TOYOTA MINIACE TRUCK

OVERVEW

Manufacturer: Toyota (until December 1969)

                        Daihatsu (from January 1970)

                        Hino Motors (from January 1970)

Production: Nov. 1967 – Nov. 1975

Assembly: Takaoka plant, Toyota, Aichi, Japan

                  Hamura, Tokyo, Japan (Hino)

• Body and Chassis

Body style: truck, microvan, microbus

Layout: MR

Platform: P100-series

Related: Toyota Publica

• Powertrain

Engine: 790 cc 2U air-cooled OHV H2

Transmission: 4-speed manual (column shift)

• Dimensions

Wheelbase: 1,950 mm (77 in)

Length: 3,505 mm (138 in) (truck); 3,610 mm (142 in) (van/bus)

Width: 1,380 mm (54 in)

Height: 1,625–1,675 mm (64–66 in)

Curb weight: 600–770 kg (1,320–1,700 lb)

HISTORY

The Toyota MiniAce was a small utility vehicle built by Toyota from November 1967 until November 1975. It shared many parts with the Toyota Publica, especially the Publica P20 Pickup. In Japan, it was sold through the Corolla Store and Toyota Auto Store networks. Because it shares many parts with the popular Toyota Publica and the highly collectable Toyota Sports 800 most MiniAces have been used for parts and very few survive.

It entered the market in November 1967, as a truck or as a panel van. Priced low, in consideration of its 500 kg (1,100 lb) payload, the MiniAce sold well, especially due to its compliance to the Japanese annual road tax obligation.

SOME INFORMATION ABOUT THE MINIACE

The concept originated in 1964. As for the Publica, the air-cooled OHV boxer-two 2U-B of 790 cc (0.79 liters) was used. The engine is mounted beneath and slightly behind the seats. A selling point was the particularly small turning circle of only 7.8 m (25.6 ft).

True success followed once the MiniAce Van (UP100V) and MiniAce Coach, a seven-seater minibus, were added in August 1968. Soon, though, more modern challengers like Mitsubishi’s Delica began whittling away at the market share of the MiniAce. Its toughest competitor, the 1969 Datsun Sunny Cab received a water-cooled 1.2 liter engine for 1972. The MiniAce’s 2U-B engine offered only 36 PS (26 kW) at 4,600 rpm, which was enough for a claimed top speed of 110 km/h (68 mph). Nonetheless, Toyota’s 1967 engagement with Daihatsu meant that Toyota was to relinquish this portion of the market, and no more serious investments in the MiniAce were made. After December 1969, manufacture was transferred from Toyota’s Takaoka plant and was now shared between Hino, Daihatsu, and the Fuji Auto Body Co., Ltd. which made the bodies.

In the early seventies the MiniAce received a very light facelift, mainly consisting of a plastic shield with a “Toyota” script located just beneath the front windshield. As the air-cooled U engine would have a hard time passing new, stricter emissions standards for 1976, production was halted in November 1975. Although the MiniAce had become too small and spartan for the now more sophisticated Japanese consumers, it was still a strong seller in other Asian markets. The larger LiteAce and all new TownAce took over, with Daihatsu’s Hijet covering the lower end of the segment.

HOW TO TAKE CARE YOUR TOYOTA?

Preventative maintenance is the best way to keep your MINIACE running reliably and reduce the risk of breakdown.

Here are the top ten preventative maintenance tips that we suggest all trucking businesses follow:

1. Check fluid levels: Verifying your engine oil, coolant, transmission, brake, power steering and other underhood fluids only takes a few minutes and is an easy way to avoid major problems. If you see a drop in a fluid level between checks, it’s a good indication that you have a consumption or leak problem and can fix it before it becomes a major problem.
2. Change fluids: The frequency for changing your fluids will depend on how many miles you drive, the weight of the loads you carry and the type of driving you do (highway, dusty roads, city traffic, etc.). Trying to get extra life out of your fluids may save in the short term but cost you big in repairs and breakdowns later on.
3. Verify tire pressures: Any trucker will tell you that tire pressure is critical to check often on your large truck or tractor-trailer.
4. Check your tires: Uneven tire wear can be related to tire pressure issues or problems with your alignment or suspension. Include a check of your tire condition and tread depth as part of your preventative maintenance plan.
5. Inspect your brakes: When you’re carrying a full load, you want to be sure you can get stopped safely. Frequently check your brakes and replace them when they reach the minimum wear condition.
6. Check air filters: A clean air filter can go a long way toward reducing your fuel consumption and helping your engine run more smoothly.
7. Do a battery load test and electrical system verification: If you operate in colder climates, a check before winter is the best way to avoid charging problems.
8. Inspect your gearbox and clutch: A regular inspection of your gearbox and verification that it is functioning properly can help you catch problems as they arise. You will also want to ensure that your clutch isn’t slipping, as this can affect reliability and fuel economy.
9. Check out your exterior lighting: A quick walk-around verification of your exterior lighting helps you catch burnt out bulbs and replace them before you hit the road.
10. Service your fifth wheel platform: Problems with your fifth wheel platform can slow you down and even keep your truck off the road if you can’t securely hook up your trailer.

Every trucking company has a unique fleet of trucks and trailers and needs to adapt their preventative maintenance list to suit their situation. Including these ten tips in your list will help ensure your trucks run more reliably and are less susceptible to breakdown.

Source: wikipedia, toyotaofwestcounty.