Build My Costa Rican BJ40 search begins
- Thread starter Mr Cimarron
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I like the look of the dash rather then not. Just being nit-picky.... can't wait to see what you do with it.
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- Apr 21, 2005
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Putting some nutserts for the bottom of the padded dash would be easy. It's the bracket that's spot welded almost the whole width just under the windshield that would be harder. Never dealt with one of these post 67 model that didn't have a padded dash. Guessing the guard that covers the threads on the knobs that lock the windshield in place come out or if they would be in the way of the padded dash if they didn't.
- Thread starter
- #125
Thanks!
Here's what that dash support bracket looks like - This support bracket does not interfere with the existing brackets/knobs on the dash that secure the windshield frame. Those brackets/knobs aren't "in the way of the padded dash" - If you have a truck with a padded dash, your brackets and threaded inserts just aren't visible; the knobs pass through the dash pad into the concealed brackets.
And the lower dash pads attach to metal dash with studs and clips - You wouldn't want nut-serts there. I think the aftermarket lower dash pads may have threaded studs to which you would apply a nut, but nut-serts wouldn't be appropriate there either.
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- Apr 21, 2005
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I know how they work, it's the piece that covers the thread I'm unsure of. On the models the US go the treads are covered by the padded dash and no other cover like on models with out the padded dash. They could just pull out with the knob is removed or be fixed. Never see one and part I was talking about. The part weld to the dash and the piece bolted to the windshield look to be the same as we got starting with the 68 model. Before that is was a clamp system on each side. The threaded knob started on the non padded dash at the same with the thread cover.
I said the bottom "OF" the padded dash and not the bottom (lower) padded dash pads. The upper padded dash used five screws to hold it to the dash. Plastic cones were used with the screws. It was these I was referring to when I said nutserts Besides the studs that fit into the clips the outer lower pads also had screws that were used on the bottom of the outer two.
- Thread starter
- #129
Starting to order/stock pile more parts for when the 40 gets north. The plan is to have everything on hand to spend a solid weekend getting it baselined along with lift and tires.
The first thing I need to get done is rebuilding the front axle I have in the garage. It will be getting 60 series knuckle and disc brakes. I will be using 60 TREs and will need a new tie rod and drag link made. Anyone know whether or not the 40 and 60 TREs are the same length? Will a stock length tie work or will it need to be a tad shorter with the 60 TREs?
The first thing I need to get done is rebuilding the front axle I have in the garage. It will be getting 60 series knuckle and disc brakes. I will be using 60 TREs and will need a new tie rod and drag link made. Anyone know whether or not the 40 and 60 TREs are the same length? Will a stock length tie work or will it need to be a tad shorter with the 60 TREs?
- Thread starter
- #130
Here is the cost breakdown of the vehicle fees on the Costa Rican side of things. I figure it would be good to list if someone else wanted to do this. I know when I first decided to do it I couldn't really find any good info so I just have been going with the flow and winging it. I won't list travel because I stayed for free and paid for airfare with miles. It still is part of the total cost of figuring out if it's worth it or not. The tour of Costa Rica looking at LC's is priceless.
$120 - Lawyer for Power of attorney to let my friend sign on my behalf.
$19 - Paperwork messenger to get paperwork to San Jose
$57 - Lawyer for ownership change
$50 - National registry ownership change
TBD - fee for permission to export. Shouldn't be much.
Still have shipping, customs, and Texas title to go.
$120 - Lawyer for Power of attorney to let my friend sign on my behalf.
$19 - Paperwork messenger to get paperwork to San Jose
$57 - Lawyer for ownership change
$50 - National registry ownership change
TBD - fee for permission to export. Shouldn't be much.
Still have shipping, customs, and Texas title to go.
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- Thread starter
- #131
Big parts order went in the works today from @beno. Stuff coming from Japan and US.
16x7 Toyota steel wheels
Lug nuts
Engine gasket kit
Thermostat
Drive belt
Fuel filter
Oil filter
Air filter
60 series TRE set
If anyone needs some sweet gold wheels they will be up for grabs. The truck won't even leave my driveway with those ugly things on it.
16x7 Toyota steel wheels
Lug nuts
Engine gasket kit
Thermostat
Drive belt
Fuel filter
Oil filter
Air filter
60 series TRE set
If anyone needs some sweet gold wheels they will be up for grabs. The truck won't even leave my driveway with those ugly things on it.
- Thread starter
- #132
Photo of wheels I will be running. Proper backspacing, no spacers required.
Give careful consideration to shipping rather than trying that drive up through Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, and Mexico. It is not a safe trip, especially these days. If you do attempt it, make sure you have a couple burly friends along with you. I know people who have done it who would never attempt again. I shipped a car from the US to Costa Rica, the reverse scenario. Car prices in Costa Rica are ridiculously high, but the old LC's are priced right. The shipping for my car wasn't bad, but the tax that Costa Rica charges is outlandish. Are there any tax implications to bring a car into the States? And, more importantly, are you going to have any problems getting it street legal in the States; in other words, would it be subject to an inspection, and would it pass? There are lots of old Land Cruisers down here. There are tons from $5-10K. Ones that are in really good shape are $12-15K, or higher. Similar units in the States are much, much more than that, but I'm sure you know that.
- Thread starter
- #134
Not planning on driving up but I wouldn't think twice in doing it if I had the time. Yes it may be a bit "dangerous" in certain places but you just don't go to those areas. Plenty of places in the US that are far more dangerous than Central America. I had a friend drive his motorcycle to Panama and back and he said everyone were the most helpful and nicest people he ever met. Since I haven't done it I guess it's hard to have a opinion on it but most people that say not to do it have never done it.
No tax on export from Costa Rica. The US charges something like 2.5% of the sale price for import plus another small 1/2% for paperwork or something like that. Plus its 25 years old so its exempt from EPA. No problem in Texas getting it legal as far as I know. Transfer title and pass inspection just like any other vehicle purchase. Texas is safety only on diesels so as long as your can stop, have a horn, and all your lights work you are good. I will be sure to document the whole process.
Sounds like you've done your research, but please reconsider driving. The problem is not Costa Rica, it's the countries above us. I met six bikers at the Panama border last week. They were driving to Nicaraugua and back to Panama. They're planning a trip all the way to Los Angeles in a couple months. They told me they would never try it alone. If they don't have at least three going to LA, they're cancelling the trip.
Sorry, missed your comment that you don't intend to drive. Are you going to fly down and use a container ship to get the LC back?
Any new pics of your rig?
- Thread starter
- #139
Nothing real exciting. Last I got was one of it taking up space in my friend's garage. The native Land Cruiser has taken the place of his Honda CRV that he imported from the US. I believe now it's moved down the road to his dad's garage parked next to their old Land Rover project.
This one was parked across the street during purchase.
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- Thread starter
- #140
The truck now is officially in my name. All paperwork showed up today which was much quicker than I thought. The final document needed is temporary permission to leave the country.