Delica spring fever - custom roof racks

cd_photo · Post by **cd_photo** » Sun Apr 14, 2013 9:55 am

Hey All,

Back with more questions from my Delica spring fever. We need a roof rack (looking for a long, open cargo carrier type), bars and a ladder for Yoshi (our L400). So far it seems that Terzo ladders are pretty hard to come by, as well as sturdy racks and bars.

I already talked to Noel from enviro imports and he's currently not taking any orders. So I'm wondering if anyone knows another welder to recommend (preferably in the Interior/Kootenays) or another way to rig up our van with a great rack.

Got a new stereo and front speakers installed, some Geolander AT/S tires, new/used fuel tank and a solid front end. Trailer hitch will be here at the end of the month. Now stoked for summer camping plus road trips.

Thanks,

Colin

Post by **nxski** » Sun Apr 14, 2013 2:49 pm

No idea about who to get one fabbed by, but you could buy generic roof bars and attach whatever basket you like.

Shaun Van Ramen · Post by **Shaun Van Ramen** » Mon Apr 15, 2013 10:48 am

I have a rack that fits my L300 I'm willing to let go - Not sure if it would fit a 400?

PM me and I will get some photos to you in the very near future.

Andii

naterade · Post by **naterade** » Mon Apr 15, 2013 12:05 pm

I got my roof rack from Max Overdrive and I am happy with it. Good price, heavy duty, works as it should.

Mephisto · Post by **Mephisto** » Mon Apr 15, 2013 1:25 pm

I'll be in Kimberly in about a months time, I'm bringing my welder and basic fab tools, so if you are still needing a rack, I could fab up one for you.

cd_photo · Post by **cd_photo** » Mon Apr 15, 2013 3:41 pm

Thanks naterade! Will check them out.

TardisDeli · Post by **TardisDeli** » Tue Apr 16, 2013 11:41 am

Hi Dylan, The biggest concern is that the roof supports coming down to the rain gutter must be very very wide ie 3 or 4 inches each minimum, and at least a quarter inch thick, so as to spread the load on the rain gutter that was not meant to hold our big bulky crap and people (yes, everyone crawls up there, just for a minute, just to arrange the crap so you can fit more crap up there). The rack itself is less critical, but a nice piece of 1/4 inch plywood over it all can make if easier to slide stuff around up there.

We use our racks for whitewater canoes. If we do a big camping trip, we also have strong trailer hitch (only the hitch from E&H Hitch in Burnaby is it strong enuf to carry our gear), which I can tow a trailer (of multiple canoes) or just put a Princess Auto trailer hitch basket on the hitch to carry big crates of firewood. What do you intend to do with yours? I just want to help ensure you get the right rack, we've had several roof racks as we learned what worked and didnt work (if the cross beam supports are not strong the basket will gradually bend the cross beams till the whole thing touches the roof --- ooopps.

Dylan, I cannot tell from your posts whether you have an L300 (engine under your bum) or L400 (engine sticks out in front like a normal van). The sizes are different, parts are not interchangeable. Can you add it in your vehicle profile (not just 1992 Exceed, instead example 1992 Delica Exceed L300). And if you want to be really helpful, look at your seat belt labels, see what month they are made ie 2/92 for the month of manufacture of your delica, as 1992/1993 had some big changes (not as important for roof racks but critical if you ask mechanical questions.

Mephisto (a long time forum member) offered to visit and weld for you, I say take his offer! Give him a place to stay and feed him.

Mephisto Matt, if you come to the deli meet this Friday at Ikea (or to our home in Burnaby), take a look at the rack jay dreamed up and got welded for my L300, the sides are on full length piano hinges and fold flat so I can stack canoes there, simple but great. You can take measurements of side support struts heights as several L400s will be there, the roof line is much more curved than they seem so you need 3 different lengths. Mount them over the pillars between the windows for strength.

Cheers Christine

cd_photo · Post by **cd_photo** » Tue Apr 16, 2013 7:10 pm

Thanks for the detailed response, Christine. That is some valuable info for sure and it sounds like you've tested things thoroughly. Have been in touch with Mephisto to talk further.

We have a '94 L400 Exceed high/crystal roof, and short wheel base. I'll include more info about our van in my member info.

Thanks again,

Colin

volnoir · Post by **volnoir** » Wed Apr 17, 2013 1:04 pm

Not to highjack this thread, but on the topic of roof racks, what are peoples opinion on putting them on an l400 with a crystalite roof? How much of the incoming light do they tend to block, and is it noticeable?

Also does anyone have any experience with Terzo roof racks, are they any good, and what do they typically cost?

Lastly, in terms of baskets, are there any skinny ones that would fit between the roof glass as to not cover up too much of the windows?

Firesong · Post by **Firesong** » Wed Apr 17, 2013 3:50 pm

Making a couple guesses to the last question. If your roof basket is not full all the time and you don't put plywood on it you will have lots of light. Looking at mine out side the light goes right through it.

jaggedfish · Post by **jaggedfish** » Tue Apr 23, 2013 8:46 am

Just to answer Volnoir's questions... I have a larger Aiba Works rack on my CrystalLite and don't find that any significant amount of light is blocked by the rack. There have been days where I have still had to close the blinds to keep the van cooler inside.

A rack that wouldn't cover the roof windows would only be about 18 inches wide... probably not a good solution.

When making a custom rack be sure to take any sunroofs into consideration so they can still open and slide... especially the front sunroof as it pops up and slides back. Takes up quite a lot of room and can smash into the rack if the rack is not high enough or back far enough. Good luck with the Spring Fever!

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