(1996 Honda Acty Street Van HH3) Oiwa Garage Customer Spotlight Series: Edition #2

Meet Mike’s Custom 1996 Honda Acty Street Van

Oiwa Garage has the pleasure of sharing Mike’s story for our customer spotlight series’ second edition. Mike is a mechanic with 29 years of experience, and his love for all things automotive, which extends as far back as he can remember, was primarily influenced by his father. It was 12 years ago that Mike got into the JDM scene, which led to him purchasing a left-hand-drive Cushman mini truck. Cushman mini trucks and vans sold in the U.S. were rebranded versions of the Taiwanese-made CMC Varica, which was based on a long-wheelbase version of the fourth-generation Mitsubishi Minicab. Still, Mike was hungry for “the real thing,” and he knew he had to have a 1996 Honda Acty Street Van when he saw one. 

Mike told Oiwa Garage: “I like the overall look of how small it is, and the Japanese style and accessories. I have had my van for 3 weeks now, and I have been driving it daily! It turns so many heads and gets so many reactions from people. It’s insane. I own a 1987 Buick Grand National, a holy grail Buick in the muscle car scene, but the Acty Street gets way more attention! I plan on taking it to the “Import Face-Off” in Tucson, Arizona, next year and all the local shows, along with the rest of my small fleet of cruisers.”

The Incredible Story of Mike’s Acty Street Van

Oiwa Garage feels privileged to share the touching story behind Mike’s 1996 Honda Acty Street Van. Mike named his Acty, Yorch, after his late brother, George Philip Carrasco, who passed away unexpectedly in October. Mike explained that Yorch was George’s nickname, which his Hispanic aunts called him because they couldn’t pronounce “George.” 

Yorch would evolve into an inside joke between Mike and George, and Mike got a front license plate for his van that reads “PHILY,” which he also called his brother. 

Mike said: “I love driving the van, and it’s in remembrance for him [George].” 

He added: “I would encourage anyone who wants to get into the kei truck scene to go for it! I like to keep mine customized with Japanese culture and accessories” and “I’m already thinking of what my next JDM car will be and what accessories I can add to this one.”  

Mike’s Oiwa Garage Parts Kickstart

When asked how he got started working on his 1996 Honda Acty Street Van after purchasing it in Mesa, Arizona, Mike said: “The first thing I did was install the XXR wheels and some tints to give it a little twist to its stock look.

“I went to the Oiwa Garage web page and ordered several parts, including the steering wheel hub adapter to install my MOMO steering wheel. I made a large order for cap, rotor, wires, and plugs to do some regular maintenance on it. I was IM’ing with George, the owner of Oiwa, and he was great. I also bought front struts and the upgraded 250lb springs for the front of the van. Since I’m going to be doing the front suspension, I am replacing the front strut rod bushings, which are notorious for causing death wobble. 

“I also bought several accessories off eBay straight from Japan. I bought the dash clock, the California Mirrors, and the gear shifter knob. I found Oiwa Garage online, and they are a very big part of the JDM Scene, so I knew I had to go to the experts right away when I purchased the van.”

Mike’s story amazingly reflects the kei truck community’s passion, and we’re honored to have had the opportunity to share it.