1990 Hino Ranger Hauler

Japanese Classics Shop Car

Exterior Overview

We bought this 1990 Hino Ranger a few years ago while in Japan. This particular truck was picked for several reasons: low mileage, serviceable in the U.S., and the ability to carry two cars. We wanted to build a Japanese car hauler to bring our show cars up and down the east coast to the many car shows we attend each year. When we purchased this car hauler the exterior was tired, weathered, and the old white paint was in poor condition. Overall the truck was fairly plain and boring. However, mechanically it was in excellent condition and functionally it was exactly what we were looking for. So we purchased it and shipped this massive truck back to the USA. Once it arrived we went to work putting the signature Japanese Classics custom touch on it. Every part of the exterior was sanded, stripped, and refinished. The color was changed from white to Nissan’s R34 V-SPEC Sonic Silver (KR4) that you see here. In addition to the color change, thousands of LED’s were added to the sides, deck, cab, and rear of the truck which are controlled by a Japanese Dekatora light controller with dozens of patterns. We also built custom side panels, added an OEM front lip plus a one-off front chin spoiler inspired by the Hakotora style chin spoilers, a one-off airfoil on top of the cab which is airbrushed and backlit, a retro Hino front badge which is backlit, clear bumper lights, OEM chrome rain visors, mirror stainless rear ramp panels, Dekatora rear taillights, and one-off rear mud flaps just to name a few. A set of polished forged Alcoa wheels ensure a long life and great looks! This truck gets looks on the highway constantly, and people are always waving and taking photos. The exterior is in great condition but we have used it for several years as a work/show truck and does show evidence of use. One thing is for sure, you won’t find anything else like it on the roads.

1990 Hino Ranger Hauler
1990 Hino Ranger Hauler

Interior Overview

The interior is quite nice. The Japanese Rangers were offered with an extended cab which included a bed behind the seats, this option was not available on US models. The bed is surprisingly comfortable and in excellent condition. To make the interior more modern we also added a Kenwood headunit with bluetooth and AUX inputs along with a permanently mounted and hardwired Garmin GPS. A subwoofer has also been installed under the bed in the cab and adds plenty of mid and low range to the stereo. A rearview camera displays in the rearview mirror which makes backing the truck up quick and easy. The driver seat and passenger seat have both been recovered in leather, while the middle seat remains the factory cloth. The carpet does show some staining particularly on the driver’s side but does not have any rips or other condition issues. Overall this truck boasts a very clean and well-kept interior with modern features.

1990 Hino Ranger Hauler
1990 Hino Ranger Hauler

Mechanical Overview

Mechanically this Ranger is an extremely reliable workhorse. Powered by a 7.4L H07D non turbo diesel engine it can carry two cars on the back without noticing they are back there. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a 6-speed manual transmission. Top speed is about 72 MPH and cruises comfortably at 65MPH. While it’s not the fastest truck in the world it will get you there without a hitch, unlike most modern diesels. This truck has always been serviced by our local Hino dealer since we purchased it. It has new brakes, a new water pump, new tires, and all preventative maintenance has been performed on a regular basis. The upper lift is operated by a winch which lifts the top-loaded car up easily out of the way. If you have a couple of cars you need to transport or if you are looking for a reliable well-built transport truck for your shop, this truck is the one for you! We are building a new 4 car hauler, and the time has come to pass this one on to the next owner.

1990 Hino Ranger Hauler
1990 Hino Ranger Hauler

*California Residents: In order to register a Grey Market vehicle in the state of California then it will have to be made CARB compliant first. CARB certifications will have to be performed within the state. Depending on the vehicle and any existing modifications will affect the pricing. Typically CARB compliance will range between 5-10K. Additional information can be found on the California Air Resources Board website.