HJ60 in California

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J

Jan-78FJ40

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Sep 6, 2002
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More title questions:
Does anyone know if there is a problem bringing a HJ60 into California, that already has a US title? Are any vehicles banned due to the rather fascist vehicle laws in this state?
thanks for the help,
J
 
Here is the information I gathered after 5 trips to the DMV (with pictures of the ID plates) and numerous calls to the California Air resources Board:
VIN numbers with BJ in them can be registered, since Toyota supplied a letter at some point declaring that the B and 3B engines follow US emission requirements.
Diesels are smog excempt, but that does only mean that they do not need to undergo a smog test. It does not exclude them from having to follow CA emission requirements.
VIN numbers with HJ in them cannot be titled, unless they have a letter from toyota with them, stating they follow CA emission requiremnts.
A IF plate from a registered importer in the door jam can be interpreted as such, but it seems to depend on the inspector.

This is what I gathered the last weeks, it is not necessarily true, just experience.
I wonder if there are any HJ60s in California, the owners should be able to tell how they got them in!
thanks for all the comments!
 
I saw a couple diesels at Mudrak the other day. One was the 3BT, but I believe that other was an HJ60 with CA plates. When I asked Gary about registering this vehicle in CA, he said there was "...a bunch of legal mumbo jumbo". No idea what that means, except it prolly ain't a slam dunk.

Mike S
 
20Sep2004 (UTC +8)

I registered my HDJ-80 in California last year, with expired Colorado plates :) after driving all the way from Denver (Hooters :D ) without my CA driver's license (accidentally left it, but got it by mail soon after)... no problem... just hassled the DMV folks for a little bit 'coz my VIN is not regular (no turbo-diesel 80-series appeared on their computer, so I had to get a CA Highway Patrol clearance). I immediately had a comprehensive driver's insurance (same value as an FZJ-80 only though) from AAA. My HDJ-80 is smog-exempt in CA... used to average 27mpg but now only 20mpg with the 35" MTR's, body armor, winch and many other stuff.

But after I sell my house there in San Jose (CA), it's coming home to me here in the Philippines (to be re-united with my UZJ-100).
 
as with everything not normal in the USA it is best to check with DMV and other depatments before buying a truck. If you find something you want but are not sure if it can be legal in your state/town/village then give the seller a deposit with written contract saying it is refundable if it can't be regged in your area. Tell the seller to give you a week or so to check up on it and hold the deposit in the mean time. It will really suck to buy something and then find out you can't reg it in your area.

Other than that I think there are ways around everything...
 
drexx said:
20Sep2004 (UTC +8)

I registered my HDJ-80 in California last year, with expired Colorado plates :) after driving all the way from Denver (Hooters :D ) without my CA driver's license (accidentally left it, but got it by mail soon after)... no problem... just hassled the DMV folks for a little bit 'coz my VIN is not regular (no turbo-diesel 80-series appeared on their computer, so I had to get a CA Highway Patrol clearance). I immediately had a comprehensive driver's insurance (same value as an FZJ-80 only though) from AAA. My HDJ-80 is smog-exempt in CA... used to average 27mpg but now only 20mpg with the 35" MTR's, body armor, winch and many other stuff.

But after I sell my house there in San Jose (CA), it's coming home to me here in the Philippines (to be re-united with my UZJ-100).
Click to expand...

It seems to me that if you have been able to register and title the HDJ-80 in the U.S. legally it would be worth it to sell it here where they are unobtainium and buy another in the Phillipines. You'd probably have a lot of coin left in your pocket when the dust settles.
 
Congrats dog!
Maybe trying is the way to go. I was discouraged by all the talk about emission standarts. I actually talked to DMV and air resource board people, but maybe just not to the right ones.
However, I will try to register a BJ70 next month. keep your fingers crossed.

henry Brimmer, the former editor of Toyota Trails, tried long and hard with an HJ60, and finally failed.

seems all pretty inconsisten, but since there are a number of HJs here, it can be done.
 
dogstarmessenger said:
I just got my California title for my HJ60 in the mail !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I imported it from BC about 2 months ago
Proof that its not not much trouble------just go thru a RI
it only wound up costing me 900$ CAD and that was for customs and the RI fee
not a bad deal at all-It did cost me some time though as I drove up there in my FJ62 and drove the vehicle back myself. which seems to be the way to go if you want to keep the cost down and not have a difficuct time with customs!
I would be interested to know why others have had trouble here in Cali.
Now Im getting ready to bring a BJ70 down
Diesels rule!!!!!!!
Click to expand...


NICE, how about some pics? :D

keep us posted with the 70 series....do they pass the safety stds?
 
Just talked with my RI (PNTRI) out of Kelowna BC and he said the BJ70 VIN is good to go!!!!!!
Dont know why Mr brimmer had such problems
I think it all depends on the DMV and the RI,I guess I got a good combo!
I live in a fairly rural area of No.california in Mendocino Co. and I went to the small friendly DMV in Garberville Ca. which is an hour north of me in Humboldt Co. I dont think I would have tried a major city such as LA or SF just for the long lines alone!!
Also the first three RI's that I talked to proved themselves to be pretty worthless,talking in circles about EPA and DOT and Toyota
Then I called PNT and Trevor there hooked it up ,with no problem
I already broke down the cost but I didnt tell yall what that included-
Paperwork waiting at the border thru a brokerige house all filled out and waiting for me
Compliance letters from EPA,DOT,NHSTA and stickers stating it had been officially imported by a RI
I cant seem to post my pics --------- someone please HELP
Thanks
 
Congrats dogstarmessenger, we should hold a gathering of 70 series cruisers here in Northern CA. Let's shoot for summer '05. We'll pick a trail that even a stock 70 series can tackle.

To attach pics, click the "manage attachments" button below when you reply. If it is still a problem PM me and I'll post your pics.

Dave
 
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