I Bought The Milwaukee Mini Truck

[@MikeGusFifteen]

Full restoration, and please for the love of God fabricate a custom truck topper that looks exactly like a milwaukee 18v battery, as if it were installed onto the bed of the truck upside down

[@PlatypusVomit]

Lmfao this is the way

[@BryanLWeier]

AMEN!!!

[@ej558]

M12 like the truck says ..... maybe Two in the bed that come out and conceal PackOuts

[@HawgWyldFishing]

This!!! 10,000,000,000%, this!!!

[@Starlord80real]

I would absolutely love to help with this idea!

[@allanrye9526]

Full restoration!!!

[@Hegde-]

agree

[@wormyboot]

Make her pretty

[@PatRyan-c7z]

Full restoration series is a good idea.

[@gaudiestspring5712]

Absolutely, it must be done

This is the way!

[@matthewalker8594]

Full restoration 100 percent

[@elizajensen9421]

John's giggle as he rode in it at the end says it all! Full restoration!!

[@LeroyBrasfield]

The headlight screws have springs so they can be adjusted. You don't have to screw them all the way tight. You uses the three screws to point the light where you want to see. It's the same way a carb air screw stays in. The spring keeps it from backing out. Awesome truck. Getting those dents out will be a massive PITA.

[@larryjohns8823]

Fun watching wood workers doing auto repairs - rookies 😅

[@elgigantegrande]

"Why are these lights on a spring!?" fucking killed me. I wanted to help so badly haha

[@wellwornpast]

@@elgigantegrande This!

[@Shane-wc1fx]

@@wellwornpast I remember adjusting lights like thqat back int he 80s and 90s. I also loved that the bulbs were either a 1156 or 1157. Life was easier.

[@thegreatpotatokitty8196]

bit of bondo fix'er right up.

[@metalsam666]

Sam is the most fun employee John ever had on the channel

[@IAteFire]

He’s the biggest value add. I’m all in on Sam

[@13thCharacter]

We're all glad he didn't get crushed that one time.

[@stevennihipali3607]

I kinda miss the old Sam but this second Sam is cool too

[@solarwinds9363]

Old and New Sam are like Clark Kent and Superman, when he puts on those shop shades you only see his inner geek persona. 😂

[@spacekb17]

You need to call Robby Layton. He’s a Milwaukee fan boy and amazing at body work. Sean at bikes and beards can connect you

[@KB3AOL]

This! Robby would LOVE it!

[@deadboyzX8]

My thoughts exactly

[@jacobkwekel457]

This would be an awesome collab

[@KB3AOL]

I just saw that John will be driving in Matt’s Off Road Games, so it should be simple to make this all come together.

[@Kats4Brekkie]

Beards and bikes, in their container video posted like a day or few ago called up John, asking about wood ;) and showed off their versions they just had shipped in.

[@rhkips]

As a 20-year automotive veteran, y'all are doing just fine. This truck possibly isn't the best "first project car" to work on, but if you're willing to stick with it, it'll teach you a lot! Full restoration would be awesome, but you'll need to bring it to specialists. This one falls into the "Advanced Professional DIY" category. The stuff you pointed out as JB Weld is called Seam Sealer, and it implies that the red top valence panel is likely welded to the sub assembly. Also while I'm unfamiliar with Pennsylvania laws, quite often firewall damage is an immediate non-salvageable total loss event. However, because there is no engine in front of it, there's a chance it may just be considered unit-body structure and not an actual firewall. I would speak to a local inspection technician and have the vehicle looked at prior to putting much time or money into it. :) To address a comment made in the video, you guys are not stupid. This is new territory for you and you're learning. You'd probably think I was stupid if you ever saw me woodworking. ;)

[@kurtlarson2061]

Such a helpful and kind comment!

[@playwithfire1070]

yep ❤

[@giggiity]

Kind words from a vet, cheers!

[@kriswhite2220]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@makcheesy8660]

As a mechanic that dabbles in woodworking, i love seeing woodworkers that are dabbling in mechanic work. Good job guys 👍👍

[@mikefroggatt1107]

we all love Sam.....keep him in the videos..he is coool,funny and has great woodworking skills..

[@asyoz]

She is beautiful, and her name should be Milly. I look forward to seeing her fully restored and in her full glory. :)

[@minosakoumianakis2404]

I was just about to say Milly

[@siucracos]

I third "Milly" 😅

[@happycamper4thewin]

Milly is a perfect name!

[@tabitha2706]

Milly was my first thought, also

[@WretchDigger]

no matter how you spell it, this should be her name...

[@kenrenicker6844]

“I need to catch my breath, shit my pants, and go take a nap” absolutely needs to be on the next t-shirt in your shop😂

[@curly2k32007]

Came here to say this

[@Stan_the_Belgian]

+1

[@spacekb17]

12:46 the springs on the screws may be to allow the light to pivot for aiming

[@three86able]

This is 1000000% truth.

[@PlatypusVomit]

Yep can confrim

[@PatRyan-c7z]

Correct. They are adjustment screws for making sure they point the same height.

[@sk0.0t3r]

Was coming here to say this. Correct, the springs on the screws in the light housing allow you to aim the lights properly.

[@Mardiloveyt]

Full restoration. These little trucks DESERVE it (they’re very popular in Florida.) and also phenomenal opportunity for content. Lots of Sam. Our favorite 😏

[@Bushokie-cx7ee]

Use a solenoid for all the after market stuff so it disconnects when you turn the key off. Take your boots off to use the pedals. Your feet will slide back farther.

[@ryoukosan11]

Full restoration. I lived in Japan for seven years and you see these Kei-trucks everywhere. They're pure utility, used by contractors, painters, delivery services to navigate around the tiny side streets and roads around the country. Also, I think that the top speed is around 45-50 mph max.

[@KB3AOL]

Not with John inside!😂

[@timothybaker8234]

The springs on the headlight screws are used to aim the light beam. It’s old-school tech used with sealed beam headlights.

[@somebodyandthem]

My 99 Jeep tj was like that, so 25 years is old school

[@ScoobaSteve451]

@@somebodyandthem any thing with sealed beam headlights is old-school lol

[@Eldritch_Panda31]

This needs a full resto, and then even more.

[@kevinbrandt7606]

Seeing John in that tiny ass truck just brought tears to my eyes in utter laughter. Reminds me of that movie Black sheep. Yall get the pun. LMAO

[@ThreePedalCollective]

John it is truly a shame your size will never let you truly enjoy the fun these kei cars and trucks give you. I own 4 kei cars and a truck and they are pound for pound the most fun you can have in a vehicle. Nothing but smiles the whole time.

[@jeremymenning56]

Hey John, I just realized that I habitually wake up on Sunday morning, make coffee, and look for your latest episode. It's one of the few things I do to unwind. Today I realized this is what my dad used to do with This Old House and New Yankee Workshop. You've become my Tom Silva/Norm Abrams. Thanks for that.

[@getnerdy5578]

Same, Jeremy. Loved This Old House. John hangs with the legends.

[@viracocha03]

Great comment. Same for me.

[@BlunderCraft_Workshop]

I thought I was the only one.

[@carrioncrow8191]

Hope y’all hit up Project Farm afterwards

[@marcr1333]

@@carrioncrow8191the real stuff

[@AnubisRLDD]

FULL RESTRO LET'S GO!!!!!!

[@jaredlemmons3689]

The guys over at Mighty Car Mods are big JDM fans and did a ton of work on a Kei truck a while back. Watching the videos and maybe even reaching out to them if you’re going for a full restoration would be a big help.

[@MGP28212]

100% agree! Who better than Marty and Moog to get squirelly and make that truck go psshh psshh

[@ryanwood93]

As MCM are sponsored by Ryobi, they may get involved with the big sister company Milwaukee

[@Mike_and_Life]

Full resto! Work with a tool company to sponsor a wrap, maybe millwaukee? Buy winter tires, lol. Raptor line the interior for added durability

[@randledmadden]

I only watch two types of YT videos: woodworking videos and car videos. This is the first time I've ever been able to watch both at once! Nice.

[@life_behind_bars]

Yeah, you need to accessorize that thing with all the packouts you can and make it into the ultimate mini service technicians truck. That would be awesome.

[@kayagorzan]

I’d love to see that

[@Artzandcatz]

Yes maybe repurpose the unsavory pallet surprise broken Milwaukee pack outs

[@Bolonyman]

That's kinda what I was thinking 😂

[@PatRyan-c7z]

As a former auto body shop worker, that thing is not gonna be easy to find OEM parts for. You are likely going to need to ship stuff from overseas. That being said, a full restoration would be awesome. That whole firewall needs to be replaced. Have to drill out spot welds and cut it off. It took a solid shot in the front end.

[@PaulJohnson-ow1mq]

To do that much damage to that keitora someone could have just bumped a wall in their garage parking it. LOL

[@PatRyan-c7z]

@PaulJohnson-ow1mq Oh, for sure. Doesn't take much to do that. Lol. Those things aren't built like tanks.

[@clayrhodes9756]

12:43 The light screws have springs because they are the alignment screws. The headlights are sealed assemblies so they sit in little craddles which are fixed on one side and have a spring with a screw on the other side that allows adjustment so they hit where they are supposed to. Also allows you to adjust them from collisions or mods more easily that a modern headlight assembly.

[@antoinettegray355]

As the daughter of a mechanic, when I first saw these, I fell in love with them! So cute!

[@michaelschofield07]

Full restoration! I have a mini truck I just picked up and will be slowly fixing up. 96 Subaru sambar

[@kelewaekreation]

Full resto! I believe the springs are so you can adjust the alignment of the lights.

[@gtd6288]

The phillips screws are probably JIS. They strip out super easy when you remove them with phillips bits.

[@Big_KW]

Full restoration! Be proud of that thing.

[@justinring5487]

The spring screws are for adjusting headlight position. That truck does look like a battery. I will never look at one the same again. Awesome find.

[@NuriddinZiyadinov]

In the country that I grew up in, this truck was a workhorse! Obviously no Milwaukee or LV, but it is a lifeline for thousands. Great buy!

[@jessesuttles7735]

FULL RESTO! It would be hilarious and amazing if that thing made it to some car shows! All wood dash that's a challenge but could you imagine! 🤩

[@davidwibben9886]

Makes the Ford Ranger look like a super duty!😂

[@coppertopv365]

An John is 6'3"

[@joeliethegrower4445]

Full resto for sure. Those trucks are awesome. I can't fit in them either!

[@BenjaminFoster-s3s]

We want the whole series. Bring this whip back to life.

[@lonnieboothe7973]

Full blown restored put a boosa 1300 motor in it it's been done I've seen it and it's awesome

[@OnlyDadsOG]

I have ALWAYS loved these little Japanese trucks and vans! I have my heart set on one that looks like a little flat-bed. That said, I'm 6'2" 280lbs and seeing John get into it makes me realize that I'm chasing a dream that I cannot attain. Please continue to make these videos, they bring TRUE JOY to my soul!

[@quartzofcourse]

Yeah as a fellow big dude that made me so sad to see I likely wouldn’t be able to drive one but I still want one and a Miata

[@noseboop4354]

If you're still dreaming for one, you could get a jumbo cab kei truck. Subaru and Mitsubishi make them. Otherwise you could get a 'normal' JDM truck such as a Toyota Hi-Ace. Only slightly bigger than a kei truck, but with triple the horsepower and payload.

[@OnlyDadsOG]

@@noseboop4354 Sincerely thank you for offering this information! I don't know much about the options/models and I don't have the time at the moment to go down more rabbit holes. I will look into these and see if they scratch the itch. I'm also infatuated with the japanese "milk carton" mini vans. Thanks again and merry christmas!

[@CeeJayThe13th]

I knew Sam was a pro when I saw the vise-grip window crank handle.

[@greasycervelo]

You mean the. Window handle gas pedal attachment do-dad

[@JJReels]

Definitely a full restoration. I was issued a van version of one of the while stationed in Japan in the 90’s. Exhaust broke loose before the muffler and it backfired pushing the clutch in changing gears. Such a hoot to drive!

[@DirtBoyTrucker]

I remember being deployed and driving bongo trucks which are this size. It was embarrassing but I was in love with it. Our chief would drive out to our jobsites and we would forklift it on top of the seavans as a prank. Love this lil guy!

[@christianmacdonald288]

Definitely restore it, my neighbour has one of these and absolutely loves it for going to town or doing small arrons these things are amazing and obviously very good on gas

[@DigitalTravis]

Full Resto!! Lets Go!!

[@aapur]

This car needs a full restoration absolutely. It's a beautiful thing, and it *will* be useful for moving stuff around

[@bidoubleg8045]

Full resto! Needs a giant 3D printed battery as a camper shell

[@termiterasin]

Or just use thin plywood like 1/4 with some structural support.

[@claywallen8109]

That would be a good project for the woodworking channel to take on haha. Really cool idea though

[@franklidgad]

*THIS IS AWESOME!!* With a little bit of TLC this mini truck will be a nice collectors item. Maybe call upon Milwaukee and see if they will sponsor some of the things required to get it to pass inspection. It's the 'Milwaukee Mini Monster' coming soon to a classic car show near you in 2025.

[@Cyclone311]

I am a woodworker and not really into auto repair, but I am all in on your mini truck adventure. I cannot wait to see where this goes.

[@Thomllama]

I want a mini truck, 4 wheel drive, can plow,.. haul lumber, friggin work horses!.. wish US companies would make something similar (safer and tad bigger cab)

[@RedMatthew]

Call your congressman and tell them to repeal the chicken tax That's why we can't have mini trucks

[@jameshersom2536]

GMC used to. Find one on market place

[@Thomllama]

@@RedMatthew incorrect, the "current" Japan mini truck won't pass safety/crash tests... there is literally nothing in the front or sides, plus they are under powered to meet traffic speed regulations most states (here in CT you can't drive them on the highway as they won't reach minimal speeds) . All stuff that are actually a good thing for the customer.. not so much for the manufacturer ..

[@Thomllama]

@@jameshersom2536 yup, and it didn't pass current crash tests, which is why they stopped.. and it wasn't really a mini, was just a chopped off Chevy Econo Van. Wasn't 4 wheel drive and not cab over. Which honestly I think Subaru did better with the cab on these as they put the motor under the bed instead of up front. Quieter, more cab space, easier access for maintenance and repair.

[@georgiag3741]

you really need to start winning bets 🤣

[@LAGaming-xp8fd]

Yea

[@whiteoakandstone1059]

No, he doesn’t. Him losing bets = YT content gold 😂

[@thecreekwalker0174]

full restoration and getting her run at the same time

[@roberthasplund]

I will 100% commit to watch every singe episode of this restauration series regardless of how many it takes.

[@davidnoneya2195]

The wiper arms come off easy if you tap the knuckle of the wiper with a Mallett. The headlight screws have springs to keep tesion on the light adjustment screws . Do a full restoration and find your key off battery drain and fix it .

[@Stubear22374]

Full resto and I reckon You should build a wooden Milwaukee battery replica that slides on to the back of the bed 😂 real M12 Fuel

[@torridice]

lol. Immediately after the factor ad. Go order chipotle 😂 10:57

[@K.J-LaMon]

That's what I was thinking!😂😂😂

[@thjacobi]

Right! 😂

[@The22ndDoctor]

Doesn't seem like the "ringing endorsement" Factor was hoping for. Though Chipotle is probably loving it.

[@everythingjr8382]

you guys must not be far from Erie. I literally saw this on marketplace and wanted to get it haha. If you guys make a trip to the Erie Home Depot, I’ll get you setup with some Milwaukee merch to go with it👍🏼

[@vqruby]

I was close to owning a kei truck until transport fees raised it so much as fresh out of school who spent her scholarship money on that payment for classes it just wasn’t looking the best without stress but later on down my road i will be a owner of one it’s the perfect size for me when it comes to picking things up

[@ilikelittlebikes]

tube steel doors, cut the roof and rear cab out, pull the seats back a few inches, and BOOM. John can drive it.

[@Mountainboy2]

Please give “Millie” a full resto

[@williammcdonald4200]

Had to check comments for "Millie"

[@WretchDigger]

@@williammcdonald4200 no matter how you spell it, this should be her name...

[@crashcreeley]

Full Restoration!

[@EasyTarget83]

The "I'm doing my best" Spaceball reference had me spit out my beer. Props to the editor 😂🍺

[@000622477]

Tell me that doesn't look and sound like Maleki 😅😅

[@stanleykeith6969]

John, I'm about 25 mile North of Pittsburghup Rt. 28. I always here you say Pa. Go Steelers.

[@jennessalynam7682]

Definitely Full restoration, guys! Can't wait to see more of this content on the Milwaukee truck! This is sooo awesome!

[@samliveshere88]

Let’s be real Sam has quietly carrying the channel for a while

[@michaeltona5034]

Yessir! Big Sam fan here!

[@Bac0n3510]

Not so quietly anymore. Hence the fact that Sam's winning trophy is once again John's because he helped pay for it. And Sam can't have the spotlight for too long.

[@chrisoakey9841]

it needs to be swapped to electric with 6 speeds and powered by a tray of Milwaukee batteries and a tiny generator.

[@michaeljones3974]

I'm just picturing the entire bed filled up with the giant M18 HD12.0 all wired together 😂. Make sure it's high output! 🤣🤣

[@syitiger9072]

@@michaeljones3974probably be to heavy for the frame

[@chrisoakey9841]

@@syitiger9072 yes but a few aluminum square tubes and 1 hilarious little car. if they stretched the cab back a foot, they could fit in as well.

[@NGMonocrom]

Aww.... She's adorable! What do you mean the gas-pedal is attached to _nothin'?_

[@Ao51635]

Oh come onnnn this was a fun vid! Full restoration for sure. You can line the bed like the old Ford pickups

[@brianm.595]

Automotive panels can in fact be glued together from the factory. The beauty of a truck like that is that there are decades of documentation out there.

[@muddman1789]

Full restoration! But also cut the cab in half and extend it like three inches to make it John John fits but still comically small

[@cpl_0503]

100% Full restoration! Do a Crowd Source page for donations and to find parts! That is the best clown car ever and Milwaukee should be thrilled to help!

[@BUGBYTE_]

To be honest it should have been a Makita truck... That being said call it the Really Little Red Express. Dodge would be proud.😭 It needs the stack exhaust and wood panels on the sides of the bed like the Dodge though.

[@SlDEWlNDER]

As someone who watches a few car guy channels (Grind Hard Plumbing Co, Westin Champlin, used to watch Donut) watching dudes who have no idea what they're doing is surprisingly hilarious and fun! I feel like she deserves a full resto! I wish I knew of a car channel in y'alls area but since I don't I can at least still recommend the idea of doing a collab with someone! I know that the Grind Hard boys would LOVE this mini truck! This kind of thing is their bread and butter!

[@MonaDolan]

This was my son’s truck. Pretty cool you bought it. He worked very hard on fixing it up.

[@littlepondfarm3488]

It's called a Kei truck!! Yours looks pretty beat, but you can get some great condition Honda Acty's and Sambars imported from Japan for reasonable prices. Great farm vehicles! My 99 Acty is the best offroad vehicle I own!

[@herbhofmann7441]

The Sambar is a Subaru

[@littlepondfarm3488]

@@herbhofmann7441 still a kei truck though

[@dimagi7864]

Mini trucks being banned for being dangerous in some states when motorcycles exist is actually hilarious, mostly stupid

[@devonfreitag7953]

Full restoration

[@jayhitek]

Johns laugh in this is so genuine and made me laugh even harder than I was already laughing.

[@SixGunTodd]

Full resto....and dabble with 3D printing with wood filament !!

[@derekg2132]

Telling you those truck are alot stronger than ya think and go in reverse than toward does a wheelie. They are good driving around and carrying stuff and alot have the neds that tilt and dump. I hoping it's the dump bed and fix the front end l.

[@Memry-dq7ug]

Honestly that thing needed to be electric and powered by nothing but Milwaukee tool batteries. Other than that it’s just meh.

[@kurtlarson2061]

You gotta go all the way on it now. Full restoration to make it street legal. Also, I love Sam. And I love John's appreciation and respect for Sam. He could easily be holed up on his office doing 'important' things, but he's taking it apart and making it genuinely part of his work and his channel. He seems as giddy about it as Sam and Joe did.

[@lorigonzalez1196]

I saw the Bucee’s sticker on the back window…absolutely perfect!

[@DennisRees-c2i]

hell yeah fully restore that thing! that laugh when y'all took off in the truck might have been the happiest i've ever seen you and i've been watching your channel since late 2019

[@aaronr2641]

Sam is awesome. What a great guy with so many hidden talents!

[@aicirtkciub9167]

The joy expressed by John is awesome to see. I can tell he's really stoked about the mini truck. 🎉

[@johnkennedy1139]

Absolutely a full resto. Would love to watch the process!!

[@tiffanybowman6403]

She deserves a full restoration! My name suggestion is Millie 😁 I really enjoy the channel and unscrewed too!!

[@stevennihipali3607]

Full restoration!! John, you got this!!

[@JsMaintenance]

Full restoration! And yes I will drive to you to pick it up when its done.

[@davidkeetz]

Thumbs up before I even watched the video; just for the pure fact that you bought that truck. Love it. it was meant for you.

[@EttoreBazan]

All those people right there those are real great Americans I’m from New York City and you could just tell these people are amazing kind caring wow

[@jovi1095]

12:15 if you want to get into 3D printing without damn near any learning curve i highly recommend the bambu x1 carbon its literally designed to be plug and play while also being extremely fast and prints come out flawless while taking all the thinking and adjusting out of play… CAD on the other hand that will have you stressed for a few days but once you master it the amount of money you’ll save by replicating expensive discontinued parts is insane

[@ryanodegard5890]

If I were you, for front end damage, cut out the firewall were its been damaged and add a flat piece of 16 gauge or thicker sheet metal, then tack weld it in place. start filling in the gaps by jumping to the opposite side of the panel for every tack you add. this will prevent warping. depending on how much work your up for you could extend that section of firewall out an inch or two (plenty of videos on KZbin of how to replace sheet metal panels) to get some more foot room. Id also make sure to cut below the headlight mounting bracket/bucket and try to stay above that pinch weld seem down below unless their bent. May need to add/extend/modify some new mounts to fit the bumper after. Second option, harbor fright has a hammer and dolly set. Thing is, going to fast or hitting to hard as you hammer it back stretches the metal making it thinner, weaker and harder to bring back to form. Slow controlled light taps and massaging the metal you could bring it back without that issue (its hard and time consuming to do though). Bondo is another option, not the best. The slide hammer you mentioned works too. There will be lots of holes to weld if you don't get the dent-less repair kit. Haven't used the dent-less repair kind so I cant say much on it.

[@Jules1987-ip]

I love how he makes a preface before he starts doing mechanic work. Bless his heart

[@OkieGezzer1956]

You can't stop now. Fully restored, just hope you remember where the all the screws go!

[@Deja117]

The Kei truck is kind of like a Toyota Dyna and a go kart had a baby. And OMG it's such a cute Truck! Whoever modded this truck put in an insane amount of work before it had an accident (stock is nowhere near this fast and has no AC).

[@marissashingleton5349]

Full restoration by far! Super cool!

[@michaelespinoza433]

FULL RESTO THIS THANG !!!!! That'd be doope to be doing some burnouts infront of the shop and taking it to the car meets to spread the Good Word of John Malecki woodworking Dammmmit ! We'd fail ourselves and John if we dont get this thang resto'd !!!