Importing a FJ60/80 from US to Canada

[creamycanuck]

Hi folks,

I am looking for my next cruiser (very exciting) and I am currently looking at Californian FJ60s and FJ80s. I was originally looking for a Canadian BJ60 but I saw 1 too many rusty frames and have directed my search south to California. My goal is to pickup a rust free US truck and then have the pros in BC swap in a nice fresh turbo Diesel. So far all the costing looks good to me.

So when I find my dream truck on Ebay I plan to fly down to Cali, and drive it back up...then I will hit the border...anyone have personal experiece with this part?

I'll have the normal info from online sources to get a truck into Canada but I was hoping for some personal experiences from others to help me along the way.

Cheers

 

[toynut]

i am at the same point as you are i have one of the rusty bj60's try looking on craigs list as well as on this forums classified section i have seen quite a few very nice 60's , here is a link for you there are also a bunch of used car dealers just south of us in seatle that will act as a broker and brin in rust free vehicles from california .

http://www.riv.ca/english/html/how_to_import.html

 

[creamycanuck]

Yip, I have that link and all its content memorized by now. Thanks for the refresher . Most of the local BJ60s on Craigslist etc have some serious rust issues. I have no problem spending cash to drop in a nice turbo diesel but I don't want to deal with headaches that come with extensive rust issues. Ebay has some amazing FJ60s for about $10,000 in mint condition. Add the turbo diesel swap and it is still less $ than a new Civic.
Can't beat that IMO. So the hunt for a nice FJ60 or 80 is on. No rust, low miles and mint interior...I'll find it.

 

[cruiser_guy]

Three business days BEFORE you arrive the customs in the US and Canada will need the VIN to ensure it's not stolen. IF you don't get the info to them in time you WILL have to leave the truck at the border.

When my daughter brought in the '55 that was rusty like you wouldn't believe we still had to wait three days. They laughed when they came out to check the VIN tags. That was at the Douglas crossing just east of Peace Arch.

 

[CanadianRig]

I'll vouch for the 'three day' rule...make sure you abide by it! I arrived a day early and the gentleman at the border threatened a $500.00 fine!...and that could be assessed for just walking in the door, even if i turned around and waited the extra day (my dad had purchased a motorhome that we were also bringing back, so we were just gonna sleep at the border). He did end up letting me through, but only after making me feel about a foot tall.

Follow the procedure to the tee, fill out all forms accurately and legibly, and it should be a breeze. The only reason I showed up early is because i had called to ensure they had received the info., and spoke with a nice lady that said it was great, and nice to receive a 'complete, legible' package, and that she would process it right away.

Don't forget the extra fees....I was prepared for everything except the 'tariff' because it is a Japanese vehicle...caught me off guard, but fortunately I had my dad's wallet with me!!

I never once have regretted my decision to bring my truck up here!

Good Luck!

 

[cruiser_guy]

DON'T cross without checking out of the US, that's where the $500 fine comes from!

 

[brownbear]

Arizona might be a good place to look for a clean Fj. Put in a wanted ad in the mud classifieds. It's much better buying from a known mud member. Especially if he is active on here, and his posts don't come across as he is a loser.