Post-Import Service Reccomendations?

[Mr. Fuji]

Hi Folks,

My new-to-me 1994 L400 PF6W is in Canada, through customs, and in the capable hands of Coombs Country Autos. They've given it a good inspection and are very impressed with the condition, which is a relief because of the age and the fact that I've never actually seen the van in person.

CC has recommended some pretty heavy preventive maintenance as well as your typical "Canadianization" items- which I will be gladly getting performed.
My question is: does the greater forum have any recommendations for additional things that I should ask them to look into, stuff that could get done at the same time? They are rare experts on these vans and I'd like to capitalize on it being there before bringing it back to Cowtown, where there are not so many experts. What would you get done if it was your fresh-off-the-boat van?

[islander20]

CCautos is great, my favourite place to take my van. One thing I am just doing now that I should have done a long time ago is get a proper skid plate fitted. The stock one is pretty lame. Will probably want the stereo replaced.

[Big-Bird]

How extensive was the list? Care to share via a PM?

At the very least you should be making an informed decision about what service is RIGHT NOW and what service can wait.

I had my Delica run through by CVI and the services cost me 2grand and its stuff I wanted done anyway.

Some items I waited on and did them myself and saved about 1000.00 in labor costs.

[Mr. Fuji]

Thanks for the advice so far guys, keep it coming! Is there anything you would recommend that isn't covered here?

I don't (can't) do my own work, so for me it's less about saving money and more about avoiding the incredible inconvenience of having our family vehicle out of commission. This is a 21-year old van so I'm doing my best to make sure that we can depend on it for a long time to come.

CCA did provide me with what they recommend doing right away:

--Mechanical work: Oil change, change all belts & fluids, oil/air/fuel filters, timing, a/c & accessory belts, radiator & hoses, front brake pad rotors & calipers, new battery, some rings & gaskets, block heater

--DOT work: Headlights ($ ouch!), DRL mods and reflectors- I hope the reflectors are easily removable

--Chassis work: new bushings & ball joints


They also provided a list of some extra preventive stuff that could probably wait if I wanted to. I've decided to get it all done:

--Major Preventive Work: Replacement of cam seals, valve cover gaskets, plenum gasket, plugs & wires, other minor gaskets & seals. This involves dropping the engine, transmission, and front axle. Not cheap or absolutely necessary, but I’d like it done now


Some things I added:
--Other bits: New DOT-approved tires, install of a new head-unit, rear spoiler


Some things I am still looking for: Wheel flares and a full set of floor mats

Thanks again for your perspectives!
Fuji

[Big-Bird]

Thats a pretty standard list that most JDM shops put out there on the Delica's

A person who is mechanically aware will always ask other questions.

Are the radiator hoses spongy or weathered? No? Then why do we need to change them?
Are.the rotors too thin to be machined? No?Then why should I buy new ones? If they are thin or very rusty/pitted/heat damagaed then yeah change them Ask CCA about a front bearing repack. Probably never been done since first bought in Japan.

Are the calipers siezed or do they stick? No? Then why change them?
Brake Pads: How much is left compared to new pads? Anything less than 70% of new would warrant a change from the units in it right now.

Front suspension. If they are doing the ball joint job make sure they do the alignment too.

Reflectors: Without these on your JDM you risk a ticket from the City Police and these folks are getting better versed on JDM rules. Suggest you find a reflector you can live with....there are no rules on size/shape so you could find small buttons or even reflective tape. It only states the corners must have amber on the front fenders and red on the rear quarter panels so that when you are parked your vehicle is visible to other cars at night. This is a Transport Canada Law and enforced in every province on all highway vehicles.....and many non-highway too.

[Mr. Fuji]

Some excellent advice, thanks Big-Bird!

My intent is a clean slate of sorts, but you are right, there is no need to be naive about things. Just a little worried due to a past experience where I imported an older Japanese-made vehicle from the US and within 12 months the clutch & timing belt went, and I had to wait months for parts due to the Fukushima earthquake/tsunami.

I'm still looking for any recommendations for additional items/services, and a set of L400 7-seater floor mats!

[Big-Bird]

Carpets: Contact Steven at Rising Sun Imports in New Westminster BC. He usually has one or 2 sets available.

If that fails then look on EBAY.uk.co and punch in MITSUBISHI SPACEGEAR, CARPETS I see lots of Delica parts on the UK site.