New Vancouver Deli enthusiast

[speshul_deli~very]

Hello peoples, we're pumped to have found a 96 Space Gear Exceed II in great condition and with low km, fresh off the boat. Hitch install this weekend and 4 bike rack and tires next week. The family has needed a wagon like this for a long while, but it was worth the wait.

I've done some sleuthing to get answers Romany questions, this board is a beauty resource. Great information in here on rejuvenating sun-kissed plastic and paintjobs, and tire sourcing too. I do have a few questions though.

 any issues with keeping the Japanese lights? I kind of like them, and if it passed inspection already and is insured, my only worry is whether there's a cop with absolutely nothing better to do than pull me over.
 any place to get a new keyless remote?
 is a hitch from Max overdrive going to block access to the spare? Is $380 a decent price? E&H seems to have them, but I bet they need modification for Delica frames.

Thanks folks!!! May see you up a FSR, on a bike, or on a lake this summer. We can get a bit farther up now than we could with our Mazda Protégé. 

Sincerely,

Speshul

[jaggedfish]

Hey Speshul!

Welcome to the group and congrats on your purchase!

To answer a couple of your questions:
Japanese lights... yes, there are issues with keeping them. Firstly, just because someone evidently put them back on the vehicle after it was inspected (or the inspection was crooked) doesn't make them legal. Headlights are designed to aim slightly to the shoulder of the road so as not to blind oncoming vehicles. The Japanese obviously drive on the opposite side of the road to us so your Japanese headlights are in fact shining right in the faces of those coming towards you here in Canada. If you were to get in an accident, you may find your insurance to be invalid if your vehicle is found to be non-compliant. And, yes, you could also find yourself in hot water with an over zealous officer as well. You could find yourself catching a bus home if any non-compliance is caught and you will then be subjected to a re-inspection and the cost of any mods that require to be done. It is much better to know you are driving a fully compliant vehicle and have that piece of mind knowing there will be no trouble in that respect. I also believe that knowingly driving a non-compliant vehicle could land you in hot water also. If your van has the wrong headlights and you need new tires, I would be highly suspicious of it having legally passed any inspection. Not scorning... just words of caution.

Max O/D hitches do not block access to the spare tire. I have one installed on my bus. They are relatively easy to install and the 3 receivers are great for custom carriers using the 2 outside receivers while still being able to tow a trailer (provided you don't max out the allowed weight on the hitch - 500 lbs I believe) with the middle receiver.

I would also highly recommend looking thru the suggested list of items to deal with as well to keep your bus mechanically reliable - I think there is a list by Jfarsang and also CVI under L400 Technical. Unless your are an expert yourself, there is a great advantage to having a reputable mechanic such as CVI go over your bus. Remember, these things have sat for a while in Japan so there is some preventative maintenance that is recommended.


Other than that, I hope you truly love your bus and use it for what it is intended. Many happy trails!
Cheers!
Ian

[speshul_deli~very]

Great info Ian, thanks for the thoughtful response. Hadn't considered liability or light trajectory before. Ima switch them out when I take it to CVI for the scrubdown next week.

I didn't realize that the MO hitch would have three receivers! I think I've seen a photo of a Delimog with three before come to think of it. I made sure it was clss 2 at least, 3 is a bonus. Wouldn't rule out a trailer incident down the road either. $380 doesn't seem that inflated now.

I printed off that wiki list last night, it's the most comprehensive and concise resource I've seen yet as far the "must do"s go.

Thanks!
Speshul

[speshul_deli~very]

Forgot to say that the importer (private) had a safety inspection done for temp insurance to allow for a test drive. The insurance agent didn't bat an eyelash at the inspection, go figure. Butch did a pre-purchase inspection too, and it checked out well with the usual requirements of tie rods, boot, and fluids. I'm going to get some tires in WA from tirerack, seems like too good of a deal to pass up.

hockey

[FalcoColumbarius]

Welcome to Delica Canada, Speshul .

Falco.

[whileyrider]

Hey Falco, just realizing that it was you I saw at CVI yesterday when we were dropping off the van for some lovin'. Bit slow on the uptake! Sorry to have missed the chance of a personal introduction. Next time!

[FalcoColumbarius]

No worries, I look forward to it.

[deli~rider]

I realized after posting that I inadvertently created this account (speshul_deli~very) while having a few beers one night after buying our van, not remembering that I had created one a while ago (whileyrider). chalk it up to poor short-term memory. or beer.

I shall continue here as deli~rider, and blend an old handle into it.

We've put 8k on our van since purchase, and it has been pure pleasure and joy. CVI keeps our van running great, and I feel like we're driving a tonka around on our trips. I'm realizing that I didn't take many glory shots of the van this summer, but we covered the Rockies (twice), east Kootenays, Thompson Nicola, Sea to Sky a few times, Washington, and the big and little islands out in the old gulf. Burned up most of my holidays, but I saved enough for a hunting trip to the Cariboos next week. 4 bikes on the back and a rear end full of gear demands that I drive 95kph for max fuel efficiency but the van does that up the Coquihalla Summit no problems, even loaded down. I wonder if it'll handle any combo of elk, muley and whitetail in the back. I'll have to dexter those babies up, good thing I have poly and tuck tape.

my only wish list item for the van is a new stereo that will take a direct line in, and some nicer speakers. gotta keep my out for some good second hand stuff, and bone up on wiring. kinda intimidates me, wiring does. a little utility trailer would also be grand, for forest shopping or camping and biking with a van full of trip-mates.

peas.