New to Delicas and new to the country... and some canada Q's

Grungle · Post by **Grungle** » Thu Oct 18, 2007 10:04 pm

Hey everyone,

I'm going to be arriving in Vancouver in about 6 weeks, and being from Australia (and therefore familiar with delicas) I’ve decided that’s the car I need. Driving on the "other" side of the road (but in the same configuration as I’m used to) could be interesting, but I’m sure I’ll adapt.

I've been emailing Karim from Silk Road Autos who is VERY helpful, but I'll probably be buying a car without actually having seen it. Once I've narrowed it down if anyone is dropping past Silk Road could you let me know and possibly have a look at the car? I wouldn’t mind getting a second opinion before I actually start sending money over. A quantity of beer would of course be presented upon my arrival to whoever could help me out (I assume beer is equal to currency in other parts of the world too?).

Now I've got a few questions too:

1/ Upon my arrival (December 1st) i plan to drive through the mountains to Banff/Canmore. It has been suggested by an ex-albertan that I should invest in snow tyres and a "block heater" . Do you think this is necessary? I'm planning to stay in the mountains around Banff for the winter, but living in Outback Australia I can't say I’m that familiar with the concept of a block heater OR snow tyres. Are they really necessary?

2/ I have read that one difference between the Super Exceed and the Exceed is the presence of an LSD (Limited Slip Differential). Can anyone confirm that?

3/ Am I likely to have any trouble selling my car again outside of BC? I have no idea where I'll end up after 12 months, but it would be good to know I wouldn't have to travel back to BC just to sell the car (although i might do that anyway...)

Well that's it so far, I must say I'm impressed with this forum so far and hope to meet a few of you when I get over there. I bought my last car over the internet unseen but it was only 1000km away, not 10's of thousands.

patty · Post by **patty** » Thu Oct 18, 2007 10:13 pm

I bought my chamonix from karim,he's super helpful i enjoyed doing buisness with him very much and he still writes me to see how everything is doing.

jrman · Post by **jrman** » Tue Oct 23, 2007 9:25 pm

Hanging around Banff / Canmore? Then I would say Snow Tires are a 100% must and the block heater is a very good idea. You'll appreciate the heater during the minus -15 to -30 nights - should make startup a breeze though I've never had one on a diesel before. It won't be that cold all the time - so you won't need to plug in all winter long - but there you won't regret the install I'm sure and be very happy when you do in fact need it.

I had a Mazda MPV with block heater that didn't do a damn good in -38 at Logan Lake BC - but that's some pretty extreme and reasonably uncommon cold these days. Albertan's would know best - they still get that Arctic blast that hopefully keeps the Mountain Pine Beetle out of their woods......

DelicaMark · Post by **DelicaMark** » Tue Oct 23, 2007 11:21 pm

I had know problems with Karim when i bought mine in August. One thing that I would mention though is to make sure that you ask a few times if the van is compliant with Canadian laws. Headlights changed, corner reflectors added, daytime running lights added (DRLs) and compliant tires.

Mine had some bushings that were worn out when I first went and looked and he had everything fixed up for the next week when I picked it up. 2 months later and everything is still good.

Like everything buyer beware...

-Mark

Grungle · Post by **Grungle** » Wed Oct 24, 2007 12:16 am

Thanks for the input guys, very much appreciated.

I've just put a deposit down with Karim, so in just 5 weeks I'll be hitting the highway in a nice green Delica.

I'll probably be going all over the country with it over the next 12 months, so I might post something on here occasionally (probably begging for parts!) to see if anyone is in the area and interested in meeting up.

I've got the tires sorted out, but I think I'll deal with the block heater once I've picked it up...I assume it's not a difficult thing to install, and I've worked on enough engines before...

Schwa · Post by **Schwa** » Wed Oct 24, 2007 1:12 pm

If you sell your vehicle outside of BC it will need an inspection, but I think that's the case for any vehicle not previously registered in a province... you should make sure the inspection shop knows about these vehicles for smoother sailing, but otherwise no problems as long as you're compliant.

Adam · Post by **Adam** » Wed Oct 24, 2007 1:49 pm

ccautos wrote:We have succesfully installed a block heater into a Delica .... but its a nightmare job . The correct location for the block heater is the core plug right behind the starter motor which means removal of left engine mount and stater motor to gain access . Not sure whether the new owner of the van uses this forum so I will post info on how well it works if they don`t .

Sounds like the block heater might be a bit of a chore, Glen (CCAuto) really knows these machines well. I was thinking about installing one to help with warming up the WVO for quicker switch overs. If money wasn't an object I'd go for a Blue Heat system, those look toasty.

EricN · Post by **EricN** » Wed Oct 24, 2007 3:54 pm

Sorry, if I didnt just have my back cut open I would have gladly gone and looked at it for you.
As for blockheaters, there is another type that you cut a heater line and stick it on there. It heats the whole cooling system. I havent seen them for a while but I also havent been looking. If the actual block heater is too much hassle, it might be worth trying that. Would be very easy to install.
As for LSD, my 90 Exceed has it. Had to pull it apart the night before I had surgery because it was making this horrible banging sound when I first take off or backed up my driveway. I just de-glazed the plates and it seems fine though I haven't been able to drive since.
Good luck with the move.
p.s. Hope you are ready for the shock of your life. My brother has lived in Australia for a couple years and when ever he comes to the lower mainland of B.C. (very mild climate) he is walking around wearing a Parka while I am wearing shorts and a t shirt.

Grungle · Post by **Grungle** » Wed Oct 24, 2007 6:02 pm

EricN wrote: p.s. Hope you are ready for the shock of your life. My brother has lived in Australia for a couple years and when ever he comes to the lower mainland of B.C. (very mild climate) he is walking around wearing a Parka while I am wearing shorts and a t shirt.

Haha, yes, that is one concern of mine at the moment...I currently live in central Australia...it's between 36 and 40 degrees C here all next week, and it should stay like that (with a top of about 45C at least a couple of days) until February. I'm really not sure how my body (or girlfriend) will cope going from +40 to 0 to -20 in just 1 week. Oh well, hope the heater works on the Delica!

I'll have a look around for an in-line type coolant heater, that sounds like it should do the job.

Thanks for the offer too Eric, but I'm quite confident the one I've had selected is going to be fine. Good luck with your back - sounds like it might be a while before you're back on the road...

i(heart)delis · Post by **i(heart)delis** » Wed Oct 24, 2007 9:15 pm

hey,

snow tires..... just say YES. and a block heater is a good idea.

and if you have not driven in snow before, you should give yourself some daylight test drives with no time constraints.... it is an acquired talent!!!!

have fun in the snow!!!!! if you need a ski buddy in vancouver, email me!!!

Adrock · Post by **Adrock** » Wed Oct 24, 2007 9:26 pm

snow in vancouver?

the road will be fine, the drivers will be absolutely horrible. Since we have basically 0 snow removal equipment, if it stays cold you will get nice packed ice on side roads, thats fun to practice drifting. I spent last winter on my bald tires in a lot more snow than anyone sees in vancouver. A gentle foot and some slick surface experience (see donuts in a church parking lot at the tender age of 16) will geet you through anything we get here in vancouver.

4x4 is no fun in t he snow ;)

EricN · Post by **EricN** » Thu Oct 25, 2007 9:49 am

Adrock wrote:snow in vancouver?

the road will be fine, the drivers will be absolutely horrible. Since we have basically 0 snow removal equipment, if it stays cold you will get nice packed ice on side roads, thats fun to practice drifting. I spent last winter on my bald tires in a lot more snow than anyone sees in vancouver. A gentle foot and some slick surface experience (see donuts in a church parking lot at the tender age of 16) will geet you through anything we get here in vancouver.

4x4 is no fun in t he snow ;)

He is driving the Deli to Banff in December for the winter.

Adrock · Post by **Adrock** » Thu Oct 25, 2007 11:30 am

guess it pays to read it again..... sorry

But I still think knowing how your vehicle will react is mroe important than snow tires. They are a good investment if oyu are going to use them for a while, I personally wouldn't buy snow tires for one winter. A lot of people who don't have much experience on snow and ice seem to think that when they are in 4 wheel drive its just like driving on any other day, which it is not as anyone east of vancouver will tell you ha. My current tires are certainly not snow tires. They will eat through fresh stuff like nothing, but on ice, I believe they will be rather useless.

If money is an issue, I'd say getting your van started is more important than the tires...(rad hose heater, beefy batteries, stick on oil pan heater) If your tires are in really bad shape when you see them though obviously get some new ones.

TardisDeli · Post by **TardisDeli** » Thu Oct 25, 2007 2:43 pm

Hi, Bring every bit of warm clothing, or buy more here at the used stores. Are you able to look around Oz to see if there is a repair manual for 1991 Delica (used book stores, web, etc) if so please buy me one, will pay you back here and also offer place to stay in Burnaby (just outside Vancouver, 40 minute drive to richmond and airport) or pickup from airport. Cheers, Christine & Jay.

EricN · Post by **EricN** » Thu Oct 25, 2007 6:32 pm

Adrock wrote: But I still think knowing how your vehicle will react is mroe important than snow tires.

True but I think there is actually a law requiring snow tires on those mountain passes in the winter as well as having to carry chains if you are not a 4x4, could be wrong on that. Probably wont be an issue if you dont get stuck/caught though. Also for someone new to driving in snow, they are definately something that should be put high on the list.

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