r/keitruck • u/coolassdude11 • 7h ago
Meanwhile in India
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r/keitruck • u/Far_Rise_4664 • 9d ago
Lone Star Kei has successfully reversed an anti-Kei policy in Texas, and helped Massachusetts and Michigan reverse similar policies. We are helping organize in several other states and hope to see more victories in 2025.
We are very close to passing pro-Kei legislation in Texas that would provide permanent protection for Kei owners across the state.
We are about $3000 short of our fundraising goal.
If Lone Star Kei has helped you or if you believe in the work we’re doing, please consider donating to help us meet this final goal and get our bill to the Governor’s desk.
We’re so grateful to everyone who has contributed. We truly couldn’t have come this far without you!
Donate here:
r/keitruck • u/nigiko • Sep 03 '21
UPDATE 9/8/2022: Imported 2 more trucks, learned some more stuff.
-You can now file the entry (CBP form 7501) via email, at least at the NJ/NY port office, check with your office before wasting a trip in person like I did.
-If your seller/exporter asks what kind of Bill of Lading you want, ask for surrender BoL. This eliminates the need for 3 original copies and simplifies the process, you can just print out copies to your heart's content.
-For one truck I paid around $1100 for freight but then had to pay $200 in fees to the shipper (Hoegh Autoliners) before they would release the vehicle. The other truck freight was closer to $1600 (Nissan Motor Car Carrier) however there were no additional fees once it arrived.
-The deckvan I imported was over the $2500 informal entry limit. I had to use an import broker just for the customs bond. I went with an online company eezyimport.com. Their fees were only around $30, plus $7 for notarizing the power of attorney required. You pay the duty and their fee all at once. They filed the entry electronically and it was as easy as the name implies.
-Deck vans are considered pickup body styles, so they get the 25% truck duty not the 2.5% for passenger vehicles. ouch
-Port Newark is not TWIC secured so you don't need to hire any one to escort you, your port may be, do your homework.
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I used this guide to import my van, it is very comprehensive but I will also run through the process below including some of my experience. It's been a year now so forgive me if I've forgotten anything.
Since the #1 question everyone asks is how much it cost me....freight $1160, shipping company fees $173.15, customs $71.63, ISF $30, port fees can't find receipt...under $200ish? So $1600 or so + cost of the van.
Prelude: Make sure the vehicle you are purchasing is 25 years old down to the month as of the date of arrival or it can get seized for non-compliance with DOT regulations. Good exporters will take a picture of the tag on the seat belts, it will have the year and month of production printed on it or you can decode the vin online.
As long as the vehicle's value (not including shipping) is below $2,500, making it an informal entry, you will not need a customs bond or importer number and therefore a lot easier as an individual.
Step 1: Purchase a vehicle from your exporter of choice. I used Mitsui Co. Ltd. They were super helpful, thorough and punctual. They went as far as to take many many pictures with a tape measure when I asked for interior dimensions and they post of a video of the vehicle even from underneath. I paid the full amount at once through PayPal, the total included shipping and there were no other fees from their end. They also sent me the paperwork with an English translation without being asked.
They will notify you with expected departure, shipping company, etc.
Step 2: File your ISF 10+2 online. I forgot about this and ended up filing really late, but did not incur any fees somehow. Don't be like me, file it on-time, meaning within a day or so after the vehicle is loaded in the foreign port. You can do this all online, you will need some info from your exporter and around $30. I used https://www.turboisf.com/ and had my confirmation in a few hours.
Step 3: Wait. My van took 2 months in the midst of the pandemic because many dates got cancelled. Should be about 1 month of actual boat time. During this time your exporter should be mailing you the paperwork you will need, make sure they send it in a timely manner so you have time to prepare. You will need from them: 2 originals of the Bill of Lading, Purchase Invoice, Export Certificate (this is your title), English translation of the Export Certificate.
Step 4: You will have to pay the shipper a fee for port usage and other crap, mine came out to $173.15 (my shipper was Norton Lilly International acting agents of Hoegh Autoliners). The shipper will contact you to collect this fee. You will also need to send them one of the original BOL forms your exporter sent, ask them ahead of time when and where they want it. I goofed on that one, had to overnight it, ugh.
Step 5: Before the expected arrival, get your forms started, you should have most of the info you need and will have the rest upon the vehicles arrival. You need form; CBP 7501, DOT HS-7 short, EPA 3520. I made 3 copies of each and needed most of them. The linked guide has a ton of detail so reference that for the nitty gritty.
Step 6: Vehicle arrival, shits getting real! Don't get too excited yet, its customs time. You will get the final info like location of goods and actual unloading date etc. from the shipper (make sure you paid them!). Finish filling out the CBP form, make your copies of the forms, invoices, translations, everything. Copy all the things! Go down to the customs office for your port of arrival, take off your shoes, belt, etc, get scanned, file your paperwork, joke about how totes adorbs your kei truck is, pay them some moneys and they will release your vehicle.
Step 7: Go pick that baby up! Well, if you want to drive it home, you will have needed to go to your local DMV and get temporary plates, but that's on you to research. I rented a uHaul 6x12 trailer (WITHOUT the ramp gate, its a wider opening, bring yer own ramps) and towed it back.
More copies of forms, more fees. Research your port of arrival, you may need a TWIC escort, you may not, Port of NJ did not require it come to find out. But I went and had gotten my own TWIC clearance and ID because...idk, I'm extra. My shipper sent me a blank Delivery Order to kind of fudge as if I'm picking the vehicle up for a client, it makes the port employee's life easier I guess. A port employee will escort you to your nugget, squeeeeeze in, hope the battery isn't dead, awkwardly figure out the whole right hand drive thing in a hurry, drive it out. Don't forget to gawk (but NO photos inside the port) at the other imports in the lot, my van was parked between an OG Land Rover Defender and a fairly new right hand drive Mustang.
Step 8: DMV and inspections....oh boy.... It varies state by state so you're on your own. In CT as long as your lights, brakes, wipers, seatbelts, everything works right, you will pass inspection. I didn't risk it with the old tires and upgraded before inspection so idk about that.
I highly suggest you plan this out on a calendar ahead of time so you don't miss a form and incur fees or customs holds.
Don't assume everyone will send you all you need, make sure you get all the info on time. And send it to where its got to go on time.
Passenger vehicles get taxed at 2.5% while trucks are 25%, make sure it's worth it!
You can track the boat your vehicle is on from some websites, refreshing it every 5 minutes does not make the boat go any faster.
The linked guide in the beginning is way better than mine, read it!
r/keitruck • u/coolassdude11 • 7h ago
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r/keitruck • u/tylers65 • 6h ago
Just got started on some interior upgrades to my 99 Daihatsu Hijet S200P
I only have the passenger door done so far. Once I have finished everything and have it all working properly, I’ll supply parts lists and links.
Power windows only required a little surgery around the window crank area to fit the mechanism. Had to drill several holes for mounting hardware.
Door lock actuator went in super easy with only needing to drill one little hole.
6.5 inch speakers are “slim fit” so I did not have to open up the 5.25” hole to fit the larger sized speaker. Just had to drill the holes for the mounting screws.
3/8” foam was added and wrapped in faux leather.
Had to drill 2 large holes in the door frame to run the 7 total wired from the door into the cabin.
r/keitruck • u/Mean_Awareness_3719 • 20h ago
I took the day and started making my gooseneck adapter for our little trailer. I still have more to do but I just had to see how well it towed and backed up. So far I'm quite impressed. 🙂
r/keitruck • u/ironicmirror • 6h ago
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r/keitruck • u/moshRockford • 1d ago
I’m on a search to gather a list of US based Mighty Boys.
If anyone knows of any please let me know. Any leads are appreciated!
Known as of 5/5/24
Jay Bravo out of NC @nikoldc5 (Instagram) out of NJ @s1rfroggo (Instagram) out of GA @r0ckfordspeed (Instagram) (mine) out of DE Duncan Imports has one in their private collection.
r/keitruck • u/rufos_adventure • 33m ago
has anyone looked to see if you can flip the wiper/directional assembly so the controls are on the normal side? in a downpour rain it keep hitting the wiper instead of the directional. that is my only complaint about the controls.
r/keitruck • u/XNinjaMushroomX • 13h ago
Hello everyone,
I've been really interested in a Kei truck as a "toy" and not necessarily a daily driver. I live in a pretty convenient area, where I could confidently and safely use it as a grocery getter, and I do have another vehicle that is better suited to the highways.
I am a bit worried about how comfortable it is to drive. I would probably only drive it how you would a Cafe Racer or Bobber Motorcycle, like going short distances and stopping often- but I'd just like to make sure I wouldn't be horribly uncomfortable in those short times.
Chiefly, I'm worried about leg room- Seeing as I am a touch over 6ft tall. Recently I had seen a video from the Gears and Gasoline youtube channel featuring a track modified Kei, as I was considering the possibility of making it a lighter track vehicle (engine, cage, etc.) The driver seemed to be on the taller side and was having knee room issues- albeit with much larger seats.
So, how's the drive? My daily is a fairly rough riding Jeep TJ, and I'm aware these aren't luxury vehicles by design. But I was just curious as to the overall comfort from any taller folks in the community.
Thanks
r/keitruck • u/vogtsie • 6h ago
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r/keitruck • u/Ancient_Living_8111 • 1d ago
Been using the '99 classic as a daily since my last post. It has been great! Sips on gas around town and fits all the dogs comfortably for competitions. Been an awesome family car so far.
r/keitruck • u/Successful-Counter-5 • 1d ago
Are there any other design of sun visor available? Like the one on the ford truck. The only sun visor i could find is this version on eBay.
r/keitruck • u/Skitz-Scarekrow • 1d ago
I've been eyeballing kei trucks as my next vehicle (Carrys and equivalents are legal in my state), but I'd appreciate expert opinions.
The price and gas mileage are very tempting for getting to and from work, but knowing that they aren't really fast enough for highway speeds, or safe for that matter, gives me pause. The poor fuel economy and rust prone nature of small domestic pickups make them very unappealing to me.
We get a good deal of snow most winters and I'm in a hilly area. I dont have any intention of driving anywhere not work or shopping with it, but situations may necessitate me taking it on a >55mph road occasionally. I have basic mechanic skills, but that's not super useful if the transmission needs attention. Is something like a Carry or and Every a bad idea as my only vehicle?
Edit: Thank you for the input, everyone. It gives me a lot to consider. I wish the Jimny was legal in the US.
r/keitruck • u/tucker0104 • 1d ago
I have a pontoon boat that I change the lower gear oil in every two years. Does anyone know if these trucks can just pull the pontoon boat out of the water about 30 feet for me to change the oil. I am guessing trailer and boat weigh 3,000 pounds
r/keitruck • u/Managed-Asset • 1d ago
Anyone know of a solid mechanic for a daihatsu hijet. I have a 1997 one that needs repair.
r/keitruck • u/LowerSuggestion5344 • 1d ago
r/keitruck • u/Physical-Rice730 • 1d ago
The framework is done minus the doors. It wasn’t clear how well the top would integrate with the wooden frame but it worked perfectly. The electrical panel and wiring are next then insulation and sheeting. The windows going in are going to make a huge difference after that.
r/keitruck • u/BrionvegaTS505 • 2d ago
r/keitruck • u/Fargraven2 • 1d ago
The hours are listed as 24/7 obviously, but can a public citizen pick up their truck on a weekend?
r/keitruck • u/FatsDomino98 • 1d ago
Hi everyone, I’m based in Southern CA and have been wanting a Kei Truck for years now and am finally starting to research and dive into the necessary steps to purchase, import, and register the vehicle to be able to drive in CA.
I understand the big hurdle with CA is passing smog and emissions testing, but I know some 98’ and newer models potentially could meet CARB standards and result in becoming street legal.
Does anyone have recent success stories of registering and making their Kei Truck street legal in CA?
Any insight and help is greatly appreciated!
r/keitruck • u/trashman6969 • 2d ago
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I need some help. I have been having some issues with my Suzuki starting and thought it might be a battery issue. Bought a new battery and when I turn the key the engine light comes on. It doesn't even try to start
Any help is appreciated.
r/keitruck • u/Nice_guy005 • 2d ago
Spruced up the door cards with Japanese tapestry and added some 6” door speakers. 🔊 Very happy with the results!! 😎