Paramedic to Sheriff: Why This Cop Collects VW Beetles & JDM Kei Vans
About this episode
Deputy Dave shares his fascinating journey from paramedic to sheriff, revealing his passion for collecting VW Beetles and JDM Kei vans. The conversation dives into his eclectic career path, including acting roles and unique experiences like delivering racing pigeons. Dave's pride in his 1967 Beetle, affectionately named Alice, and his quirky 1996 Honda Acti van, showcases his love for functional and fun vehicles. With stories of car culture, personal anecdotes, and a humorous take on life, this episode is packed with automotive nostalgia and charm.
Click here to share your favorite car, car story or any automotive trivia!
Most law enforcement officers drive American muscle or practical trucks. Deputy Dave dreams about importing Japan's tiniest, most impractical vehicles: JDM Kei vans.
His automotive journey started with an Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme—as American as it gets. But somewhere between patrol duties and car shows, Dave discovered a whole universe of miniature Japanese commercial vehicles that most Americans don't know exist. Now he's plotting how to import one.
The question isn't whether Kei vans are practical. They're not. The question is: what happens when a law enforcement officer falls in love with the least cop-appropriate vehicles imaginable?
In this episode, Deputy Dave shares:
- What it was like owning an Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme as a first car
- The exact moment he discovered JDM Kei vans (and became obsessed)
- Why Japan's tiny commercial vehicles have a cult following in the U.S.
- The legal reality of importing and registering a Kei van in America
- How his law enforcement background shapes his car collection strategy
- What his fellow officers think about his Kei van obsession
- The specific Kei van model he's hunting—and why it's so hard to find
But there's one story about a traffic stop that Dave says perfectly captures why he loves the unexpected in automotive culture. This one's a must-hear.
Related episodes:
https://buzzsprout.com/2316026/episodes/17376238-how-to-import-supra-skyline-integra-jdm-business-secrets-with-mohammad-azeem
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Volkswagen
"But look at that VW Shrine. The dude is broadcasting from a VW Shrine and it's just all over."
Volkswagen is a car company from Germany that makes many popular cars, like the Beetle and Golf. They are known for their unique designs and engineering.
Volkswagen, often abbreviated as VW, is a German automotive manufacturer known for producing a wide range of vehicles, including the iconic Beetle and Golf models.
Alfa 164S
"...nd 118 models. And then we have a boatload of the 164s, including one of the ten signs down here right o..."
The Alfa Romeo 164 is a stylish car from Italy that was made for a little over a decade. It's known for looking good and being fun to drive, with a focus on comfort. People talk about it because it's different from many other cars and has a cool history.
The Alfa Romeo 164 is a mid-size luxury sedan produced from 1987 to 1998, known for its distinctive Italian styling and sporty performance. It features a front-wheel-drive layout and was one of the first Alfa models to be designed with a focus on comfort and technology. The 164 is often discussed for its unique character and the brand's rich heritage in automotive design.
Volkswagen Beetle
"...that was made by Jim Beam that's in the shape of a Volkswagen Beetle that I found at auction and had to have."
The Volkswagen Beetle is a famous small car with a unique round shape. It was very popular and has a long history, being made for many years.
The Volkswagen Beetle is an iconic compact car that was originally produced from the 1930s until 2003, known for its distinctive rounded shape and rear-engine layout.
Honda Acti Street
"So I have I have a 1996 Honda Acti Street, which is the technical name. It's actually a street V as in V is in Victor. It's a van."
The Honda Acti Street is a small van made by Honda, designed to be efficient and easy to drive in tight spaces. It's part of a category of vehicles in Japan called kei cars, which are small and economical.
The Honda Acti Street is a kei truck produced by Honda, known for its compact size and efficiency. It features a unique design and is popular in Japan for its versatility as a small commercial vehicle.
three-cylinder engine
"It is a three cylinder, six hundred and sixty CC, which is the normal K variety."
A three-cylinder engine is a type of engine that has three small cylinders inside it. They are usually more efficient and use less fuel than larger engines.
A three-cylinder engine is an internal combustion engine configuration that uses three cylinders to produce power. These engines are often more fuel-efficient and lighter than their four-cylinder counterparts, making them popular in small cars and kei vehicles.
660 CC
"It is a three cylinder, six hundred and sixty CC, which is the normal K variety."
660 CC means the size of the engine in the Honda Acti Street. It's a small engine size that helps keep the car efficient and economical.
660 CC refers to the engine displacement of the Honda Acti Street, indicating the total volume of all the cylinders in the engine. In Japan, kei cars are limited to a maximum engine displacement of 660 CC to qualify for tax benefits and regulations.
Oldsmobile Cutlass
"My first car was an eighty six Oldsmobile Cutlass that had been previously stolen. It had been recovered."
The Oldsmobile Cutlass is a car that was made by the Oldsmobile brand. The 1986 version is known for being a comfortable and popular car in the 1980s.
The Oldsmobile Cutlass is a mid-size car that was produced by Oldsmobile, a division of General Motors, from the 1960s until the early 1990s. The 1986 model is part of the Cutlass line that was popular for its comfort and performance during its time.
Ford Crown Victoria
"...it was a 94 crown Vic. I don't know if I mentioned this one before yet. But yeah, so she she had told everybody in the family..."
The Ford Crown Victoria is a large car that was popular for police and taxi use. The 1994 model is known for being tough and spacious, making it a favorite for many drivers.
The Ford Crown Victoria is a full-size sedan that was widely used by law enforcement and taxi services due to its durability and spacious interior. The 1994 model is part of the fourth generation of the Crown Victoria, known for its body-on-frame construction and V8 engine.
Ford F
"... and it started breaking down. And I found a 1975 Ford F 100 single cab, long bed, two wheel drive camper ..."
The Ford F-100 is an old pickup truck that Ford made for many years, and it's known for being tough and useful for different jobs. The 1975 version is a bit newer and has some nice updates that make it more comfortable to drive. People like to talk about it because it's a classic truck that many collectors love.
The Ford F-100 is a classic pickup truck that was produced by Ford from 1953 to 1983, known for its durability and versatility. The 1975 model is part of the sixth generation, which features a more modern design and improved comfort compared to earlier versions. The F-100 is often discussed for its iconic status in American automotive history and its appeal to collectors and enthusiasts.
Toyota Crown
"... was working on the truck while I was driving the crown Vic. And then the crown Vic broke down to the poi..."
The Toyota Crown is a big, fancy car made by Toyota that people like for its comfort and nice features. It's been around for a long time and is known for being reliable, which means it doesn't break down often. People talk about it because it's one of the nicer cars Toyota makes.
The Toyota Crown is a full-size luxury sedan that has been produced by Toyota since 1955. It is known for its comfort, reliability, and advanced technology features, making it a popular choice in markets like Japan and Australia. The Crown is often discussed for its significance in the evolution of Toyota's luxury offerings and its impact on the brand's reputation.
carburetor
"...the only thing that would keep it running was a penny and a piece of duct tape because one of the vacuum ports on the carburetor had blown out."
A carburetor is a part of the engine that helps mix air and fuel so the car can run. If it gets damaged, the car might not work properly.
A carburetor is a device in internal combustion engines that mixes air with a fine spray of liquid fuel. It plays a crucial role in the engine's performance and efficiency.
backfire
"...you'd hear a backfire and then the car would die and I know that the penny had blown off."
Backfire is when your car makes a loud popping noise because fuel is burning in the wrong place. It can happen for different reasons, often related to how the engine is working.
Backfire refers to a situation where fuel ignites outside of the combustion chamber, often causing a loud popping sound. This can happen due to various issues, such as incorrect timing or a malfunctioning carburetor.
crate motor
"...It had a crate motor in it that had like less than 500 miles on it that the previous owner had put in."
A crate motor is a complete engine that you can buy and put into a car. It's like getting a new engine in a box, ready to use without needing to build it yourself.
A crate motor is a pre-assembled engine sold as a complete unit, often used for replacement or upgrades in vehicles. They are typically new or refurbished and come ready to install.
Subaru Baja
"...because he was driving around. And I don't know why I remember this. He had a Subaru Baja that was his daily."
The Subaru Baja is a type of vehicle that looks like a small truck but drives like a car. It was made by Subaru and is popular for its fun design and practicality.
The Subaru Baja is a compact utility vehicle that combines features of a car and a pickup truck. It was produced from 2003 to 2006 and is known for its unique design and versatility.
Volkswagen GTI
"...with my GTI because I had mine about the same time you had yours killing me that I didn't keep it."
The Volkswagen GTI is a fun and sporty car that many people love to drive. It's known for being fast and practical, making it a popular choice for car enthusiasts.
The Volkswagen GTI is a sporty hatchback known for its performance and practicality. It has a strong enthusiast following and is often regarded as one of the best hot hatches available.
K car
"...So we wanted to talk about the Japanese K car, which is a class of cars. K E I and I'm interested in one every week..."
K cars are tiny cars in Japan that are very small and have small engines. They are popular because they are cheap to buy and run, and you can save money on taxes for owning one.
K cars, or Kei cars, are a category of small, lightweight vehicles in Japan that are designed to meet specific regulations regarding size and engine displacement. They are popular for their affordability, fuel efficiency, and tax benefits in Japan.
Nissan Pao
"...we're talking about the Nissan Pao a couple of weeks ago was Auto ZAM AZ one..."
The Nissan Pao is a small, cute car made by Nissan in the late 1980s. It's known for its unique look and is part of a group of fun cars that Nissan made at that time.
The Nissan Pao is a retro-styled Kei car that was produced in the late 1980s and is known for its unique design and compact size. It was part of Nissan's 'Pike' series of cars, which emphasized quirky styling and fun driving experiences.
Autozam AZ-1
"...was Auto ZAM AZ one."
The Autozam AZ-1 is a small, sporty car from the early 1990s that has cool doors that open like a bird's wings. It's a fun car to drive and is popular among collectors now.
The Autozam AZ-1 is a Kei car that was produced in the early 1990s, featuring a distinctive gullwing door design and a mid-engine layout. It is known for its sporty performance and unique styling, making it a sought-after collector's item today.
five speed
"It's a five speed right hand drive. Oh, five speed. Yeah, it's a five speed."
A five speed is a type of manual transmission that has five different gears you can shift through while driving. It helps the car perform better and can save fuel.
A five speed refers to a manual transmission with five gears, allowing the driver to select different gear ratios for various driving conditions. This setup can provide better fuel efficiency and performance compared to automatic transmissions.
Honda Acty
"...I found an army green Honda Acty van. And I said, that's the one."
The Honda Acty is a small van that is commonly used in Japan. It's great for carrying things around because it's easy to drive and park.
The Honda Acty is a small, lightweight van that is popular in Japan for its compact size and versatility. It's often used for commercial purposes and is known for its efficiency and practicality.
tachometer
"...It has the tachometer. It has the cloth seats, not the vinyl seats."
A tachometer is a tool in the car that shows how fast the engine is spinning. It helps drivers know when to change gears to keep the car running smoothly.
A tachometer is a gauge that measures the engine's RPM (revolutions per minute). It helps drivers understand how hard the engine is working and when to shift gears for optimal performance.
power steering
"...the power brakes, the power steering, the five speed made it not all automatic."
Power steering makes it easier to turn the steering wheel, especially at low speeds. It helps you steer without straining your arms.
Power steering is a system that helps drivers steer the vehicle by using hydraulic or electric actuators to reduce the amount of effort needed to turn the steering wheel.
power brakes
"...the power brakes, the power steering, the five speed made it not all automatic."
Power brakes help you stop your car with less effort. They use a special system to make braking easier.
Power brakes use a vacuum assist to reduce the effort needed to apply the brakes, making it easier to stop the vehicle.
air conditioning
"...you said air conditioning."
Air conditioning is what keeps the car cool inside when it's hot outside, making it more comfortable to drive.
Air conditioning in a vehicle is a system that cools and dehumidifies the air inside the car, providing comfort to passengers, especially in hot weather.
Tesla Cybertruck
"...I'm looking at a Cybertruck and now I'm looking at a Nissan pow. So you'll be happier..."
The Cybertruck is a unique electric truck made by Tesla. It's known for its unusual shape and strong materials, making it different from regular trucks.
The Tesla Cybertruck is an all-electric pickup truck known for its futuristic design and high durability. It features a stainless steel exoskeleton and is designed for both utility and performance.
manual transmission
"But if you're used to a manual transmission car, yeah, it's so easy. And Roger, this one shifts so smooth that it doesn't, you know, like I most of my time..."
A manual transmission is when you have to change gears yourself while driving, usually by using a stick and a clutch pedal. It gives you more control over how the car moves.
A manual transmission is a type of vehicle transmission that requires the driver to manually shift gears using a clutch pedal and gear stick. This allows for greater control over the vehicle's power and speed compared to automatic transmissions.
torque
"But it also has a lot of really low torque, which is surprising that you can start in second gear all the time."
Torque is how much turning power an engine has. It helps the car start moving and can be especially strong at low speeds, which is important for things like towing or quick starts.
Torque is a measure of rotational force. In automotive terms, it refers to the engine's ability to do work, particularly at low speeds, which is crucial for acceleration and towing capacity.
RPM
"...it sounds like it's screaming because it's around forty five to five thousand RPM, but it red lines at seventy five hundred."
RPM means how fast the engine is spinning. When the number is high, it usually means the engine is working hard and can go faster.
RPM stands for revolutions per minute, a measure of how many times the engine's crankshaft makes a full rotation every minute. Higher RPMs typically indicate that the engine is working harder and can lead to increased power output.
red line
"...but it red lines at seventy five hundred."
The red line is the highest speed the engine should go without breaking. If you go past it, you could hurt the engine.
The red line on a tachometer indicates the maximum safe engine speed. Exceeding this limit can cause engine damage, so it's important for drivers to shift gears before reaching this point.
Volkswagen Type 2 Transporter Double Pickup
"...would probably be the sixty eight to seventy two. VWT two transporter double pickup."
The Volkswagen Type 2 Transporter is a famous van that many people love. The Double Pickup version has a truck bed, which makes it special and useful for carrying things.
The Volkswagen Type 2 Transporter, also known as the VW Bus, is a classic vehicle known for its distinctive boxy shape and versatility. The Double Pickup variant features a truck bed, making it unique among the Type 2 models.
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