New to the Cruiser scene in my own neck o' the woods

[Volcano cruiser]

Guys,
I guest I'll start off introducing myself here. I was born in Washington D.C., family there and in Maryland. Lots of friends in Virginia. I have been out of the country on a work assignment since Oct 2007 and will be coming back with my cruiser within the next couple of months. As soon as I get settled I plan on getting active with you guys as I am in two 4x4 clubs here and we get out a lot. When I get back I'll be moving into Maryland temporarily until I decide where I want to settle in. Right now the possibilities would be, Beltsville/Greenbelt, Md. area, Warrenton, Va area or back somewhere in D.C. Right now I'm racing to finish up the last items on my list and get it painted before time comes to ship it back up.

Newby questions:
1)How many diesel cruisers are there currently in the club?
2)Any of the diesel guys have problems with passing emissions or inspections, if so in which state?
3)Any recommendations on a good diesel mechanic? It is probably too much to ask for a diesel mechanic in the area to be familiar with the current production Toyota diesels, 1HZ, 1HD-T, etc. but I can always hope right?

Thanks in advance,
John

 

[Devilmans Hand]

I don't know of any active members with a diesel cruiser. I do know of one bj45 in vienna, but he'll prob be gone by the time you get here.

 

[Volcano cruiser]

Interesting, they are everywhere in this part of the world. Hmm I wonder if this means that I'll be hanging out a truck stops alot when I get back.

 

[Jakes40]

sounds like heven to me.

feel free to bring some of those diesel's back with you.

Chris

 

[Von Hayek]

Can't wait to see your truck.

 

[kulangot]

Jim S. used to live in Vienna, he has a HJ45 that he brought back from Nicaragua but just got transferred and took the truck to Indonesia with him. He'll be back in 2013?...I've been working on Jim's truck with him for years. Owning a diesel up here is not super easy but it's not super hard either. There is a great injector and pump shop in Alexandria.

A guy named Dallas has a BJ42, but is not active. Lives in VA somewhere.

Mac M. has a BJ42 but it's currently stored down in GA until he buys a house. Mac's truck is about 90 ish percent restored. Can't wait to see it.

Welcome back!

 

[Volcano cruiser]

Jim S. used to live in Vienna, he has a HJ45 that he brought back from Nicaragua but just got transferred and took the truck to Indonesia with him. He'll be back in 2013?...I've been working on Jim's truck with him for years. Owning a diesel up here is not super easy but it's not super hard either. There is a great injector and pump shop in Alexandria.

A guy named Dallas has a BJ42, but is not active. Lives in VA somewhere.

Mac M. has a BJ42 but it's currently stored down in GA until he buys a house. Mac's truck is about 90 ish percent restored. Can't wait to see it.

Welcome back!

Now that's what I'm talking about! I thought that there would be some guys around, it just sounds like they are either a little undercover or temporarily gone fishing. Great news about the injector and pump shop in Alexandria. Any other info along these lines would be most appreciated. Thanks. The reputation of my engine is that it really wont need more than regular maintanence for up to 500k kilometers. I work it hard but I try to pamper it to death in between. Therefore it is essential to me to have a solid line on all the shops and folks who can help me pamper it. I have most of the bits and pieces installed on it that I have needed so far so really this is just making sure that when I get home the baby will be in good hands.

Colangut, where's your shop? Have you noticed any problems in either getting a diesel registered in VA or with emissions or inspections? I'm thinking that if I hear about problems or particular issues now that I might be able to take steps before I leave to head them off and not have to deal with them first thing when I get back.
Thanks,
John

 

[kulangot]

I don't know much about importing - it was easy for Jim because he's a Gman.


Mac (macattackga) might know more...I hear it's easy to import to Georgia?

I don't have a business, my shop is my home garage and I don't work on trucks for money - just a hobby. I'm in Great Falls and your welcome to come by.

John

 

[Volcano cruiser]

I don't know much about importing - it was easy for Jim because he's a Gman.


Mac (macattackga) might know more...I hear it's easy to import to Georgia?

I don't have a business, my shop is my home garage and I don't work on trucks for money - just a hobby. I'm in Great Falls and your welcome to come by.

John

John,
Cool thanks very much. I'll take you up on that once I get back and get settled.

John

 

[John Smith]

Maryland still does not emissions test diesels so no worries there. All you need to do is get it through the one time inspection; unless it is 25 years or older and you register it as Historic or Street Rod. Cahil is not active with the club currently but he owns a few Cummins converted FJ60s and has a bunch of MB diesels waiting to swap into something.

For routine maintenance I'd do it all yourself; unless you're able to find a shop and willing to trust them to work on a motor they have never dealt with.

 

[Volcano cruiser]

Maryland still does not emissions test diesels so no worries there. All you need to do is get it through the one time inspection; unless it is 25 years or older and you register it as Historic or Street Rod. Cahil is not active with the club currently but he owns a few Cummins converted FJ60s and has a bunch of MB diesels waiting to swap into something.

For routine maintenance I'd do it all yourself; unless you're able to find a shop and willing to trust them to work on a motor they have never dealt with.

John,
Excellent information re: registration in Maryland. It is a 1980 so soon to be 30 years old but I plan to register it as a regular vehichle so there are no restrictions on drivng or use. Regarding maintenance I figured that I'd have to my own but I think that I need to find a really good diesel shop that I can work with just in case something goes bad. I do get your point though which is why I was planning on having an FSM printed out at kinkos or wherever for the mechanics shop to use that is eventually going to work on my engine. Not great I know but I knew that it would be too much to hope for to find a place that knows Toyota diesels. Again thanks for the heads up about Maryland registration.

 

[OTRAMM]

Fauquier County (Warrenton) is still emission free. Good thing too since none of my junk would pass. I know there's at least one more Diesel 40 in the area, I just put an Auqalu tub on it. I have no idea if the owner is active in the club or not though.

 

[Volcano cruiser]

Fauquier County (Warrenton) is still emission free. Good thing too since none of my junk would pass. I know there's at least one more Diesel 40 in the area, I just put an Auqalu tub on it. I have no idea if the owner is active in the club or not though.

Ryan,
Are you back from Boston? Cool! I was just kicking myself for not grabbing those half doors from either you or your Dad when I was at your shop, now almost two years ago, with Scott a.ka. highlandcruzer. I just got an ocd beetle soft top and I have a set of rear half doors. I was just thinking I wish that Ryan was back so that I could have him hook me up a set when I get back because the last set looked great. Too funny. If you are back in business I also have some fab work for my rear bumper that I'd like to throw your way if you are interested.
Regards,
John