SOLD 1973 Landcruiser FJ43 Non US

Year

1973

Vehicle Model

1. 40 Series

Mileage

1000

Color

Red

Hi, I’m selling my 1973 FJ43 that I imported from Colombia while I was working there. I had the vehicle inspected by California DMV and CHP and submitted all the paperwork. I was issued plates and registration and was told it would take a few weeks to get the title. Last week I received all my paperwork and a letter requesting additional information regarding a Manufacturer letter for compliance with U.S. Emission and CA emission. I’m done trying to get this done and I just want to sell the car. I hope someone else knows an easier way to accomplished this. I had a lot of work done to the vehicle, not perfect as it was not professionally done. I just installed 4 new tires KUMHO Road Venture AT52 31 X 10.5 R15LT 109S. Vehicle still needs a few more things done, but all and all is very good. Look at the photos and let me know if you have any questions. I’m looking to get $30K OBO! If you want to see additional photos let me know or if you want to come and look at it.

 

[bmoonhajjar]

Unfortunately you have unknowingly rendered this a “grey market vehicle” in the eyes of the CA DMV. This car will never get registered in CA unless someone has a connection really high up at the DMV in Sacrament. I know because the same thing happened to me. Hopefully someone in another state will want this but I even tried to register mine in South Dakota after this happened and they could not clear it either.

Toyota will not write the letter that DMV requests and the DMV knows it, which is why they requested it.

Also, my FJ40 looked as good as yours when I bought it. When I got it media blasted to repaint it, it was a bunch of bad metal patchwork and really good body filler work.

Hopefully yours is not the same. I was pretty inexperienced when I bought mine, so it was a tough and expensive lesson.

Good luck with your sale. Nice looking rig.

 

[Unimogguy]

If you are still interested in getting a title have you considered a MT or VT title? Tons of info on out there on the ways to get them.

GLWS

 

[EWheeler]

Hi, I’m selling my 1973 FJ43 that I imported from Colombia while I was working there. I had the vehicle inspected by California DMV and CHP and submitted all the paperwork. I was issued plates and registration and was told it would take a few weeks to get the title. Last week I received all my paperwork and a letter requesting additional information regarding a Manufacturer letter for compliance with U.S. Emission and CA emission. I’m done trying to get this done and I just want to sell the car. I hope someone else knows an easier way to accomplished this. I had a lot of work done to the vehicle, not perfect as it was not professionally done. I just installed 4 new tires KUMHO Road Venture AT52 31 X 10.5 R15LT 109S. Vehicle still needs a few more things done, but all and all is very good. Look at the photos and let me know if you have any questions. I’m looking to get $30K OBO! If you want to see additional photos let me know or if you want to come and look at it.

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Send the state a letter back stating since the vehicle is a 1973 model year it is exempt from any smog/emissions rules and to fly a kite.

So ridiculous. Sorry for the headaches.

 

[MigsPalm]

Unfortunately you have unknowingly rendered this a “grey market vehicle” in the eyes of the CA DMV. This car will never get registered in CA unless someone has a connection really high up at the DMV in Sacrament. I know because the same thing happened to me. Hopefully someone in another state will want this but I even tried to register mine in South Dakota after this happened and they could not clear it either.

Toyota will not write the letter that DMV requests and the DMV knows it, which is why they requested it.

Also, my FJ40 looked as good as yours when I bought it. When I got it media blasted to repaint it, it was a bunch of bad metal patchwork and really good body filler work.

Hopefully yours is not the same. I was pretty inexperienced when I bought mine, so it was a tough and expensive lesson.

Good luck with your sale. Nice looking rig.

I know of several people who imported vehicles from same place to other states and did not have any issues, unfortunately this is an issue with CA. I'll continue looking for a way to get it registered. One of the main reasons why I got a pre 76 was, so I did not have to deal with emissions :-(

I have pictures of the tear down and put together process, I said not professionally because there are several things, I would have like done but because of money and time constrains did not do it. All in all, I think the work was done correctly at least when I was checking and taking photos it looked good to me.

 

[MigsPalm]

Send the state a letter back stating since the vehicle is a 1973 model year it is exempt from any smog/emissions rules and to fly a kite.

So ridiculous. Sorry for the headaches.

Thanks EWheeler

 

[bernardbarbour]

If you are still interested in getting a title have you considered a MT or VT title? Tons of info on out there on the ways to get them.

GLWS

There is a guy on Pan American Travelers Association (on Facebook) that does title work for VT. He can it done for you.

 

[bernardbarbour]

I know of several people who imported vehicles from same place to other states and did not have any issues, unfortunately this is an issue with CA. I'll continue looking for a way to get it registered. One of the main reasons why I got a pre 76 was, so I did not have to deal with emissions :-(

I have pictures of the tear down and put together process, I said not professionally because there are several things, I would have like done but because of money and time constrains did not do it. All in all, I think the work was done correctly at least when I was checking and taking photos it looked good to me.

Where were you in Colombia? I live in Bogota. They do great restoration work on these trucks here in Colombia. Your's looks great.

 

[bernardbarbour]

Where were you in Colombia? I live in Bogota. They do great restoration work on these trucks here in Colombia. Your's looks great.

Alex Smith​

droStonspe1umtu41A6,1ma4i2rc3f4ti001 72 la842i4hh80g2i26pl2l ·

About two months ago, I told a few travelers that I could not process title transfers for US vehicles. I was also very very slow to respond to travelers. I apologize for that, and any confusion that may have caused.
Before the Pandemic this was part of my full time job/business. During the Pandemic, requests from travelers dropped over 98% for 18mo. Subsequently, I found a new job that I enjoy, but very much demands a lot of time.
I have re-organized my processes and now currently register vehicles in Vermont. The learning curve has been overcome, and I have an assistant who takes care of business in a very timely manner.
Any questions, any time, please feel free to ask. May the adventure continue!

* This is a good friend of mine and he can get you titled in Vermont. Bernard

 

[MigsPalm]

Where were you in Colombia? I live in Bogota. They do great restoration work on these trucks here in Colombia. Your's looks great.

Yes I lived in Bogota for a couple of years

 

[EWheeler]

Alex Smith​

droStonspe1umtu41A6,1ma4i2rc3f4ti001 72 la842i4hh80g2i26pl2l ·

About two months ago, I told a few travelers that I could not process title transfers for US vehicles. I was also very very slow to respond to travelers. I apologize for that, and any confusion that may have caused.
Before the Pandemic this was part of my full time job/business. During the Pandemic, requests from travelers dropped over 98% for 18mo. Subsequently, I found a new job that I enjoy, but very much demands a lot of time.
I have re-organized my processes and now currently register vehicles in Vermont. The learning curve has been overcome, and I have an assistant who takes care of business in a very timely manner.
Any questions, any time, please feel free to ask. May the adventure continue!

* This is a good friend of mine and he can get you titled in Vermont. Bernard

Would be curious if the OP had a valid VT title, if they'd still have troubles with a title transfer and registration in CA due to the vehicle now being in the system as grey market? Zero experience, just thinking out loud. I hope the OP finds resolution and can enjoy this unique truck. I would love to find a pre '75 FJ43 someday.

 

[kunzma]

You might ask the moderators to move this to the 42, 43, 44, 45 45LV vehicle classifieds forum.