New member in Hinton Alberta

[Migmeister]

Hello everyone...I am the proud new owner of a 1996 L400 Space Gear.
So far I've replaced the alternator belts and painted the step tubes and rear bumper. If anyone has recommendations on where to get aftermarket stuff, I would appreciate it! Ladder, roof rack, etc.
As well for those 'big jobs' can anyone recommend a reputable mechanic in the Edmonton area?
Thanks!

[Rising Sun Auto Import]

Welcome!, nice looking L400.

Steven

[FalcoColumbarius]

Welcome to Delica Canada, Migmeister

Nice looking 308.

Falco.

[eastywesty]

Welcome!!!!

I live in Grande Prairie and bought my van from some people in Edmonton. The place they usually took the van to was Automotion. A fella named Len. I also had him do an inspection before I bought it and he was very thorough. I have looked over the pile of receipts of work that they had done at Automotion and all I have to say is that cheap labour isn't skilled and skilled labour isn't cheap and Len isn't cheap. There was also a place in Edmonton called Japanese motor sports that they took it to a few times, and they were a bit more economical. Anyway welcome to the club and I will try not to judge you too much for having an L400 haha.

[Spearo]

I'll second the motion for Len at Automotion. Had all my drivetrain work done there for 4 yrs that I owned mine. You'll pay a premium but you'll also sleep at night knowing it will start the next day.
Front end and suspension stuff I used Kal Tire. You'll need alignment specs for any shop on that stuff.
Keep a big list of part#'s in your phone!

There's also Apex Auto in NEast Edmonton; I never used them but heard good reports for the most part.
Cheers.

[CREGAN]

I have experience with both of those shops. My experiences were not really favorable. One shop charged me a fortune to chase a problem that never got fixed. The other broke something else or left something unattached in the two times I went there. I am still looking for a respectable Edmonton shop. On the other hand I am learning to do a lot on my own.

Craig

[Migmeister]

Thanks to all for your help! Much appreciated! I sure get a lot of looks from people around town, some don't know why the heck I went with a RHD but after I'm done telling them all the cool features, I can tell wheels are turning....
I ended up installing one of those oilpan pad-type heaters but maybe I should've ordered a block heater? I also like the idea of an inline heater as the heat will be coming thru the vents right away....any thoughts? We usually get a few days of -25C thru the winter and this is pretty much my first diesel (except for a Rabbit that died after a week!)
Thanks a bunch!

[Rattlenbang]

Welcome! As far as your question regarding parts, the parts forum on this site is good, both commercial and non-commercial, as well as Vancouver and Victoria Craigslist. But you have to jump fast on trim goodies, cause they don't last!

[Big-Bird]

I use an oil pan heater pad on my L400. Works great provided the glow plugs are working properly.

A quick resistance check with a multi meter will tell you if your glow plugs are in good shape. And a glow plug can fail with no warning. The only indicator of trouble would be a hard start in cold weather...even with a heat pad. (been there done that!)

And if you wanna go block heater they can a real pain to install. If you wanna go with a circulating heater type there is a model available from Canadian Tire that uses convection to circulate coolant. The only challenge here is it must be mounted low beside the engine so the convection cycle works properly. There is no pump in this unit......

[macro]

Welcome to the club!