Micro Work Van Conversion & Tour - Honda Japanese Kei Van!

See how I transformed a tiny Japanese Kei passenger van into a super efficient and compact work van! Watch the conversion process start to finish, join me for a drive out on the road, and get a full tour of the finished product.
The van itself is a 2004 Honda Vamos Hobio that was imported from Japan here to Canada. It is a JDM vehicle and falls under the same Kei class that the Japanese mini trucks do and has a 656cc, 3 cylinder gas engine. It is right-hand drive, full time 4WD and a lot of fun to drive! As a self-employed finish carpenter and cabinet maker, I use the van to transport my tools to and from the job site.
Here are a collection of related links that you guys might find helpful:
● Where I purchased the van - www.buymetropreowned.ca/
(If you go in make sure you ask for David and tell him that I sent you)
● Where I source my Hobio specific parts - rockymountainimports.net/
● Where I source general Honda parts & fluids - www.colonialhonda.ca/
● General info on the Honda Vamos Hobio - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_V...
Some of the key tools that were used in the build & conversion:
(The below links are affiliate links and if you purchase through them I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Any support is very much appreciated!)
Bosch GKT13-225L Track Saw - amzn.to/3hJnHbR
Bosch BSH180B 18V Band Saw - amzn.to/2FLG9Dh
Milwaukee 2557-20 M12 Fuel 3/8" Ratchet - amzn.to/32EH5T2
Bosch GKF12V-25N 12V Palm Router - amzn.to/2FFqoOB
Bosch ROS65VC-5 Orbital Sander - amzn.to/35JslEl
Bosch 18V Work Light - amzn.to/3klLpN0
Milwaukee M12 Rocket Light - www.milwaukeetool.com/Product...
Find more tools that I use in the DP Tool Box - www.danpattison.com/toolbox
Purchase plans to build your own Multi Purpose Table - www.danpattison.com/mptplans
Learn more about the Multi Puprose Table (MPT) - www.danpattison.com/mpt
Any use of the affiliate links above helps support the DP channel at no extra cost to you. Amazon gives me a small commission from each sale that helps enable me to bring you guys more free content. Any support through the use of those links or MPT plan purchases is very much appreciated!
For general information or to contact me visit - www.danpattison.com/
For helpful articles and blog posts visit - www.danpattison.com/blog/
#danpattison #vanconversion #keivan
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The Honda Vamos Hobio is very similar to the Honda Acty and is part of the same Kei class of vehicles that are produced in Japan (also known as JDM). The Japanese mini trucks are more common to see imported to North America than the vans, but they all share the same platform and small displacement engine. When I found this Honda Vamos Hobio I saw the potential it had to be used in a van conversion and transformed into a custom work van. It works very well for me and the work that I do and provides a very efficient way to transport my tools.

[@256designCH]

I was very happy to learn that Japanese mini cars are playing an active role overseas. I also make work vehicles, and this was very helpful to me.

[@rashidtayidi1423]

You proved once again that a minimalist approach may work just as well as wasteful use of resources. Thank you for offering another fresh angle to managing our work intelligently!

[@ThielTube]

Glad to see you back Dan! i have missed your videos!

[@AndreaArzensek]

You've been missed! So glad youre back. That van conversion is TOP! I need to do something to my Jumper like that. Greetings from Croatia

[@mmlips]

That is without a doubt the coolest work van I’ve seen! It looks so great.

[@DPShopTalk]

Thanks Mark!

[@bigbee714]

the roof rack idea is awesome. Even fits the MPT if you need the lower space for tools...very impressive. Well thought out and clean design. Cheers!

[@micah7882]

Jfc you are so chill, "and i did this entire project, front to back, while waiting for the acrylic to dry" great work

[@djderekrock]

Hey Dan just dropping by to say hi. I like watching your videos to get ideas for my own workshop organization.

[@sivsankar4286]

Japanese engineering focus to deliver products with good value for money... reliable..practical.. efficient...great work .

[@Jay2525Jay]

Great build, great video, great to see your return. Thank you.

[@JimDockrellWatertone]

Coolest work van on the road. Nice to see you putting out content again Dan.

[@daxd8358]

Great work and your clean application can be expanded yet the most important is clean and practical, well done . Clean organization is must for produtivitiy and efficiency safely . Keep it coming !

[@MINGLE2008]

Glad to see you back. Thanks for sharing your video.

[@dennismaratos1780]

Good to have you back DP! Great work!

[@gabemcginnis2688]

LOVE the kei platforms. Welcome back!

[@caskwith]

That's an awesome van! You might be interested to know that the turn signal being on the right is a Japanese feature. On nearly every right hand drive vehicle in the UK the turn signal is on the left. If you have a Japanese vehicle it's generally on the right. I learnt to drive in a Suzuki but took my test in a Vauxhall, it did not makes things easy having things backwards!

[@DPShopTalk]

That's very interesting! Thanks for sharing that. I figured that all right hand drive vehicles were like that. I've never driven a vehicle from the UK so I never would have known that.

[@Zackmex]

Wow! That is a very cool wheeled toolbox!

[@scottmccutcheon2530]

Good to see you posting videos again

[@jordanmercier3616]

Literally what I was looking for lol. exact van and everything.

[@Sascha_1977]

Auch in Deutschland hat man Deine Videos vermisst! Schön das Du wieder etwas spannendes zeigst.

[@adamfitzpatrick2076]

Happy to see new content and fantastic job! Cheers from the Rock

[@keving8682]

Wow! A new video - love it!

[@motivatedbrands]

Thank you Dan. This is brilliant. We are looking to build our fleet with these.

[@DPShopTalk]

They definitely make a very practical little work van.

[@SenselessUsername]

What helps is "What is a Kei car?": The point is that Japanese road taxes go by their footprint (width x length), and K class =minimum. To fit that you get small, tall cars/vans: mid-engine, no "bonnet"... which makes them easy to park in small spaces, but a bit scary at high speeds.

[@ajithgunasekara6358]

Absolutely fantastic vid. You rock.

[@asztapaszta9]

Awesome job!

[@iwasabigdeel7895]

W-E-L-C-O-M-E B-A-C-K! Thrilled that you're back from the extended hiatus. Your video production from start to finish is world class, I forgot but was instantly reminded 30 seconds in. I found you years ago from your cordless Bosch cross cut sled. made some mods for my Makita and it's been nothing short of a godsend for flooring installs. Thx

[@DPShopTalk]

Thanks! Glad to hear that the cross cut jig works well for you👍

[@markraisner9000]

He's back, great video!

[@anthonylau3065]

Hmm! Looking forward to the next episode!

[@chevyimp5857]

Looking forward to the next episode...

[@mrmalbigpond]

Welcome back Dan! Wow! What a neat setup 👍👍 I feel your pain re the indicator / wiper controls being reversed - In Australia (right hand drive position) we get a mixture depending on brand. My Ford Ranger has indicator stalk on the right / wipers left, whereas my wife’s MG SUV has the opposite. I am permanently confused 😂😂 The finesse of your design is well illustrated by the engine cover panel 👍👍

[@DPShopTalk]

Thanks! Wow that must be hard to keep that straight with the controls being on two different sides on two right hand drive vehicles. You would think that they would just make one standard for all vehicles to keep things simple.

[@ericwickeywoodworkersurfbo6135]

That thing is awesome

[@maggiekiley-kearley9998]

Awesome job Dan! I seen it when you bought it and then with stuff in it but didn’t see how you designed it. This was great.

[@DPShopTalk]

Thanks Maggie!

[@samuriafade2761]

This is very helpful

[@erictimothyanderson7469]

I plan to copy this build. Thank you for video and I look forward to your next video about this van.

[@erictimothyanderson7469]

I will be getting started soon 😊

[@CHIMBOPDOTCOM]

You are seriously such a breathe of fresh air, every video inspires me to do more with less :)

[@davebrittain9216]

Hey Dan hello from Ontario. First time seeing one of your videos and I enjoyed it. I would love one of those little vans. Right now I drive a Navigator and enjoy it but I would really get a kick out of driving a little toy like that for fun.

[@C4sp3r123]

Great to see you back Dan. I hope everything has been okay for you!

[@DPShopTalk]

Definitely feels good to be back with a new video! Things have been great but very busy so just haven't had time to get videos out. I'm always here though to answer comments and emails even if there's no new videos coming out so I'm never completely gone. The average episode like this takes about a week or 40 hours to write, shoot and edit so it makes it hard to fit that in when jobs are coming along rapid fire. Very thankful to have had lots of work on the go though. I put priority on time with my family and being involved with our church so there basically needs to be a pause in work to have time to get a video put together these days. But I'm thankful that I was able to get enough of a pause to get this new episode out, especially since it had been over a year since the last one. Always enjoy getting the comments back from you guys and interacting 👍

[@C4sp3r123]

@@DPShopTalk Thanks for taking the time to reply in detail, much appreciated. You did a great job with the van and it was a pleasure to come along for the ride. I look forward to the next episode about tool storage/transportation whenever that may be. Take care!

[@larkhill2119]

Trades are having many problems with thieves stealing tools, it's a stealth work van. It would help if you padded the angles near your head for safety with high-density foam. Moving to the other side would be better.

[@gtzaskar6353]

Very nice.

[@marcdecarufel6262]

Dan, I just subscribed...please produce more...professional video production...well done!

[@DPShopTalk]

Thanks Marc! Hopefully I'll get some time to produce another episode before too long. Great meeting you today.

[@marcdecarufel6262]

@@DPShopTalk likewise Dan

[@chelseasawatzky2471]

Sweet van Dan.

[@DPShopTalk]

Thanks Chelsea!

[@joju1545]

really like the style and how neat and clean it's built. have you thought about utilising the roof with a nice rack or a box? i prefer putting long stuff on the roof than having the reardoor open. i'd maybe go with drawers for the storage space under the floor/behind the seats. big thumbs up!

[@DPShopTalk]

Thanks! I've given thought to a roof rack but don't really have need for one right now. I had a roof rack on my old van and it was always a huge pain to clear snow off the roof so unless I really needed one I don't think I would bother. My initial design included drawers for the under floor storage but as the build came together I realized that I would end up losing too much space to boxes and slides and also wouldn't be able to make use of all the space since its a bit of an odd shape. Its not very often that I need to access what's under the floor either so I didn't figure drawers would be worth the effort either. If it was a bigger space and I accessed it often I definitely would have gone with drawers.

[@mictheflash]

Good to have you back with another great video 👍 The van looks great. Was wondering if you'll be putting a roof rack/ bars on the van for carrying boards and the like?

[@DPShopTalk]

Thanks! I thought about putting a roof rack on the van but I don't really have much need for it at this point since everything I need can be carried inside including sheet goods.

[@asif1975]

I have this from last 4 years

[@scrapbongo786]

Awesome workmanship, that engine cover is a beauty. New Sub /cheers ScrapBongo Liked

[@DPShopTalk]

Thanks!

[@cidercreekranch]

Nice to see you're back! Could you fit a roof rack to carry long items and sheet goods?

[@DPShopTalk]

Thanks! I have seen a roof rack thats available in Japan for it but I don't think I would bother with a roof rack for a few reasons. 1, I don't really have anything that I would need to carry up there that wouldn't fit inside since I can carry sheet goods and long trim inside, 2, with the van being tall and narrow it would raise the center of gravity to put weight on the roof, and 3, based on my experience with my old van a roof rack makes clearing snow off the roof a pain.

[@24revealer]

I was talking to a fellow the other day that has a 2018 GMC 2500 HD Duramax. He says he can get 30mpg on long trips. The new LM2 6 Cylinder Duramax pickup can get up to 40mpg. I am trying to figure out how to buy a 16 foot cubevan with the 6.6 Duramax. 2015 was the last year they put that motor in the GM Van. I'd go squirrely trying to work out of a 5X5 space. Good thing you're young and ambitious.

[@DPShopTalk]

It's definitely hard to beat the fuel efficiency of a diesel. I had thought about going the diesel route but there wasn't really anything offered around here that has a diesel and that I like. The size of my van definitely wouldn't work for everyone but for the work I do it works great. If I ever needed a larger van I think I would import a Toyota Hiace diesel from Japan. They have a similar bulletproof drivetrain to the Land Cruisers. In some ways I wish my Honda van had a diesel in it.

[@gregcaron6627]

This is awesome, I love efficiency & downsizing things. I'm just curious, have you thought of adding a rack to the roof like you did to the car in your 2016 video so that you could haul materials?

[@DPShopTalk]

Yes I actually did add a set of Thule roof racks to the van about a year and a half ago. I use the same 2x4 rails that I made for the car on the van now for carrying materials. Definitely expands the utility if the van even further.

[@MrSubaru1387]

I had the same issue with turn signals/wipers in my Sambar. Lol

[@DPShopTalk]

It definitely takes some getting used to! From what I was reading in some of the other comments, not all right hand drive vehicles have the signal arm on the right. You would think that the auto makers could just come up with one standard and stick with it lol.

[@sosomelodies659]

We need this in America asap!

[@DPShopTalk]

I wish that more vehicles like this were sold in North America. They just make so much sense.

[@bryanjohnson8204]

Glad you're back! As always a very well thought out design. You may want to checkout kiwi Scott Brown Carpentry for how he outfits his van for his ideas.

[@DPShopTalk]

Thanks! I've seen some of Scott's videos about his van and it's a great design. One thing that's a bit different about how I use my van compared to some other people is that I don't keep my tools in my van all the time. I basically load up just what I need for a job and unload it back into the shop when I'm done the job. A lot of other people like Scott have their vans designed with permanent storage for their tools. Basically making a toolbox on wheels. In the next episode I'm going to explain how I have my gear setup in L-Boxxes and Packouts and how I make them work efficiently for me.

[@MaydaysCustomWoodworks]

Hah! That's trippy. You said "deckle" and I was was like .. "deckle.... What the heck is a deckle?"... But I think in America we call them "Dee-cals" lol Also... I assume you put your material on top of the van?

[@DPShopTalk]

Lol yeah I've heard a lot of Americans on KZbin say dee-cal but around here everyone I know says deckle. Anytime I carry material including sheet goods I carry it inside the van. You can get roof racks for these vans from Japan but so far I haven't really had need for that. It's very rare that I need to carry materials and tools at the same time since I usually just get materials delivered by the supplier.

[@videostarish]

A fellow joiner at my work put a false floor around 13"-15" off the original floor, & put drawers with heavy duty sliders on them underneath. Also, with all your tools on display through the windows, maybe mirrored film would deter would-be theives....? 🤔☺️

[@DPShopTalk]

A drawer floor is a cool setup. Wouldn't really work for me and the way I work but I do like that design. I don't keep my tools in the van. I load up at the shop and take my tools in with me when I get to site. If I do have any tools that I have to leave in the van while I'm working I cover everything with a blanket to keep it out of sight.

[@iwasabigdeel7895]

@@DPShopTalk You absolutely want a drawer floor, it's a game changer. Don't overthink how it'll fit or improve your workflow. Your work will flow with one (or two). You'll see. Best single mod you could ever do with that van.

[@troyboy4345]

Some interior LED lamps and a pullout drawer unit in the rear footwell would help .... tidy build mate 👍👍👍

[@DPShopTalk]

Thanks! I actually just switched all the interior lights to super bright LED bulbs which made a big difference. My initial plan was to make a drawer under the floor where it steps down but decided not to since the drawer box and slides would eat up space. I found that the bins make use of every last inch under there so in the end that worked out better for me.

[@troyboy4345]

@@DPShopTalk I get that .... I was thinking of one big drawer for full access, instead of having to remove the boxes to get at things .... nice job though ... 👍

[@peterscottodonnell7290]

Honda , Daihatsu, Suzuki ,I don't mind.ive always wanted a K van.

[@johnpetry2541]

Welcome back! As usual, a very nicely done project!

[@taylorprue2396]

Strange! This video showed up in my recommendations. I am in NS and considering getting one of these as a fun novelty between cars. Seems like most of the basic maintenance is something you're comfortable doing yourself. The idea of changing the timing belt myself scares me a little. Most of the rest of what you mention is stuff I've tackled before. Has this ever needed to go into a shop for work? I feel like this would generally have to be reasonably user friendly to work on but I could see a number of shops not wanting to touch it. My overall intent is owning it for under a year and I feel like I could do that and break approximately even on resale. Thanks for a fun watch!

[@DPShopTalk]

I'm actually in the middle of rebuilding the top end of the engine right now. The head gasket went so in the course of replacing that I'm doing a rebuild on the head. You're right in that not a lot of shops would be interested in working on these but Buy Metro Pre-owned where I bought it does work on them. I had to wait 6 weeks to get the parts from Japan which is one downside of owning one but I still wouldn't trade it for anything else.

[@KienTran]

That looks awesome! I was wondering how you carry 4x8 sheet goods, but I guess you just let it hang out the back with some support rails?

[@DPShopTalk]

I have a rig that I built to carry sheet goods inside the van. If you visit my Instagram you can see some photos of it.

[@intersfera2000]

Красавчик, бро! Good lessons, my respect from Russia

[@rickwashek478]

Nice but way to small for me. I like the overhead storage. I may do that in my E250 van. Thanks for sharing.

[@dahut3614]

Very well done, as usual. I'm seeing quite a lot of Bosch tools. I didn't even know Bosch made a track saw so I just watched a review- looks nice! Do the TSO Guide Rail Squares work with the Bosch track?

[@DPShopTalk]

Thanks! I really like the Bosch track saw and ended up selling my Makita. The TSO square doesn't work with the Bosch rails but I modified my TSO GRS-16 to work with the Bosch rails. If you check out my Instagram you'll see how I did the mod.

[@dahut3614]

@@DPShopTalk My GRS 16 PE is tilted when I lock it onto my Makita rails, which I think is kind-of goofy. I mean, it does not align flat with the bottom. I noticed that the edge of the guide rail where it clamps-on is more square, whereas the Festool rail is more rounded .

[@DPShopTalk]

@@dahut3614 that's strange. I never had that problem with mine. Have you talked to TSO?

[@dahut3614]

@@DPShopTalk No, not yet. Thanks for the reply!

[@blackadder8925]

Love the van. What’s with the F clamps at 4:16? Given up on ratchet straps?

[@DPShopTalk]

Yeah I've found that the F clamps work better than the straps and are more secure.

[@dylancameron4559]

Amazing build! Inspired me to make a mini moto van and parts hauler out of this base. How tall is the interior height from floor to roof?

[@DPShopTalk]

It's 46-1/2" from floor to ceiling.

[@davidkimlui148]

How to get that Japanese van you just bought in the USA from Japanese for order, but how ?

[@chevyimp5857]

Love this.. efficient use of space.. notice that you've changed your track saw, any particular advantages over the Makita.. would be interested to hear your reasoning..

[@DPShopTalk]

After trying out the Bosch track saw it quickly became my favorite and I ended up selling my Makita. I'll list some of my favorite features that made it stand out over the Makita to me: better depth stop system, scale in both metric and imperial, more powerful motor, much better guide rails(no issues with being straight and flat like I had with the Makita), MUCH better track joining system, longer power cord and the tracks work better on narrower work pieces. If you have any more questions about it let me know. I had intended to do a review but time just hasn't allowed.

[@chevyimp5857]

@@DPShopTalk really appreciate your reply.. I'm thinking about getting the Bosch or the mafell.. the tracks and joining bar are a step up for sure and as you say the on/ off track depth adjustment is very positive in use.. I've used a friend's mafell and it's certainly not lacking in power, first rate dust collection as well. I'm also pondering whether there are any significant disadvantages to going cordless.. l mainly install custom kitchens and bathrooms in the UK...

[@DPShopTalk]

The cordless would definitely be more convenient. I use mine mostly on site these days for installing kitchens and doing trimwork and cordless would be nice for that. I think if I was working in the shop all day then I would prefer cordless. A lot of times when I'm just making a few cuts for a kitchen install I use my Bosch 18V vac as a dust extractor so having the saw be cordless too would make a great setup.

[@wayway9895]

Dan, enjoyed vid. Question how much was it to import from Japan to there. And how long did it take to arrive by ship? Thanks

[@DPShopTalk]

I bought it from a local dealership that imports some of these JDM vehicles so I'm not sure what the shipping time was. When I bought mine they were selling them for $10,500

[@jrdnsnclr]

You may cover this in another video, but how did you route the piece for the hatch? Did you use some sort of stamp or template? Very cool :)

[@DPShopTalk]

I just measured and drew the shapes and then routed and test fit and adjusted as necessary. It took awhile to get it just right. There aren't really any shortcuts.

[@jrdnsnclr]

@@DPShopTalk ok thanks. I'm planning to make one for mine - I hope it looks as good as yours!

[@bazmon]

Great video...I wish we could get a micro van like yours in California 😁 One silly question... Where do buy the trousers you wear, with the extra pockets .. Thanks in advance. Barry

[@DPShopTalk]

Thanks Barry. I think the import laws in the US are vehicles 25 years old and older so yeah you wouldn't be able to get the same model van as mine. The pants that I wear are the Helly Hansen Chelsea Evolution and they have worked really well for me.

[@bazmon]

@@DPShopTalk thanks Dan... much appreciated... keep up the great work...👍😉

[@mak4374]

I am using a Honda Odyssey van for my painting business, but realy, I wish I could get one of those here in the States, AND one down in Greece where I spend summers. Can you put a ladder rack on the roof?

[@DPShopTalk]

I do have some Thule roof racks that I use for carrying things on the roof.

[@woodworkerroyer8497]

Glad you're back! How do you carry plywood? Or do you just do trim?

[@DPShopTalk]

Thanks, it's good to be back! A 4x8 sheet of plywood will fit on the floor of the van and hang out the back a bit. I use mostly MDF and melamine which is 49" wide and just slightly too wide to fit on the floor of the van. I built a rig that holds sheet goods at a slight angle and gains the width I need and also supports the back overhang. If you look on my Instagram page you can see some photos of that setup. I thought about including it in the episode but I didn't want to make it too long.

[@BigDaddyOworkshop]

@@DPShopTalk Will that support you are talking about protect the sheet goods from road spray in the rain/snow/slush? I gave up on tucks long ago due to the weather in Western NY and have been using Chrysler mini-vans since just because sheet goods can be fully enclosed.

[@DPShopTalk]

@@BigDaddyOworkshop I do have a cover specially designed for covering sheet goods that is like a big water proof envelope that I use in bad weather. Most times I just get materials delivered but if I need to pick them up I can.

[@woodworkerroyer8497]

@@DPShopTalk I expected that you went the delivery route, but wasn't sure. Maybe you could show the sheet goods rack in the organization video you talked about at the end. And no, no episode of yours will be too long!

[@DPShopTalk]

I could definitely do another episode at some point about how I carry sheet goods and the setup I use. It's always hard to strike a balance between including lots of details and making a video too long. There are sooo many more details about the van that I could have shared but the episode would have been an hour long. It sounds like you would have still watched it but not everyone would unfortunately. Thanks very much for your comments and feedback and thanks for watching!

[@RunningCordoroy]

hey dan, whats the work situation like out there? I live on the west coast and im priced out of the realestate market. 4th year apprentice with cabinet shop.

[@DPShopTalk]

Construction has been very busy here in Nova Scotia. I was crazy busy with work for awhile but it has slowed down lately with the current lockdown foolishness that we're under in Nova Scotia. Houses are selling for crazy high prices here right now as well.

[@yeetithceetith]

Top gear mention this car in the news segment of season 7 ep 1

[@danielverret2148]

Very cool van, can you drive it at 100 km/h for 2 hours?

[@DPShopTalk]

You could but it revs at 5000 RPM at that speed so your gas mileage is going out the window.

[@ScrimigeProMidtownPro]

Are you not making videos anymore? Ps it’s Kyle from the moulding warehouse lol I used to deliver your trim to you in sackville 😎

[@DPShopTalk]

Hey Kyle! Good to hear from you. No I haven't had time to make videos over the past few years. Work has been busy and life in general has changed from when I was putting out videos. How are things with you?

[@ScrimigeProMidtownPro]

@@DPShopTalk not bad man! The warehouse burned down in the wild fires but were re building very soon. We are back in full swing at our temporary shop for the time being 💪 I’m glad to hear you’re keeping busy! And I look forward to your return to your channel some day

[@DPShopTalk]

I heard about the fire, that was crazy! Glad to hear you guys are back in full swing again. I've been doing all kitchen and countertop work lately so I haven't been doing much in the way of trim work.

[@tomas5376]

How about adding a rack on top for lumber?👍✌️😊🙏🏼⚒⚒🚐

[@DPShopTalk]

I had given thought to that but at this point I don't really have any need to since everything fits inside including sheet goods. A rack also makes clearing snow a huge pain in the winter.

[@papercraneblog]

Is it hard to repair and find parts for the van? I want one for van life.

[@DPShopTalk]

I have to order all my parts from Japan so there is a bit of a wait for them but they are pretty easy to find. I do all my own repairs and maintenance and they are fairly basic to work on.

[@junichiikeda5860]

Where do you gets parts and service for this Kei car????????

[@DPShopTalk]

I order my parts from Rocky Mountain Imports and I do all my own service and repair work.

[@SithLandlord]

Do you have a need to carry sheets of plywood? Those dimensions obviously can't fit it. Do you have a roof rack system to carry larger raw materials?

[@DPShopTalk]

Most times I get sheet goods delivered. A sheet of plywood will lay flat in the back of the van but obviously hangs out the back. I did buy a set of roof racks a few months ago though which allow me to carry sheets and lumber on the roof. That setup works the best when I'm going to a jobsite since all my tools can be in the van and the materials on the roof. Really the only time I need to do that though is when it's a small quantity of materials that doesn't warrant a delivery charge.

[@deadsypadilla]

I took seats out, done. I'm out! Easy short done ✔

[@hyperborean.]

Would have been nice, if you'd given the detail of the costs - Van, parts, etc. I wonder how it is going to be like in winter, in lots of snow. Did you by any chance changed the radio of the van. Japan's system is different I guess, and you probably wouldn't be able to tune in to any Canadian stations.

[@DPShopTalk]

There are sooo many more details about the van that I could have shared but it would have made the video too long so I had to stick to the most important details. The dealership I bought the van from sells all the imported Japanese Kei vehicles for $10,995. The parts costs are pretty much in line with what you would pay for any auto parts. The only downside is waiting for them which has been made worse with the whole COVID mess. Pre COVID it was about 2 weeks to get parts from Japan but now it varies. I haven't changed the stereo out but you're right, you can't get many Canadian stations since it only goes to 90 fm. I always use the CD player when I'm driving. I've thought about switching it out but I would like to keep it original. At some point I might change my mind but for now I'm happy with the stock stereo.

[@hyperborean.]

@@DPShopTalk Thank you.

[@arinpounov369]

Forget the fact that this is the coolest work vehicle ever. What was the registration process like? I’m in NY so it’d be different for me but just curious how was your experience. I keep looking at kei vans myself but keep yea img different things for getting it registered and passing the inspection. Contacting DMV leads nowhere #useless

[@arinpounov369]

*keep hearing different things

[@DPShopTalk]

Registration was simple for me since the dealership that I bought it from had that all sorted out. JDM vehicles have a much shorter VIN which throws some people off at the DMV. Not sure what it would be like for you but around here it's pretty simple to register.

[@troyladoux1953]

That thing is so small and compact! I don't think that is sold in the US.

[@DPShopTalk]

They aren't sold in Canada either. They have to be imported from Japan. In the US vehicles have to be 25 years old or older and in Canada it's 15 years.

[@user-th2uu2jh3o]

👍✌️👏👌💯❤️

[@dahut3614]

I hadn't realized that the word "decal" had an alternate pronunciation. It took me a while to figure that oat! Visualize someone with a puzzled look typing "decle, dekel, deckle, dekyl" into the search box at dictionary dot com. There actually is something called a deckle, who knew!

[@DPShopTalk]

Lol I've always thought that deecal was a weird pronunciation so I guess maybe I'm the weird one😄

[@1averageamerican]

Thinks deecal is weird but says "aboot". Lol! No matter. Another very well thought out and executed build.

[@DPShopTalk]

I've heard people say both deecal and decal...maybe it's a Canadian vs US thing 🤔 My wife and I have both been trying to figure out the whole aboot thing though lol. I don't know that I've noticed anyone saying it any different than I say it, Americans included. I guess I'm going to have to pay special attention when I'm watching other videos to see how other people say it😄

[@peterscottodonnell7290]

I'm from Australia and can you please , recommend me a dealership in Australia.

[@DPShopTalk]

Sorry I have no idea what dealerships are in Australia.

[@pctatc66]

Holy Poopola Batman! Thought you disappeared off the face of the earth! Hope this isn't another drive-by where you make a brief appearance and then disappear again!

[@DPShopTalk]

Lol nope haven't disappeared. Work has been crazy busy lately so its been hard to get time to get videos out. A typical episode (this one included) takes about a week to produce so it's no small time commitment. I'm hoping it won't be a year again before I get the next one out though!

[@maggiekiley-kearley9998]

Sorry Scott but Dan is so talented that he is a busy man. I know cause at least fifty percent of the time I have him busy on projects. He just finish two for me this month already. Love his craftsmanship

[@jimaspinii7579]

Are you physically ok? Been so long since you have been able to post.

[@DPShopTalk]

Yes I'm doing well, thanks. Life has changed from when I was posting videos (in good ways) so I just don't have the time to create and post anymore. I also don't have that shop anymore and now have a small single car garage. I'm always here to answer questions or comments but I don't think I'll be posting anymore unfortunately.

[@jimaspinii7579]

@@DPShopTalk you are very kind to take the time to respond to my question. Glad to hear you are doing well. Wishing God’s blessings and for a future that is safe and fulfilling.

[@DPShopTalk]

Thank you. I do miss creating videos, especially ones that are helpful to people, but I have to keep my priorities in order and fulfill my God given roll as a husband and father first and foremost. Creating videos was taking time away from my family so I had to make the decision to put that to the side. I also preach once a month at our local church which takes time and focus as well. Like a lot of things in life, creating videos was for a season and I'm thankful to have had the opportunity and experience of it and all the interaction with people like yourself. I really appreciate you reaching out, God bless.

[@jimaspin2274]

Amen and thanks again. Preaching once a month sounds demanding for a family man with a full time occupation. Filling in or is this the method your church uses all the time…thinking back…do you attend a brethren church? If that is even the right name. When I went to college (Taylor University) I attended one for a while…deep knowledge of the Word. Sorry for the rambling, if you don’t have time to reply I understand. We can always talk once we are beyond this life. 🤓👍

[@DPShopTalk]

This is the method that our church uses all the time. There is myself and two other men that share in the rotation preaching so makes it doable while also working a full time job. We used to go to a brethren assembly before we moved which is also how it was done there with several men doing the preaching. The church we go to now used to have a paid pastor but has moved away from that setup and towards what we believe is a more Biblical setup having a plurality of elders and teachers. It is definitely a time commitment to be in the preaching rotation but it is also a tremendous blessing.

[@jameshodge2460]

And now. You’re gone again. Is everything ok?

[@DPShopTalk]

Things are good, I just don't have the time that I used to have to produce videos. Between running my business, having a young family and being involved with our church, it doesn't leave much time for video production. I'm always here to reply to comments and emails though even if I'm not getting new content out, so feel free to leave a comment or shoot me an email.

[@jameshodge2460]

I understand. I’m glad things are good.

[@dahut3614]

I'll bet that van could hold a lot of clowns... or college students- all wearing masks, of course!