DOT pulled my Japanese import over today. Need some help

[IdahoDoug]

I don't think US Cruisers had a 3rd stoplamp in 91 - believe that started in '93. Also, I am 99.99% sure your headlamps are the exact same shape/size as US headlamps from 91-97. There was no change in headlamp shape/size in the US from 91-97. We've let Sean hang around here long enough that he's forgotten that he actually has a Lexus, which has different headlamps than the Cruiser for all years (heh).

Nick, are these headlamps from a RHD market - ie Japanese spec? If so, I would not be interested since the beam pattern is the wrong way. Bummer, 'cause I'd love to have unique lights if they were German, for instance (LHD market).

DougM

 

[nickw]

Hello,

Here are the pics of my lights. It's 13 3/4 inches wide. DON'T TRUST THE PHOTO, it was taken on a bad angle. I just wanted to show people where I measured from.
So if someone wants to trade let me know. I would prefer someone close who can meet in real life. I would be willing to ship as a second option.

If I can't trade, can I just buy new glass for the light.
It almost looks like there is clips holding it on.
Or do I have to do the whole unit?

I included pics of my lights so people could see what they look like.
Also, the bumper will be for sale soon. My ARB is stuck in customs, and I will get it soon. So keep that in mind (wink wink )

Cheers,
Nick

The pics. Remember the pic is bad, the light is really 13 3/4 wide.

 

[nickw]

I don't think US Cruisers had a 3rd stoplamp in 91 - believe that started in '93. Also, I am 99.99% sure your headlamps are the exact same shape/size as US headlamps from 91-97. There was no change in headlamp shape/size in the US from 91-97. We've let Sean hang around here long enough that he's forgotten that he actually has a Lexus, which has different headlamps than the Cruiser for all years (heh).

Nick, are these headlamps from a RHD market - ie Japanese spec? If so, I would not be interested since the beam pattern is the wrong way. Bummer, 'cause I'd love to have unique lights if they were German, for instance (LHD market).

DougM

Hello Doug,

Not sure about the sizing. I posted the width as well as a photo from where I measure. They are 13.75inches wide. So maybe people can measure for me.

They are Japanesse lights, but I think they go the correct way.
I am going to double check the lights tonight. Which way they aim up. I will also try to take a pic. They could be right, just not have DOT markings on them. We will see.

Cheers,
Nick

 

[alkaline747trio]

I want them AND your bumper (not brush guard)...I'm still here if the ship to/from trade is your decision.

 

[wussyPup]

How did you get it past the RIV federal inspection without daytime running lights?

The Registrar of Imported Vehicles program regulates only vehicles originally manufactured for the U.S. market.

 

[mot]

Hello Doug,
They are Japanesse lights, but I think they go the correct way.
I am going to double check the lights tonight. Which way they aim up.

Nick,

If they are JDM then I'm pretty sure that your light pattern would show a rise toward the left side of the vehicle for vehicles driving on the left side of the road to illuminate the road signs and pedestrians on the side walk.

Let me know if you do have to end up getting a new set. I might be able to dig up the e-mail address of the guy who told me that he could get the Euro (German, etc..., not the UK)-spec 80 with the H4 low/high and H1 high beams. At least we can compare prices, just for the fun of it.

Mot

 

[nickw]

Nick,

If they are JDM then I'm pretty sure that your light pattern would show a rise toward the left side of the vehicle for vehicles driving on the left side of the road to illuminate the road signs and pedestrians on the side walk.

Let me know if you do have to end up getting a new set. I might be able to dig up the e-mail address of the guy who told me that he could get the Euro (German, etc..., not the UK)-spec 80 with the H4 low/high and H1 high beams. At least we can compare prices, just for the fun of it.

Mot

Well, I looked tonight and the lights do rise up to the left side. But they only do it when on low beams. On high beams they are "normal".

I would be interested in DOT/SAE approved lights from Europe. I really like the built in fog. I would like to keep it. So I would be interested in a price.

Also, what would be your price on the rear stop lamp (if you can get it)?

Thanks,
Nick

 

[nickw]

I want them AND your bumper (not brush guard)...I'm still here if the ship to/from trade is your decision.

If Mot can get me some DOT/SAE approved lights for a good price that have built in fog lamps, then I will probably want them. It will all come down to price, and my lack of money at this point. But depending on the price you might want some too. If not I can give you a great deal on my lights.

If I can't afford ones from Mot, or if he can't get them we can look at trading. Where do you live? I am guess it would be expensive to ship a bumper. Maybe we could meet up? My bumper does have some scratches in the paint, but you can't really see them in the pics.

I am also guessing they would be the lights out of your 91.
Did you measure the width of them? Would they fit?

Come to think of it, who out there measured there lights.
I want to know widths people (and the year it belongs too).

Cheers,
Nick

 

[mot]

Well, I looked tonight and the lights do rise up to the left side. But they only do it when on low beams. On high beams they are "normal".

I would be interested in DOT/SAE approved lights from Europe. I really like the built in fog. I would like to keep it. So I would be interested in a price.

Also, what would be your price on the rear stop lamp (if you can get it)?

Thanks,
Nick

Nick,

You are a night owl, too?

Yes, they are only supposed to do that with low beams and not high (to certain extent I'm sure, since they share the same bulb/housing).

And the Euro-spec ones that I was speaking of has the outer H4 low/high, but the inner ones (IIRC) are the H1 high beams with clear bulb. I'm sure you can fit an yellow H1 for the high, but not sure why anyone would want to do that anyway (decreasing long distance visibility).

And finally I'm sure I could get the stop lamp, but you would be able to get it cheaper/quicker from Cdan, if not from a local auto accessory store (LED ones, too).

Anyway, I've just found the guy's e-mail address and sent him an e-mail asking him if he could still get those lights. I'll let you know what I find out. I hope he can still get them.

Mot

 

[nickw]

Nick,

You are a night owl, too?

Yes, they are only supposed to do that with low beams and not high (to certain extent I'm sure, since they share the same bulb/housing).

And the Euro-spec ones that I was speaking of has the outer H4 low/high, but the inner ones (IIRC) are the H1 high beams with clear bulb. I'm sure you can fit an yellow H1 for the high, but not sure why anyone would want to do that anyway (decreasing long distance visibility).

And finally I'm sure I could get the stop lamp, but you would be able to get it cheaper/quicker from Cdan, if not from a local auto accessory store (LED ones, too).

Anyway, I've just found the guy's e-mail address and sent him an e-mail asking him if he could still get those lights. I'll let you know what I find out. I hope he can still get them.

Mot

Yeah, I'm a night owl.
Glad to see I am not alone.

Thanks for the help on the lights.
I look forward to hearing what you find.

Also, thanks for the info about the stop lamp.
I will see if I can find one from a wreck.

Cheers,
Nick

 

[IdahoDoug]

Nick,

I don't see how they can make you put in a 3rd stoplamp. I'm 99% on that, but there's one down the street I could confirm with. The 90-92s in the US did NOT have them. This line of LEDs atop the rear window started in 93 on the 80 with the larger engine, 4wdiscs, optional lockers, leather, ABS, etc.

DougM

 

[alkaline747trio]

Nick,

You are a night owl, too?

Yes, they are only supposed to do that with low beams and not high (to certain extent I'm sure, since they share the same bulb/housing).

And the Euro-spec ones that I was speaking of has the outer H4 low/high, but the inner ones (IIRC) are the H1 high beams with clear bulb. I'm sure you can fit an yellow H1 for the high, but not sure why anyone would want to do that anyway (decreasing long distance visibility).

And finally I'm sure I could get the stop lamp, but you would be able to get it cheaper/quicker from Cdan, if not from a local auto accessory store (LED ones, too).

Anyway, I've just found the guy's e-mail address and sent him an e-mail asking him if he could still get those lights. I'll let you know what I find out. I hope he can still get them.

Mot

The bumper was a little far fetched idea, the lights would be off the '91 and the '92 (busted PS on the '91).

 

[Motley]

Yeah, I'm a night owl.
Glad to see I am not alone.

Thanks for the help on the lights.
I look forward to hearing what you find.

Also, thanks for the info about the stop lamp.
I will see if I can find one from a wreck.

Cheers,
Nick

Nick,

This is Mot (having a little Mud problem!!!)

I've got an e-mail back from the headlight guy and am in the middle of confirming a few details with him, but I should be able to get the lights to you for $650US, plus shipping.

I've asked him to send me a pic of the light, as well as confirming that they are OEM and for the LHD vehicles. I have also asked him if the lights have the markings/stamps of DOT (doubt it) or E-code (likely). Didn't think about the SAE. It may be difficutl for him to verify since I don't think he "stocks" them.

I'm also confirming with him the bulb types.
I thought they had the outer H4 low/high and inner H1 highs, but wanted to make sure.

Anyway, let me know if this is something you want to proceed or you opt (or will be able) to get a used set in NA.

Good luck!!

Mot (hopefully Woody can set me straight soon )

 

[mot]

OK, I got my identity back!
THANKS, Woody!!!

Now back to the regularly broadcasted program now!

Mot

 

[LX_TREME]

Eh, its 3.18am in Nippon rite now shouldnt you be restin

OK, I got my identity back!
THANKS, Woody!!!

Now back to the regularly broadcasted program now!

Mot

 

[nickw]

OK, I got my identity back!
THANKS, Woody!!!

Now back to the regularly broadcasted program now!

Mot

Thanks Mot,
$650 is more than I have right now, I would really like to get the europe ones with the fog lights, but I can't afford that right now. For now I will look at trading some. Also for interests sake, in BC, either DOT or SAE marking are acceptable.

Cheers,
Nick

 

[Kalawang]

Nick,

I don't see how they can make you put in a 3rd stoplamp. I'm 99% on that, but there's one down the street I could confirm with. The 90-92s in the US did NOT have them. This line of LEDs atop the rear window started in 93 on the 80 with the larger engine, 4wdiscs, optional lockers, leather, ABS, etc.

DougM

A third stoplamp ( Brakelight ) is a very good idea on the LC. I purposely looked for and installed one on mine as the stock is way too small to suit me and isn't visible enough what with a swing out spare carrier holding a 35" tire limiting the visibility of one of them. Whereas I'm a little slower than most others on the road, I like to make my rear more visible especially when I'm braking.


Kalawang

 

[IdahoDoug]

Here in the US, the factory third stoplamp is wisely at the TOP of the window. It's also comprised of LEDs, which light faster and give following drivers more time to react. At 60mph, a 0.5 second faster reaction is worth 44 feet - the difference between stopping short and a severe rear end collision.

K - I think what you've got on your truck are supplementary brake lights wired that way. In other countries those are wired as rear fog lamps.

DougM

 

[Sluff]

Here in Russia the DOT authorities make people who drive Japanese spec cars replace their head lights to an European analogue. Those that don't have European counterparts are illigal to drive and don't get registered.

 

[nickw]

The bumper was a little far fetched idea, the lights would be off the '91 and the '92 (busted PS on the '91).

Alkaline,
I am still thinking about this option.
I am still wating to hear back from the DOT about something.
Where do you live?