be really helpful if anyone firmiliar could help me out figuring out what connections I'm missing. I will list the rest of the connections on another thread. __________________ '87 HJ60 - Max

10-08-06, 10:03 PM	#21
Diesel42 IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Northern California Posts: 455	Moondog-again welcome. Probably the best way to obtain information will be to post individual questions and/or topics in a new thread. you'll get the benefit of a wider audiance w/ specific threads. Also, you and your sister might consider having your own screen names. Will probably save confusion. But, your in the right place. lots of helpful people here. Don't forget to scan the 40-60's link also as there will be alot more information there as the BJ's and FJ's are virtually identical with exception to some electricals and diesel engines. Hopefully that helps __________________ 1983 BJ42 1978 FJ40-Sold 1975 FJ40-Sold

10-09-06, 12:13 AM	#23
Fantom I'm Polish-don't taser me Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Port Coquitlam TLCA# 16277 Posts: 1,145	Like everyone said, welcome. The little box with the wires is the fusible link box. They are the fusible liks that go to everything else. Below is a link that I found on Mud where you can download manuals about your truck. This should make life a little easier. If you need anything else let me know as I have the same truck (84 BJ60) and the factory manuals. Good Luck. http://www.toy4x4.org/download.php P.S. The web site is in French (whcih can be a pain if you don't know it) but the manuals are in English and it should be easy enough to figure out which you need. __________________ Mat R. '84 BJ-60 with some goodies, found a new body - soon to start a new creation. PICS or you can see them the old fashioned way here "Idiot proof will not stop a determined idiot"

10-09-06, 05:44 AM	#24
moondog IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Down by the River Posts: 124	Well, once the landcruisers are running, perhaps I will be able to afford a silver star. I'd like to be able to make a contribution to this site, it's been really helpful, but right now all of my spare money is going toward the landcruisers. Maybe I can find somewhere I can post them and post a link on here in the meantime. __________________ '87 HJ60 - Max

10-09-06, 06:57 AM	#25
madams557 IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: May 2003 Location: Fort Collins, CO TLCA# 12065 Posts: 1,013	Moondog, Did you keep a couple of the letter from your local Toyota dealership that helped you get the trucks across the border? If so, could you post it in the near future so that those of us interested could see exactly how things were worded to meet U.S. Customs' requirements? Or send it to me as an attachment and I'll try to post it if anyone is interested. It interest me if this letter format would help make it easier to bring 70 series over the border. Michael __________________ Michael Adams Fort Collins, CO TLCA# 12065 Horsetooth 4X4 99 UZJ100, (285 BFG AT K/Os), 95 FZJ80 38th Anniversary Edt. (Bull Bar, OME, Slee Tire Carrier), 78 FJ45 Longbed (OME, ARB Bull Bar)