Fixing my weird JDM MIDGET | This car is BONKERS!

This is the weirdest vehicle we've ever bought. After arriving from Japan it's time to get this thing working, but once we started looking into the mechanics, it's going to need some work to get it running properly again...
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Also something to note around Mighty Car Mods: we are normal guys and are not trained mechanics. We like to make interesting car mods and show you how we've gone about it, but we can't promise that anything we show you will work for your particular car, or that you won't harm yourself, someone else, your car or your warranty doing it. Please be safe, be responsible and unless you know what you're doing, do not fool around with very serious machinery just because you've seen us make it look so easy. Talk to a qualified mechanic if you are in any doubt. Some of the products featured in this video may be supplied by sponsors. For a list of our current sponsors please go to mightycarmods.com

[@Eugenejohandupreez]

To keep the seat up (working on the engine), there is a small fabric strap tied to the headrest bar. That strap gets pulled over the seat and hooked onto a poking tiny spike on the bottom black plate. If you need a workshop manual (Japanese), sent me a message! :D I have been dailying a 1998 van midget for a few years now in! :)

[@The_Absolute_Dog]

Somebody get this man to the top!

[@afpreppie04]

On the vans in the interior completely stripped or is there some sort of trim?

[@Eugenejohandupreez]

@@afpreppie04 The interior of most of the midgets are bare metal. My one was optioned with a plastic leather type cover that has press studs on the floor, with a floor mat on top. The base around the seat is also covered with the same plastic leather type cover (you have to remove this, to take off the panels to put in the oil/work on the belt). My van version has a headliner in the back, but the drivers cabin is just bare metal roof + sides.

[@hildamcsulla2741]

absolute legend

[@kurtg5405]

send them a message on their facebook page, more likely to see it :)

[@Charlie6969]

I like how even though your budget and production has gone up a fair bit, the actual show has not changed much. It still has what made it so good back in the day.

[@alottalogic]

This is Top Gear: Australia, lol.. Our budget is huge but we spend it like it's only change from beer money.

[@unfknknown9678]

For sure

[@aaronmontoya2518]

First step: jack up your cah.

[@randominternetguy]

But with more b-roll, edm, and car porn.

[@carlcarlssonvlogs]

Well they have changed a lot by money and fame, but I still watch because of these episodes, these are the grassroots of MCM. All those ”new sports cars” or ”smashing old sexspec cars” episodes is something I just ignore now… I got mixed feelings all the time about MCM now but I’m still here and supporting…

[@katywalker8322]

Carb airboxes often had a switchable intake. Take it from a cooler area in summer for more power. Take air from a warmer place (such as around the exhaust manifold) in winter to avoid carb icing.

[@FedericoLucchi]

The Bombardier Iltis (VW) had a similar setup, but using a thermostat, so the air intake would automatically use hot or cold air (or a mix).

[@mightycarmods]

Good tip = thanks mate!

[@Hackapoid18]

Yeah my 1995 Suzuki sierra had the same thing 👍

[@leeharrison3276]

Had one on my Gemini haha

[@Alternatenorth]

Came to the comments to see if someone had said this. Common on small engines, but usually a plate that you move in the airbox.

[@scoobysean555]

Top tip ..cover your sandblaster cabinet on the inside with clear removable plastic sheets ...them windows will get battered pretty quickly and go misty very expensive to keep changing them Thank me later 👍

[@thejoetandy]

Good tip, and a sheet of PPF works well, a lot of them self heal with a heat gun.

[@NoWr2Run]

@@thejoetandy 100% Gentlemen, I learned the HARD WAY, LOL.

[@mightycarmods]

it has plastic on the windows and lights

[@NoWr2Run]

@@mightycarmods NICE.

[@scoobysean555]

@@mightycarmods 👍👌

[@tubesnacks]

You know...this is just what I needed today guys, thanks. Just had a bummer of a day...just got home from work...cracked a beer and lo...an MCM vid. made my day. Even bought a duffel!

[@mightycarmods]

Thanks mate. You know what - some days are just straight sh*t. But when you're feeling like that its so important to remember that usually in a day or two once you get some decent sleep and sort a few things out it always gets better!

[@MrBrander]

@@mightycarmods True. It always gets better when you have a good night's sleep and sort some things. If you can't do all the things at once, then just do one at a time by one step at a time. I'll get better. :)

[@tubesnacks]

@@mightycarmods I can't help but think this is Moog replying...anyway... thanks for replying! I do really love watching you guys; it brings me so much joy. You two have such a great friendship and rapport on screen. I think I shed a tear when you got Marty the Superturbo! I also really appreciate how you advocate for mental health... obviously coming from the heart and perhaps from something personal...just makes it that much more honest. Anyway, thanks for doing what you do!

[@robertcushman3984]

Tip from a auto body tech that’s watched every episode over the years…. we use the rubber cleaning wheels in the shop I work at when using them have then spinning off the edge of the panel and careful on plastic parts!!! Always enjoy the new content!!!

[@mightycarmods]

Thanks Robert

[@HigeYatsu]

Why am I more hooked on this series than most build series featuring my favorite cars? Can't wait to see this thing ripping around a track, hahaha.

[@Scott29a]

I think it is because the two of them are really likeable and relatable. Couple that with excellent production and it’s a winner

[@lordlikeking5659]

Best off roading/ 4 wheel driving/ midget channel

[@JustCuzner]

If that's what I think it is, you HAVE to keep that MiniDisc player and have a library of MiniDiscs behind the sun visor.

[@mediocreman2]

That is definitely NOT a minidisc player. Those of us that have them could explain why, but I'll refrain. That device looks like something used for roads.

[@hollowsxkingdoms-2624]

A new mighty car mods today is going to be a good day. More midget, that little truck is so badass.

[@Ammageddon89]

I love that you reused the music at 8:45 - that gives back so many memories of your guys earlier videos. Greatful for all the entertainment and knowledge you guys have given us

[@jamesbarisitz4794]

Get an on board air compressor. Great for tires..AND an air horn! It's not a truck without it. Plus Marty doesn't have one.😃

[@theadventuresoftimtimandfo5352]

That airbox is as Marty says, the second feed comes from the exhaust shield so you have a warmer air feed.

[@chubbysumo2230]

stops the carb from icing up in the winter, but also helps keep the engine running because the fixed carb doesn't like cold.

[@itzruckus]

Old 70s 4 banger Mazdas had this as well a summer and winter setting on the air cleaner with a tube that connected to the top of the exhaust

[@stalincat2457]

27:55 Two cupholders in a single seater? This reminds me of my 1991 Subaru Mini Jumbo. Carb car in a EFI world. An air filter with a summer/winter/inbetween mode depending on the temperature and the manual choke also doubles as a anti-theft device :D

[@mightycarmods]

Haha you're right - didn't even notice!

[@AbbStar1989]

lol. That's hilarious and something I never thought about. "Nah mate, a choke is folklore and not a real thing so GO AWAY!" said the 2020 car tech.

[@djlosmi]

22:14 WD40 is amazing for removing old glue residue without any mechanical damage to the surfaces.

[@robbieprice6396]

Great car fellas. Would love to see more weird and bonkers cars on the channel. Love what you guys are doing.👍👍👍

[@johnymadball]

This is so good, I love everything about it. I've only been watching these boys for the past 5 or 6 years but one thing I've learned from them is it doesn't have to be scary fast to be fun! So good.

[@markm0000]

They're like best friends I never had.

[@pantelos96]

I was just wondering what if you do an engine swap with a similar capacity motorbike engine. A 600-700 cc revvy engine would destroy Marty's kei truck. And also "purity" .

[@DjDolHaus86]

I was surprised that it wasn't a motorbike engine, it seems like a weird decision for Daihatsu to build their own 600cc engine rather than buy a readymade one from any of the big motorcycle manufacturers in Japan

[@pantelos96]

@@DjDolHaus86 i believe they developed their own engine due to the fact that kei cars are widely used in Japan and makes sense to make an engine exactly for your needs how you want it to operate.

[@maxpower700]

Itsbenmodified on yt did it 😅

[@MidgetBarmaid]

Ducati or Yamaha R1 engine.

[@RedesCat]

turbo busa swap incoming

[@munnsie100]

The OG MCM music around 8:28 takes me right back.... nostalgia of the best kind. The prime era of ripping around particular Sydney suburbs in the TRDLZR.

[@michaelnguyen590]

The OG music at 8:24 . Brings back great memories

[@LITTLE1994]

I remember these cars from Gran Turismo 2 on PS1. Nice to finally see a real life one. They sure are indeed small.

[@timm.e.n.]

Same here, and i have wanted one ever since... Bin the Ferraris and Range Rovers, this is where the magic happens!

[@23gatesy]

Love it when i'm watching old MCM vids and a new one drops 🥳🥳🥳

[@jayruka2508]

Holy hell I lost it at the "10 bucks if you catch it" 🤣

[@Ironraven001]

I have a 1996 Suzuki Carry that I have lifted 3" and put 26" mudders on. I drive it off-road daily, it's my hunting, firewood gathering, farm vehicle and absolutely an epic little bugger.

[@NoWr2Run]

NICE.

[@haydenkinley5266]

What a mad nugget, I love it! It has so much personality, looks goofy, but so endearing. I'd rock one if I could for sure.

[@phython911]

Lovely car, nice going weirder and weirder with these vehicles!

[@LM42]

Great vid! Best entertainment on YT, well done !

[@Drew_Reviews]

watching you guys for the better part of the last decade, can't say I've ever seen a more hilarious engine service video - the tiny engine and the fact that you're under the one and only seat just brings a smile to this viewer lol thanks!

[@darrenb3783]

I think it’s a good idea to always cover your load especially in unknown tunnels

[@NoWr2Run]

I GOT THAT, LMFAO.

[@gc82000]

i hate it when my hoodies are not compatible with wireless headphones. thank you guys for finally addressing this devastating modern issue

[@DanRobards]

You muse have so many untouched cans of WD. Grab cans every episode!

[@frank-parkes7115]

I thought I was the only person in Cheshire, UK to watch MCM …. Was behind this 2008 VW R32 on my way to the gym!! And it had a chopped sticker in the back window had to take a photo at the traffic lights, just to show the Missus as “in the bin” has become a household phrase with us 😁😁😁😁🥰🥰🥰😘😘😘

[@DaveRogers1985]

Needs a 650/1000cc bike engine with a turbo coversion!

[@SoulTouchMusic93]

"cough" turbo busa "cough"

[@robertdonohue3710]

Would love to see a motor bike engine swap in this! great episode

[@twinshock175]

Did someone say Hayabusa?

[@phazerfourtyseven6431]

ive been so hyped for this, i love this content u guys rock

[@jacobhope4657]

These are the best kind of videos. Diy is something great to learn.

[@Grantmacintosh1]

A real estate agent near me uses one as a promotional vehicle 😂

[@adammcallister2260]

The hell are the selling? Garden sheds? 😂

[@1stuntcock]

Jimboomba?

[@alexcorona]

I've never seen on in all my country(USA)

[@Loki1815]

Do you have pretend Estate Agents as well?

[@Chuckie2k7]

I guess it's working as a promotional piece because we're talking about it!

[@Tnert987]

One thing that I constantly appreciate about MCM is Moog’s background in audio engineering. The Voiceover and soundtrack is something that always brings the videos over the top on production quality. The sound design, as well as the cinematic camera work, is what brings me back again and again to the bright, familiar faces of MCM. Your videos always bring a smile on my face and get me stoked to work on my cars!

[@mediocreman2]

Interesting because sometimes he really messes it up and gets the music way too loud compared to the dialogue volume, so you have to constantly adjust the volume. I think maybe his background actually hurts him there because with music production you want something dynamic going on with volume. But with KZbin you don't. Your average person is listening on headphones or chilling on their lunch break using the computer watching these and all of a sudden the music blasts your ears. He seems to have improved lately though so maybe they figured something out.

[@littlecabinknives8954]

Saw you guys on road kill been watching ever sence love the channel

[@rogerpha1398]

8:15 Put seatbelts in back so someone can sit on the boot box if you need to haul a passenger.

[@chedhead3278]

I can see Marty's truck having a top speed advantage. Not something I was expecting to ever type.

[@justintyler8641]

I wanna see a supercheap auto shopping trip with the midget as the shopping cart.

[@muzzaball]

Great job boys, top video as usual. It really doesn't matter what car you guys work on - it's still excellent to watch. Cheers.

[@jaredmarkleady]

When the music starts at 8:30 it gave me a nostalgia hit from the first season the weight reduction video, restoring faded blaaaaack panels, pimping the red turd the trd laser Rug doctor, or your electric space wizard music video 😂

[@jaredmarkleady]

Ohh and moogs filthy beanies

[@pigpotatoandfreindsshark8900]

WD40 to remove gunk from double take or decals, works like magic. Something to test next time :) love the best 4x4 / Midget channel! Excellent new buy!

[@NoWr2Run]

WD-40, GOO-GONE, I've also used mixed gas from 2 stroke.

[@AbbStar1989]

WD40 really works for this? I'm trying it when the opportunity arises.

[@alexyoung9710]

Was just about to comment this. WD-40 actually works brilliantly

[@CdotPoppy]

This is awesome!!

[@Doktoreq]

Mighty Car Mods - best two man midget action channel in the world.

[@DracoOmnia]

Regarding the chrome bits, I'm torn. 100% the taped on wheel covers needed to go but I'm not sure I'd black out the rest, it accentuates the quirkiness and it's a weird little truck, embrace the weird! Also, black and chrome is very motorbike style and with a mere 660cc's (and a whole lot of comments talking about a motor bike engine swap) may as well run with it. Maybe get some saddle bags to increase the bed capacity, lol. Curious to see how she handles on a track, and what mods are even available besides pilot sport cup 3s to improve handling, braking and acceleration. Lol, best mod on the track might be removing all the lights, extra wheel, bumper, side view mirrors etc for aero, LOL

[@NoWr2Run]

YES, I wouldn't BLACK OUT the whole vehicle but those plastic fender things HAD TO GO.

[@360-Speed]

A lot of comments, a lot of views, short span of time 👌. Loving the content and thank you for sharing the love on these little nuggets

[@bigkeg9173]

As the once proud owner of a Honda TN360, I guarantee this Midget will be a heap of fun 👍

[@Paronic]

I received my grey chopped hoodie. Ordered 1 size to big(took a few weeks to arrive and too much hassle a swap it out) but love the quality, the candy was a plus. Tastes minty and reminds me of a stick of rock that you buy at the beach back when I was a kid(33yrs young now)

[@gtrmatty]

I cannot tell you hpw glad I am that MCM works on cool little cars like this. So many KZbin videos are clickbait shit with supercar and normal JDM stuff that is done to death, and it's so mad that you guys buy fun stuff that you like

[@onelegdis]

I think Matra did the center driving position long before McLaren.

[@01gtbdaily30]

My second favorite type of video to watch with a midget in it .

[@siffoine]

I don’t like the Tomorrow never dies (TBH any Brosnan -era Bond movies, but Tomorrow never dies was the one with Daihatsu Midget) as much as I like MCM. That must be what you meant?

[@dumbestoyster]

The selector on the filter box, diverts warm air off the exhaust manifold for the winter, and cool air from the fender in the summer

[@SamsSleds]

Wanted to buy merch for so long... Today's my birthday so I finally treat myself and bought the tokyo hoodie!!! Felt so great I had to brag about it! Keep the great work guys!

[@JaysElectronicTinkerShack]

love this little thing needs a bike engine conversion and turned into a little drift monster lol

[@sandroflumiani1123]

Totally agree.Was thinking the same thing.

[@ThisMarv]

YES MORE MIDGET

[@johngrubb1590]

They are a cool little truck, it's great to see one on your channel. On Grand-Turismo I had one in my garage great fun.👍🚚

[@scpittman5769]

Love to watch you guys work odd ball cars

[@li04am]

wooooo midget video. love this new car

[@zedeg94]

18:34 for this coolant angle pipe (don't know how else to call it), I'd fill craters with JB weld or something. Because as it is right now, it will sweat coolant all the time.

[@chipoplouss]

Thank you for this guys I've always wanted one of these but been unsure about hiw to go about working on them.

[@jasperpipes4222]

I love this channel ! There was even some car stuff in between merch plugs and sponsor plugs...

[@jairuller4154]

that looks like the easiest oil filter change i have ever seen

[@whyshouldipickaname]

only the fb rx7 is easier because you don't have to lie down. just unscrew from the top and put a new one on.

[@nathanfarrell1116]

Bring back 2sexy plesseeee

[@bmthfodayz4376]

Omg agreed!

[@builtbyfarrell2453]

Please please please bring back 2sxy mighty car mods

[@aserta]

I buy at least 5 of a filter for rarer stuff, three in stock at all times for common ones. Cheap insurance against changing times. Last year i could easily service my stuff on my own time, not waiting for parts.

[@madtlrmat]

Great little truck and exciting new project. once again I find myself wanting a vehicle I NEVER thought I would want (or could find.... Lol) Thanks guys.

[@comfort_in_discomfort]

All I can think now is a 650cc motorbike engine swap with transmission. Imagine the burnouts!!

[@johnellis9147]

You should graft a Hyabusa motor into this truck. It would absolutely thrash anything Marty throws at it

[@Rockhopper1]

I keep saying that

[@jcswheneveraussieoff-roadi4806]

The winter and summer slide on the air box is for cold starts. The winter slot opens up the port that rests near the exhaust headers, so it can suck in warmer air from around the headers. And the summer side takes in cold air.Some cars used to have the vent hooked up to a vacuum line that opened up and closed when the engine was warmed up enough

[@MrBrander]

Ah man. This is the classical Mighty Car Mods. Not arguing and unnecessary amounts of trash talk and everything. Just friendly chatter and a bit of nudging with good beats, calm talking, calm doing, calm parts buying, good voiceovers and nice long clips about parts coming off and going on, getting made, fixed and so on. And in general a car getting fixed with parts and stuff :D Thank you for this video. This is the Migty Car Mods I enjoy the most. Good spirit video with a car getting fixed. 😄 Keep up the good work mates. 😄👍

[@Emacspirate]

What a neat crazy little truck!

[@rasmusbilow615]

Getting some proper GT4 throwback seeing this mad Midget! I'm so looking forward to follow this build! Definitely one of my favourite cars on the show!

[@chezpicker]

Been waiting for this👌🔥🇬🇧

[@transatlant1c]

Boys you have been nailing it with the tunes last few eps. Always good but even more so recently! 👌

[@urbanbunny5532]

I think it’s awesome how you guys got to work on this half of the car while waiting for the other half to arrive!

[@calibraladzz]

I know in early 90s Toyota vans the seat holding clip for engine inspection is at the top of the seatbelt where it attaches to the car body, maybe you can just find one and add it as a mod .

[@csorgb05]

I have always had a fascination with micro vehicles. My dream car is a 1930"s American Austin Seven Saloon, resto modded. Marty got me hooked on Kei vehicles. I watched your midget video, and fell in love with the little truck. I kinda like the van version of the midget a little better. I am so excited to see what you do to it.

[@lockjawjak]

I love the oldschool SSR rims, I have some 17" SP1 on my A70 supra and the 10" FLII on my classic mini. That is wicked this thing takes 10" rims!

[@andyheilmann1656]

I'm super pumped for this series!

[@SpectreOZ]

*The Winter setting appears to source air intake near the exhaust pipe/manifold like many older vehicles* 👍

[@timmason5230]

Sweet ride, thanks guys!

[@WAYTOOCOMPLICATED]

What a funky little thing that is… love it!

[@RIAAN2OUTLAW]

Marty, another way to get the radiator hose off which i find is easier, is after you (loosen, move or Remove) the clamp holding the radiator hose on, you take a (plumbers wrench / water pump pliers) grab on to the rubber radiator hose pipe where it (meets or is over) the steel (or hard surface it was clamped to) and turn it around the pipe, not like 360 degrees but just slightly to loosen the built up whatever is holding it there. Much easier that trying to get that pointy tool in there especially in awkward places.

[@averyanderson6945]

You guys always come threw with iconic cool machines like this

[@Hotrob_J]

Nice! I remember this as the best (only) truck in Gran Turismo 2

[@BlazerProject]

Those hoses on the exhaust are part of the scavenging system that helps with starting in the cold weather. The Air Filter Housing has a shutoff blade inside that shut the exhaust off during the summer and you can open it when it is cold. Carbs hate the cold and can vapor lock easily if you don't keep them running.

[@jordanslingluff287]

The tubing coming off the exhaust is useful if you drive in the cold. Since carbs have predetermined jets they can only deliver so much or so little fuel. The preheated air keeps the air to fuel ratio in a more friendly range. If not the jets would be to small to deliver enough fuel on more extreme cold condition when its running. It looks like the carb also had an electric choke or some sort of electronics to control the idle up on a cold start. If you only drive it in moderate or hot conditions you definitely don't need the exhaust preheating stove. In America the intakes had a switch that would start up using the preheated exhaust stove. Once warm a door would shut and then it would take fresh air from the snorkel. I never seen a manual switch for that.

[@TheVeganTravelShow]

Cheers for entertaining me over coffee ☕️ Just get some big S hooks from Bunnings to hold the seat up.

[@user-neo71665]

As somebody that grew up with carbs the worst thing you can do is leave it. If it is running don't mess with any adjustments but I highly suggest replacing all the rubber vacuum lines with silicone ones ASAP. When you media blasting something like a water neck I'd highly suggest wrapping the hose nipple with tape, then taking a less abrasive method with it.

[@NoWr2Run]

Should also paint the Water Neck.

[@Jeeplee_rc]

I absolutely love the checkered flooring in cars. 👌

[@xancurse380]

I always learn something when I come to the channel

[@acura1815]

Lol, I posted the pic of the earbud cable eyelet in the pocket . Made my day when you mentioned it :)

[@FlightSimulationTech]

The old mcm music really bought back some nostalgia aye haha, love it

[@ENTK87]

My head was about to explode in previous episode of Midget ... I couldn't recall where the hell I remembered this car from! PS1 Days were looooooooooong ago... for sure I had this "maxxed out" on performance mods on Gran Turismo, just like any other not so popular car. Cant wait for an engine start and more fiddling with this little gem! Cant wait for the special adventure episode also! TOP Video as always guys! Greetings from Greece!

[@timothyvolkers5343]

I'm digging the deep blue on the new daily Golf. But the little midget truck would be awesome for some of the small woodworking projects that I work on. It would be great to take too a friend's house and have all my favorite woodworking tools secured ready for use.

[@alanwilson4208]

Just a tip: When you have an oil filter in that position what I usually do is loosen it first then put a hole in the middle of the bottom of the filter with hole punch to allow the oil to drain out of the filter first, and as the oil is draining out I slowly loosen the oil filter even more to allow the oil to flow a little faster. That way you don't get your hand covered in oil.

[@ajca69420]

Can't wait for another full length adventure drive movie with your trucks! You guys are awesome!

[@willecutlip]

Love the "Adventure Aisle" !!