Importation of New Series 70 Diesel?

[x32792]

OK, you can buy a NEW Series 70 Land Cruisers in Bolivia, Panama and Gibraltar (http://ecom.toyota-gib.com/) to name just a few...

The nice folks in Gibraltar even offer driver, maintenance and recovery training onsite in North Africa.

I wrote to Panama because they are "in the neighborhood" and this is was their reply,

Buenas tardes,

Gracias por preferir nuestra marca.

Favor tomar nota que hoy día no estamos autorizados por fábrica Japón, para reexportar. Nuestras ventas deben ser locales y debidamente inscritas en el territorio panameño.

Estamos a su orden en caso de realizar la compra localmente.

Saludos,

Itzel del C. Rodríguez B.
Supervisora Comercial
CANAL DIRECTO
Ricardo Pérez S.A.
Ricardo J. Alfaro - La Alameda
Tel.: 210-7000 ext. 4691 - Directo: 210-7516
Fax: 210-7502
email: Irodrigu@toyotarp.com

In researching this further on the web, I found a "Special Note to Americans" posted by a dealer in Canada, "You can not 'import' a Toyota diesel anything into the USA unless it is 25 years old..."

So I now throw this issue to the board as a chew toy...What the hell is going on? If I want to fly to Panama or North Africa and buy a Series 70, why can't I bring it home with me?

John

 

[max.powerzz]

This model has never been tested in the US for its safety/emission regulations, so it cannot be legally imported until it's 25 years old. AFAIK you can only import models "younger" than that from other countries if they were originally sold here. You could always try and sneak it in, but I've heard they'll tow your rig to the crusher :Wow1:

 

[Hltoppr]

There are limited exceptions for off-road/mining and manufacturer uses, but yup....not gonna happen for a basic daily driver by a private person.

I'm not saying there aren't grey market ones in the US...but those are subject to seizure if they're caught.

-H-

 

[JRhetts]

Yup! You've run into one of the bureaucratic brick walls that has frustrated a number of us for quite a while. If it weren't for this, I'd have long-since imported and built out a sweet expedition camper that is shippable by container!!!!

Lo siento!

 

[x32792]

Yup! You've run into one of the bureaucratic brick walls that has frustrated a number of us for quite a while. If it weren't for this, I'd have long-since imported and built out a sweet expedition camper that is shippable by container!!!!

Lo siento!

A member of the local Jeep club brought in a Toyota diesel motor, transfer case, gear box, axels and differentials from Australia. He stretched an old Willy's and installed the Toyota parts. He calls it the "Willy Mammoth." It is able to pull gas powered Jeeps out of DEEP mud two at a time.

 

[XXXpedition]

a completely different idea...

there are people that have an old flatfender and another jeep and mix and match and at the end the rig has the flat fender vin#.

there are people how build a rig frame up with exclusively aftermarket parts.

what if you buy an old diesel truck and mix and match. i'm sure the old diesel truck has a vin number. you could put a new body on it, new frame, etc...

know where i'm going?

or use the rig you want and put the diesel of that old truck in it...

 

[Grease Cruiser]

As others have mentioned, it is very difficult to get one here in the US. There are a few gray market ones floating around but there is a considerable risk involved that most people are not willing to take.

The next best thing is to have one custom built like we, Proffitt's Cruisers is doing. We have imported a number of brand new 2009 & 2010 Land Cruiser pickup bodies and we are putting these on older Land Cruiser frames. This is perfectly legal and is a very cool way to get a 79 series truck. Since it is custom built, you can also make it the way you want it. The pricing can actually be quite reasonable.


www.proffittscruisers.com


You can also see the build of one here:

http://forum.ih8mud.com/70-series-tech/371579-custom-hzj79-build.html

 

[x32792]

As others have mentioned, it is very difficult to get one here in the US. There are a few gray market ones floating around but there is a considerable risk involved that most people are not willing to take.

The next best thing is to have one custom built like we, Proffitt's Cruisers is doing. We have imported a number of brand new 2009 & 2010 Land Cruiser pickup bodies and we are putting these on older Land Cruiser frames. This is perfectly legal and is a very cool way to get a 79 series truck. Since it is custom built, you can also make it the way you want it. The pricing can actually be quite reasonable.


www.proffittscruisers.com

You can also see the build of one here:

http://forum.ih8mud.com/70-series-tech/371579-custom-hzj79-build.html

Thank you for the lead...I'll take a look.

Looks nice...Just emailed to ask the all important question, "How Much?"

John

 

[Grease Cruiser]

Thank you for the lead...I'll take a look.

Looks nice...Just emailed to ask the all important question, "How Much?"

John

I will answer that email when I get to the office.....

 

[MotoDave]

ih8mud.com has a TON of info on diesel legalities

 

[upcruiser]

Thank you for the lead...I'll take a look.

John

:drool:

Good god, that is cool. What frame is that mounted on?

 

[Hltoppr]

Funny, I was just thinking about putting a troopy 70 series body on my 70's frame...with a little stretching of course....

That 79 is BEAUTIFUL!

-H-

 

[x32792]

Many Options

:drool:

Good god, that is cool. What frame is that mounted on?

I just had a most interesting and informative conversation with Grease Cruiser, the man who does this work.

I am not authorized or qualified to speak for him, but my understanding is he can and will build out whatever you want. We spoke of many options with pricing from way down here, to way up there.

John

 

[Grease Cruiser]

:drool:

Good god, that is cool. What frame is that mounted on?

It is sitting on a 1988 FJ62 frame and axles. Frame is currently at the powder coater but I should have it back soon. Thanks for the compliments.


John: It was nice chatting with you this morning. Let me know if I can be of any further assistance.


Andrew: Instead of cutting up a good 70 frame, I have a good 75 frame with your name on it I may also have a source for a couple of good Troopy bodies......again, with your name on it.

 

[Hltoppr]

O' my....:drool:

-H-