DOT pulled my Japanese import over today. Need some help

[mot]

Nick,

Not that you asked for them, but I've got some pics of the Euro-spec lights I was telling you about.

The guy told me that it has (and you can kinda make it out) the E-code # on it, but can't confirm it (he only has the pics and not the actual lights).

I "think" I'm going to get me a pair to use for me to used upon my return to the US, just for the fun of it. Also he tells me that I can get them with the headlight level adjuster as well. We'll see about that!

Anyway, just an FYI.

Mot

 

[nickw]

Nick,

Not that you asked for them, but I've got some pics of the Euro-spec lights I was telling you about.

The guy told me that it has (and you can kinda make it out) the E-code # on it, but can't confirm it (he only has the pics and not the actual lights).

I "think" I'm going to get me a pair to use for me to used upon my return to the US, just for the fun of it. Also he tells me that I can get them with the headlight level adjuster as well. We'll see about that!

Anyway, just an FYI.

Mot

Mot,
I think they are still the wrong headlight.
Look at the diffusion pattern on the glass compared to my light.
They are the same.

Also, notice the clips holding the glass on.
Do you think it is possible to change JUST the glass and not the whole unit?

Cheers,
Nick

 

[mot]

Nick,

Sorry, I failed to realize/mention that those are for the RHD and the ones I was/am talking about are for the LHD. But you get the idea of what they would look like.

I think it "might" be possible to swap just the lenses, but the problem is Toyota doesn't just sell the lenses, but you would have to buy the whole assembly. Also taking the lense apart from the housing would require some labor intensive work, such as heating them in the oven, etc....

FWIW...

Mot

P.S. I'll let you know and maybe post pics when I get the LHD version of the lights.

Mot,
I think they are still the wrong headlight.
Look at the diffusion pattern on the glass compared to my light.
They are the same.

Also, notice the clips holding the glass on.
Do you think it is possible to change JUST the glass and not the whole unit?

Cheers,
Nick

 

[alkaline747trio]

I live in North Carolina, bout 30 minutes from Charlotte.

 

[Greg_B]

How did you get it past the RIV federal inspection without daytime running lights? That is the first thing they checked on mine.

It is over 15 years old, and does not have to go through the RIV process. Therein lays part of the problem...People not understanding the regulations. Some inspectors seem to be confused as well, and can not wrap their head around the Federal RIV process, what the 15 year exemption means, and how the BC Vehicle Inspection process works into this.

Your vehicle semlin was less then 15 years old.

Nic's vehicle did need to pass a Provincial Vehicle Inspection, and meet its guidelines, however is outside some regulations due to being 15 years or older.

hth's

gb

 

[Previa Diesel]

As far as the inspection, I never did it. My importer had all the inspections done.

Who was your importer?

I'm looking for a 24v daytime lights solution for my 77, since Cdn Tire don't want to touch it. (Maybe that's a good thing )

 

[nickw]

Who was your importer?

I'm looking for a 24v daytime lights solution for my 77, since Cdn Tire don't want to touch it. (Maybe that's a good thing )

My truck came from risingsunimports.ca
Wiring up running lights is really easy.
All you have to do is connect a wire from your ignition in the 'on' positiion to your light relay.

Also, what year is your 77? If it's Dec 1989 or older it does not need to have daytime running lights.

Cheers,
Nick

 

[nickw]

It is over 15 years old, and does not have to go through the RIV process. Therein lays part of the problem...People not understanding the regulations. Some inspectors seem to be confused as well, and can not wrap their head around the Federal RIV process, what the 15 year exemption means, and how the BC Vehicle Inspection process works into this.

Your vehicle semlin was less then 15 years old.

Nic's vehicle did need to pass a Provincial Vehicle Inspection, and meet its guidelines, however is outside some regulations due to being 15 years or older.

hth's

gb

Very interesting Greg. I am going to have to speak with my local CVSE guys. Some people say I have to meet federal regs in 90 and some don't. I have even heard there is some people lobbying in Victoria this week about this very issue.

I am very interested in seeing what happends when the dust settles.

Cheers,
Nick

 

[semlin]

weird sidenote, a high school friend of mine's dad is largely responsible for DRL legislation in Canada. He is a journalist and wrote a quickie Canadian reader's digest article in the early 80's about some test someone had done about the reduced number of accidents on cars that had their headlights on in the day. Ihe idea generated a lot of letters to the editor so he and reader's digest started a campaign and had these awful bumper stickers printed that said "daylighters last longer" and then some MPs got involved to get the legislation through. I can remember at the time debating with him how much difference it would make once everyone had them.

nick, fyi, idahoDoug is right. My friend's us import 1991 80 has no third brake light. Not sure how your 1990 could need one if the 1991 could get through the full riv inspection on that basis (3rd brake light is not an issue listed on the RIV site). However, do not use us as your example with DOT!!

 

[Greg_B]

Very interesting Greg. I am going to have to speak with my local CVSE guys. Some people say I have to meet federal regs in 90 and some don't. I have even heard there is some people lobbying in Victoria this week about this very issue. I am very interested in seeing what happends when the dust settles. Cheers, Nick

It seems simple on the surface, at first glance. But, when people get involved there is the opportunity for interpolation and ego, which perhaps may be some of the issue here. It will be interesting to see how this shakes down. I know how I interprete it...we will see if it is right.

Either way, Landcruisers generally will be okay, and be able to meet the year manufactured with slight mods.

Remember, mechanical safety's are a good idea, as is application of the rules...as long as it is fair and consistant, across make, brand and origin.

Anyway, this is not the place where this will get settled, or to have the great debate. Yes, let the dust settle, and lets see how it falls.

In the meantime, imo the sky is not falling in the LandCruiser world in BC.

Working with all of the above all the time, as well as the relationships in Japan that are built, the assumption of mechanical risk, and familiarity with the import pipeline, and the service packages that are offered is more then enough reason...imnsho to use the legit and established importers. It may well come to the place where the importers will have to band tegether and present one voice publicly, and it will be even more important to support those who are fronting any effort that is required.

gb

 

[Previa Diesel]

My truck came from risingsunimports.ca
Wiring up running lights is really easy.
All you have to do is connect a wire from your ignition in the 'on' positiion to your light relay.

Also, what year is your 77? If it's Dec 1989 or older it does not need to have daytime running lights.

Thanks for that. The 77 is a 1990 I was told, although I haven't found a date on any of the plates yet. I'll have to get to the bottom of that though in case it just squeaks past that Dec 1st '89 deadline.

If I have to swap headlights I'm guessing lights from a BJ70 will fit.(?)

Local Toyota dealer wants 2.5 hrs to do the daytime running lights...looks like I don't have other options. With clear instructions I could do it myself, but can't risk screwing up otherwise.

 

[Enigma]

dont quote me on this (in fact...dont ever quote me! ) but I was always under the impression that weird ass vehicles like our imported cruisers just had to meet the specs of their time/era and where they were from?
For example..some old truck that did not come equipped with seatbelts still does not legally require seatbelts (as dumb as that is anyways).
I realize any canadian car built '86 and after has to have dayime running lights etc, but anything imported doesnt..i think..same goes for 3rd brake lights.
Whats next..are they going to enforce air bag installations?

My only experience in this matter is just via aircare, where the dumbass running my test said then was 'well its a 1982..so its supposed to have (insert a bunch of
pollution control paraphenlia here) and it doesnt so i wont pass it.' After a much heated discussion the manage came over, and I pointed to the steering wheel on the right hand side and said they didnt come with that crap from Africa. 'Very well, heres an exemption sticker'..and that was that.
It also didnt come with a VIN number..boy that was fun..but thats another story for another time.

I'm sure theres some very hard to understand legal mumbojumbo printed on the web somewhere. Actually, on BC4x4 theres a forum called 'talk to the RCMP', they fella there (skidmark i think his handle is) is very helpfull on these matters.


my 2 canadian cents worth!

 

[ElectricDyck]

Hi Nic. have you had your inspection yet? Did you go with the Euro head lights?Did they pass? Are they worried about the clear side parking clearence light being changed to the NA equivalnt of an orange reflective turn signal?

If you do go with NA FJ80 headlights you will need to change the connectors as the bulbs and connectors are different, they sell these at Can Tire in the same isle as the head lights, weather tight and a perfect fit.

I was told if you run a module for your day time running lights rather than hooking up ignition power to your relay, your lights will last longer as they won't run at full brightness. I was told it's about a 45 min job to do a factory looking job.

Anybody have a 91 HDJ81 wiring diagram?

 

[hfd crusher]

I believe there were some previous threads about changing the lens only, and IIRC there wasn't much success. Do a search on the subject and I think you'll find that it's probably not a viable option. Good Luck!

Jeff

 

[NVR ENUF]

Are they worried about the clear side parking clearence light being changed to the NA equivalnt of an orange reflective turn signal?

I have the Lexus version corner marker with the amber strip if needed for sale.

 

[kup99]

O.K. the more I read the more I am lost on this subject. Probably my A.D.D. I asked in another thread, but am going to ask here too.

I have a 1991 HDJ81 and have not replaced my japanese headlights, do not have daytime runing lights, and don't have a high mount brake light either.

Can someone please direct me to which headlights I need to buy (and where to get them). I don't really care about the factory fogs as I have another set of fogs mounted onto my bumper!!

MOT has answered some of my questions in the other thread, but I am really just checking to see if this is still the way to go (euro spec light E code??)!! (maximum overdrive $400??)

thanks,

 

[justchillinout]

Well time for me to add my two cents.

Being in Alberta I think has given me a little advantage. The redneck advantage that is. No one seems as concerned as the folks in BC.

However, with my 1991 FJ80, I was NOT required to have daytime running lights, rear brake lights or LHD headlights. NOR should anyone else. Running lights and brake lights were NOT required until 1995, therefore your are NOT required on anything older. This has been confirmed with Transport Canada.

Now, as for the headlight issue. I'm truely not really sure. It has never been an issue.

I do agree with a previous poster that stated much of the problem could be lack of knowledge and ego. That wouldn't surprise me in th e least!

As for the rear brake light, I actually would like to install one. Better visibility is always nice. I was thinking of trying to contact MOT to see if he could get the aftermarket rear air spoiler with third brake light. I think it would help with mud on the rear window and visibility. I'll have to find some pictures.

Well there's my thirty cents (CDN, $0.02 US).

justchillinout!

 

[FJ80Chick]

As of this summer, Canadian law requires 3 rd brake light installed to pass inspection regardless of year and DRL module installed in certain years ( such as my 1991 FJ80JDM Spec). My truck was imported and inspected by a Calgary dealership, then inspected in Saskatchewan...both inspections require these items to pass. Not sure what happens in other areas of our great country, but your inspection station will have these regulations for all to read!

Safe driving!!!

 

[Tentsontop]

This is an old thread. Nick rolled his HDJ last year. It was a nice rig. I've got his ladder and JDM vanity plate holder.

 

[wussyPup]

If you do go with NA FJ80 headlights you will need to change the connectors as the bulbs and connectors are different, they sell these at Can Tire in the same isle as the head lights, weather tight and a perfect fit.

Good to know there is a local supply for these connectors; I may have to wire up an upgraded wiring harness now that I know where to get the connectors.

I have a 1991 HDJ81 and have not replaced my japanese headlights, do not have daytime runing lights, and don't have a high mount brake light either.

Can someone please direct me to which headlights I need to buy (and where to get them).

OK, just another opinion...
I don't think you (we) need 3'rd brake light; my Canadian market, 1990 Trooper was not equipped with one.

Our post 1989 Cruisers need DRL.

I'm aware of 4 legal options for your headlamps:
- US market, 80 series headlamp assemblies (find used on Mud or eBay, or new from cruiser dan or any other Toyota Dealer)
- LHD E Code, 80 series headlamp assemblies (from Mot, ATEB, Maximum Overdrive and perhaps others)
- replace with a four lamp holder and grill assembly from a basic trim 80 (found in Oz and probably elsewhere) and swap in DOT approved lenses with H4/H1 bulb holders
- buy one of those DOT approved eBay upgrade kits

g'luck, -Steve