Advice on 1997 FZJ75 LHD Registration in Kalif

[hoser]

^^^Well, I think even if it was a 99-06 GCC IFS LC100 V8, it could have been imported.

2. Docket No. NHTSA-2012-0035 (link)
Nonconforming Vehicles: 1999-2006 Toyota Land Cruiser IFS 100 Series Multipurpose Passenger Vehicles Manufactured prior to September 1, 2006.

Substantially Similar U.S. Certified Vehicles: 1999-2006 Toyota Land Cruiser IFS 100 Series Multipurpose Passenger Vehicles Manufactured prior to September 1, 2006.

NOTICE OF PETITION
Published at: 77 FR 20485 (April 4, 2012).

Vehicle Eligibility Number: VSP-539 (effective date July 27, 2012).

And copy of original Petition:

Notice of Receipt of Petition for Decision That Nonconforming 1999 to 2006 Toyota Land Cruiser IFS 100 Series Multipurpose Passenger Vehicles Manufactured Prior to September 1, 2006 Are Eligible for Importation

This document announces receipt by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) of a petition for a decision that nonconforming 1999 to 2006 Toyota Land Cruiser IFS 100 Series multipurpose passenger vehicles (MPVs) manufactured prior to September 1, 2006 that were not originally...

www.federalregister.gov

 

[WarDamnEagle]

Yes but don't you have to make the following modifications; per the petition:

The petitioner also contends that the vehicles are capable of being readily altered to meet the following standards, in the manner indicated:

Standard No. 101  Controls and Displays: (a) Inscription of the word “brake” on the brake telltale in place of the international ECE warning symbol; and (b) replacement of the speedometer with a unit reading in miles per hour, or modification of the existing speedometer so that it reads in miles per hour.

Standard No. 108 Lamps, Reflective Devices and Associated Equipment:installation of the following components on vehicles that are not already so equipped: (a) U.S.-model front side marker lamps; (b) U.S.-model headlamps; (c) U.S.-model tail lamps that incorporate rear side marker lights; (d) U.S.-model high-mounted stop lamp; and (e) front and rear side reflex reflectors.

Standard No. 110 Tire Selection and Rims: installation of a tire information placard on vehicles that are not already so equipped.

Standard No. 111 Rearview Mirrors: installation of a U.S.-model passenger side rearview mirror, or inscription of the required warning statement on the face of the existing mirror.

Standard No. 114 Theft Protection: installation of a supplemental key warning buzzer, or reprogramming of the starting system to meet the requirements of this standard.

Standard No. 118 Power-Operated Window, Partition, and Roof Panel Systems: reprogramming or rewiring of the power operated window system to meet the requirements of this standard.

Standard No. 201 Occupant Protection in Interior Impact: inspection of each vehicle and replacement of non U.S.-model upper interior components with U.S.-model components to meet the requirements of this standard on vehicles not already so equipped.

Standard No. 206 Door Locks and Door Retention Components: inspection of each vehicle and replacement of non U.S.-model door lock components with U.S.-model components on vehicles that are not already so equipped.

Standard No. 208 Occupant Crash Protection: inspection of each vehicle and (a) installation of a seat belt warning lamp and buzzer on vehicles that are not already so equipped; and (b) replacement of any non U.S.- model air bags, air bag control units, sensors, seat belts, and knee bolsters on vehicles that are not already so equipped. The petitioner states that the vehicles are equipped with an automatic restraint system that consists of dual front air bags and knee bolsters. In addition, the vehicles have combination lap and shoulder belts at the outboard front and rear seating positions that are self-tensioning and capable of being released by means of a single red push button.

Standard No. 209 Seat Belt Assemblies: inspection of each vehicle and replacement of any non U.S.-certified model seat belts with U.S.-model components.

Standard No. 214 Side Impact Protection: inspection of each vehicle and installation of door reinforcements to meet the requirements of the standard on vehicles that are not already so equipped.

Standard No. 225 Child Restraint Anchorage Systems: inspection of each vehicle and installation of U.S.-model child restraint anchorage system components on vehicles not already no so equipped.

Standard No. 301 Fuel System Integrity: inspection of each vehicle and replacement of any non U.S.-model fuel system components with U.S.-model components on vehicles not already so equipped.




The petitioner additionally states that a vehicle identification plate must be affixed to the vehicles near the left windshield post to meet the requirements of 49 CFR Part 565.

 

[2fpower]

I'd like to see the frame VIN...
Especially since the firewall VIN plate is "mysteriously missing" in the photos

Good eye on the missing plate under the hood. Sketchy to say the least! My understanding is you can't modify/move/touch that plate. They heavily inspected the rivets on my 75 when I got it titled.

 

[John Young]

Yes but don't you have to make the following modifications; per the petition:

Don't forget that EPA has a separate 21 year requirement. But this is extremely interesting. Maybe it would be doable to import a 1998 100 from the GCC under this petition.

The trucks here typically do have the catalytic converter but I would not want to bet that the emissions systems are the same as for the USA. If anything they tend to follow UK/EU standards here.

 

[Reinhardtius]

Yes but don't you have to make the following modifications; per the petition:

The petitioner also contends that the vehicles are capable of being readily altered to meet the following standards, in the manner indicated:

Standard No. 101  Controls and Displays: (a) Inscription of the word “brake” on the brake telltale in place of the international ECE warning symbol; and (b) replacement of the speedometer with a unit reading in miles per hour, or modification of the existing speedometer so that it reads in miles per hour.

Standard No. 108 Lamps, Reflective Devices and Associated Equipment:installation of the following components on vehicles that are not already so equipped: (a) U.S.-model front side marker lamps; (b) U.S.-model headlamps; (c) U.S.-model tail lamps that incorporate rear side marker lights; (d) U.S.-model high-mounted stop lamp; and (e) front and rear side reflex reflectors.

Standard No. 110 Tire Selection and Rims: installation of a tire information placard on vehicles that are not already so equipped.

Standard No. 111 Rearview Mirrors: installation of a U.S.-model passenger side rearview mirror, or inscription of the required warning statement on the face of the existing mirror.

Standard No. 114 Theft Protection: installation of a supplemental key warning buzzer, or reprogramming of the starting system to meet the requirements of this standard.

Standard No. 118 Power-Operated Window, Partition, and Roof Panel Systems: reprogramming or rewiring of the power operated window system to meet the requirements of this standard.

Standard No. 201 Occupant Protection in Interior Impact: inspection of each vehicle and replacement of non U.S.-model upper interior components with U.S.-model components to meet the requirements of this standard on vehicles not already so equipped.

Standard No. 206 Door Locks and Door Retention Components: inspection of each vehicle and replacement of non U.S.-model door lock components with U.S.-model components on vehicles that are not already so equipped.

Standard No. 208 Occupant Crash Protection: inspection of each vehicle and (a) installation of a seat belt warning lamp and buzzer on vehicles that are not already so equipped; and (b) replacement of any non U.S.- model air bags, air bag control units, sensors, seat belts, and knee bolsters on vehicles that are not already so equipped. The petitioner states that the vehicles are equipped with an automatic restraint system that consists of dual front air bags and knee bolsters. In addition, the vehicles have combination lap and shoulder belts at the outboard front and rear seating positions that are self-tensioning and capable of being released by means of a single red push button.

Standard No. 209 Seat Belt Assemblies: inspection of each vehicle and replacement of any non U.S.-certified model seat belts with U.S.-model components.

Standard No. 214 Side Impact Protection: inspection of each vehicle and installation of door reinforcements to meet the requirements of the standard on vehicles that are not already so equipped.

Standard No. 225 Child Restraint Anchorage Systems: inspection of each vehicle and installation of U.S.-model child restraint anchorage system components on vehicles not already no so equipped.

Standard No. 301 Fuel System Integrity: inspection of each vehicle and replacement of any non U.S.-model fuel system components with U.S.-model components on vehicles not already so equipped.




The petitioner additionally states that a vehicle identification plate must be affixed to the vehicles near the left windshield post to meet the requirements of 49 CFR Part 565.

Yes, it would be possible. The above modifications are what would constitute "federalizing" the vehicle. I can understand the value proposition for federalizing a Ferrari, where the cost of carrying out these modifications is insignificant compared to the vehicle value. But, for a 100 series Land Cruiser, federalizing it would be close to if not more than the vehicle value. This work also has to be carried out by a Registered Importer.

The EPA Clean Air Act still applies, so the above petitioned vehicle would have to have emissions controls modified and/or an engine already sold in the American market.

 

[TonyP]

Good eye on the missing plate under the hood. Sketchy to say the least! My understanding is you can't modify/move/touch that plate. They heavily inspected the rivets on my 75 when I got it titled.

Yup. Also depends on who is doing the VIN verification. In Utah the VIN inspection can be performed by "DMV employee, designated contractor, Utah peace officer, licensed dealer or a certified safety inspector". I've had cops and dmv workers do them. Neither were too thorough. The cop actually had me read the VIN off to him

All that said, a missing data plate is very sketchy.

 

[FJ73Texas]

That's definitely not legal especially as you're fiddling with emissions equipment and non-certified foreign engines. You can probably get it reg'd and inspected, depending on the state, but federally it's definitely not legal. Like I said, WY and MT you can get away with a lot. Still not legal, but you can (probably) do it. Lots of sketchy vehicles are registered in Montana.

They are located about 2 miles from my house (drive past them daily) but I never made an effort to go visit them and see how they are making it all work. It is my understanding they use special ECU equipment imported from Europe as part of their process.

Truth is, they don't seem very friendly to talk to drop-ins unless you have your checkbook out.

 

[TonyP]

They are located about 2 miles from my house (drive past them daily) but I never made an effort to go visit them and see how they are making it all work. It is my understanding they use special ECU equipment imported from Europe as part of their process.

Truth is, they don't seem very friendly to talk to drop-ins unless you have your checkbook out.

I'm sure walking up with a high and tight, wearing an FBI shirt would cause a stir as well.

But who knows? Maybe they figured out a legit loophole. Very doubtful though.

 

[hoser]

Yes but don't you have to make the following modifications; per the petition:

Only a registered importer would know what really needs to be done and what can slide. But the petition is only saying, it CAN be modified to conform... if it needs to be.

i.e. "Standard No. 111 Rearview Mirrors: installation of a U.S.-model passenger side rearview mirror, or inscription of the required warning statement on the face of the existing mirror."

I've never seen a 100 w/o the passenger side mirror. If you choose the right 100, it'll meet most of those requirements already. This one already has the dual KPH/MPH speedometer and probably many of those requirements listed.

I'm not saying it is cost effective to import a GCC 100 but it is possible and it's obviously worth it to somebody.... as it isn't free to petition a vehicle.

 

[Reinhardtius]

They are located about 2 miles from my house (drive past them daily) but I never made an effort to go visit them and see how they are making it all work. It is my understanding they use special ECU equipment imported from Europe as part of their process.

Truth is, they don't seem very friendly to talk to drop-ins unless you have your checkbook out.

I think that the special equipment may be used to program the injectors, which on a D4D are DENSO and require special initialization, if memory serves me reading that correctly.

Because the engine was never sold in a vehicle in the USA and not petitioned, it may violate the Clean Air Act.

 

[FJBen]

Good eye on the missing plate under the hood. Sketchy to say the least! My understanding is you can't modify/move/touch that plate. They heavily inspected the rivets on my 75 when I got it titled.

Yeah, when I VIN inspected my BJ74, they looked at the frame number and the one under the hood he had me read to him lol. Zero issues or concern. He was more concerned about asking questions on driving on the wrong side

 

[WarDamnEagle]

Only a registered importer would know what really needs to be done and what can slide. But the petition is only saying, it CAN be modified to conform... if it needs to be.

i.e. "Standard No. 111 Rearview Mirrors: installation of a U.S.-model passenger side rearview mirror, or inscription of the required warning statement on the face of the existing mirror."

I've never seen a 100 w/o the passenger side mirror. If you choose the right 100, it'll meet most of those requirements already. This one already has the dual KPH/MPH speedometer and probably many of those requirements listed.

I'm not saying it is cost effective to import a GCC 100 but it is possible and it's obviously worth it to somebody.... as it isn't free to petition a vehicle.

If a vehicle is brought in under a petition exemption do you have to use a registered importer?

 

[gilmorneau]

If the vehicle is under 25 years old, yes. It would still need to be federalized by an RI.

And there'd be no reason to petition if the car was over 25, since it's already exempt from both EPA and DOT regulations.

 

[John Young]

If the vehicle is under 25 years old, yes. It would still need to be federalized by an RI.

Thank you, GM. So you are saying that DIY is not practical? That a 'regular guy' can't do it him/her self? I recall there may also be a requirement to post a big bond? Can't quite remember. I always thought of those registered importers as being focused on high value sports cars, and not our relatively utilitarian vehicles. Could you expand a bit on your comments? Do you have a recommendation for a East Coast RI? Thanks!

 

[gilmorneau]

Under 25 years old, DIY isn't possible--CBP won't allow it (see below). Over 25, DIY is very possible--I've done it several times. Never worked with an importer, though, since all my cars were over 25 when I brought them in.

From the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol website (parenthesis and emphasis mine):

"Vehicles that do not meet all U.S. emission requirements, unless eligible for exemption (i.e. over 25 years old) must be imported through an independent commercial importer. Some vehicles cannot be successfully imported or modified by an ICI, however, and in general, ICI fees are very high."

And this:

"As a general rule, motor vehicles less than 25 years old must comply with all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) in order to be imported permanently into the United States."

"A vehicle must be imported as a nonconforming vehicle unless it bears the manufacturer's label certifying that it meets U.S. standards. If it is a nonconforming vehicle, the importer must contract with a DOT-registered importer (RI) to modify the vehicle and certify that it conforms to all applicable FMVSS. The importer must also post a DOT bond for one and a half times the vehicle's dutiable value. This bond is in addition to the normal CBP entry bond."

"Before a RI can modify your vehicle, however, it must first be determined whether the vehicle is capable of being modified to comply with the FMVSS. If a vehicle has not previously been determined to be eligible for importation, it must go through a petition process to determine whether it's capable of being modified for such compliance. If the vehicle under petition is not similar to one sold in the United States, the process of bringing it into compliance becomes very complex and costly."

So, if your car is on the list of vehicles that have been allowed in on petition, you save yourself that part, but still need to import it through a registered importer and have it federalized. Usually just easier to wait until the car is more... "mature".

 

[fireball]

Yeah, when I VIN inspected my BJ74, they looked at the frame number and the one under the hood he had me read to him lol. Zero issues or concern. He was more concerned about asking questions on driving on the wrong side

How Did you prove the vehicle was more than 25 years old since our Vin tags do not specify a manufacture year?

 

[SNLC]

How Did you prove the vehicle was more than 25 years old since our Vin tags do not specify a manufacture year?

After importing six trucks they have never asked.

@TonyP Troopy was manufactured in 11/93 but paperwork on it in country of origin was 1994.

C&BP may do a vin search on a site like wwwtoyodyi.com or they may use another system. Beats me.

I know for a fact there are a number in the country, I believe legally but I don’t believe they can be sold legally. And of course there are a few here not legally.

I suggest talking to the owner of this 75. He is a Cruiserhead, active and I doubt would be trying to hide anything from a potential buyer.

Cheers

 

[John Young]

I just bought an August 1994 FZJ75 in KSA so it's coincidentally 25 years old this month and thus the newest legally importable LC pickup. There are plenty of parts available. I needed a few cosmetic items but also bought a bunch of spare items on PartSouq.com. I even bought a spare headliner which is still available.

How much did you pay, WDE? I need a headliner for my new 95-96 Omani 75 that just yesterday I managed to get registered here in Dubai:

I also need all the floormats and new seats. Drove up to Sharjah today and found what looked to be a new rear floor mat in a scrap yard. They wanted over 200 USD for it tho, which seems a bit pricey.

 

[FJ73Texas]

I suggest talking to the owner of this 75. He is a Cruiserhead, active and I doubt would be trying to hide anything from a potential buyer.

Cheers

I agree with this. If you really want the truck, just talk to the seller. If the potential buyer is willing to inherit the risk of seizure then it is none of anybody's business of the transaction between the buyer and seller.

If the seller is being dishonest though and hoping a unsuspecting buyer will get it, then shame on him. I can't make that judgement call though because I don't know the seller.

 

[gilmorneau]

How Did you prove the vehicle was more than 25 years old since our Vin tags do not specify a manufacture year?

CBP doesn't ask you to prove it. You declare it. If they have any questions about it, you can (as Ian suggested) reference a VIN lookup site like ToyoDiy.

That said, an unscrupulous importer could, for instance, have really bad penmanship, and write a "7", only to have it "mistakenly" interpreted by CBP as a "1". Or a person could simply and blatantly falsify the document. Chances are 50/50 that CBP won't check it. But if they do, "bad penmanship" won't get you off the hook. It's like returning from Colombia and declaring that the mysterious white powder in your suitcase is sugar. Saying it's sugar doesn't make it sugar, and if the sniff dogs think it's something else, you're still in trouble--even if you "really thought" it was sugar, or you meant to write something else, but mistakenly wrote sugar, or whatever.

I know for a fact there are a number in the country, I believe legally but I don’t believe they can be sold legally. And of course there are a few here not legally.

Yes, there's some here, some legally, some otherwise. I think it would be very useful to this community to know if someone has found a way to get them both here legally, and available for sale here legally. I haven't found it nor heard of it, but if there's a way, I could find some really great trucks to import.