7 Hard-to-Find Honda Acty Parts and Where to Get Them
The Honda Acty is a unique and versatile mini truck that has been a favorite for small businesses, farmers, and even off-road enthusiasts since its introduction in the 1980s. With its compact design, the Honda Acty is especially popular in Japan but has garnered a following in various parts of the world, particularly in countries where small vehicles are a necessity for navigating tight spaces.
However, being a vehicle that has been discontinued for some time, sourcing parts for the Honda Acty can be a challenge. Certain parts, due to their rarity, are especially hard to find. In this article, we’ll look at seven such hard-to-find Honda Acty parts and where you can source them to keep your mini truck running smoothly.
1. Honda Acty Engine Parts
The heart of the Honda Acty is its engine. While the Acty uses a small, efficient engine, parts for it can be hard to come by, especially for older models. Some of the more elusive engine components include the carburetor, timing belts, water pumps, and alternators. These parts, while relatively simple, can often wear out over time and require replacement.
Where to Get Them
- Honda Dealerships: Although discontinued, some Honda dealerships still carry genuine parts for older models like the Acty. It’s a good idea to reach out to local dealerships with a special order request for these engine components.
- Online Retailers: Websites such as JapanParts, Nengun Performance, and Rocket Bunny offer various OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) engine parts for the Honda Acty. Many of these retailers source parts directly from Japan and ship worldwide.
- Specialist Shops: Some specialist shops in Japan and in other regions that cater to JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) vehicles can be valuable resources. Shops like JDM Expo or Japan Car Direct have access to rare parts and can help find engine components for the Acty.
- Used Parts Dealers: If new parts are unavailable, used parts can often be sourced from eBay or JDM parts dealers who dismantle old Honda Actys.
2. Honda Acty Suspension Components
The Honda Acty was designed to be a versatile workhorse, and its suspension system plays a crucial role in ensuring it can handle the tasks it was designed for. Suspension parts such as the shock absorbers, control arms, and bushings can be hard to find, especially if you’re looking for OEM replacements.
Where to Get Them
- Aftermarket Manufacturers: Companies like KYB and Monroe produce aftermarket shock absorbers and struts that are compatible with the Honda Acty. These parts offer excellent quality and can be found through various online stores like Amazon and Summit Racing.
- JDM Imports: The most reliable source for original suspension components is from JDM parts suppliers. Retailers such as Amayama and JDM World provide both OEM and aftermarket suspension parts for Honda Acty trucks.
- Auto Parts Stores: Online retailers like RockAuto and AutoZone occasionally stock aftermarket suspension parts compatible with the Acty. While they may not always have OEM components, aftermarket options can work well if you’re looking for a more affordable alternative.
3. Honda Acty Transmission Parts
Another area where finding parts can be challenging is the transmission. The Honda Acty uses a 4-speed manual transmission, and parts like gears, shift forks, and synchronizers are prone to wear and tear. These parts are especially hard to find due to the limited production and the niche market for such small vehicles.
Where to Get Them
- Transmission Specialists: Some specialized transmission shops have access to hard-to-find Honda Acty part, including transmission components. You can contact shops like Transtar Industries or Drivetrain Parts for potential sources.
- JDM Parts Dealers: As with engine and suspension components, JDM suppliers are an excellent resource for Honda Acty transmission parts. Nengun and JapanParts can be particularly useful in this case.
- Online Auctions: Sometimes, you can find parts from dismantled Acty vehicles on auction sites such as eBay or Yahoo Auctions Japan. These sources offer transmission components that may no longer be in production.
4. Honda Acty Body Panels and Trim
Given the Honda Acty’s boxy design, body panels and trim parts can be susceptible to damage, particularly if the vehicle has been used for work purposes. Finding original body parts like fenders, bumpers, tailgates, and doors is often a challenge due to the Acty’s discontinued status.
Where to Get Them
- OEM Parts Suppliers: Some companies specialize in sourcing OEM body parts from Japan, such as JDM Parts Direct or Japanoid. These websites offer a range of body panels and trim components, including hard-to-find items for the Acty.
- Salvage Yards: Used parts from salvage yards can be a reliable option, particularly for body panels. JDM junkyards in Japan or parts resellers in North America often dismantle vehicles and list their body parts for sale. Websites like eBay or Craigslist can sometimes have sellers offering used body panels.
- Custom Fabrication: If original parts are completely unavailable, you might need to consider having body parts custom-made or fabricated by a local auto shop that specializes in small Japanese vehicles.
5. Honda Acty Electrical Components
Electrical components, such as the ECU (Engine Control Unit), alternator, ignition coils, and wiring harnesses, are integral to the performance of the Honda Acty. While some of these components are available, certain older parts are difficult to find.
Where to Get Them
- Specialist Honda Acty Dealers: Companies like HondaPartsNow or HondaWarehouse may have access to certain electrical components, especially for the Acty’s early models.
- Aftermarket Electrical Parts: Aftermarket suppliers like Denso or Bosch offer a range of electrical parts that are compatible with the Honda Acty. These can be found at various online auto parts retailers such as Amazon, AutoZone, and Summit Racing.
- Japanese Importers: Websites like Amayama and Nengun carry some electrical components for the Acty, but they tend to focus on newer parts. For the older models, you may need to contact the importer directly or work with a specialist in used Japanese parts.
6. Honda Acty Glass and Mirrors
As with any vehicle, replacing glass and mirrors is often necessary due to wear or damage. Finding original Honda Acty glass, including windshields, side windows, and rear glass, can be a difficult task, especially with the vehicle’s unique size and shape.
Where to Get Them
- OEM Glass Suppliers: Some auto glass companies specialize in rare vehicles and can help source Honda Acty glass. SafeLite AutoGlass and PGW Auto Glass sometimes have access to more uncommon parts and can assist with locating glass specific to the Acty.
- JDM Parts Suppliers: Certain JDM suppliers, such as Amayama or JapanParts, can assist in locating original Honda Acty glass and mirrors.
- Used Glass: Salvage yards and used parts dealers are often the best place to find Honda Acty glass. Websites like eBay, Craigslist, or JDM yards will sometimes list used glass that’s in good condition.
7. Honda Acty Interior Components
Interior components such as the dashboard, seats, trim, and carpeting are some of the hardest parts to find for the Honda Acty. The interior of the Acty was designed to be simple and functional, but it can suffer from wear and tear over time, particularly with the seats and upholstery.
Where to Get Them
- JDM Suppliers: Retailers like JDM Parts, JapanParts, and Nengun have access to interior parts, including seating and trim components. While they may not always have what you need in stock, they can often source items from Japan upon request.
- Aftermarket Upholstery: If you need to replace or upgrade the upholstery, consider contacting local upholstery shops. Many can create custom seat covers or replace fabric for your Honda Acty.
- Used Parts: The best place to find used interior components for the Acty is through salvage yards or auctions. eBay and JDM parts websites sometimes offer seats, dashboards, and other interior parts from dismantled Acty vehicles.
Conclusion
The Honda Acty may no longer be in production, but its legacy lives on through a dedicated community of enthusiasts and owners. While sourcing parts for this mini truck can be a challenge, it’s certainly possible with the right approach. Whether you turn to JDM parts suppliers, specialized Honda dealerships, or even used parts dealers, there are options available to keep your Acty running smoothly.
The key to successfully sourcing these hard-to-find parts is persistence and leveraging the various resources available online and through specialist dealers. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for used parts and consider reaching out to salvage yards or dismantlers in Japan for a wider selection of components. By utilizing these sources, you can maintain your Honda Acty and continue to enjoy its reliable performance for years to come.