Fishing for opinions on Toy 1ton conv.

[Chang-kuao-lo]

Next big project: U-Haul leftover Toyota 1ton dually crapped-out engine/tranny goes for ~$2,200. Ditch horrid little V6 auto. Replace with either 1-2H-T, or 1-HD-T with H55 ~$8,000. No way to put one of these in a taco, but the 1ton suspension/chassis should handle it. Whaddya think?

[87-2LT]

You're sporting a Canadian flag so I assume you're one of us? If so, just import something from Japan, register it in Canada, and drive in the US all you want.

[Chang-kuao-lo]

yeah... It doesn't work like that. That's why my BJ74 is sitting in storage until 2010 when it's 25 years old. There are ways to title/register a "grey market" vehicle down here, but none of them are legal. Drive in the US all you want... until you get into an accident, then have your insurance drop your policy (insurance companies tend not to insure illegal vehicles) plus get charged with international smuggling, tax evasion and have the vehicle siezed and shredded, and get deported. Not worth the trouble.

[DieselToyz]

Couldnt have said it better myself...Most people think it's a little slap on the wrist. Nothing could be further from the truth.

[87-2LT]

Not if you are a Canadian citizen with a Canadian address. Your insurance is Canadian and as long as you make sure it covers you while in the USA you are fine - and I've never heard of insurance that didn't.

This is why dual US/Canadian citizens are able to bring JDMs into the USA as long as they are registered and insured in Canada.

As they are not trying to permanently import or register/insure the vehicle in the USA, none of the above issues apply.

[Chang-kuao-lo]

Wrong again. You can bring in an overseas import for ONE year only, provided that you can prove you will be in the US for one year or less i.e. a temporary work visa, student visa, visitor's visa, etc. After the one year the vehicle is in the US ILLEGALLY and must be exported. If you get caught on the road with it, there will be consequences. Dual citenzenship notwithstanding. The rules are very clear, the "big three" has lobbied the government here long and hard to keep these vehicles out.

The only way around this is to have a letter (including the VIN or serial #) issued by the original manufacturer that states the vehicle meets all Transport Canada regulations. Toyota Japan WILL NOT EVER issue such a document for any of thier vehicles. Apparently Nissan, Honda, and Subaru will. With a little legwork a guy could get a JDM Nissan Skyline GTR, for example, into the US from Canada. Believe me, I have been over this time and again, it's just not worth the trouble just to have the coolest truck on the block. You wouldn't belive the crap I had to go through to import a Canadian spec. motorcycle, it took about four months of headaches to get it titled down here.

One other option, which has been successful for some, is to buy the vehicle in Canada and chop 12" out of the frame rails. Then you might be able to import it strictly as "used parts". Have the frame pieces sent down, weld them in place, and you might be able to register/title as a "home built" vehicle. This all depends on the customs officer you get:"I believe you are going to weld the frame back togther, so you won't be importing this into the US." Tough luck, then you have a $15,000 white elephant on your hands. Even if you get it through customs, the state DMV might recognize it as a shady import and decide not to register it. Not worth the hassle or expense, the customs rules are designed to make it that way. www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/import/ If it were that easy, there would be diesel Landcruisers all over the place here.

There is a successful petition for overseas landcruisers, but Left Hand Drive only. So, maybe a guy could get one from the middle east and go through a RI, blah blah... a whole other set of headaches and expenses.

Be that as it may, has anyone tried converting a 1ton dually over to diesel?

[87-2LT]

Well, I talked to a dual citizen who did it. Bought a HJ61V here and registered it in WA, and later sold it in WA. Someone else sold a few on eBay, as did someone in Florida. Yes, if someone rats on you, you might lose it. Each to their own.

[mhooper]

In regards to your original post....

1KZ in that one ton would be choice...

I have a customer from australia building the following....

early 90s cab over motorhome, 1kz ATM intercooled 4wd assembly swapped in retainging rear dually, with an ARB front bumper.... he was going to go 4 door as well but it didn't pan out.

So cool. Yes i'm a dork.

[brutus]

Any pics on the motor home conversion? I agree, sounds cool!

Brian

[DanS]

Diesel Dolphin.

That is all.

I really think a Dolphin (or box truck) would be awesome with a 1KZ-TE. I'd think that quite a few businesses would be interested in a 1KZ box truck. I know if I had to make light deliveries that I would.

Dan