Is something missing here?

[jwfchase]

We finally got our Delica on Monday and are loving it. I took it out to do some dashing through the snow near Kamloops last night, and the front underside got pretty filled up with snow... It seems like there should be a front skidplate here, am I just missing it or do these not originally come with one? It's a 1990 Exceed, and here's what the front underside looks like:

(Does anyone know where I can get one?)

[torchard]

I don't think there are any factory shields here as this is the air intake for the rad. This is one of the weaknesses of the delica design. It's possible to scoop up all manner of stuff. I think someone mentioned fabricating some kind of expanded metal screen or some such for this vulnerable area. But I could be wrong....

[thelazybrownfox]

hey chase

Thats all there is.

I pop riveted a bug screen in the opening and it did fill with snow this winter (just to prove it would scoop snow). There weren't a lot of bugs in the rad when I got it last december but the screen should catch highway gravel and summer bugs. Time will tell.

Now what can I use to catch the windshield gravel?

thelazybrownfox

[mararmeisto]

It looks like you don't have a skid-plate... nor do you have the bracket to mount the skid-plate. Just wondering if the 'Exceed' doesn't come standard with it or if it is an all-model accessory.

I too have seen the expanded-metal screen put in place, just to cut down on the amount of stuff that could get kicked-up into the radiator.

[jwfchase]

With the exposed bottom of the rad and those hoses I figured it's only a matter of time until a branch jams itself in there and punctures something...

[Green1]

crushers was working on making a "snow shield" for the delicas to cover that area (while still letting air in) I saw an early prototype, but it didn't fit right, I haven't heard recently what has happened with that idea....

[jwfchase]

From some of the video clips it looks like this area must get washed out frequently in streams and such.

Would a piece of steel like checkerplate, with vents cut/drilled in still block too much airflow? With that piece of rubber along the lower edge, it seems like SOMETHING is supposed to go here, but I'm glad to know mine is not the only one with this built-in snowshovel!

[Adam]

Here's a template for a skid plate, looks pretty simple to fabricate, if you've got the skills, too bad I'm skill-less

[jwfchase]

Nice! (But how 'bout venting?)

[Adam]

You could design your own venting
http://www.delica.ca/forum/doc-1186.html#p7725

[Fishtank]

This is what I have done, I got the idea (and the metal) from a friend who did the same to his manual. Oh, I also used his tools, and his shop. Thanks Andy. :)

[patty]

pretty cool there, looks like it would work

[delicat]

Have you tried it in the snow yet? Wonder if the snow would pack against the mesh and block the ventilation instead of finding it's way around?

Noticed you're taking care of your Deli; new tires, bushings...

Let us know how it works, looks good!

[jwfchase]

I don't think he'd be any worse off even if the snow does pack up against it, that whole area was full on me- and anyways- I'm sure a bunch of snow there will keep the rad cool... but no injuries to the rad, I like it!

[Fishtank]

Have you tried it in the snow yet? Wonder if the snow would pack against the mesh and block the ventilation instead of finding it's way around?

I've ran it through snow up to the top of the wheels, it ended up pushing like a snowplow, and yes the grate collected it quite well, but jwfchase is right, at least it didn't pack against the rad. Then again the whole front end was packed with snow including all the steps and other orifices below 2 feet.

I think the true test will be when summer rolls around here in Penticton, I'm thinking that it might stop too much air during the +40* weather. If it does, I will cut a Mitsu symbol to help with airflow. But when it comes to stopping sticks, bushes, grass, and birds, it works grate. (sorry had to throw that in there)

Noticed you're taking care of your Deli; new tires, bushings...

The tires are a little smaller than usual, they're a set of Blizzaks off our old Minivan, 205 75 15's. I am suffering from 'Small Delica Syndrome' my van seems puny every time I look at it and I can't wait to get my summers back on. I think next winter I will just sipe my 225 75 15's and then upgrade to 30's after that.