Diesel Mini Truck, Left Hand Drive and Cheap!

[@rowdyhoundsman]

I’m voting for a solid axle swap and 4wd conversion! I have a soft spot for 4wd diesels.

[@The-Deadbolt-Deputy]

Me too !

[@rowdyhoundsman]

I just bought a Mitsubishi Mini Cab that has an extremely horrible diesel swap. They put a NA 3.6L Kubota Diesel into it but couldn’t get it mounted correctly so the engine hangs down low enough to rest on the front differential. The Trans adapter is also home made from angle iron lol.

[@jeffrykopis5468]

Then the Jeep would be a better choice. Put the motor in a Flatty.

[@jeffrykopis5468]

​@@rowdyhoundsmanThen why did you buy it, bud? That's on you.

[@rowdyhoundsman]

@@jeffrykopis5468 Because I can sell the motor for about 3 times what I paid for the little truck. I’m also looking into the cost of the transmission adapter kit so I can weigh my options on putting it into one of my other projects. I have an 88 Ranger and a 55 Willys Pickup that I want to put diesel engines in. I’m leaning towards the Willys pickup because I have always wanted to use it as a daily driver for work.

[@AndersAstrand]

It's impressive how someone managed to get this truck into this state in only 20-odd years 😂

[@jefemuga416]

your voice has a hint of Hank Hill. I just found your channel while i was looking at mini truck videos. I enjoy your stuff, I'll be subscribing. greetings from Ciudad Juarez, Mexico

[@HereticalKitsune]

So I am not the only one, that is a relief!

[@scroungasworkshop4663]

If you get it cleaned up and road worthy they make a great little around town pick up vehicle. The sides normally come off as well as drop down so loading and unloading is easy. They’re pretty frugal on gas and can carry a fair load so it might make a great shop truck. On the downside you need to check the price of spare parts and you don’t want to be involved in a frontal crash as there is little to no safety features. Probably safer to put the motor in the Jeep. Sold as a Suzuki Carry in Australia. Cheers mate, Stuart 🇦🇺

[@stevewilson4717]

Suzuki Carry in the UK, too, but with a 1300cc petrol engine. I had one with full van body - 5 doors, two sliding on the side. Didn't matter how much you loaded into it, or not, it still did 30mpg. I loved it!

[@charlievoges4615]

18 years I plied trade using these… incredibly work hungry and so versatile ! not even counting the fun part!

[@jeffrykopis5468]

Yes, I would imagine that a DIESEL is VERY frugal on gas! 😂 Probably doesn't burn a drop of it! 😉

[@basiliohernandez5111]

The best Bart about being in a frontal collision is that he will be the first one there.

[@gorgosanma]

I think it's actually a chinese copy of the Suzuki Carry. A real bad one, but yeah, that engine should be alright for the Jeep.

[@bart9859]

It all depends on how much work you want to put into the little truck. To fix the radiator, a 1992 to 2000 Honda Civic radiator should fit. It's size is 18.5 in high by 17.09 in side, inlet and outlet are 1.1 in. Fixing the windshield will take a custom glass cutter to do it. But the bones are there for a nice little work truck.

[@scottgm321]

If you swapped it into a jeep, you wouldn’t have to worry about the busted windshield. I had to Google Ling Long tires and they are available in the US. You’ll make something amazing no matter what you do. Thanks for the video

[@lelandcarlson1668]

I would say the deciding factor is if it can be licensed for road use. If not, scrap it and take the parts for another project. A diesel powered flat fender sounds like a great choice.

[@morewithles]

Spent many years in Asia! They will move an entire household using these little trucks! Very reliable if cared for! Good luck with it!

[@truter5243]

ISUZU is my goto for anything that has to last. Their stuff is never fancy or high performance but they last forever

[@xozindustries7451]

Good plan with the flat fender, that front steering looks terrifying, even compared to a flat fender

[@hkr321hkr]

My mower is a 1975, my Corvette is 1985, and my Chevy blazer is 2001. When you said it's the newest thing you own I laughed and felt your pride! I buy nothing unless it has a throttle cable and hydraulic brakes. Nothing new junk for me ..

[@MastaT_150]

Lift it and 4x4. Oooooorrrrrrrrrr figure out if you could somehow squeeze a v8 in it and then put the diesel in your jeep if you want. 🤷‍♂️ *What I’d really like to know more about is the 4x4 RV that I’ve seen from time to time in the Background.*

[@orbie1715]

Tow it behind the 1953 bus and use it as a fun vehicle to drive into town while the bus is parked. Must fix the leaks first. I love your humor. Most people would be cursing and throwing tbings. You just roll with the punches. Great role model. Thanks.

[@MLFranklin]

Let me suggest that you make it a mini half-track. Find a pair of junk snow-mobiles with matching tracks and repurpose those. Add a boom to the back. Then paint it olive drab and add a white star to the door. Now you have a little brother to your huge half-track tow truck. BTW, love your projects and your channel!

[@beakittelscherz5419]

When "it's got 4 tires" is a good surprise, you know you're at *Low buck Garage*😁

[@jjock3239]

Just looking at that mint interior, screams out to me that it should be a 4x4 conversion. I love those drop side boxes, a very handy feature. 20 years ago, that type of box, was about the only thing I saw on trucks. Adding a ram and making the box a tipper, would increase the utility.

[@johndenton5555]

Your in-yard tool kit holder! You now have a mini service truck! (and handy for junk yard trips!)👍🇺🇸😎

[@RobertFay]

*- I don''t like the "feel" of this thing, James...except for the Easy Starting Diesel.* *- The Flat Fender engine swap feels like a Build Idea to me...not a aggravating jury rig fix-it idea.* *- Could you weld the flatbed frame into the middle of the Flat Fender Jeep?* *- Now THAT would be unique and a very smart project in my mind...and useful for town shopping.*

[@jaydee3046]

My vehicles owned is past 50. That was years ago, when I instituted the "one comes, one leaves" rule. Still I am jealous of this guy.

[@hammermantbg]

I grew up in japan and i have a soft spot in my heart for these trucks. All the farmers in my village had one

[@LordClydeofOMAR]

I didn't know these things were even available in the United States and in left side drive.

[@roulsalzer5407]

I love the way you staged the tires at the end of this super cool.

[@Andy-to6ed]

Hello from England. Thanks for this and all the other videos; you're one of the most entertaining men on KZbin and I'm learning lots.

[@bobfurman862]

Cool video...I'd use that lil' puppy on the regular...This channel is a hidden gem!! Love the way you innovate to make things work. Looking forward to subsequent videos on the "King".

[@ronwalsh]

You Sir, are a man after my own heart. I have been trying to talk the wife into getting one, I had one on Okinawa for a while, and they are great. Wife is pretty much a no go what with the RHD. Maybe I will show her this video and let her know how cool they are.

[@ronjones1077]

Unique rig. Like the old Corvair ramp side units that truck could be very handy to have around.

[@duncancremin1708]

Watching it a second time, your face when it doesn’t turn off with the key! When I wasn’t in sick bay, my professional occupation involved a lot of marine diesels and those usually don’t turn off with the key. So, before starting any diesel, I always check to make sure I know how to stop it. If I can’t find a way, I’ll usually have something I can use to block the air intake, just in case.

[@ChristCenteredMinist]

The white walls make it look like an oversized Tonka truck I played with as a kid... That's cool...😄

[@scotth9881]

A 4 wheel drive conversion on that would be really cool. The box it has would make it very useful for hauling stuff around, and it would be a fun toy. I've always noticed a CR-V around, and now I see two. You must like tinkering with those as well. I've had them off and on as well, along with various Jeeps and old trucks.

[@orangyanglikekomensendiri]

The side profile of that truck looks similar to 2nd gen MItsubishi Delica, and it's still in production to this day with the name Mitsubishi L300

[@raygrimaoldschooltrucking3100]

I’ve been watching you for a while now but finally have subscribed to your channel all the way from Australia 🇦🇺, I enjoy your humour and knowledge of how you go about fixing things. Keep them coming James. Cheers Ray.

[@kentmackey2717]

Love the ingenuity and get it done attitude. But my favorite part is the humor. I laughed and learned the whole time! Thanks.

[@davemchugh7187]

I like the fix up the jeep option, better quality vehicle when done, and I like jeeps.

[@courier11sec]

Oh man I'd love one of these. What a perfect utility vehicle.

[@GINGERale420]

i vote for the flat fender Diesel conversion!!

[@roberttanguay8532]

Or... and hear me out... turn it into an asphalt tearing drag truck. S9mewhere between 500 hp - 1000hp outta do it 😅

[@jeffrykopis5468]

A Mr. Michael Mouse, of Anaheim, CA, sends his compliments for your creative mechanical adaptations.

[@donparker1823]

Pretty cool little truck. Amazing that it started up so easily. Sounded good too.

[@alanm3438]

In 1985 I was stationed in Japan. There was a lot of trucks like yours. I love it!!!!! It needs a lot of love. A lot of your projects needed lots of work so I think it is within you skill level. There are places here in the states that buy these old truck and resell them. Well good luck and I can not wait to see you give it new life.

[@user-tuotlmu]

Nothing is better than a flat fender diesel Jeep. All the advantages of both a flat fender and a diesel engine, and no downsides.

[@flatbrokegarage]

First off, your definitely one of my favorite channels. We think the same. As much as I hate to cut a vehicle up, I think this would be a pain to find parts for. Glass, door latches, brakes, I sure you've been there before. However a flat fender jeep would be awesome! I have a 68 gladiator I'm looking for a diesel to drop in. So my pick is diesel jeep

[@robotcantina8957]

If it is street legal then it would be worth putting back on the road. I would love to have something like that!

[@RODALCO2007]

That is a nice little truck, that rear deck with the sides opening is very handy. The diesel starts easy and sounds great. Great video and awesome commentary.

[@courier11sec]

Ling long tires have been in the US a long while. I used to work at a Tire Factory in the mid aughts and we carried them. They were fine. Really inexpensive. Never had any defects come through our shop That's was in Washington state. Don't know if the chain is anywhere else.

[@ronwalsh]

I recall seeing many of these tiny trucks rolling all over Okinawa, and some were pretty tricked out with lots of chrome, slammed suspensions, and some killer engine upgrades.

[@Cooldad87]

The off-road tires are awesome 👍 and yeah definitely turn it into a little camper too just build an actual camper on there with a bed sink stove etc. I forgot what those campers are called but you get my drift lol but i surely would make some design improvements you can surely install A/C after its all said and done but personally if i had that truck i would improve the bad engineering install an A/C system then build a camper for it not a camper top but one if those campers with a door on the back or hell just get a small pop up camper and slap it on top lol

[@BIllMcCambridge]

Mini 4wheel drive overlander. External cage with roof mounted tent use bed to haul and your min moto off-road cycle or your electric bikes. Just my thoughts on it. Thanks for sharing your talents and adventures!!!

[@johnsamu]

The cassette player says something about how vintage this car is. Probably made somewhere in the early nineties of lthe previous century. It's amazing that engine still runs as well as it does if you consider how neglected this vehicle was.

[@chevis26]

I found your channel and starting watching when you posted the first video of the bus. Now I watch every video you post so keep them coming...love the content on how you just make something work and don't worry about it being pretty.

[@Cristobal_Ygnacio_Arriaga]

This Chinese mini truck makes a Jeep Cj2a look high class and sophisticated.

[@Darryl-e3d]

Hey Man. Loving your vids. Watched 3 in a row and subscribed. Found my new go to channel...

[@MmmHuggles]

You sound like me, if I had money lol. "I have so many big projects, I know, I'll get a *small* project!" **neglects the bigger projects**

[@jankleinstra7855]

Good plan with the flat fender

[@osrr6422]

Yes, put the motor in a flat fender. Assuming you can mate it to a suitable transmission.

[@cookmillington6227]

Would love to see that diesel go in a flat fender. I’ve got a 3A that I want to put diesel in and would be interested in seeing how you would make it happen. Cool little truck though.

[@paulosborne6517]

Woah, classy vehicle. You barely had to do a thing. I like the 4WD idea,- and just use it as a compact cargo carrier with that very useful drop-side bed. Ideal for if you want to go pick-up some donor parts - couple of engines, stack of wheels, burritos...

[@kepofshangri-la8942]

How could I learn to be as handy as this man?

[@GabrielsLogic]

Start doing things😊. Open things and fix them, go out and fix things etc etc. It's a process

[@patriciomunoz2830]

I work on those chinese minitrucks but i have never seen a diesel one like this one, nice find, that engine looks to me like an Isuzu knock off, if you need parts for it check any isuzu store it's probably a 2.2 o 2.8 or check the engine in a 53' refeer trailer

[@christinamoneyhan5688]

I owned a Jeep FC 150 looked just Licke that truck. Shifted the same way too ! Talk about s Billy Goat ! I put a Chevy 283 in it with a Jeep overdrive on the high low transfer case using the Jeep 3 speed manual transmission and stock 5:56 geared Dana 44 axle’s. Look out ! If it had traction it would climb a tree. 4 reverse and 12 forward gears in total. A real beast. I see you putting that Jeep undercarriage in that truck.👍👍👍🇺🇸🙏🏽✌🏻😎

[@LakeCityFivePointsPawn-ew8yz]

Putting the diesel motor in the jeep would be cool but the best use would be fixing the radiator and windshield. I had one of those little trucks and put a set of ATV tires on it. It would go anywhere after that. In my opinion that would be a go option and you could go off roading in the desert.

[@johndglynn]

Love these micro vans and definitely want one in my fleet one day. I ran a couple when I managed the car parks at Heathrow. So handy for just running around in. The Chinese vehicles of this era are often licensed rebadges of western vehicles so you might find that it’s a Suzuki or similar. Keep up the good work 👍🏻

[@tomandlorioltmann5723]

Keep it. Drive it . Just don’t get a hurry .

[@HitokiriRaiden]

those little mini trucks are a blast sadly they are not road legal in kentucky but a beer can geo metro is fine makes no sense to me lol

[@Ramcharger85]

This is the coolest looking little rig I've ever seen. 😊❤

[@unconventionallifestyle4827]

Go 4x4. Excellent forward view driving position. Ideal parts courier off road. Excellent turn circle and multi access load area . Also has a roof on hot days over the cab.

[@DomimicKoo]

build it like a toy...love all the video that your making...and i learn some from your idea and apply some on my cars...

[@immrnoidall]

I love how you make anything work with what you have. that's all that matters. If it works, it's the right part .

[@bearbon2]

If it was mine I'd go with putting the engine in one of the jeeps. I'd remove the drop side bed and put it on a reliable small pickup. They're really handy for easy loading things with a forklift. The rest of the truck should go to the scrapper. Thanks for the video!

[@cliffhaupt5413]

I think whatever you decide will be cool and fun.

[@angil]

Linglongs are a Walmart specials during a Black Friday

[@turbobre]

Wow. I really like your style. Instant sub. Thank you for the great content.

[@deepbludude4697]

Score! Always enjoy your mechanican abilities! Diesel swap for your Flatty! then throw one of those genny diesels into the King Mini.

[@kliller854]

Having a blast watching your videos. You have a great attitude 👍

[@bobtucker8875]

A fun rig, an great 👍 M.P.Gs. I see them every where here in Wa. Thanks 👍 for sharing 😊.

[@white_mage]

in any order 1. 4wd conversion + mounts to put a tent on the back for camping 2. fix coolant stuff and transmission so it drives. 3. cut holes on it so its easier to fix 4. have you seen those trucks they run on the dakar rally? cut the exhaust so it sounds like an engine, make it run coal, put that spare on the back or top of the cabin, replace the windshield with something metallic for better effect.

[@2dogsmowing]

Selling it to me would be the best plan. That thing would be great for a bucket lift I have and strong enough to haul a trailer too. 😁

[@donotwantahandle1111]

I had the van version with sliding doors both sides. Helps to load my amp and guitars going to gigs!

[@Dancing_Alone_wRentals]

I would keep it as a movable work bench. I have a bunch of trailers, one has the wheels under the deck and the trailer is the best work surface. As small as that thing is you could use it inside and take it outside to the larger projects. I have a 1997 Micro van...mine is badged Cushman...don't know who made it. Mine has a trans where they locked out 4th and 5th gear.

[@Sonofaguninmo]

Some of the mini trucks cabs come off fairly easy. That will give you easier access to the engine. I vote to keep it as a handy utility truck

[@ericschatz4943]

Can confirm I have installed LingLongs for a customer in the US

[@seansysig]

4wd 2”lift new head gaskets, water pump, aluminum radiator, electric fan. Those 600cc engines are UTV style. Reposition shocks and real brakes.

[@TheSoloAsylum]

I think i'd keep the minitruck. Those things are cool little toys that you can drive to town.

[@theodoredugranrut8201]

Absolutely enjoy this channel. Central California watching

[@PeterLee-zn3jl]

Humorous....understated ....and ingenious reserves....IT HAS VICTORY WRITTEN ALL OVER..!

[@ShopJock]

Diesel flat fender. And a cool drop side utility trailer

[@LouisSubearth]

If you can find skinny off road tires for it, it could be a modern-ish Jeep FC like rig. Also, Linglong Tires are sold in the States now.

[@hunnybunnysheavymetalmusic6542]

It would be a really neat little 4x4. Did you see what Grind Hard Plumbing Co. did with one of those little thingies? Making one which is diesel and all 'automotive' would be pretty cool.

[@maximelarocque2708]

Im not a mechanic, you teach me everytime i watch. Those k car parts may not be easy to come by.... I would suggest jeep parts with a camping device on top On hondas the 5th is upper right

[@justingould7348]

Fix it up and use it, assuming you can easily get parts for them. The JDM versions have great parts availability but that one is Chinese version and they weren’t particularly the best quality and parts can be tricky. (We sold them for a min years back)

[@cuttingcut1321]

16:13 sir thats probably because the factory workers are around 6- 14 year age-group. That hole is perfect for them . 😂

[@clifford1875]

Not afraid of the unknown... enjoy you're project...build it how u want it

[@HODGEPODGEDODGEGARAGE]

Awesome find James! 😁👍 I think a 4x4 swap would be pretty cool to see. Engine sounds healthy as well. Enjoyed the video. Happy wrenching 🔧🔩

[@markB40]

I know you like the diesel but a 350 Chevy with a 4x4 conversion would bring a smile to your face, be fun fitting and converting as well.

[@w2slav]

I'd love to see a flat fender diesel swap!

[@murmur3966]

That is such a cute little thing. I have a friend who had a 4x4 version of and he had a blast taking it out in the bush. The diesel should be so torquey with the power to weight, you would probably never get stuck. I vote for full on 4x4 turbo diesel conversion. Then you would have a Low-Buck mini monster truck. Great episode!! 🤘😁👍 P.S. I just wanted to add that even if all you use it for a parts truck, the boxes versatility, makes the bigger trucks invaluable for loading or deliveries. Stay happy and healthy.

[@spikebebop9070]

Hey James. Great video. You have interesting vehicles and I had to subscribe. I love the little kei trucks. The guys on Mighty Car Mods have done a couple and then used them as shop trucks, 'raced' them and taken them 4-wheelinjg/camping. They had gas engines with a turbo and at least one 4WD. A diesel would be even better for 4-wheeling.

[@jimlepeu577]

This puts me in mind of a Cushman that Merlin’s Old School Garage was doing up a few months back - called it his shopping cart. lol

[@HarrisFS]

I was leaning towards swapping the engine into one of the flat fenders. But then when you fix it up you'll have a nice little runabout truck. So i vote fix it up and find a diesel for the jeep later.

[@DusterNutbar]

4wd swap would be so cool. Same thing with a diesel flat fender. Im torn. I want both

[@markreadman4414]

Hi , I'm UK the UK never seen such a cute little truck. Though honda use to sell a mid engine mini van with a motor cycle engine of a sorts. First thing I would look at is the gear change linkage possibly it needs some rubber bushings or just some adjustments, as you spent a lot of effort to get the clutch working, also because it's a diesel you'll get very good MPG. In a near perfect running order I think I would it would look good with wider wheels but not too big. How about this for an idea a folding camping mount on the flat bed😅

[@johnossendorf9979]

The steering wheel is on the correct side, Very Cool ! I love this channel !

[@williamickes3143]

I thought you got lucky on the master cylinder. It sat for a minute I would have bet a nickel against a donut she'd be pitted! Good luck, on this one. You may need it. 👍👍😎👀