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

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

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

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 🇦🇺

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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!

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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".

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.

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.

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.

*- 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.*

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.

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

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

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.*

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 ..

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

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

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

I think whatever you decide will be cool and fun.

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.

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...

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

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 👍🏻

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

I was absolutely stunned when I saw that the truck was built this century. Its beat condition and sun-damaged plastic made me think it was from the 1970s.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

i vote for the flat fender Diesel conversion!!

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

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

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

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...

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

Absolutely enjoy this channel. Central California watching

You always seem to find cool stuff. Love it!

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

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.

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. 😁

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.

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

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**

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.

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!!!

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

I’d be happy to keep the bus at my place for you 😂😂😂. I’ve honestly always wanted one. Those little trucks and even the vans they make are fun

Hi , another really fun prodject good going. keep having fun .

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

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

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

I’ve seen little trucks like that I’ve seen some that was 4+4 and they had little fat mud tires on it looked really cool lol always a great video buddy thanks for sharing

This guy is genius i'm loved it

Love your videos! Greetings from finland!😉

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

Good job. Love it. Would haves love one of yrs ago around the farm.

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

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

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

Good little parts runner!

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

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.👍👍👍🇺🇸🙏🏽✌🏻😎

Cool video thanks for sharing. Might make a great yard car with that nice bed & diesel engine however it looks like a lot of work no matter what you do. Good luck with it.

That's freaking AWESOME! Definitely 4x4!!

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.

A very enjoyable video.

Incredible. That was fun.

Haha! As soon as you started it, I started laughing because I knew you were going to have a hard time shutting it off 😂

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.

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. 👍👍😎👀

Love these projects

“Luckily the window is down”…😂 Diesel flat fender would be pretty cool!

you always get the good vehicles.ove the video

I vote for swapping the engine into the jeep!

Great vid, that was a lot of fun. Please take the engine out, put it into something else. The rest of the truck is so scrappy. Your old trucks do look worn and rusty, but they carry it with pride. This King truck says only : "I have no windscreen, i leak coolant like mad, my doorhandles are gone, my brakes too. I'm rusting everywhere and it gets worse every day. I'm still running, yes, but it's just because i forgot how to stop that. Let me die for my next reincarnation".

Your junk-yard buddy ''SKIPPER'' is salivating for this truck.

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.

Awesome video👍👍👍👍

The bed on that thing is great 👍

You are alright. Go King !

Thanks for posting I was about to go in with your rolls

You're a funny bugger.. 😂 From Australia

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

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

That new camera works great!