Builds Project Rehab (Chopped LS Swapped 80 Series)

[OffRoadScott]

So the JN government has given you the blessing to shipping it?

 

[White Sheep]

I can ship with no questions asked. The struggle is when i try to make it street legal.

 

[SNLC]

I have heard getting LHD registered in Japan can be extremely difficult. Heard a story about a Japanese guy who imported a LHD 79-series, he could never get it registered so he had to export it.

Second hand info so take it for what it is.

Cheers

 

[OffRoadScott]

I have heard getting LHD registered in Japan can be extremely difficult. Heard a story about a Japanese guy who imported a LHD 79-series, he could never get it registered so he had to export it.

Second hand info so take it for what it is.

Cheers

My friend when we were stationed in Japan shipped his USDM WRX STi to Japan as part of his move but he never registered it as it was so expensive, he kept on getting the temp plates.

Similar to this:

Another friend of mine did register his WRX in Japan and if I remember correctly it was close to $5000 that was in the 2000's.

 

[White Sheep]

I have heard getting LHD registered in Japan can be extremely difficult. Heard a story about a Japanese guy who imported a LHD 79-series, he could never get it registered so he had to export it.

Second hand info so take it for what it is.

Cheers

Yeah I know it's going to be extremely difficult (and expensive) but I know it's possible. There are a few LHD vehicles driving around.

My friend when we were stationed in Japan shipped his USDM WRX STi to Japan as part of his move but he never registered it as it was so expensive, he kept on getting the temp plates.

Similar to this:

View attachment 3774707

Another friend of mine did register his WRX in Japan and if I remember correctly it was close to $5000 that was in the 2000's.

Worst case, I'll just just temp tag it like this. I'll get with my brother-in-law to see what he can figure out.

I KNOW it'll make more since just to sell it in the US. I just hate to have put some much work into it and then sell it.

 

[White Sheep]

Went for a little drive this morning to get down to a quarter tank for the shipment to Japan later this week when I came across this abandoned area. . Had to do a little photo shoot

 

[White Sheep]

Well. . .she's off to start her journey to Japan. Hope everything goes as planned

 

[MMaxim]

Well. . .she's off to start her journey to Japan. Hope everything goes as planned

View attachment 3786743View attachment 3786744View attachment 3786745View attachment 3786746

Good luck!

 

[OffRoadScott]

Any updates?

 

[White Sheep]

Other than I kinda hate the company that I used to ship the truck. . .? No. I just got to Okinawa on Sunday for a short turn and burn. When itinerary booking the flight, I thought I might luck up and be here when the LC gets here. Not the fact.

Almost a month ago I asked the company when the LC would be on the boat. They said on 16 January. On the 18th or so I contacted them, and they said they think the 23rd. A few days after the 23rd, I got a notice that it just shipped. So it's enroute.

In other news. I'm on terminal leave (retiring from the military for those who dont know) right now, but already working as a contractor for GE (General Electric). It's seasonal work, so I work in the US about 6 months out of the yr.

 

[FMC80]

Other than I kinda hate the company that I used to ship the truck. . .? No. I just got to Okinawa on Sunday for a short turn and burn. When itinerary booking the flight, I thought I might luck up and be here when the LC gets here. Not the fact.

Almost a month ago I asked the company when the LC would be on the boat. They said on 16 January. On the 18th or so I contacted them, and they said they think the 23rd. A few days after the 23rd, I got a notice that it just shipped. So it's enroute.

In other news. I'm on terminal leave (retiring from the military for those who dont know) right now, but already working as a contractor for GE (General Electric). It's seasonal work, so I work in the US about 6 months out of the yr.

Congrats bro! It’s about time!! Glad this dream of yours is finally realized. Well earned, my friend.

Edit: where in oki do you live?

 

[White Sheep]

Edit: where in oki do you live?

My wife wants to be around her family, so we will be in Haebaru. A little south of Naha.

 

[White Sheep]

Its been long three months. I strated my transition leave from the military in mid December right after shipping the LC to Japan. The shipment was kinda a s*** show. It cost just under $5,000 for the company to pick up the truck from my house, take it to Atlanta, ship to California, then Japan. I paid back in October 2024, but been in contact with this company (Schumacher Cargo Logistics) since Aug/Sept. From the time I initial made contact, I told them when i was planning to ship the truck and when ill pay. It felt like every week from Aug to Oct, they emailed or called me (bothering me) if I was going to still make this move. After i paid them, it was like pulling teeth trying to get a hold of them . The pickup date changed a few times (due to them), and they finally picked it up at the last min. Once the LC gets to Atlanta, they tell me all the stuff that cant be shipped, even though I put it on the inventory sheet prior to pickup .

The LC finally gets to California mid January to be put in a container. I was told previously that I would get approximately 20 pictures once it got to thier warehouse. I had to ask for the pictures and I think I received 3. The LC finally ships late January (I was initially told it wold ship late December).

In the meantime I started working as a subcontractor for General Electric Vernova (GE) in January. Its seasonal work, so I'll be in the US, or wherever they send me twice a yr for 3 months at a time.

In February I officially moved to Okinawa Japan. My father-in-law gave us a rent free apartment while our house is being built.

March 1st I was officially retired from the military, and March 6th I got the paperwork stating that I'll receive 100% disability permanent and total.

Early March, Japan contacted me stating the LC is scheduled to enter the port in a few week and started coordinating customs and delivery $2000. The LC arrived on March 10th, and was delivered to my brother-in-law's today March 14th.

Japanese customs weren't able to start the truck. They said it has power, but not starting . Im pretty sure the battery is drained, and doesn't have enough power to turn the engine over (well thats what I'm hoping ). I'm currently working in NY for a few weeks, and have a few things to take care of Stateside back heading back to Japan on April 20th.

 

[MMaxim]

Thank you for sharing the update. And, what a nerve-wracking story.

 

[open country]

Cool to see it finally in Japan. Every story I hear about shipping a vehicle internationally is a whirlwind of frustration, so at least you weren't alone in the struggle.

 

[UZJ105]

Do you have to take it somewhere local and have it inspected to get tags and registration?

 

[White Sheep]

Do you have to take it somewhere local and have it inspected to get tags and registration?

Yes I will. .eventually. They'll have to tell me what I need to do to make it street legal. I'm sure the #1 thing is going to be emissions.

 

[2fpower]

Congrats on all of this.... you have to stand back and realize how much you have accomplished.

gosh, it has been at least 5 years now since we first talked about all of this?? Back when we figured out your CDL was not working trying to climb hills in central Kansas?

Good times, my friend.

 

[White Sheep]

Great times. You and the Tornado Alley crew got me into all this. Thanks for everything

 

[2fpower]

Remember when I told you that you would be better off just handing me your wallet and walking away from this addiction.....