Ok, Another newbie with newbie questions

[roswel]

Hello everyone, I am currently looking for a new diesel recreation vehicle for camping/fishing etc and after looking at a VW Syncro $$$$, HiAce (ugly as hell and reliability issues), Sambar Dias (cute, great mileage but long trips???) and the Delica it would seem that the choice is pretty easy.

-reliability, versatility, kewlness factor and the support for wvo all ++++ for Delica

Now I have some questions, being in Ontario Delicas are very rare so it isnt like I can go hop in a few and get a better feel for some of the features. I have spent a few days going through the forums (yes all 40 pages of the general) and the newbie_faq etc but I still have some questions.

Based on the community here I am sure I will be able to get some answers;

I am looking for SuperExceed, with the Crystalite roof and 93 for the shoulderbelts and I have some questions;

1) Removable seats - messages have said they are removeable is this a simple process? or does it involve wrenches? Can I do this on a moments notice or does it require some planning?

2) Hot/Cold Box - umm what is this? is it powered? where is it? I am imagining a cooler of some sort?

3) What is the gage on the dash? Am I missing a feature where these can become airborne and I need a turn and bank indicator?

4) The Crystal Lites - do they open like a sun roof? or is it a skylite with powered shades?

5) Are the TV/Stereo options even important as I think the bands are all different for reception?

6) Automatic vs Standard - AT gives better gas mileage? Huh? is this an isloated reference or are the manuals ALL geared lower so better for low end torque but not so good on the highway?

7) Buying in BC and driving to Ontario? GhMorris? Anyone else can help point me in the right direction?
- Service in Ontario? How hard is it to find a garage that will work on them, and service them properly? Would any good diesel mechanic be able adapt?

8) Can I get the tables that are listed in the accessory brochures?

Wow anything else? Well maybe anyone in KW area that drives one?

Thanks everyone,

T

[Schwa]

1) Removable seats - messages have said they are removeable is this a simple process? or does it involve wrenches? Can I do this on a moments notice or does it require some planning?

They un-bolt, and are pretty heavy, BUT they will lay flat for carrying things like plywood or drywall, and also the rear seat folds up, leaving quite a good size area in the back for larger things or gear...

2) Hot/Cold Box - umm what is this? is it powered? where is it? I am imagining a cooler of some sort?

It is powered by the Air Conditioner and engine coolant heat - so it gets hot and so cold it can even make ice! It sits up in the front with driver in front of the gear shifter console. It is not removable (unless you open up the AC system, etc)

3) What is the gage on the dash? Am I missing a feature where these can become airborne and I need a turn and bank indicator?

Yes, they fly, that's the reason they come equipped with an altimeter and tiltometer, lol... The Temperature indicator is nice tho (interior, exterior)

4) The Crystal Lites - do they open like a sun roof? or is it a skylite with powered shades?

Skylite with shades... However you can get ones with large sun roofs that power-open.

5) Are the TV/Stereo options even important as I think the bands are all different for reception?

True, don't bother unless it just happens to come with it and it's not costing you more because of it. Pop a north american deck in with a dodge colt headunit wiring harness. Upgrade speakers if you want better than stock sound.

6) Automatic vs Standard - AT gives better gas mileage? Huh? is this an isloated reference or are the manuals ALL geared lower so better for low end torque but not so good on the highway?

Not too sure about mileage specifically but the AT gives lower RPMs at given speed on highway (60km/h+) in stock setups, giving them a small advantage in that situation, but over all they're probably about the same in terms of mileage since manuals still have their traditional advantages. Generally go 5-speed if you like to off-road, AT if you're on the highway mostly. They're both reliable, but the AT is more popular, and also has a north american equivalence so if it breaks it can be fixed reasonably cheap.

Service in Ontario? How hard is it to find a garage that will work on them, and service them properly? Would any good diesel mechanic be able adapt?

A good and willing mechanic / diesel mechanic should be able to adapt. Information is out there and in this forum, what is necessary is that he/she be willing to learn about a new (to them) vehicle. Nothing about the vehicle to too complicated, but some things require a bit of experience, but luckily there are people here willing to share some of that.

[The Pinkfingers]

I am looking for SuperExceed, with the Crystalite roof and 93 for the shoulderbelts

I looked at earlier models with shoulder belts. One of the numerous reasons I choose Delica over Hiace - the Delicas have shoulder belts in the back.

1) Removable seats - messages have said they are removeable is this a simple process? or does it involve wrenches? Can I do this on a moments notice or does it require some planning?

Yes, yes, and yes. Yes it is a simple process. Yes it requires a wrench (six bolts). Yes it can be done on a whim, so long as you have a wrench on board... But as mentioned it folds forward and gives a big space for stuff.

2) Hot/Cold Box - umm what is this? is it powered? where is it? I am imagining a cooler of some sort?

What Schwa said.

3) What is the gage on the dash? Am I missing a feature where these can become airborne and I need a turn and bank indicator?

They are there more for off roading. Apparently these are stable to 35 degrees (not that I would test that).

4) The Crystal Lites - do they open like a sun roof? or is it a skylite with powered shades?

Skylite with powered shades. If you get a Delica with all four shades working, consider yourself blessed.

5) Are the TV/Stereo options even important as I think the bands are all different for reception?

Waaaay overrated. You'll need to replace the stock stereo anyhow if you want to listen to the radio. The Karaoke machine also requires the stock stereo to work, so unless you use an imaginative solution like some others on this site, it's just decoration.

[Mystery Machine]

Shwa has done an excellent job of answering your questions, but I'll add to them if that's OK?

1) Removable seats - messages have said they are removeable is this a simple process? or does it involve wrenches? Can I do this on a moments notice or does it require some planning?

The rear bench is 8 bolts to remove (4 x each side) and takes all of 5 mins maxs to remove fully BUT it is heavy! An assistant on hand is helpful - but it can be managed by one person. Take a look HERE for more comments about seat removal.

The captains seats are also easy to remove - four little nuts on each base and they come out. A bit heavy and awkard to handle - but easily done.

Including unbolting/carrying/stowing the seats I reckon it'd take 15mins to remove all the rear seats. Not too bad if you need a BIG space??

Another seating option that some people aren't awar of is using the rear bench seat flipped fully upright to act as a bulkhead. Maximum load carrying without removing the bench!

2) Hot/Cold Box - umm what is this? is it powered? where is it? I am imagining a cooler of some sort?

As Shwa says, the hot/cold box is a factory fit unit that sits below the dashboard in the centre of the car. The AC gives the cool air/freezing but it's actually a built in electric heater that does the warming, not the engine coolant heat. They are complex things with LOTS of relays, wiring, fuses etc...very over engineered for what they actually do! About 40% of the internal space is taken up with the 'workings'

Here is one I ripped apart to make a bigger storage unit from (ripped out the AC system too, so didn't need the 'workings')

3) What is the gage on the dash? Am I missing a feature where these can become airborne and I need a turn and bank indicator?

Most people couldn't afford the optional 'retractable' landing gear when new, so never really utilised the full flying capabilities of these motors, so the altimeter is pretty much redundant! The inclinometer (wobble ball/horizon globe) is pretty handy for telling you that you're not going to fall over. Yet.

4) The Crystal Lites - do they open like a sun roof? or is it a skylite with powered shades?

If you are looking for a Super Exceed, then these come with the Crystal Lite roof as standard. Electric blinds/shades that open & close to allow/block light through the fixed glass roof panels. They also have a cool central flourescent lighting unit with a dimmer etc....realy lights up the rear in the dark. You won't find a Super Exceed with a rear electric sunroof (there is a manual 'pop up' tilt sunroof as standard in the front of S/Exceeds)

5) Are the TV/Stereo options even important as I think the bands are all different for reception?

If it comes with one, rip it out & stick it on eBay. Then get yourself a decent head unit and maybe upgrade the speakers. I've yet to see an L300 with a good quality stereo fitted from Japan!

6) Automatic vs Standard - AT gives better gas mileage? Huh? is this an isloated reference or are the manuals ALL geared lower so better for low end torque but not so good on the highway?

Covered quite well by Shwa - just go with what you prefer.....BUT test drive both first! I was really against an Auto when looking for my first L300 (UK is 99% manual cars) until I drove an Auto and fell in love with the relaxed way it drove. Really suited the car for me. Since then I've driven a few manuals and really glad I didn't get one now. Some people prefer auto, some manual but you'll only truly know what you prefer by driving both and making a fully informed decision.

7) Buying in BC and driving to Ontario? GhMorris? Anyone else can help point me in the right direction?
- Service in Ontario? How hard is it to find a garage that will work on them, and service them properly? Would any good diesel mechanic be able adapt?

Being a Brit I can't really help on service in Ontario, but I can offer this advice: an engine is an engine....Aston Martin or Mini, it still has valves, pistons etc....and the principals are all the same! L300 engines are VERY basic by modern standards and can be worked on/repaired pretty easily. I know this from a lot of experience and have even repaired mine while stuck in a muddy field many miles from anywhere with only the most basic tools and a bit of cardboard for a gasket! Floorpan out, power steering pump out, thermostat out etc....and a good friend to do it all again when the 'burger box' gasket gave out 20 mins later!!

8) Can I get the tables that are listed in the accessory brochures?

No longer available from Mitsubishi and your best bet is to try and get one of the importers to pick you one up from Japan.

They are very hard to get hold of though - and VERY hard to find here in the UK!! In all the years I've been involved with Delica's I've only ever come across three in the UK! They were all sat in my garage at one time too....

One is now in the Mystery Machine and the other two were sold to raise some cash. I sold them for about $350 each but pricing them is difficult because they were the only ones I've ever seen bought/sold over here! (and I do keep my eye on a LOT of L300 goodies! )

You can see the table in one of the photos above.

I hope that info is of some help to you??

[Mystery Machine]

Apparently these are stable to 35 degrees (not that I would test that).

Luckily for you lot, I HAVE tested it out and can confirm that they are stable beyond 35 degrees (by some way!!)

The picture of the inclinometer in my post above shows it somewhere between 40 and 45 degress, but this was it with the vehicle 'rested' on the mud bank....now take a look at this screen grab from a video of me driving along the mud bank and you'll see I'm tipped quite a bit further over. I reckon just over 45 degrees, but I was too preoccupied at the time to look closely at the inclinometer! It never tipped over though......



So 35 degrees is a very safe angle even though it doesn't feel it. I can assure you 45 degrees feels a lot less stable!

[delica 304]

Hi Roswel,

If you don't mind some input from a lowly base model Delica owner( though widely regarded as one of the better looking examples out there-, the van, not me!)

Having a base model (GLX, also the starting point for the Chamonix variant), I have a high roof, just like the Exceed/ Super Exceed, but I don't have the Crystal Lite roof option. There are two definitive advantages to this:

- Many of the Crystal lite owners have reported some rust around the windows (inside and outside)
-If your power shades don't work (there are some excellent tutorials here on how to fix them) it can get powerful hot inside in the summer.

Just keep in mind that low mileage on these vans isn't necessarily a good thing. Japan is notorious for big, slow traffic, and diesel engines don't break in at the same rate as gasoline engines. That being said, if the van has less than say, 100,000 (a diesel engine is still young and healthy at this point), you are looking at a 15+ year old vehicle that has probably spend most of it's life at idle. Idling diesels means lots of carbon (coke) buildup, as it hasn't been run hot to burn the coke out.

Beyond that, it doesn't really matter what model you get, you are still getting a truly awesome vehicle! (The biggest difference between the bottom and the top of the line is short carpet vs. thick , bench seats vs captain's chairs, and one or two other doodads.)

Just some food for thought,

[FalcoColumbarius]

RIGHT ON, MYSTERY MACHINE !!!!!! I have only had her over to twenty five degrees.
As for the "pod", being in a basic Chamonix ~ I only have the altimeter/inclinometer. So how do I survive without the inside/outside temperature gage? Well, I have developed a technique to overcome this obstacle. To determine the outside temperature I roll down the window and stick my hand out, using the tactile senses. To determine the interior temperature I place my nose into my inner upper torso garments and engage my pheromonal olfactic unit; which in turn determines the humidity in the general vicinity of the vehicle's cockpit. It works kind of like a barometer.
I find the altimeter particularly advantageous when I am setting up my final approach, when bringing her in.

BTW, Roswel... These ships are a lot of fun. They are made by the people who brought you the A-6 Zero. They have a radiator configuration like in an aeroplane. They are built to last so you shouldn't treat them like your typical North American car. They do things that most cars are afraid to do and they can be totally rebuilt into whatever you want them to be...... well, almost... smiles

Falco.

[marsgal42]

The altimeter isn't all that interesting around Vancouver, but in more mountainous parts of the country:

Altimeter at summit of Kootenay Pass.

Very high.jpg (78.41 KiB) Viewed 5331 times

This is at the summit of Kootenay Pass a few weeks ago. The sign by the road (and my GPS) said 1774 meters elevation.

...laura

[delicat]

One last thing,

"I am looking for SuperExceed, with the Crystalite roof and 93 for the shoulderbelts and I have some questions;"

No need to wait for a 93 to get the shoulderbelts, as of Aug '91 they became standard along with the 3rd brake lights, reinforced side panel, rear hatch dome light, driver/passenger's overhead lights...

Good luck, amazing vehicle!

David

[jessef]

T

I have a 93 white Super Exceed that I'm going to put up for sale this week. It may or may not suit your needs.

Shoot me a PM if you're interested.

Jesse

[roswel]

Wow thanks for all of your replies.

Schwa, thanks for the pictures and the speed of your response. The pictures are great, and the rear sunroof seems like it might even be MORE practical.

Thank you Mystery Machine. I am giving up a 4runner, 22re with 31s and a standard downey lift (2in) so I am very happy to see someone 4x4ing with one and living to tell the tales(yes I have seen the Youtube vids but looks like some of those Delicas are pretty beaten). I dont think i have the confidence to tackle a headgasket in the field but good to know it can be done!

The Seat issue, again thanks to all the responses. Part of the duty of this vehicle will be putting 3 guys, all the camping, fishing and camera equipment for 30 day road adventures. I am happy to hear the back seat comes out easily. If it takes me more then 15 minutes it would end up being something that just took more space in my garage.

Pinkfingers, thanks I didn't realize that more models came with shoulder belts. Just means I get a little more in selection.

And they high/low mileage issue. Thanks to everyone for the replies. Sometimes a different perspective is good. What would be good milage? is 150k better then 60k? 120 better then 100? etc etc or should I look more at the rating interior/exterior and less concern over mileage?

Thanks again for everyones replies... truly an amazing group!

Tyson

[jessef]

And they high/low mileage issue. Thanks to everyone for the replies. Sometimes a different perspective is good. What would be good milage? is 150k better then 60k? 120 better then 100? etc etc or should I look more at the rating interior/exterior and less concern over mileage?

Hi Tyson

Someone else asked this a while back.

Hope this helps a bit.

Jesse

Like David said as well, higher mileage than average (100k+) is a good thing.

These 2.5's aren't really broken in until they hit 200k.

People seem to be foolishly hung up on the 'low km' bandwagon when talking about or looking for RHD's.

Wow ! only 30,000km's ! It must be a gem ! Mint condition ! Like new !

Wrong.

Just because you have a 30,000km vehicle doesn't mean that it is better than a 150,000km vehicle.

This is not to say that all sub 200k JDM's are in poor condition mechanically.

More often than not, the 30k vehicle will have sat for months or even years at a time without moving, whereas the 150k vehicle has been driven on/off or on a more consistent basis.

Meaning the 150km vehicle will have more wear and tear, but mechanically that is a good thing. Bushings, hydraulics, lubricated parts that all need to have movement/cycling may have more mileage but will be in good working order as opposed to a low km vehicle with these components being broken down due to a lack of lubrication/cycling/movement (ie. belts, pistons, shafts, joints, axles, cv's, etc...)

When I was searching for a Delica, I was specifically looking at grade 3-4's with 140-180k's on them and a service history to make certain that they didn't sit idle for 4 years (example).

As for the odo turned back. You can rip everything apart and start looking for signs of internal wear, but at that point it would be best to start replacing parts.

I would be more wary of a sub-100km delica's internal/mechanical condition and not the odometer but really this goes for any used vehicle where the exterior is in pristine condition and the drivetrain/mechanics are the unknown.

Jesse

[Erebus]

The Seat issue, again thanks to all the responses. Part of the duty of this vehicle will be putting 3 guys, all the camping, fishing and camera equipment for 30 day road adventures. I am happy to hear the back seat comes out easily. If it takes me more then 15 minutes it would end up being something that just took more space in my garage.

To get an idea of space available, check out Backpacking by Delica. We had the rear seat moved forward, but nothing else changed.

I would probably do the "slide rear seat all the way forward, then tilt to create bulkhead" manoeuver. That would keep all the stuff from intruding on the passenger space. Alternatively, remove rear bench and inside captain's chair. That leaves room for 3 people and maximum cargo space. Especially if remaining captain's chair is faced to rear.