New Member, new HiAce from California

Hi all, I just bought this 1991 Super Custom from an importer in Pennsylvania, it's a automatic, 4x4 diesel with 53k miles.
I still have to deal with registering it in CA, which i hear is a pain in the butt.
It has big off-road tires which rub a bit over curbs and hard turns, I will need to figure that out.
Also, it didn't come with an owner's manual and I can't seem to find one for this model anywhere.
Any tips for finding a manual?!
Other general tips appreciated!
Cheers

try www.jpnz.com for the manual
dave

Welcome, it looks nice!

What is the tyre size?

Registering it emission wise is probably a pain yeah, I guess you could always convert it if you have time... There should be some petrol engines available in the US that should fit.
What size of engine is in there and does it have a turbo?

Thanks guys! It's a 3L non turbo engine.
I'm headed to the DMV on monday, will keep you posted.
At work at the moment so I can't check the tyre size.

Obviously if you have a 3L engine in your Hiace with 53k miles on it, it's staying right there. In CA the smog test is only applicable for gasoline cars 1975 and newer, and diesel cars 1997 and newer, so no need to smog it! Maybe they will mess with you with not having a certain amount of numbers in the VIN though and that could be a bump. If you want to meet up I am in Los Angeles until Monday, then I'm off to Mexico. Send me a message with your phone number if you're into it. It's rare to see a Hiace out here.

For the manual look it up on this forum someone posted it somewhere, It might not be specific to your engine but maybe close enough. Also for parts www.japan-parts.eu is good you can find your exact part number then call a Toyota Dealership then they can have it sent to you. Sometimes they dont send certain parts to the USA so you might have to have an important part sent to Tijuana or Ensenada or something and pick it up there.

vanmobile wrote:

Obviously if you have a 3L engine in your Hiace with 53k miles on it, it's staying right there. In CA the smog test is only applicable for gasoline cars 1975 and newer, and diesel cars 1997 and newer, so no need to smog it! Maybe they will mess with you with not having a certain amount of numbers in the VIN though and that could be a bump. If you want to meet up I am in Los Angeles until Monday, then I'm off to Mexico. Send me a message with your phone number if you're into it. It's rare to see a Hiace out here.

Thanks man, I am indeed having trouble registering it. The DMV said I need to take it to the CHP, i guess to verify the VIN. I'd be happy to meet up and talk shop. I will dm you my info, cheers!

Hi douggg.
I'm up in Ventura.
As Vanmobile said... Good luck at the DMV.
after the simple VIN check, see any an offsite registration shops can help.
EMPHASIZE the diesel exemption!

Ace MM wrote:

Hi douggg.
I'm up in Ventura.
As Vanmobile said... Good luck at the DMV.
after the simple VIN check, see any an offsite registration shops can help.
EMPHASIZE the diesel exemption!

Good news, I got 'er registered! Just had to sweet talk the officer at the chp.

Curious do you have the short wheel base or long?

Also, do you have a mechanic?

Cheers!

Short. Looks like yours, with decals.
Any rust around the windshield? I have a spot, found lots of dirt under the lower trim.

I also have a snorkel available.

I've done everything myself so far. Gonna take it to a shop next week that's even willing to even check the transmission out.

Congrats on getting her on the road!

Douggg, hey there. I am about to register my new hiace with Oregon tags in california as well. You care to expand on "sweet talk"? employed with CHP? I don't wanna fumble that and get into the limbo of CA registration...
also, did you get gouged on cost of registering from out of state?
thanks!

Could you elaborate on how you got your Hiace registered?