Adding cruise control...is it possible?

[DelicaMark]

It is my first day on the site and I realized that I posted this in the wrong forum.....I'm dumb!

I am picking up my Delica Exceed on the weekend and I want to add cruise control if possible. I read a few of the posts that talk about maybe using the choke which I had not thought of but also think might be a bit sketchy!

Has anyone tried doing this? Do any of the higher end Delicas have cruise control that I could install into my Exceed?

[Schwa]

Unfortunately the Exceed is a 'higher end' Delica, the only higher being the Super Exceed, but neither have cruise control.

The throttle lock knob works well for some situations, but it still requires your attention so that when you start going down hill you back it off, or if you want to maintain your speed up a hill you'll need to step on the accelerator a bit. I like using it for 'crawling' up a steep hill, just 'dial up' a setting and let it go - when it's steeper it slows down and when it's less steep it goes a bit faster, but it maintains about the same fuel consumption for the hill. I find real cruise control to be excessively aggressive when trying to maintain a certain speed up a hill for some reason.

If you're cruising on the flat highways the throttle lock knob works perfectly, although I'm sure it could be a bit of a hazard in an emergency situation.

[Erebus]

I picked up a cruise control kit at the Salvation Army thrift shop a couple of years ago for my Caprice. Never got around to installing it. Plan to do so in the Delica. Read the instructions and it says it should work with diesel if "the vehicle provides a vacuum source" which the Delica does.

So, other than the usual hassle of installing an aftermarket kit, there shouldn't be a problem. Doing it yourself or have it done, should be just a matter of money

I'm not sure I would use the throttle lock (on the Delica it is not a choke) while driving. But ask me in 6 months!

[BCDelica]

I would love to hear if a after market cruise control kit works! Keep us informed.

I would assume that the throttle knob should never be used on public roads as a cruise control, the extra step (and time) to reach and unlock it may cause a delayed reaction to a potentially dangerous situation. I have used it in a patch of sand, in 4lo and low gear, to keep a moderate constant speed. Would work great in mud or snow that way too, my foot on the accelerator could too easily cause wheel slip.

Cheers,

[bryanc]

it's areaaly common mod down under ,lots of info on the aussie site it,s something i'm keen to do as well.
bryan

[DelicaMark]

Thanks for the feedback. I'll check out the Aussie site.

~Mark

[coaxial]

I use the throttle lock on the highway if its clear and dry and traffic is light. I don't think it's that much more risk than normal cruise control... at least on my 5speed. if you need to stop suddenly you just jam the clutch/brake same as always, only difference will be a loud roar from your engine until you turn the knob

I guess with an automatic you'd have to turn the knob and brake at the same time?

[Adrock]

it can be dangerous on a 5 speed, it is not good to redline your engine haha.