Side view of a 1997 Honda Acty serving as a daily driver and business vehicle

Meet Austin’s custom Honda Acty

Oiwa Garage is proud to help kei truck enthusiasts and hobbyists across the world realize their ideal build, and that’s why we’re launching a spotlight series highlighting the passion and creativity going into our customers’ builds. 

Up first is Austin Orr. 

1997 Honda Acty Kei Truck - front quarter side view

Austin drives a 1997 Honda Acty. When asked what convinced him to buy a kei truck, Austin replied: “I’ve been looking for about 5 years and was just never in the market to actually buy one, but after this last year, [my] fireworks business did good and I wanted to finally get one! I got lucky and found [it] within a 7-minute drive from my house. The guy who I lurched it from was the one to import it himself. I couldn’t pass up the convenience of being so close and [finding it] in such good condition.”

Kei trucks are some of the most versatile and affordable trucks that you can buy. Austin says that he uses his Acty as both a daily driver and a business advertisement truck. His firework business operates seasonally for the Fourth of July and New Year’s, and the Acty comes in handy when hauling supplies to and from storage.

1997 Honda Acty kei truck - rear quarter view

Austin’s Acty Upgrades

Austin upgraded his 1997 Acty using Oiwa Garage’s Complete Suspension and Steering Upgrade Kit, which includes: 

  • Front Springs (x2)

  • Top Mounts for Springs (x2)

  • Control Arms (x2)

  • Tie Rods (x2)

  • Center Steering Link (x1)

  • Rear Spring Shackle Bushing Set of 8

  • Rear Shock Absorbers (x2)

  • 8 CV Boots

  • 2 Steering Boots

  • Center steering link

1997 Honda Acty kei truck - cabin view

He also elevated his kei truck with Oiwa Garage’s 24-Piece Mega Timing Belt and Tune Up Kit featuring: 

  • Air Filter

  • Fuel Filter

  • Oil Filter

  • Distributor Cap & Rotor

  • Spark Plugs & Wires

  • Ignition Control Module & Coil Sensor

  • Ignition Assembly

  • Complete Engine Gasket Set

  • Timing Belt Kit & Alternator Belt

  • Coolant Reserve Tank

  • Air Thermal Valve

—and more!

1997 Honda Acty kei truck - interior seating

Austin’s experience driving a kei truck

Austin says that every day, he drives his Acty, and he gets multiple people stopping him to ask for pictures or inquire about the truck, adding: “[I] love the attention it brings and the smiles it brings to everyone around!”

When asked what’s something about owning/driving a kei truck that surprises other people, Austin responded: “How cool it looks, the size, being right-hand drive. The gas mileage — honestly, everything about the truck is just cool.”

After buying his kei truck, Austin noted that it only took him one drive to realize how special the vehicle was. Austin then came across Oiwa Garage’s website and decided that our catalog of OEM parts was the best option among many retailers. He highlighted his truck’s tire setup as the most challenging part of his kei driving experience so far, since options for and info on proper configurations are limited, but he found that 195/50R15 works for him.

After 2026’s Fourth of July, Austin plans on painting his truck navy blue with some flakes, and he currently has a custom license plate on the way promoting his business that reads “BOOMCTY.”

1997 Honda Acty kei truck - door close-up

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