In the timetable effective November 1, 1986, just before the April 1987 privatization of JNR, the frequency of special rapid services in the Keihanshin region increased, and 6-car sets in the Nagoya area were shortened to four cars.
It had been four years since any modifications were made, and around this time improvements were made to all aspects of the trains.
The most significant changes were:
Seats were added in the unused space at the ends of the saloons.

The original side windows were replaced with units that have a single pane which closes vertically.

Bogies were replaced with DT50C types on powered cars and TR235B types (both developed for the 205 series) on the trailer cars.
As a result of this, the interior floor was lowered 45 mm.

Installation of contoured bench seats.
In the timetable effective November 1, 1986, just before the April 1987 privatization of JNR, the frequency of special rapid services in the Keihanshin region increased, and 6-car sets in the Nagoya area were shortened to four cars. It had been four years since any modifications were made, and around this time improvements were made to all aspects of the trains. The most significant changes were:
Seats were added in the unused space at the ends of the saloons.
The original side windows were replaced with units that have a single pane which closes vertically.
Bogies were replaced with DT50C types on powered cars and TR235B types (both developed for the 205 series) on the trailer cars. As a result of this, the interior floor was lowered 45 mm.
Installation of contoured bench seats.
117 series