If it was originally imported legally/properly in the first place CA has no real issue. It is when the grey market sale is shady or motor swap where it becomes sticky.
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If it was originally imported legally/properly in the first place CA has no real issue. It is when the grey market sale is shady or motor swap where it becomes sticky.
Thats not true, did you even read this thread?
Something you could consider, is to buy a 75 or earlier frame and title, and use that to register your BJ. You would have to swap the frame number section on to the BJs frame. Then you can be smog exempt.
Almost every diesel in California had a valid reg in another state first. Then it's no big deal.
....The moral of the story; never interrupt a zealot when they are overlooking things on your behalf.
After reading this thread and sweating it out for a few weeks I just got my BJ 44 registered in CA with no issue (sort of). The folks at DMV spent about 30 minutes looking it over, scratching their heads and wondering what they had in front of them. They were happy with the emissions sticker but a little suspect with the VIN and lack of a FMVSS sticker.
Long story short, I got into a discussion about saving the planet, all the evil in the world, etc, etc and she just filled in the paperwork and handed me my plates.
The moral of the story; never interrupt a zealot when they are overlooking things on your behalf.
I was reading through NZ import regulations and imports into NZ from the US need a FMVSS sticker, so perhaps with this documentation it could be argued that our two countries share the same safety guidelines ? Problem will be proving that they did 25 years ago.
I've heard that the 75 or older FJ40 frame would require extensive modifications to pop a BJ42 body onto it.
Where in the engine bay does one generally find this infamous emissions sticker ?
Depending on the country of origin it may be located in various spots. If we are talking US or Canada it is normally located on the drivers door jam and is the US/Fed safety and emissions plate (later was sticker) this is the holly grail if you want registration/title in California.
If it is from Japan whey do not have one (I have never seen one on a JDM before)
Australia has a steel stamped plate that is usually on the firewall.
Czeck republic has a sticker on firewall from 95' on.
Saudi Arabi does not have one for emmision but has a safty one on the doore jam (Drivers side which is left side) however it is not in English.
United Emerates also does not have one, nore does it have safety on the door jam
Ok thats all that I can speak too