For Sale WTB BJ42 - Advice - deals and a question on import

BallVice · Feb 4, 2016

Does anyone have details (I am sure this is probably a thread out there I haven't found yet) on the import process of a BJ42 into the US from Canada? (obvious target market).

I live in Georgia - so if it is state dependent and anyone has details on that - it's super helpful as well?

Questions -

How do you do it?

How much does it cost?

Where are the "gotchas" that can kill you (financially - or deprive you the joy of ownership and usage)?

Toyvay · Feb 4, 2016

Importing a Toyota Diesel From Canada

That link will describe a number of different experiences importing various diesels from Canada. It also mentions some Mud resources, which you can then search for. There are also a few threads on Mud from some helpful importers. As i understand it, you can import anything you please, if it's over 25 years old. Registering and titling that vehicle once you've imported is largely dependent on where you live (possibly who you know). Each state has it's own rules etc most of which are concerned with emissions, regardless of age. There are a few other loopholes regarding vehicles manufactured for all north american markets, but from what i gathered they are tiny loopholes and not actually relevant.

Again, I am no expert, but I am good reader; hope this is helpful

TCSTARK · Feb 4, 2016

@greenbeast - Jon, Frank is the neighbor I wanted to talk to you about. Can you PM the details of your rig.

BallVice · Feb 4, 2016

Toyvay said:
Importing a Toyota Diesel From Canada

That link will describe a number of different experiences importing various diesels from Canada. It also mentions some Mud resources, which you can then search for. There are also a few threads on Mud from some helpful importers. As i understand it, you can import anything you please, if it's over 25 years old. Registering and titling that vehicle once you've imported is largely dependent on where you live (possibly who you know). Each state has it's own rules etc most of which are concerned with emissions, regardless of age. There are a few other loopholes regarding vehicles manufactured for all north american markets, but from what i gathered they are tiny loopholes and not actually relevant.

Again, I am no expert, but I am good reader; hope this is helpful

Ok -well that was a fun read....

thinking about the investment - etc - it doesn't seem impossible - BUT - it might make more sense to find one that has already made it's way to the states to avoid having to go through all of this - or having to hire an importer AND a shipping company.

SUPER AWESOME ARTICLE - THANK YOU!!!

Toyvay · Feb 4, 2016

Sure, I feel like I should say for every article I have read saying it's a pita, I have read another saying it's easy. I can only say that doing yourself, might be best, if you find one over 25 years old. For importing you would only need two documents and set up an appointment with border three days beforehand. That is it, as i understand it. A word of caution regarding ones that have already made their way to the states; like any vehicle the history is important, the paperwork is vital, and hopefully follows the vehicle. Short way of saying, it is much better to have the original importers paperwork (though harder to find), to make your process easier. Depending on it's way across the border, it likely made a database somewhere. And again, there are many here with a great deal of experience, they might be of better help. Usually it's a who you know situation vs a what you know. I hope you find a great one. Keep us posted. Seth

Toyvay · Feb 4, 2016

Oh, yeah; if you find two, let me know!

CHAS404 · Feb 6, 2016

I have imported soon 7 FJ43s LHD from Colombia. I sell them complete and with Florida title. not trying to sell you a truck but the following is my experience. My FJ43s were gas models with F or 2F as we don't get many diesels. I certainly share your interest in a diesel as they are "cool" and hope to do one at some point. I would say that FJ40s/FJ43s/BJ40s/43s unfortunately in general are the hot classic truck leading to higher prices. The diesel trucks in general in Colombia and from what I am hearing in Europe and Costa Rica have lived harder lives than the the gasoline models. Also I have not driven a diesel one yet but a 135 hp 2F certainly in terms of drivability will be more comfortable than a 85 hp B or a 90 hp 3B diesel. In terms of parts sourcing the 2F is easier too. Be VERY careful about rust or you will be sourcing a $3000 FJ43 rear tub and paying a body man $50 an hour to work on the truck. If the BJ43 truck is front drums the brake booster is different than the US spec disc brake booster and harder to source. Also the hard top and soft top are not available in the US as well as the rear seats. The mechanical otherwise is the same. Once overhauled the 4 drum system works fine. With a lower budget I would say look for a $20,000 extremely clean US spec FJ40 2F or earlier F FJ40. There is a misconception that somehow imported trucks are a "deal". I would say rather that a very nice imported truck is a value. Remember that a lot of the cost of an imported truck is the import cost and logistics to bring it here. 99% of the 12 FJs I have brought in would have been very average trucks if I had not spent the minimum one month going through them to bring the deferred maintenance up to date. This costs money. I have a 1979 FJ43 blue for sale here for $37900 and we put 2 months into it and LOT of money. The overhaul list is extensive and would cost a fortune in the USA. I did a 77 FJ40 and a 78 FJ40 for around $25000 sold and barely broke even although both trucks were sold complete with almost nothing needed. If you don't mind a project or are mechanically inclined obviously this advice does not apply.

CHAS404 · Feb 6, 2016

1979 FJ43. for sale on MUD for $37900. not trying to sell you but here is my experience. despite having the experience that any importer would have and being able to choose the BEST trucks which is KEY. also advantage of shipping them 2 in a container and being bonded importer which reduces cost this is what this truck needed. Atleast in Colombia this was one of the best finds I found so far. And DESPITE that we spent 60 days on this truck before export.... quick list of what we did and am sure I am forgetting something. Truck has good paint zero rust and 125 psi 2F engine... work.... new soft top and metal bars that were repainted.. repaint rear of truck to install top.. repaint metal bars... repaint front windshield new glass and weather stripping... new glass in doors... new stereo... all new interior.. engine includes valve adjustment.. spark plugs.. tune up.. oil change.. filters... pull radiator and clean.. new coolant... new fan... PS pump above poor condition replace with good used unit... steering box rebuilt below.. new idler arm... battery good.. starter good... waterpump new replaced.... steering stabilizer new.. 4 new shocks.. 4 new shackles.. 5 alloys rims and 5 new tires.... new wheel studs and nuts... new 4 drum brakes... repair brake booster... rewire some things like horn not working.. instruments not working... new front turn signals and rear lamps.. new exhaust.. clutch and 4 speed OK... new carb.. new AISIN 4x4 hubs... roll bar hoop... antennae.. shift knobs...head lights.. and probably forgetting ALOT! This truck will go to Tampa mechanic and on average I spent $1000 dollars with him about a week or two. These costs add up especially if you pay someone to do the work. Almost daily I get people asking what to do with their US FJ40 or Costa Rican or European truck ( colombian incomplete truck would apply too) that they paid $15,000 or so for and would I restore it. To restore the truck in the USA would cost more than the resale value of the truck. Please consider buying the best condition truck even if it is a 1971 F engine FJ40. These are 30 to 40 year old trucks and there are no short cuts.

BallVice · Feb 6, 2016

Awesome insight.

I'm a huge diesel fan - and durability wise - a rebuild will add longevity to the entire rig. I think a turbo is a must and a great addition and something I could do with my son. ECU is a challenge for me on a diesel - as I don't have the experience.

The FJ is amazing - but I think the BJ adds a dimension to the vehicle that sets it just a little bit more apart.

It's going to my son - so any dollar above 20k doesn't really make too much sense in my mind.

He will have something to focus on if he has the desire and, if he puts the time into it, it could be an incredible investment for him down the road.

I'm familiar with the rust issues. The tub scares me less than the frame. Replacing parts and panels isn't overly complex or a safety issues (unless it's the floor). The frame, in my opinion is the key area of concern.

I am hearing that bringing one in (old than 25 years) is not that difficult and is doable.

I'm super grateful for your insight and advice. I'm also hopeful I find the right diesel for us to play with.

The OCD is driving me crazy - lol - I'm searching daily.

CHAS404 · Feb 6, 2016

Not to discourage you these are fantastic trucks. Getting your son involved early with a classic truck is fantastic (in a world of plastic cars). I have driven a 1974 FJ43 for instance F engine, manual steering and 3 speed and it was one of my favorite trucks due to condition. Another favorite was a 77 FJ40 2F 3 speed not perfect truck sold for $25000 and I loved it. Condition trumps model year and options in my opinion. Even a complete truck will have maintenance issues and hassles/break downs.

BallVice · Feb 6, 2016

BabyD has a 43 that's amazing too. Both are just more than I want to invest at this point.

There is an improbable 40 in the 40 classifieds with every bell and whistle for $27 (V8) - and it's tempting - but still $7k over what I want to spend.

Patience will pay off - over time (-:

BallVice · Feb 6, 2016

I'm a car guy. I raced for years and I have owned too many in my lifetime already.

The FJ has always been in my mind. I think it's a great car for him to get dirty in

BallVice · Feb 6, 2016

TCSTARK said:
@greenbeast - Jon, Frank is the neighbor I wanted to talk to you about. Can you PM the details of your rig.

Chris - his insight was invaluable. Now I know (-:

CHAS404 · Feb 6, 2016

BallVice said:
Awesome insight.

I'm a huge diesel fan - and durability wise - a rebuild will add longevity to the entire rig. I think a turbo is a must and a great addition and something I could do with my son. ECU is a challenge for me on a diesel - as I don't have the experience.

The FJ is amazing - but I think the BJ adds a dimension to the vehicle that sets it just a little bit more apart.

It's going to my son - so any dollar above 20k doesn't really make too much sense in my mind.

He will have something to focus on if he has the desire and, if he puts the time into it, it could be an incredible investment for him down the road.

I'm familiar with the rust issues. The tub scares me less than the frame. Replacing parts and panels isn't overly complex or a safety issues (unless it's the floor). The frame, in my opinion is the key area of concern.

I am hearing that bringing one in (old than 25 years) is not that difficult and is doable.

I'm super grateful for your insight and advice. I'm also hopeful I find the right diesel for us to play with.

The OCD is driving me crazy - lol - I'm searching daily.

I just don't know about Europe but in Colombia which is a mild climate the frames have been no issue. we get rust in the front floors and rear sill only. the mechanical deferred maintenance is a problem. the 2F engine with 12 trucks sold has been zero problems. those motors run to 300,000 miles. the problems have been alternators, carbs (which now solved with AISIN copy from Japan), power steering which has been a hassle (now solved with new specialist). The BODY and rust you is your BIGGEST issue. unless you want to drive around in a 'some rust' truck or resell a 'some rust' truck it is very very expensive to fix. Body men are $50 an hour in the USA starting and the rear tub is $3000 plus shipping. average paint can be $3000 to $4000 plus weatherstripping. This is the hottest truck on the classic market running from $30000 to $40000 on up to $100000. There seem to be several $20000 trucks that pop up here in the US I would grab one of those any day over importing something.

Another thing and I dont want to promote here but WHO are going to buy from? very easy to find an italian BJ40 from some dealer. Are you wiling to wire him $20,000? The transaction is more important than the details on the truck. A truck for sale on MUD near where you are you can jump in the car and see it.

What state are you in? If California forget it. there is importation via EPA/DOT then there is registration. many people overlook registration. Each state and each county within that state has their own rules.

CHAS404 · Feb 6, 2016

The FJs are indeed simple vehicles and going slow in a fun vehicle really is nice. I am likely done with fast cars as there is nowhere to drive fast. The cool thing is ANY FJ40 in decent condition is going to be rare and loved wherever you drive it and park it. We sometimes get carried away with fancy model years frame off etc. I had an 83 FJ40 super perfect and one of my favorites was a red 77 FJ40. atleast in terms of appeal most people won't know the difference. I am happier when it starts and runs well! And yes I need to do a diesel! still have not driven one.

BallVice · Feb 7, 2016

CHAS404 said:
I just don't know about Europe but in Colombia which is a mild climate the frames have been no issue. we get rust in the front floors and rear sill only. the mechanical deferred maintenance is a problem. the 2F engine with 12 trucks sold has been zero problems. those motors run to 300,000 miles. the problems have been alternators, carbs (which now solved with AISIN copy from Japan), power steering which has been a hassle (now solved with new specialist). The BODY and rust you is your BIGGEST issue. unless you want to drive around in a 'some rust' truck or resell a 'some rust' truck it is very very expensive to fix. Body men are $50 an hour in the USA starting and the rear tub is $3000 plus shipping. average paint can be $3000 to $4000 plus weatherstripping. This is the hottest truck on the classic market running from $30000 to $40000 on up to $100000. There seem to be several $20000 trucks that pop up here in the US I would grab one of those any day over importing something.

Another thing and I dont want to promote here but WHO are going to buy from? very easy to find an italian BJ40 from some dealer. Are you wiling to wire him $20,000? The transaction is more important than the details on the truck. A truck for sale on MUD near where you are you can jump in the car and see it.

What state are you in? If California forget it. there is importation via EPA/DOT then there is registration. many people overlook registration. Each state and each county within that state has their own rules.

I'm in GA and I own part of a company in Ontario - so I'd import one from Canada.

I missed on one last week that I think would have been a great project.

The import isn't super difficult. I've already received some great advice from a few people that have done it - with some good contacts for handling the import.

I wouldn't ship one from Europe. We are in the process of shipping a Volga (momma's Grandfathwrs car) from Ukraine. That's been fun - but having the right connections for handling the customs paperwork is the real key.

BallVice · Feb 7, 2016

CHAS404 said:
The FJs are indeed simple vehicles and going slow in a fun vehicle really is nice. I am likely done with fast cars as there is nowhere to drive fast. The cool thing is ANY FJ40 in decent condition is going to be rare and loved wherever you drive it and park it. We sometimes get carried away with fancy model years frame off etc. I had an 83 FJ40 super perfect and one of my favorites was a red 77 FJ40. atleast in terms of appeal most people won't know the difference. I am happier when it starts and runs well! And yes I need to do a diesel! still have not driven one.

I agree. - but I still have a 2006 C2S 997.1 in the garage - and she's no hanger queen.

The J will be a great starter for a boy and his dad.

Mark2002 · Feb 7, 2016

BallVice said:
I agree. - but I still have a 2006 C2S 997.1 in the garage - and she's no hanger queen.

The J will be a great starter for a boy and his dad.

I have imported three cars from Canada over the past couple of years.

It's no big deal at all. If you are going to have the truck shipped to you via a transport company, they take care of everything.

A good company to use is Passport Transport. Out of St. Louis. They move cars weekly across the boarder.

Factor about 700 bucks to move it to the boarder, get import docs taken care of and ready for the US carrier to get it.

I literally did like three import forms, faxed them to PT, and it is done. Then off to the DMV for a title once the car arrived.

I have moved 100k corvettes and 2k fj40 projects this way. As long as you have a Canada title / registration you are good to go.

Tried importing a BMW from Japan once with no paperwork. It made it but the USA title took 2 years to remove the bond-title.

BallVice · Feb 7, 2016

Mark2002 said:
I have imported three cars from Canada over the past couple of years.

It's no big deal at all. If you are going to have the truck shipped to you via a transport company, they take care of everything.

A good company to use is Passport Transport. Out of St. Louis. They move cars weekly across the boarder.

Factor about 700 bucks to move it to the boarder, get import docs taken care of and ready for the US carrier to get it.

I literally did like three import forms, faxed them to PT, and it is done. Then off to the DMV for a title once the car arrived.

I have moved 100k corvettes and 2k fj40 projects this way. As long as you have a Canada title / registration you are good to go.

Tried importing a BMW from Japan once with no paperwork. It made it but the USA title took 2 years to remove the bond-title.

Mark - thanks so much for the Info. I've gotten great feedback like yours and I am super confident I can get it imported and shipped (and registered) without a lot of hard work.

People like you (that have done it) have given me the confidence to keep looking for a Canadian Diesel 4X.

I know I'll find the right deal for me and the right seller - and I Know my son and I will be super happy with the joint project.

@Toyvay - see above - it's just a matter of finding the right vehicle.

For Sale WTB BJ42 - Advice - deals and a question on import

BallVice

Toyvay

TCSTARK

Master Debater & Cunning Linguist

BallVice

Toyvay

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CHAS404

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