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

[Mazdax605]

Shipping container is supposed to land in Vancouver on Monday. I was told there are striking dock workers at that site though so we can expect a delay of up to 10 days due to a back up in processing the back log of containers. I'm okay with that being a union member myself. Getting more excited to finally see my Deli on North American soil.

[patriceboivin]

sounds like they reached a deal, may take them a few days to sign it.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-c ... -1.2587948

[Mazdax605]

Van has landed. The shipping container it is in should be on the rail soon, and in Ontario on Monday. I am getting more and more excited.

[Mazdax605]

My van is in Ontario now. Just waiting on it betting some service, and being legal for import later this summer. Video here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dyb0flMYJFQ

Chris

[patriceboivin]

I saw what looked like a 1km long train full of cars at the Autoport here this evening, I was wondering if it is arriving or leaving... and if arriving, whether my van could be in it!

Can't wait.

I didn't realize your passenger would be sitting on the engine, very nice vehicle though! You will definitely be noticed as you drive it in the US.

Here people stopped me because I had a 1997 Honda Odyssey with four doors instead of sliding doors, people wanted to know where they could get one. Imagine the reactions with a Delica.

[patriceboivin]

saw this this morning, apparently if you are or are married to a diplomat you don't have to abide by that crazy 25-year import rule: http://dougdemuro.jalopnik.com/here-s-h ... 37/+travis

[Mazdax605]

Roughly 52 days until the van is legal for import into the states. I am getting very excited. When you say it in days like that it doesn't seem as long. now I need to figure out how to ddo it. Fly, and drive home, ship, or truck and trailer to and from Ontario.

Chris

[Mazdax605]

Went to Canada this week, and spent two days plus in Niagara Falls, and then visited my Delica in London/Glencoe,ON. Was able to drive it a bunch on Wednesday, and I am even more excited about getting the van now!! So strange driving on the right side of the vehicle! I only used the wiper directionals once. Rookie mistake, but the rest of the drive I didn't do it again. Drove around Glencoe a bit, and then drove from Glencoe to London, and even had it on the interstate which wasn't as slow as I thought it would be. Got passed a bunch on the rural roads around Glencoe even though I was exceeding the limit, but then again I may pass the oddball Japanese van moving around the speed limit as well on those roads. Felt like i was in the left lane almost all of the time, but Craig my importer said I was doing fine. I was so nervous with my wife and kids in the back, and not feeling right driving on the wrong side of the van.

I can't wait to get the van in the US. I imagine I will be getting a bunch of looks. It seemed like it wasn't anything special in Canada, but maybe I was not seeing the odd looks beyond my huge smile.

Chris

[Mazdax605]

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w51 ... e26352.jpg

[DR1665]

AWESOME!

Did I just see this van on a Bansai Rides YouTube video?

Looks great, man. Looks really great. In fact, I was just thinking the other day how I might want to forgo the facelifted 90 in favor of a blue over white 89. Headed to Canada next month to get things started.

Again, congrats. Looks fantastic!

[Mazdax605]

I wanted the nice features of the 90+ models with the Exceed/Super Exceed models and the high roof crystal lite option, but really I like the front end on the older models with the simple square sealed beam headlights. Maybe someday I will get the model I wanted, but until then this van is very nice. It was owned by a smiker, and has a slight odor to it, but nothing major, and I think I van get rid of what little smell is there.

[DR1665]

Haha. Smell? That's interesting.

I think what finally put me over the edge on an 89 is the possible big sunroof, believe it or not. My Pajero had skidding windows like the pre-facelift models, and I really get a lot of use out of them. (Loading a baby into the car seat, for example.) The steel wheels are probably more serviceable on the trail if damaged, and I'm sure I can get e code headlights from friends in the EU.

Question of the day is, do the 89s have rear AC?

[Mazdax605]

My 89 has rear air conditioning. Neither the front or rear are working, but Craig seems to think a recharge may fix that. The sliding Windows are great. My 90 US spec Wagonvan had the same windows and I loved them.

Chris

[FalcoColumbarius]

Go out and buy some "Arm & Hammer" baking soda; sprinkle it all over the carpet and upholstery, work it in a little to spread it evenly and let it sit for a while; hoover it out. Baking soda is fantastic for removing odours. I usually steam clean the carpets after doing this, as I'm into detailing my wagon but not necessary.

Not sure how available this product is in Massachusetts but "Auto Glym" has some good products for car detailing that include odour eliminating sprays for the ceiling/head liners and generally at inexpensive prices. In Canada it is sold at "Canadian Tire", a big box store, see if you can find it at your local auto big box store... I guess. Also, it's by appointment to Her Majesty The Queen, whom periodically can be found in the Royal Garage on Sunday afternoons with an old pair of knickers getting that perfect finish on her Jags.

The "Magic Eraser" is good for cleaning the head liner, as a tool for working with the spray by lightly brushing the head liner, much like you would brush hair.

Falco.

[Mazdax605]

Quick update time. My Delica is safely in my driveway in Massachusetts. Working with Craig at Bonsai Rides in Ontario was nothing short of awesome!! Can't recommend him any higher. Import was easy as pie,but the long drive from Ontario to Massachusetts was tough. Totally awesome experience though,and I'm glad I went through it.


Can't wait to contribute more to the forum,and bug you guys with million questions.


Chris