California Spec?

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

2

2ND78FJ40

Joined
Dec 25, 2025
Threads
1
Messages
9
Location
Virginia
IMG_5828.webp
IMG_5832.webp
 
Sort by date Sort by votes
This is my first post. Just acquired this 1978 FJ40 for a retirement project. I had a 1978 about 40 years ago and regrettably sold it. I do not remember all of the vacuum lines on that model. Could this model be a California spec model? if so, can this equipment be removed?
Thanks!
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
What are Virginia's laws on 1978 vehicles with regards to emissions inspections?

A quick Google search indicates that Virginia does have smog inspection laws in some areas of the state for this year vehicle, so it depends where you are in the state what your specific smog requirements will be and what you can do to reduce the spaghetti underhood.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Upvote 0 Downvote
Augustiron said:
What are Virginia's laws on 1978 vehicles with regards to emissions inspections?

A quick Google search indicates that Virginia does have smog inspection laws in some areas of the state for this year vehicle, so it depends where you are in the state what your specific smog requirements will be and what you can do to reduce the spaghetti underhood.
Click to expand...

Even the strictest jurisdictions in VA stop emmisions testing after 25 years and there are no visual inspections. Also, if OP registers it with an antique plate then no more inspections or property tax.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
2ND78FJ40 said:
This is my first post. Just acquired this 1978 FJ40 for a retirement project. I had a 1978 about 40 years ago and regrettably sold it. I do not remember all of the vacuum lines on that model. Could this model be a California spec model? if so, can this equipment be removed?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
What part of VA are you from? There are 3 active TLCA chapters in VA, hopefully you're close to one of them.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Welcome and good luck with your FJ40. Just like the NewYork Daily News. That newspaper was so popular because it was mostly pictures….add them when you can…. reading is fun but a picture is worth 1000 words…😂
Saves a lot of typing. 😉
 
Last edited:
Upvote 0 Downvote
Thank you all for the comments and responses! What a great forum.
Did some research:

Requirements (VA VDOT)​

Your vehicle must meet Virginia's emissions inspection requirements if it is garaged in one of the localities listed below:

  • Counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William or Stafford
  • Cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas or Manassas Park
Motor vehicles exempt from emissions inspections include:
  • Motorcycles
  • Autocycle: a three-wheeled motor vehicle that has a steering wheel and seating that does not require the operator to straddle or sit astride and is manufactured to comply with federal safety requirements for motorcycles. Except as otherwise provided, an autocycle shall not be deemed to be a motorcycle.
  • Gasoline powered passenger or property carrying vehicles with a model year that is more than 25 years old before January 1 of the current calendar year.

    For example, vehicles with a model year of 1994 are exempt from emissions on or after January 1, 2019; vehicles with a model year of 1995 are exempt from emissions on or after January 1, 2020.

    Vehicles 25 years old or older qualify as antique motor vehicles but are not required to display antique license plates to qualify for the emissions exemption. Although exempt from the emissions inspection, the $2 emissions fee is required when renewing these registrations.
  • Gasoline powered passenger or property carrying vehicles with a manufacturer's designated gross vehicle weight rating of more than 10,000 pounds.
  • Diesel powered vehicles

Fortunately, I am in Williamsburg and exempt from the emissions inspection due to location and age of the "antique" vehicle. I would also like to know more about the TLCA chapters in VA.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
There are sub forum sections here on MUD for local clubs. Bay to Blue Ridge are probably the closest active group to you, mostly out of the Richmond area. It's a great group of guys with local knowledge of competent shops if you ever need help.

forum.ih8mud.com

VA- Bay to Blue Ridge Cruisers

forum.ih8mud.com forum.ih8mud.com
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Do your research on desmogging a 2F before you start pulling things. There's more to it than just removing the smog pump and the tubing. FWIW, if I had one in that condition I would be tempted to leave it original. The PO of my '77 FJ55 desmogged it and I have actually considered putting everything back on but the modifications to the air rails, carb, etc. make it overly difficult.

Having said that, if the air rail and smog pump are already missing then you're already part way there. Not sure which direction I would go from here.

There are many threads on desmogging a 2F. Here is a fairly comprehensive one to get you started: '77 FJ40 Federal 2F desmog - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/77-fj40-federal-2f-desmog.440852/
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Back
Top Bottom