Hey Everyone, we did it!

[Cambullos]

Hello! After years of standing on the sidelines and cramming camping gear into hatchbacks we have finally taken the plunge and picked out a shiny new (to us) Delica. Thanks to Mardy at Amazing Auto Imports for being helpful and putting up with my borderline harassment.

We picked up a 1998 L300 and we are looking to do some serious road tripping and backwoods exploration. And of course chatting with you fine folks!

One question:
We have a few upgrades in mind and would like keep the initial investment to a minimum, how would you prioritize?:
1) new grabber AT2 tires
2) replace deck with new bluetooth/iphone/ fancy deck
3) add sliding windows for the dog
4) add bushbars - no factory bushbars on this model

Anyways, nice to meet you and chat soon!

[pj_jazzy_janz]

Welcome! 'Tis indeed a fine group of lads & lasses.

Order of importance probably depends on a few things:

Tires - what do you have? Are they decent? If not, how soon are you going backwoodsing?
Stereo - How much is music a part of your driving experience? Are you going to upgrade the speakers too? I know the surround on my speakers had completely disintegrated in Japanese storage...
Sliding Windows - Can you get away with a sliding door and/or tailgate for a while?
Bushbars - I would probably do those at the same time as the tires, in preparation for backwoodsing.

If it were me, I would probably go:
1) Stereo
2) Tires (unless they're fine)
3) Bushbars
4) Sliding Windows

Also, as tires go, several people on here rave about the Goodyear Duratracs:

http://www.delica.ca/forum/viewtopic.ph ... t=duratrac

...something to consider, perhaps.

Have fun getting lost on the backroads, as well as the infinite rabbit trails that are Delica.ca!!

[TieMyShoe]

Welcome

Personaly I would:

Flush the cooling system and replace the t-stat
Repair the oil the leak that is at the back of your motor... (look underneath.. its leaking.. they all do ;) )
Upgrade the exhaust system
Align the suspension
Stereo
Tires (unless they're fine)
Bushbars
Sliding Windows

[Cambullos]

Hi All,
Thanks for the great ideas.

So from TieMyShoes list, I think Amazing Auto should be taking care of the first two but I should check on the t-stat. I will have a look for this oil leak and the suspension too.

Tires - they are whatever was on the van in storage. I get a new pair no matter what - I guess the decision was either get the all terrains now or put on some new all-seasons and upgrade later. Maybe I could hold off if they are fine and get new tires when needed? Hm.

Stereo - Music/Podcasts/Audio books are what make our long hauls awesome. I think we would also like the bluetooth for chatting with the family while commuting. In general, an updated stereo that works with our gizmos ranks pretty high. Its a good point about the speakers - I didnt test them out yet!

Sliding Windows - the sliding window is more for the dog to stick his head out and I think he will really want it in the summer. Do you know where to get my hands on these?? I've been calling random Delica dealers in the lower mainland and checking craigslist.

Bushbars - backwoodsing is imminent - just need the to get the van first! The big thing is the the front end is coming off as part of the overhaul and make for a good opportunity to weld in some brackets, etc.

So Im not sure if you guys went through an importer but it seems to be taking a while with little to no returning of emails and phone calls. What was your experience?

Anyways, I appreciate the input!
Cheers,

[Cambullos]

Hi All,

We just picked up our L300 from Amazing Autos this past week and we couldn't be happier. In the end we went with the stereo and new tires upgrade.

Can't wait to be in the wilderness again. See you all out there.

Cheers:-D ,
Cambullos

[Cambullos]

Picture for posterity...

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