Hello from a VW bus guy looking at Delicas

[sailmonkeys]

Howdy everybody, been looking for a replacement for my trusty '68 VW bus. Something more travel worthy for the long haul from the west coast to the midwest. My bus would do it, but probably at the cost of my marriage (no AC, no heat, uncomfortable passenger seat). I currently use my bus for a mobile apartment while splitting time between Joshua Tree and San Diego It stays here). I need room for surfboards (I'm a shaper with a tiny label) and myself to camp comfortably, and occasionally do trips with my lovely wife to and from the coast from our home in Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky. I'm going to lurk and try to figure out whether to buy in Canada, or the US with the ultimate goal of registering it in Kentucky, my permanent home base. Thanks for having an outsider!

[Furi]

Welcome and if I may say you have picked the right rig for your transition. You will certainly find a lot of good information on the site and a lot of good folks.

[sailmonkeys]

Thank you very much. I'm excited about the prospect of owning and enjoying one.

[sailmonkeys]

Found a private sale '91 in Victoria. Taking it to Coombs for service and heading home from there. Pretty excited.

[Furi]

Congrats :) You will surely enjoy it and Coombs from what I read is a well established trustworthy establishment.
You might have already but have you done some research on registration, etc.? California is not super friendly to these older cars. Although its pretty hit and miss. Some people register on the same day; some takes a while.

[sailmonkeys]

First prospect fell through. Inspection turned up more than I was ready to tackle. I'm dealing directly with Elliot at Coombs on getting something together. I am in contact with an agent for border paperwork, but could use some direction on how to get Canadian insurance for the day, and temporary plates for the drive across the US. I will ultimately be registering the vehicle in Kentucky, which seems fairly straightforward. I could also use some direction on where on this forum I might find help on creating a list of spare parts (survival kit) that I should gather for the trip. Thanks for the welcome.

[bigkat1249]

I just picked up a 91 Delica Exceed from Mendel's Garage in Philly a few weeks ago. They have 3 others currently and more on the way from what the owner told me. They were all really clean and had clear titles in PA. I was able to fly out one way with Frontier airlines for $25. Drove it back the next day. Registered and transferred the title this week with no issues in Columbus, OH.

http://www.mendelsgarage.com/status/current/

Give them a shout. Prices are negotiable.

And tell Michael that Jordan sent you.

Cheers!

[sailmonkeys]

Thanks very much. Happy to know there are more coming in and looking forward to a growing community of owners in the States.

[Furi]

First prospect fell through. Inspection turned up more than I was ready to tackle. I'm dealing directly with Elliot at Coombs on getting something together. I am in contact with an agent for border paperwork, but could use some direction on how to get Canadian insurance for the day, and temporary plates for the drive across the US. I will ultimately be registering the vehicle in Kentucky, which seems fairly straightforward. I could also use some direction on where on this forum I might find help on creating a list of spare parts (survival kit) that I should gather for the trip. Thanks for the welcome.

I missed the part about registering in Kentucky. Any state is better than California. I was actually in Louisville in June. Need to go back to KY for the Brass Band festival next year :) To be honest if you have the time that is probably the best way of purchasing the car. You are involved in every step of the process and the maintenance. Seen you other posts so will just share what I know on the topics there. Hope you find what you like.

[sailmonkeys]

Definitely holler at me if you're coming this way. My wife and I have been affiliated with a great jazz club in Northern Kentucky/Cincinnati since 1986 (www.deefelicecafe.com). Gave us a taste for jazz of all flavors. We both still work there when we are in town (we are part time care taking for an elder relative in the Southwest). We'll buy you a drink and listen to some live jazz.

[Furi]

Sounds great; will definitely be in touch.