My quest for a proper Delica here in the USA!!

[Mazdax605]

Hey guys,

Ever since I bought my now departed 1990 L300 US-spec gas powered 2wd van two years ago now I have wanted a real Delica here in the US. I understand that the rules here are that the vehicle needs to be 25 year or older before it can legally be brought into the states. I have spoken with Amazing Auto, and Coombs about trying to find such a van. One of them says they can probably find me an 89 or older if I want, and the other has an 87 in stock now that they believe is legal for import now. The problem with these are the cost to me. I am not really opposed to these prices as I understand they are selling a fully serviced Delica that should be perfectly road legal, and with little to zero problems, but I was wondering if I could do this cheaper. I know the older models are rare, but they can't be impossible to find. Anyone know of an 89 or older Delica that is available for sale? I do realize that the 89 isn't legal just yet, but 2014 is rapidly approaching, so I can wait a little while before importing. I have been looking at Kijiji, but no luck so far. The trader here has had an 89 listed for probably a year, but I know it was sold already(they need to update these listings), but every time I see it listed I get a little excited again, but it is quickly dashed when I see the pics, and the sellers name.

Please I really want a real L300, but I am not sure I can pay twice as much as my 04 Suburban cost me before the cost of import which is a n unknown now, and shipping from the west coast to me on the east coast. I suppose I could fly out and drive back, but that isn't always cheaper, but has got to be way more fun, and adventurous.

Thanks,

Chris

P.S. I am sorry if I should have posted this in another forum, but I figured it would get more exposure here.

[nxski]

I know we've discussed this a bit by pm, but I didn't realize you might be looking for an 89. I know djjack is always talking about selling his to someone in the USA, but you have to be prepared for a ghetto van. The 89's really shouldn't be too hard to find between now and when you can legally import. Also, if you have one manufactured in December of 89, you won't be able to import until December of 2014.

[Mazdax605]

Thanks Nick,

I believe a December of 89 build date would be a 1990 model here in my country, but I see what you are getting at. My only question on that front is do they look at the build date, or model year. In my country model year and build date vary quite a bit. Case in point my 79 Mazda RX-7. Yes I said 79 as all first year RX-7's are considered 79's even though mine was built in May of 78, and sold new in July of 78. Make sense? Of course not, but you see what I am getting at I am sure. I was only talking about the 89's as they will be the newest, and maybe the most plentiful ones I can legally(I hope) get into the US in a few months, with the 87-88 being legal ( I believe) now. I would like an even newer one, but will have to wait even longer for those, and truth be told I really want one sooner rather than later.

[thedjjack]

I am going to sale mine....we have started to out grow it...it is a 1989 built Oct 3 1988 (based off VIN). Have not figured out mt price but1/2 way through my sale ad.

[Mazdax605]

Hello thedjjack, I am definitely interested, but the turtle top seems a bit strange to me. Is that a factory option,or put on aftermarket? The build date puts it right in my wheelhouse for import, so please let me know if you are serious about selling it on.


Chris

[nxski]

http://www.delica.ca/forum/hitop-delica ... 10807.html

[thedjjack]

Thanks NXSKI for posting the photos of the roof build...

Roof is an aftermarket roof off a Dodge Van that was cut to 1/4 to fit and re-fibreglassed together by an expert (thanks Jay!)...trust me it is better built and installed than the Dodge I got it off...roof actually weighs less than the steel panel that came out...Roof is designed to be removed off the delica (I did add more bracing that was not needed)..

My delica is a camper now...4 passenger, furnace, sink, water supply, awning/room, slide-out bed (allows for room to cook and stand inside (not in the bugs))...It is perfect for 2 people and worked alright for 2 adults and 2 kids....I figure I am competing in the VW Syncro market except the delica 4x4 system is stronger, and diesel...

It is unfortunately 100% for sale (just too busy to post it)...

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/t ... ost1414036

[jpk503]

IMHO, the '87 at Coombs is a good deal. I know the one you're talking about and the price. I'm in the US and have a '87 L300. From the time I decided to go all in and find a legal one to import to the time I picked it up at the port was 1 year. I probably saved ~ USD $4k doing it all myself but if I had to do it again I would hire an importer. In fact, I did hire an importer and they couldn't find an '87!

[Mazdax605]

Deposit put on the 87 at Coombs. Just waiting on them getting it n the shop, and trying to figure out how to import it into the states, and the logistics of doing so. I would love to drive it cross country, but the time of year, and lots of other things going on I just don't think it is doable. Maybe a fly in, and drive across the border, then shipping it up to Boston would be best. Anyone local that could go to Coombs to look the van over for me? They told me it needs some work on teh body, and I plan on having them service the engine and cooling system anyway, but I would love another set of eyes on the van.

Oh yeah I forgot to ask. Have you Delica owners found it hard to get used to the RHD? How about the manual owners, did you find it strange shifting with your left hand?

[konadog]

The guys at Coombs will do you right - they're some of the best, most qualified eyes to look at your bus. They've been taking care of me and mine bus for 5 1/2 years and I trust and recommend them completely. As for the right-hand drive thing, the adjustment is pretty easy. One thing to remember though, is when you look ahead and line yourself up with the road, look at the line along the OUTSIDE of the road rather than the center line. The wiper / turn signal difference takes the longest to adapt to. Good luck with the travel issues and enjoy your unique bus!

[Mazdax605]

Are the wiper, and directional stalks on the opposite side from a North American LHD vehicle? I know the pedals are the same, didn't think the stalks were different.

[konadog]

The turn signal is closest to the door - on the right in a delica and the wipers are on the left. The opposite of any North American vehicle I've driven and the hardest thing I've had to adapt to. Especially as I switch between a Honda Civic and my Delica. Otherwise the RHD thing is nothing to worry about - an easy adjustment.

[thedjjack]

as far as I am concerned turn signals thing cannot be learned...

From hence forward high wipers means I am turning left and no action of wipers but upset driver means I am going right......

Good luck with the turn signals rest is easy even with the 5 speed manual :)

[yojimbo]

You know whats odd about the wiper stalk thing? Its not a rhd thing. Its opposite to my rhd cars here too. My ford indicator is on the left. As is the bkw and the nissan it replaced. I think it might be a van thing. As for shifting, if its auto I dont see why its any kind of issue, forward and back are still the same.

[yojimbo]

Ah I didnt see its a manual. Used to drive lhd and the main thing is remembering to use the right hand and not stick it out the window ;) the rest is simple. I found the H pattern easy as it was to me respective of direction in the cabin not the hand.