Hello BC!

[rsmartins]

Hello everyone,

After 472 days, 37,671km, 5327.24 litres, 15 countries in Europe and a cross country East to West Canada (including Labrador), we have finally arrived at our destination North Vancouver! We are glad to be here and to see so many Delicas around. We finally fit right in!

Our Delica was first registered in Halifax, Nova Scotia, meaning we still have insurance and registration based there! Well, here come the usual questions from newcomers:

1 - Inspection - Any suggestion where to do it? Is there anything I should be concerned about, such as: headlights, right hand drive, modifications (second fuel tank)???

2 - Insurance - It seems ICBC would be my only option, since I can only provide 3 years no claims discount!?!?!

3 - Oil change - Vancouver has a very mild climate with summers not going beyond 25C and winters sometimes just below 0C. Which oil type is used here? Would 5w30 or 10w30 (synthetic) be a good choice for year round use? Just keep in mind that I still plan to go to the mountains during the winter!

Hope to be able to meet a few of you for a play day or a cup of coffee (a beer would be my first choice though).


Kind Regards,
Ronaldo

[FalcoColumbarius]

Hi Ronaldo, Welcome to North Vancouver.

Regarding #2 The Co-operators is a good agent that I go through, I can hook you up with my guy if you like. He would probably be able to advise you on #1, mind you there are a number of people who can help you in Delica Canada, as well.

Regarding #3 I use 15-40 Semi synthetic and change it every 5,000 kilometres. A good mechanic to know in the Lower Mainland is CVI in Richmond.

PM me if you want to hook up for coffee and I can let you know about a few local places.

Falco.

[jessef]

Welcome Ronaldo

I would recommend Mardy at Amazing Auto. He will make your inspection/compliance/oil change/etc.. process very simple and honest.

He is located in Richmond. His contact information : http://www.amazingautoimports.com/phpwcms/contact.phtml

He can handle the compliance work (you will need left hand drive E-code headlights, side reflectors, daytime running light module, 3rd brake light and proper DOT or load rated tires that are acceptable in North America).

ICBC is your only course for mandatory basic insurance, however there are other private company's that offer the additional coverage. Being under 3years, ICBC would be your better option. High premium, but we all pay it.

As Falco said, CVI is a service garage located in Richmond and specializes in Delica/L400's so if you need any specific work done, they are the garage to go to.

Our winters (November to March), the majority of L400 owners tend to use 5w40 in the southern part of BC and in the interior, 0W40. After March/April, they go back to 15W40.

[rsmartins]

Sorry everyone for the late reply! I thought I had set up replays to go to my personal email address, but surely I got that wrong!!!

Thank you very much for the tips!

- left hand drive E-code headlights, I guess the light stickers will not do, right?
- I have already fix the daytime light, by covering the light sensor for the automatic on/off lights. Hope it is ok?!?!
- side reflectors, not really sure what this is?
- 3rd brake light - got one of those
- proper DOT or load rated tires that are acceptable in North America, not really sure what this is neither?

[jessef]

you need to have e-code (for left hand drive country) installed to pass inspection

you need to have DOT (stamp) on the tires to pass inspection