Project Dino Evo - How we build our camper van

[fexlboi]

silly question.
i noticed that jesse's deli is an L400.
is this a L400 or L300 mod?

he did it on his l300. l400 brake on a l300

[fexlboi]

Replaced the driver side panel windows and did a few other mods including brakes:

[thedjjack]

Windows look so nice!!! Looks like a truck and less like a station wagon!

Nice work

[mararmeisto]

Replaced the driver side panel windows and did a few other mods including brakes:

Would have been better to weld in panels, but this is a good subsitute, and you can still open the 'window' for ventilation if need be.

Congrats to Glenn at vurv - we had bought a Delica vurv-box back in the day (I think we were second or third), and I still miss that dang thing. Not much of a centre arm-rest in the Pajero.

[ABdelica]

That's very nice & full of ideas. I've just begun to modify my '90L300' .... & look eagerly for any new ideas.

I too would like to get rid of the rear quarter glass - your's is one alternative. I would prefer a metal solution though.

Have you thought of trying to extend the internal fuel capacity of the delica via extra auxiliary fuel tank (internal)?

How many persons does your delica intend to hold for your planned long range exped? Do you intend on a fixed bed inside?

[fexlboi]

Would have been better to weld in panels

More solid for sure, but better I don't think so. Still want to be able to use it for fresh air. Also it would have been multiple times the costs to make it right with metal.

I would prefer a metal solution though.

Go to a body shop. They can do all kinds of metal solutions. To make it long lasting and water proof it will be a pricey undertaking.

Have you thought of trying to extend the internal fuel capacity of the delica via extra auxiliary fuel tank (internal)?

I'm working on it http://www.delica.ca/forum/additional-t ... -8708.html

How many persons does your delica intend to hold for your planned long range exped?

Two

Do you intend on a fixed bed inside?

Yes. One of the most annoying parts of long-term camping in a tiny van like that is to make your bed every night. So having a fixed bed is essential.

[ABdelica]

Re: the windows replacement - for metal solution; can you tell me what your 2 body shops $quoted?

I'm still scratching my head for an affordable(?) metal solution (just for the 2 rear quarter windows).

Mine is 90delica Auto. - this weekend I start cutting the interior ; with fixed bed.

[fexlboi]

Between $600 and $900 (including painting)
If you do something permanently yourself, I would suggest you take the windows incl. the rubber seals out and rivet a sheet of metal to the lip where the rubber is attached to. Seal it off with silicone and paint the panel. It might hold up for a few years. The main problem is the bent shape of the windows.
Also be 100% sure about legality of blocking both sides of the rear windows. The body shop guys said they have doubts on passenger cars like ours.

[jessef]

Looks very aesthetically pleasing

[thedjjack]

Legally I think you are fine blocking windows behind the driver as long as you have two rear facing mirrors.

For metal I would cut them out of aluminum diamond plate and rivet onto the lip with some urethane window seal (lordco has it). Diamond plate will flex. quick and easy.

[ABdelica]

"..I test drove his smaller brother, a MAN 8.136 FAE and was very tempted to get one to replace our Delica :D"


Most of these German(Euro) exped vehicles are not really off-road so much as "bad road" vehicles, albeit in luxury. From videos I've seen, the camperized versions appeared very "top heavy".

Have you looked at the Toyota Hilux 2.8L diesel 4x4 with a camper atop? It has double rear wheel set-up. If I'm going to replace my delica, I would look into this rig closely.

[fexlboi]

Toyotas Hilux is a very nice set-up too, but not with an double rear wheel set-up. It's not practical for offroading.

A MAN 8.136 FAE has no problem to hold up against an Unimog. Both vehicles have been used over decades as heavy offroad equipment in the army. Beside the way bigger dimensions I wouldn't have any doubts these trucks go anywhere a Landrover / Patrol / Landruiser etc can go too.

[thelazygreenfox]

Felix/Glenn
Great windows. The white looks so good on your van. Glenn has built black windows for me for both my delicas. Great craftsman and friend too.

Your diesel heater installation sounds intriguing. My propane heater should be installed in the next two weeks. Lets meet and compare at 10 below. ha ha

Thelazygreenfox still needs curtains. Hopefully soon.

TLGF
Wayne

[djelica]

My propane heater should be installed in the next two weeks. Lets meet and compare at 10 below. ha ha

Hi Wayne, can you elaborate on this? This is an engine pre-heater, right?

Off the shelf or custom?

Cheers, dj

Sorry about the thread jack. I like your work on Dino, thanks for posting.

[ABdelica]

Unimog & other heavy 4x4 conversions.

I think where the problem arises is when the "camperization" process occurs; the builders(mostly in Europe) just don't have the long experiences of RV manufacturers in terms of weight & efficiency. After their "homemade" mods are made, it definitely looks "top heavy" to me.

Here's a link from an Euro with an unimog modified as an exped camper:

http://www.xor.org.uk/silkroute/equipment/choosevan.htm

If I were to "camperize" an Unimog like vehicle for exped trips, I would just attach a molded fiberglass trailer (e.g. Escape 15') onto the chasis rather than trying to build my own cab.

Oh, have you thought of putting "sand ladders" on your Exped delica?