Aspiring Delica Owner

[jaggedfish]

I just went thru the roof type decision. My first instinct was to go big/fancy or go home. After looking at it in more detail I wound up buying a low roof. The biggest issue for most is parkade heights and, if you travel some, BC Ferries heights.

My Delica (just picked it up yesterday - YAY) at stock height (I believe) measures 6'-3" at the gutter line and about 6'-7" at the rear spoiler (not all have one). A lot of parkades can be as low as 6'-8" and commonly 7'-0". BC Ferries underheight vehicle limit is 7'-0". That said, as soon as you add a safari rack and/or light bar, the vans will exceed (pardon the pun) the height restrictions so... again, go big or go home is the question. The Crystal Lite roof looks luxurious and cool but is heavier and will require repair at some time in it's life plus the extra equipment eats up the added height very quickly - my low roof has a nice big moon roof in the back that opens up for as much air/light as you would desire plus the big side/rear windows provide an aquarium-like feel anyway. I am 6'-2" and can sit in the back seats comfortably with out feeling cramped by the low roof. If it IS the extra volume you desire the high roof without Crystal Lite makes a huge difference but again you are dealing with a vehicle that is physically much taller.

The Cham version didn't do it for me - perhaps I didn't see the right one - the stripes are part of the character of Delicas (all appear different in some way)... the Cham carpets tho... psychedelic, man! Comes down to personal preference/taste in the long run and is only for you to judge.

I have two TV's in mine and will be posting a question of my own after I'm done here. One note we did discover is the Sony LCD is somehow tied in with the ignition and switches the TV off if the vehicle is running (only stays on when using the accessory mode of the ignition). The wiring is a messy job in mine so will need to look at that.

Hope that helps.

[mararmeisto]

...The Cham version didn't do it for me - perhaps I didn't see the right one - the stripes are part of the character of Delicas (all appear different in some way)...

And if you think the stripes are something else, I just spoke with someone who is looking to an Australian contact to purchase some of those stripes for someone who wants them for their ride!

[Delicanadabc]

Hey All,


Crystal roof is like Mardy says the only way to go!

[Schwa]

With the brushguards - is there a difference between the painted white beefer looking ones and the chrome? Is it again just an esthetic or perference thing?

I re-painted my white bars black on my white exceed and it looks even better and won't show rust spots which are unavoidable since rocks (aka sand) chip the paint off. Chrome resists initial rusting better than the painted ones, but it can be damaged and when it does rust it looks like crap and there's not much you can do.

Chrome comes on Super Exceeds and Chamonix GLXs, you also get chrome mirrors, steps and rear bumper bar. The Chamonix line's main mechanical difference is that is comes with 2 batteries (wired together in parallel for more cold cranking power, not as an accessory battery) and a bigger alternator. You can stick a second battery in any delica, as long as they fit in the space (same battery pan in 1 battery models) but they go in sideways when paired compared to the 1 battery setup, and the stock alternator can be re-wound or replaced to be the beefier type if you need that as well, so if you want the features in an Exceed, or Super Exceed, such as the captain's chairs but think you might need the van that was made for the outdoor player, it can still be done.

The hot/cold boxes and the monitor TV's does anyone have or use them? How well do they work? Do they short out easily? How much energy do they burn? General opinions?

the hot/cold box is operated by the cooling and heating system, and depending on how well serviced those systems are, the box works accordingly, so if the A/C is on it's way out it won't be able to make ice, and if your thermostat isn't getting your engine up to proper temperature the box won't get hot.

[mararmeisto]

Is there a replacement or drop-in for the A/C system? I'm thinking with the coolant being nearly 20 years old, it is probably the 'old' freon or 'bad' freon, so most shops nowadays won't have that same kind of refrigerant. Anybody know?

And I'll drop this into the maintenance questions part of the forum too.

[Schwa]

There is a compatible substance available to recharge these older systems that is less harmful, and you can have it serviced so that it'll accept the modern refrigerant.

[delica 304]

Is there a replacement or drop-in for the A/C system? I'm thinking with the coolant being nearly 20 years old, it is probably the 'old' freon or 'bad' freon, so most shops nowadays won't have that same kind of refrigerant. Anybody know?

And I'll drop this into the maintenance questions part of the forum too.

Your best bet would be to go stateside to get your AC serviced. Canada has done the switch to non (or at least less) ozone depleting substances, I think we are using R134 now. The last I heard is that in the states they will still service a system that is charged with R12. Keep in mind though, to be done right, they are supposed to charge the system and monitor it for 24 hours (I think, may be less) for leaks.


As for Delica sellers on the Island, You could look at VI Custom Cars Imports http://www.islandauto.ca/ , that's where I picked up mine. The owner also has a fabrication shop and is making Super heavy duty roof racks (I have the prototype on the Landmaster) The racks are a LOT more expensive (think $800.00! ), but way more durable than the stock rack.

[Adam]

Coombs Country Auto has an A/C recharge guy that can do the work for $200 or so. I got mine redone after CC Auto replaced my seized A/C Compressor.