Hermione's Makeover

[nxski]

I was planning to start a thread like this later when I get into the more serious modifications but as there has been some interest in my roof racks and I'll start with a few pictures and explanations. (I'll try to get this in chronological order)

so... Welcome to Hermione's Makeover!

[nxski]

Part 1

[nxski]

Part 2

[nxski]

Part 3

[nxski]

Part 4

[nxski]

If you have any questions about any of the items let me know. The roof rack was done privately and I don't want to be the reason for him being inundated with emails so if you would like to know more about it please send me a PM.

Other modifications that pictures do not focus on:

- Bumper has had a heat gun taken to it to restore the colour
- Fog lights have been temporarily taped up due to cracking
- I have made custom black curtains with red stitching and snaps rather than velcro
- Seat covers were ordered from Ebay. They look good and were very cheap but would not recommend them due to the quality.
- The Terzo Ladder came with the van
- Decals have been taken from the ski shop where I work or bought on Ebay
- Mr. Stretch gave me his stereo faceplate panel to replace the one I had which was partially broken.
- Captains Chair wobble has been fixed
- Polka Dots in the rear windows are leftover red window tint from the civic parody

Unfortunately the civic met a sticky end at the hood of a Volvo Station wagon. I lost a lot of money but I suppose it was a blessing in disguise as it gave me reason to buy a Delica!

[nxski]

If anyone is interested, the Thule roof rack from my civic is for sale.
Also, as mentioned before I work at a cross-country ski store so if any of you are planning some excursions into the bush at one of these Winter Delica trips I can point you in the right direction for equipment.

More pictures will be posted once I have the time and money to start working on the vehicle again...

[nxski]

My new old box thanks to my initiative to clean out the boss' crawlspace.

[nxski]

Work to be done when I get a chance. She's going in for a tune up at CVI on Wednesday as well.

[davidwwc]

Hi Nick,

Nice pictures of your l300 and the racks ! Seems to me the tracks of the rack can move sideway ( as I can see in the last photo ). The thule carrier is swinged to the left side of the van. I could be wrong though.

D.C.

[nxski]

Hi D.C,

Thanks, and you would be correct! The racks have extenders on the end that can be locked in 3 positions; completely in, 1 foot out or 1.5 feet out. In that picture they have been extended one foot. I had them out at 1.5 but when coming across the border I almost took out a window as they extend past the mirrors (my reference point).

Funnily enough my fuel economy has improved by 1L/100km since adding the 2 boxes. I figure that they act as deflectors for the basket. That being said it's still 1-3L/100km worse than stock.

Tonight I removed the carpet over the 'hump', installed some newer bolts on my sway bar bushings (I had received the wrong size previously), siliconed everything that has ever been mentioned to cause a leak as well as my brand new washer fluid bottle just to be safe, found some Japanese coins, cleaned the interior and then decided that I'd been working in the cold and dark for too long.

[nxski]

Exhaust system:

[nxski]

Exhaust and paint:

[nxski]

Updates:

- Had the alternator rebuilt and installed it today
- Added heat resistant sound dampener to exhaust pipe where it hits frame
- had lots of packages arrive at my contact in the states and now have them safely home!!!

[nxski]

So the subs are a lot bigger than I anticipated and I will be mounting them and the amp behind the front seats. I'm going to build a platform over the 'hump' Out of plywood. I know some people have built this type of platform as well so if anyone has tips on how to hinge the platform along with 2 boxes that will be sitting on top of it that would be greatly appreciated (so the front passenger seat can be lifted up).
Thanks,

Nick