FJ70's in America

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Forget about 100% legal importation of a post-1987 70 series into the US, regardless of drive-train, because the vehicle doesn't meet DOT safety requirements. Period.

Quasi-legal, "gray market" importations can and do happen all the time, there are many loopholes at the state level and a couple still available at the Federal level that people take advantage of (not advocating this in any way). Methods vary from "close-to-legal" to "extremely shady", or infinite shades of gray (market). If you're doing this for a one-time importation and know you'll keep the vehicle forever, it's actually not too difficult (depending on the state you're located in), but you have to learn to live with two realities:

1. If you ever get caught (even if you likely won't), you could be in a heap of trouble, or at the very least, lose the vehicle and pay a hefty fine.
2. Because of the shady importation, the later sale of the vehicle will be extremely difficult, so the overall value of the truck will always be questionable.

If you're cool with both of these points, *DO YOUR HOMEWORK*, there are methods available. And if you decide to go this route, be corteous and don't ping those who have gone before you, most people don't like to talk about it unless they know you well and trust you.

I would concur with exiled, very will put.

Cheers,

Michael
 
Venezuela or Colombia is where you want to look. 70s, 40s, 60s and 80s all over the place and a lot closer than Saudi. It would only take 5 days via sea. I used to live there and travel there often, beautiful countries to live for a Cruiser lover.
 
True, but you can still get them from a number of places. The only ones they really should have discontinued quickly was the ones for 93-94 80 series the other were fine.

According to this thread the IFZ year isn't relavant, but yes, if you want a TRD supercharger you'd better procure one quickly.

For the gains and the simple fact that this is the United States I'd go with a UZJ70.
 
Find a half decent Canadian BJ70 with no title. Buy a beat to hell late 70's FJ40 with title. Take VIN and frame plate; attach to BJ70. Legal? No. Could it work? I think so. :D

I doubt you're going to encounter an inspection station that knows what it is.

I'd like to find a BJ70 in Canada, and bring it in. I like them a lot.
 
Find a half decent Canadian BJ70 with no title. Buy a beat to hell late 70's FJ40 with title. Take VIN and frame plate; attach to BJ70. Legal? No. Could it work? I think so. :D

I doubt you're going to encounter an inspection station that knows what it is.

I'd like to find a BJ70 in Canada, and bring it in. I like them a lot.

As far as I know, the 25 year limit (15 year limit in Canada) applies to foreign models only. Vehicles that were manufacturer-imported into Canada and the USA, and therefore meet North American DOT/NTSB and most emissions standards, are exempt.

For example, my '94 80 was legally imported from the US in 2004.

Also, one of the reasons that the rules are a little easier with North American vehicles is because they are easier to trace; when you import from either side, the Customs agencies in both countries run the VIN through a continent-wide database of stolen vehicles. They won't clear it until the VIN comes back clean (three day wait). With foreign vehicles, there's no standardised way to confirm the ownership of a vehicle, or whether it's been stolen.

I'm presently helping one of my co-workers (Californian) legally import his Ferrari 308 and his E-Type into Canada, because he and his family are moving here permanently. It's pretty simple, actually. Of course, those cars are older than the 15 year limit, but I'm just mentioning them because it's really, really easy.

I know Americans who have been here for work or whatever, and have taken their (Canadian market) vehicles back to the US with them. As I understand it, they can legally import the vehicle, but they are not allowed to sell it for "X" number of months. That's to discourage people from importing with the express intention of reselling. It might be a year; I can't remember.

There's a brochure available from any US Customs office, that's all about importing goods into the US at an individual level. It's written for Americans returning from extended periods out of the country, and foreigners who are entering the US to reside there. I had one around here somewhere, but I think it's gone. It's a small blue brochure.

I think the easiest (only?) legal way to get yourself a 70 is to find a Canadian resident emigrating to the US, or an American citizen returning after living in Canada, (someone you can trust) and have them bring a Canadian-market BJ70 with them. They would retain ownership for the grace period, but after that it would be yours once they sell it to you on paper.
 
The List of Nonconforming Vehicles Eligible for Importation (September 2010) on Vehicle Importation and Certification Requirements includes Land Cruisers from 1986-1996 as eligible for importation. The LCs are listed with "VSP" eligibility numbers which "are assigned to vehicles that are decided to be eligible under 49 U.S.C. § 30141(a)(1)(A), based on a petition from a manufacturer or registered importer which establishes that a substantially similar U.S.-certified vehicle exists." So, it looks pretty doable if you have a cruiser from those years.


Forget about 100% legal importation of a post-1987 70 series into the US, regardless of drive-train, because the vehicle doesn't meet DOT safety requirements. Period.

Quasi-legal, "gray market" importations can and do happen all the time, there are many loopholes at the state level and a couple still available at the Federal level that people take advantage of (not advocating this in any way). Methods vary from "close-to-legal" to "extremely shady", or infinite shades of gray (market). If you're doing this for a one-time importation and know you'll keep the vehicle forever, it's actually not too difficult (depending on the state you're located in), but you have to learn to live with two realities:

1. If you ever get caught (even if you likely won't), you could be in a heap of trouble, or at the very least, lose the vehicle and pay a hefty fine.
2. Because of the shady importation, the later sale of the vehicle will be extremely difficult, so the overall value of the truck will always be questionable.

If you're cool with both of these points, *DO YOUR HOMEWORK*, there are methods available. And if you decide to go this route, be corteous and don't ping those who have gone before you, most people don't like to talk about it unless they know you well and trust you.
 
Venezuela or Colombia is where you want to look. 70s, 40s, 60s and 80s all over the place and a lot closer than Saudi. It would only take 5 days via sea. I used to live there and travel there often, beautiful countries to live for a Cruiser lover.

Totally agree, I live in Colombia and own a FJ70. Japan built 70's are a bit harder to find and somewhat expensive but you can definitely find one here. Lemme know if you need any help.
 
problem, 70 series was never sold in USA so no "substantially similar" vehicle exists.
better to just find a 85-86 and do it the easy way.
The List of Nonconforming Vehicles Eligible for Importation (September 2010) on Vehicle Importation and Certification Requirements includes Land Cruisers from 1986-1996 as eligible for importation. The LCs are listed with "VSP" eligibility numbers which "are assigned to vehicles that are decided to be eligible under 49 U.S.C. § 30141(a)(1)(A), based on a petition from a manufacturer or registered importer which establishes that a substantially similar U.S.-certified vehicle exists." So, it looks pretty doable if you have a cruiser from those years.
 
problem, 70 series was never sold in USA so no "substantially similar" vehicle exists.
better to just find a 85-86 and do it the easy way.

Don't listen to Crushers.....wait until you can import a LJ78 and get a real 70 Series.:)
.......1978HJ45
 
I would concur with exiled, (Exiled said "Forget about 100% legal importation of a post-1987 70 series into the US, regardless of drive-train, because the vehicle doesn't meet DOT safety requirements. Period.")
very will put.

Cheers,

Michael


Please note that poster lives in the US and owns a beautiful LHD HZJ76. :)
That's the model I'd like. For SWB, a FZJ70 from the middle east or S. America would be nice.
 
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problem, 70 series was never sold in USA so no "substantially similar" vehicle exists.
better to just find a 85-86 and do it the easy way.

there's been a few lhd 70's brought in this way. the petition seems to cover the 70 series.
 
Venezuela or Colombia is where you want to look. 70s, 40s, 60s and 80s all over the place and a lot closer than Saudi. It would only take 5 days via sea. I used to live there and travel there often, beautiful countries to live for a Cruiser lover.

When you go to Venezuela to find your Land Cruiser, tell them that President George W. Bush (the one from the evil empire) sent you. Sir Hugo and George W. were big buddies.:)
......1978HJ45
 
Once you go over to a diesel Landcruiser you will never go back. This is coming from someone who had/has an FJ40, FJ60, FJ80, BJ70 and a HZJ80 (kind of)
May have something to do with the rarity in the U.S. market ;)



Flame suit on so fire away:cool:
 
hummm, i like both the gassers and the diesels.
gassers are faster and cheaper.
diesels are better on fuel
gassers are cheaper to fix.
diesels don't need fixing often ... usually.
 
Good points Wayne.
True you can pick up a gas 80 here in the U.S. much cheaper than any diesel.

In fact if I wasn't friends with a couple of Landcruiser diesel experts ;) I probably wouldn't have been brave enough to take the plunge.


hummm, i like both the gassers and the diesels.
gassers are faster and cheaper.
diesels are better on fuel
gassers are cheaper to fix.
diesels don't need fixing often ... usually.
 
Don't listen to Crushers.....wait until you can import a LJ78 and get a real 70 Series.:)
.......1978HJ45

:lol: that play-do of yours is probably the only one left in the world without a cracked head and overheating issues. For a little while at least.:flipoff2:
 
:lol: that play-do of yours is probably the only one left in the world without a cracked head and overheating issues. For a little while at least.:flipoff2:

First Wayne now you......thank goodness I am not a sensitive person.:)
.......1978HJ45
 
foget the idea of finding a diesel 70 series in Venezuela or Colombia .. all are gassers there ( which isn't bad at all ). For diesel you can take a look all areound central America with HZJ70 and HZJ71 ( both models with 1HZ engines on 'em ).

Should be nice also to have one FZJ71 from Venezuela as new as 2008 if you want ( and can afford it ) sush a sweet Toy to drive ..
 

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