1985 Honda Acty Show Truck

Another Saturday morning of taking bits off the proton...

I love how the side light units are retained by springs...





Inner rear arches are so clean...





Under light trim piece thingies removed...



I spent ages trying to remove the rear lights and bumpers after removing all visible nuts but they wouldn’t budge so decided to leave them in place for painting, there’s only one line along the light that I won’t be able to access.

I then removed the bumper bumpers, I already knew they were held on by clips in holes but I’ll get a chrome strip to hide the holes which imho will be more subtle and a lower profile than the standard trim pieces...





I was pleasantly surprised to find the bumpers were metal.

Rear mud flaps off next...



Then front plate and front indicators and lower front grill removed...





Rear number plate and mounting panel / reverse lights removed next...



Front mudflaps removed and remains of the adhesive from the side running strips removed with a heat gun and scraper, damage was done to the paint but as I’m repainting any way I wasn’t concerned, I would have chosen a slower and more forgiving removal method if I wasn’t repainting.



Jonny is ready to be attacked by a mouse sander and 800 grit pads next.

I decided to go for a more classic look when I discovered roller painting cars. Current plan is initial d since I introduced Ethan to initial d but possibly with mario M decals that the next owner can remove if desired.

The red / green mario / Luigi split was all down to green gear knob and steering wheel but I think I’m going to revert back to standard gear knob and paint green on steering wheel black.

That’s along my thinking really. Have some fun with it but not killing it by doing silly unnecessary drilling / cutting etc.

If I can get the paint looking real nice it might attract new people to this model that might have dismissed them in the past and if anyone does want a mint one in the future they could strip paint off and have a proper respray and it would be like a new car.

In other news a 12 metre roll of 50mm vinyl wrap tape has arrived for the middle belt line...

Seller based in Pershore so probably one of his that was parked as an advertising board on bridge above M5.
I also met some deluded 20 yr old with plans to drop a Ducati V twin into one. I'd lay odds he never did it!

Not sure if I mentioned it on this thread but I did find myself browsing them on Japanese auctions at the start of the year but resisted.

The trouble with the modified ones i think is they look like they’ve been raced in Japan- maybe not all of them - but think I’d rather go for a standard one.

I did find van versions rather than pickup too.

Latest update from the body shop where the Acty currently resides...



Steel lower repair panels intended for a vw split screen being adapted to form new side panels and rear arches.

Not as clear cut as you might think but probably mint will be tricky not to choose eventually.

Can't believe it's taken me 7, incredibly busy, working hours to go through this thread.

I'm green with envy that you have the ways and means to take on such projects and have a supporting family around you. Fantastic job, Keep at it man. Life would be even duller if we all drove the same thing.

Cheers for the comment. Glad it was worth reading. Yes very understanding people around helps!