Hello from what used to be sunny California!
Posted: Mon Feb 26, 2007 7:26 pm
Funny how this all started thanks to a few auctions on Ebay.
A buddy and myself have been toying with the idea of throwing diesel engines into our Starions and watch ebay regularly for said engines. He had found an auction for a Delica Starwagon and shared the link with me. Holy hell are these vans HOT and I knew I had to have one of my own.
I started looking around the web, digging up what information I could from various websites, and quickly learned that the Delica never made it to the US market, however the same chasis was sold as the LS in two flavors, a 7 seater and a panel van. I also learned they were only sold with the 2.4 EFI engine mated to a rear drive train. Rather disappointing. However, I had also learned that the entire drive train from my SWB Montero would bolt right up, save for the front differential assembly and front lower control arms. No big deal. A little cutting and some welding and it'll all fit, its only metal.
Long story not so short, I'm supposed to take posession of a '87 LS panel van sometime later this week. Shortly thereafter I'll be disassembling my Montero to use the parts to build a Delica. The only bits I don't have available are the ones that make the van look so awesome: headlights, front facia, bush bars, rear hatch trim and badges.
Some might say it would be simpler to import a RHD model, but I already know its nearly impossible to register such a vehicle in the state of California.
Anywho, we found another Delica listing on ebay that referenced this forum in the Q/A section and here I am. Just wanted to say Hello before I start asking y'all where you get replacement parts from.
-Eric
A buddy and myself have been toying with the idea of throwing diesel engines into our Starions and watch ebay regularly for said engines. He had found an auction for a Delica Starwagon and shared the link with me. Holy hell are these vans HOT and I knew I had to have one of my own.
I started looking around the web, digging up what information I could from various websites, and quickly learned that the Delica never made it to the US market, however the same chasis was sold as the LS in two flavors, a 7 seater and a panel van. I also learned they were only sold with the 2.4 EFI engine mated to a rear drive train. Rather disappointing. However, I had also learned that the entire drive train from my SWB Montero would bolt right up, save for the front differential assembly and front lower control arms. No big deal. A little cutting and some welding and it'll all fit, its only metal.
Long story not so short, I'm supposed to take posession of a '87 LS panel van sometime later this week. Shortly thereafter I'll be disassembling my Montero to use the parts to build a Delica. The only bits I don't have available are the ones that make the van look so awesome: headlights, front facia, bush bars, rear hatch trim and badges.
Some might say it would be simpler to import a RHD model, but I already know its nearly impossible to register such a vehicle in the state of California.
Anywho, we found another Delica listing on ebay that referenced this forum in the Q/A section and here I am. Just wanted to say Hello before I start asking y'all where you get replacement parts from.
-Eric