Honda Acty Affordable Upgrades - Minitruck Kei

[@KyleSSamuelson]

Arbitrary 3D printed red cylinder was my fav mod

[@jamesamber6009]

So simple, so durable, so practical. .........

[@jamesamber6009]

This is the Future!!! I Love it!!!

[@Liberty4Ever]

I love these affordable upgrades for your mini truck videos. Thanks! I painted the exterior of my 1996 4WD Hijet with Medium Quartz Gray Monstaliner polyurethane bed liner and it looks a lot like your Suzuki Carry. I still need to paint the interior but that will need to wait for spring and warmer weather. I could have polished my white truck as you did (which looks very good) but I was going for the durable off road look and function. I preferred the roll on bed liner in the bed instead of a heavy bed mat, and I bought two large 20 mm ammo cans that bolt to the headache rack as toolboxes. The bottom of the toolboxes are slightly above the sides of the bed so I retained the full length of the bed for carrying stuff like plywood, and there is a one foot gap between the toolboxes in case I need to carry a bike or motorcycle with the front wheel against the cab. I'm not going for nice looking wheels, again, opting for the rugged and practical. I bought Yokohama Geolander mud and snow tires that I'll mount on the stock steel rims, as soon as I sand blast them (I got a pressure washer accessory that injects sand into the 2000 PSI water) and then powder coat them (still need to build a larger powder coat oven for doing the rims). Many people lift these little trucks (I'll eventually do a 2" lift) and then install larger tires mostly because they look better, but I'd only do that for an off road truck. Larger diameter wheels increase the effective gearing ratio, resulting in a top gear that's too high to allow the engine to rev out enough to produce the power needed for highway use. 7:20 - I'm all about saving money, but buying tools on Amazon, using them, and then returning them is TOO cheap. Please don't do that. People selling inexpensive tools on Amazon are not in business to provide free tool rental, and none of us want to pay new prices to buy the used tools that you returned. I also replaced all of the lights with LEDs. Most of that was easy but the LED turn signals caused hyper flashing which I fixed with an electronic flasher. I could have used bulbs with ballast resistors but that would use more power to simulate incandescent bulbs. The Hijet uses a switched ground electrical system which was a problem for the headlights that is solved by a relay wiring harness to convert it to a switched +12V system. I used CAD to create a cup holder that's custom designed for the Hijet and I 3D printed it. I also designed and 3D printed door lock pulls, rubbery bed rail end caps, a dash mounted phone holder, and some magnetically attached storage boxes for nylon cam straps that mount behind the seats. I thought about sanding and painting the steel gear shift rod but I 3D printed a black TPU sleeve for it instead. 🙂 I like the inexpensive single DIN Bluetooth stereo. I'm not an audiophile, but I bought an ATOTO double DIN stereo and four speakers that I'll mount in the corners of the roof. The more expensive stereo gets me a rear backup camera, front facing digital video recorder and offline (no internet needed) GPS navigation using the OSMand Android app. Those seat covers look great. I thought about buying some high quality Japanese seat covers but bought gray polyurethane faux leather fabric to reupholster the seats. I'll also install seat heaters. My Hijet cost $265 but I paid $1935 to ship it, and I needed to install a new clutch. All in, I currently have $7,547.59 in the $265 Hijet, which sounds nuts, but I love this little truck,. It's very practical, and I couldn't get a US truck that's as capable for less money. I'm not aware of any US 4WD truck (body on frame and not a unibody car that looks like a truck) with a full size bed that gets 31 MPG. It's a crime that protectionist regulations prevent us from importing safer, less polluting and more fuel efficient late model kei trucks.

[@sgrams3578]

Thank you for your post! I was thinking the same thing about his using and returning a tool to Amazon, I like his post but that part of it for me summed up his thinking.

[@markreams6834]

Wouldn’t heated seats draw too much load from the electrical system? It seems like even replacing all the bulbs with LEDs wouldn’t offset the difference.

[@Liberty4Ever]

@@markreams6834 - Both heated seats would draw 100 to 120 watts. I used a heated seat (seat back and seat bottom) to make a 55 watt ultralight heated vest that I use when riding my little G310GS motorcycle. It has a 308 watt alternator. Not a problem.

[@julialister6765]

those seat covers fit so well, i was gonna replace the front seats cuz theres a massive cut in the drivers seat but these might work an look soo cleann

[@dreuxscorner]

They really do fit nice and snug in a good way! I highly recommend!

[@chefjeffiz]

@@dreuxscornerDo you have a link for the seat covers'? Thanks!

[@donnieray8938]

Love this video. Thanks man. Mine should be here in a week. Super stoked

[@Twitchguy]

I have zero need for this truck but I want one so bad! I’ve driven a few and I just love em! They’re fun to drive they run great they’re reasonably cheap to fix and they just last n last. Somehow my friend found one that was left hand drive even. The USA really missed out on these there’s no reason to ban them

[@xathridtech727]

Everyone needs a truck.

[@Twitchguy]

@@xathridtech727 great point !

[@eddieacevedo9180]

Great video, lots of info I’m also looking for a link for the seat covers. Thanks

[@michaellopez809]

Very interested in a set of seat covers.

[@JulesMariani]

Great video!! I need to switch to LEDs now per your recommendation! My lights are so dim at night! Probably the next worthwhile upgrade I should do. That along with shift bushing and wheel bushing. If only I had more time to work on my truck…

[@archive3do769]

The LED's free up the alternator a lot.

[@robertbeltowski2819]

Interested in a set of seat covers, do you still have them for sale? I have a 1997 Honda Acty. Thanks Robert

[@NishiNY]

Wow Great detailed video, Thank you so much

[@steffen707-]

Nice upgrades.

[@jasonmacneil2256]

Love the wheels on this cool truck! I'm surprised you didn't go with a more aggressive tread?? You're not a small guy either! How tall are you? I've been looking at buying one of these, but I'm 6'2!! Also, thanks for this video! I'm a new subscriber!!

[@greysonrollins342]

Do you have a link for the bulbs and seat covers, I can’t find either of them

[@jimmyfogger6218]

So helpful! Thank you!

[@josecuret8052]

Hey I like your wheel set up. I just recently bought a Subaru Sambar and I wanted to know if I can run a 15x8 20 offset?

[@Bunelos_670]

Nice truck man

[@icombatllc]

Great video can you link the color you choose for the interrior paint? ALso do you still have the seat covers or can you link them?

[@hadesriotmaker5820]

Hey do you have a link for those California mirrors they look awesome! Thanks

[@dreuxscorner]

I love them! I got them straight out of Japan. Check ebay first and then if nothing good, go through 500yenshop which uses Yahoo Auctions. Thanks for watching!

[@mark-ui8lu]

I just bought the steering wheel and hub adapter. Is the size designation I want called OH-08 ? Because I don’t see one that says civic/prelude like the description..mine just says prelude OH-08

[@M35a2guy]

I purchased cup holders but returned them once I finished my coffee.

[@FrankBrunke]

Picking up my kei truck this weekend in CT. Looking forward to a few minor updates. Think those seat covers would fit on a U42T?

[@dreuxscorner]

Awesome! These are made for the Acty. I bet there are something similar for yours. Take a look at yahoo auctions in Japan. I use 500yenshop as the purchases.

[@stmgolfcarts-ocalafl8664]

Buy it , use it, and return it when your done WHAT?

[@nightna4205]

I love kei truck, I wish they sell them in the USA!

[@JoeWarner-sv8rg]

I’d buy those seat covers off ya! Assuming it fits 99 acty

[@HokgwaiXbirdmaN]

Got those extra seat covers by chance?

[@FingerBoardSnap]

can you please link the paint you used for the interior?

[@dreuxscorner]

Thanks for watching…here you go… Dupli-Color HVP111-6 PK Vinyl and Fabric Coating Spray Paint - Charcoal Gray - 11 oz Aerosol Can Pack of 6 a.co/d/0VLSIr3

[@kevinbentley251]

Do you still have the extra set of seat covers?

[@martykauffman]

Cool video too bad these aren’t legal in my state

[@cro-cro]

Great video, would you be against sharing the step file you made for the flare and center caps?

[@dreuxscorner]

Not at all....the STL I made is just the center token so to speak. I reused the center cap itself because it was way stronger than anything I could print! just yanked the Vors stickers and glued these puppies on!

[@farwoodfarm9296]

Great video! Can you tell me how tall you are? I've driven a suzuki and it was not comfortable at all. I've been told Mitsubishi's are more roomer and Subaru, Honda I'm not sure about.

[@dreuxscorner]

Thanks for watching! I am 5’10” and fit very comfortably but I will note that changing the steering wheel makes a huge difference in leg room.

[@pabloalmonte7846]

Very helpful.. you did not mention anything about the front struts to go with that summit coils?

[@dreuxscorner]

Thanks! I and most people leave the struts stock. They are usually pretty blown and most of the weight is on the coils. A lot of people have been hunting for a replacement solution and there’s not much out there. If you can do your coils and then figure out if you really need to replace the struts. Thanks for watching!

[@pabloalmonte7846]

Thanks so much

[@lion5452]

How big is the bed ? Can u carry 4×8 sheet of ply ? Like inside the bed how wide is the bed ?

[@s16non]

Any links for seat covers?

[@royallan3717]

Hi Dreux,how hard was replacing the timing belt and water pump, did you have to drop engine mount? Thanks for your video

[@isaaci7196]

I have a 96 acty I didn't know the seat cover look OEM I'm interested in the seat covers hit me up

[@chrisarrandale3726]

I'm stumbling across this almost a year later. What sites do you use to import parts? Thanks!

[@dylanowen7645]

hey man, im actually buying a 1999 honda acty with 66k kilometers for 9k canadian, would you say thats alot of kilometers?

[@dreuxscorner]

Hey Dylan…in US dollars, that’s like 6600 which is a bit high unless it’s really clean and already been gone through as far as maintenance. If I were looking for a 99, I’d expect to pay about 4500 off the boat.

[@Tooth4tooth]

I seen one today for sale in front of a junkyard

[@user-kz5th5bn3m]

I’m just starting to look into getting a kei truck after I turn in my Silverado lease in 3 years but I’ve heard some talk that states in the US are starting to ban them. Should I be worried about this or is just usual yapping

[@dreuxscorner]

@@user-kz5th5bn3m really depends on your state but yes, a few have and others talking about it. As each state bans them, the pricing goes down as people get nervous and unload them so you may get a good deal within your area.

[@peternawn4028]

Can you link the steering wheels adapter? Thanks

[@dreuxscorner]

I bought both on ebay so I don’t have direct links but I do have screenshots in the video detailing the specs of both. Thanks for watching!

[@IshbalanSolution]

Are you running the stock struts, or did you replace them? If not stock, who/where did you go for replacements? I have the same size wheel and tire combo as you on my 97 Acty, and I'm on stock struts/springs. I'm getting some rubbing, but I dont want to go with a lift kit.

[@dreuxscorner]

I’m on the stock struts. It’s all about the springs. They will lift it just enough to make everything work!

[@mark-ui8lu]

Please tell me the wheel and tire specs? Wheel width/ offset and tire size

[@dreuxscorner]

Wheels are 15x8-0. I don’t recall tire size but I specifically note it in the video. There’s a link to that section in the description.

[@RiccaHaaland]

８０歳を超えてる、うちの祖母が現役で運転してるよ。

[@DWaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaar]

So you didn't need to replace the shocks, just the springs? Had they been replaced previously?

[@dreuxscorner]

Nope….there really aren’t any replacement shock/strut options without major fabrication so just go with springs and you’re good. My struts were fine. Same for my former Carry truck as well.

[@joeroe2839]

How much for the seat covers ?? 😊

[@christopherpriolo3713]

Love the ride! Does anyone know the laws for this in NYC?

[@ObamaoZedong]

Idk but if its not allowed, just register it in a state where its legal. They can't stop you.

[@Ian-xd5op]

What type LED bulbs did you get off amazon?

[@dreuxscorner]

I used these. AUXITO H4 9003 HB2 LED Headlight... www.amazon.com/dp/B07TQLK6SH?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

[@dreuxscorner]

And these… AUXITO 194 LED Light Bulb 6000K... www.amazon.com/dp/B071LHP5WP?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

[@JulesMariani]

Hi Dreux, I want to switch to LED. Could you explain which bulbs go where? I see some people buy multiple colors. I want to make sure I get the right ones. Thank you! Also great video! Tons of helpful information

[@dreuxscorner]

@@JulesMariani thanks! Full disclosure, I replaced like 80% of the lights with LED’s. The T10’s I linked above will cover your rear markers, signals, license plate lights and the small corner signals up front. There’s a couple odd sizes for the others that I didn’t bother with. Thanks for watching and thanks again for your exhaust removal vid!

[@steveburlingame1935]

Isnt there an engine upgrade for these

[@chauncey5962]

I’m interested in this as well

[@---ny4ys]

No. Some people have done a k swap. But that's not a viable/reasonable swap. The engine sticks halfway thru the bed. If you want a bigger engine just get a full sized american truck

[@anthonystafford433]

Tried using those springs from summit and they didn’t fit

[@dreuxscorner]

@@anthonystafford433 that’s so strange. A bunch of guys have them. Assuming you used the spring compressors to get them in.

[@anthonystafford433]

@@dreuxscorner yea, I ended up using a dremel to get them to sit flush onto the shock mount. It rides alot better now.

[@scottchamberlain5594]

What part of CT?

[@matthewvang495]

Are these street legal?

[@ObamaoZedong]

In most states

[@pureblood2020]

I'll give you $5,000 & pick it up.

[@dreuxscorner]

@@pureblood2020 absolutely! I sold it for 10k last year but if you bring a delorean (to go back in time) and 5k, I’d definitely entertain this fine offer!

[@Bentfrombeyond]

Considering that I can replace multiple commercial drives from $1500, thats ridiculously overpriced.

[@certified-forklifter]

sorry, whats a commercial drive?

[@Bentfrombeyond]

@@certified-forklifter Drive tires, sorry. As in truck tires.

[@certified-forklifter]

I understand. Thanks, makes sense. @@Bentfrombeyond

[@thecitizenchan]

He’s talking about wheels and tires I believe.