Hi !

[East Coast L300]

I have recently purchased what has to be the nicest Mitsubishi L300 in the USA. I found it in Hershey, Pennsylvania being used as a highway billboard for a local plumbing company. Now I know all you Delica owners are saying "big deal", but having owned an L300 in the early 1990's, and being fortunate to locate another immaculate example now, is a rare event down here where few were imported, let alone, taken care of.
My van is 100% rust free, has a 2.4L engine w/ automatic trans, 85K miles, and even the original exhaust system.
I am planning on doing a complete restoration including a engine upgrade (Mitsubishi only) as well as a conversion to a manual transmission. I bought a webasto fabric sunroof for it as well.
If anyone out there knows of a good engine and transmission source, I would love to hear about it.
We are still a few years away from being able to legally import Delicas in the USA, but until the time comes, my L300 will keep me happy, and look great parked next to my Delica when I get it.

Best Regards,

James
East Coast L300

[mararmeisto]

Well, I don't know what it looked like in it's billboard configuration, but that sure is a nice looking van you got there. And with no rust? Excellent! Are you a displaced Canadian? Or is it there is no US forum for you to become a part of? Regardless, welcome and well met.

You're right, the vans were only sold in America for a few short years (either one or two in the late 80s from what I've been able to determine) and it seems it was only the gasoline cargo van that was made available. Still, for a cargo van looks like you got a sweet set of rims on your ride.

As for getting parts, well.... you indicate you bought the van in PA - is that where you live too? Shipping could be a bit steep for your liking, but check with ccautos (he's got lots of stuff, but I don't know if he's got a motor and transmission). Also, if you're on that side of the continent, it might be just as cheap to check with England on the DelicaUK forum to see what they have. Or, since the vehicles were initially sold in your country, check with Mitsubishi - you might be surprised (I know I would be).

[PcSpecialist]

Here's one like yours that someone replaced the engine in. Maybe you will want to do this?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qqOv_eWL80

[konadog]

Great story. It's good she has a proper home with a caring owner now. No rust is awesome - a motor an trans is good too though! Love the vid. Reminds me of my old VW mechanic who bolted a rockin' Porche motor into a ratty mid-70's VW bus. Made a few jaws drop with that one.