Replacing Glass...

[JazzyBC]

Hi all, we're trying to get as much info as we can before heading down to the lower mainland next week, so here's my question's for you:

Has anyone had to replace sky lights or crystal lite tops? Was the cost significant? How long about to get them replaced? Is there any major preference from Delica owners on this forum for either hard top or crystal?

We live on a dirt road and meet up with logging and rock trucks on a regular basis, I'm worried that all that glass may be a killer for our pocket books!!!

Thanks!

Erika

[fexlboi]

Is there any major preference from Delica owners on this forum for either hard top or crystal?

Hi Erika,
We really enjoy our crystal light roof, it makes it just so much more comfy while sitting in the rear, BUT you have less headroom space everywhere in the car. The ceiling is 1"-2" lower because of mechanical stuff for the shades etc. It also get's warmer inside.
We do a lot of camping and therefore our new Delica has no crystal light roof anymore. If you have often passengers in the back I would get them for sure.
Don't worry they will not break that quick. We did already a few thousand km on logging road incl. Demster and haven't had any problems (beside the windscreen :)

[JazzyBC]

Good to know fexlboi! Thanks for the quick reply. My husband is around 6' tall, do you think it will still be comfortable for him on long rides?

[Meanman]

I'm 6'2" and no issues for comfort. 90 exceed crystal lite roof L300

[josh]

Good to know fexlboi! Thanks for the quick reply. My husband is around 6' tall, do you think it will still be comfortable for him on long rides?

Erika,

I am 6'4" and have no problems with comfort in my Delica.

Hi all, we're trying to get as much info as we can before heading down to the lower mainland next week

Where in BC are you heading from? I live in Smithers. There are Delica owners all over if you want to take one for a spin.

Josh.

[FalcoColumbarius]

Hi Erika, welcome to Delica Canada... smiles.

When I first purchased my van, I decided to go with a P25 (low roof model). I thought about the crystalites but then I thought about potential leaks &c., I also thought about clearance, i.e.; underground car parks and low branches in an off-road scenario. I am six feet tall ~ the P25 is five inches lower than the P35 (high roof model). There is little or no difference when one sits in the cockpit, the difference is more in the cabin area and I am fine with that. Having said that, there are drivers that like the high roof/crystalite system.

I once found a deactivated forest service road that had a number of fallen trees over it. I got through with minimal sawing ~ had I been driving a P35 it would have been a different story. I think it depends on what your application is going to be ~ there will be pluses and minuses with every choice.

Falco.

[FalcoColumbarius]

Just a thought, there is a section on this site that will help you in your endeavours ~ it's called "Delica Wiki" and you will find it in the forum index under "Delica Canada Techincal". Here is a page from it:

http://www.socialtext.net/delica/index. ... red_delica

This page is a good guideline of what to look for or what needs to be done. These vans are well built but rubber is still rubber and often needs replacement.

The search engine is a good tool, although you have to spell the word correctly or it won't work, unless the original poster misspelled the same word.

Falco.

[JazzyBC]

Great! I've checked out wiki and love the list of things to do for your deli! Thanks Falco & Josh. You guys are awesome, so nice to have things laid out for us newbies... We live about 45 minutes out of Lillooet, the place on the other side of Whistler mountain. We're on a secondary road, so it's not always maintained... I called Rising Sun and the fellow I spoke to told me it would be $500 - $700 to replace a crystal lite panel, so I think we'll steer clear of those as well. Sounds like head room wont be an issue, and everything that I've seen so far has convinced me that I'll be leaving the lower mainland with a deli come next week! We have friends who own a Delica and they love theirs as well, but haven't had the chance to chat with them about it. Now to getting used to driving RHD when on single lane dirt... heh,heh.

Erika

[josh]

Now to getting used to driving RHD when on single lane dirt... heh,heh.

I actually find it far nicer. Then you can hug the ditch closer than ever because you can see how close you are. We have a narrow road running up to our ski hill and its a lot easier in a RHD when you have to meet oncoming traffic on the road. It eliminates the guess work of how far over you can go before you get stuck.

Enjoy your future Delica. I am sure whatever one you chose it will be your favorite.

Josh

[FalcoColumbarius]

Right on! I look forward to meeting you sometime. So now: What are you going to call your new wagon?

Falco.

[glenn]

I have to chime in here . . . I think the fears of damaging the crystal lite roofs are over blown generally. There are a ton of things that can be damaged from road debris etc, I just don't see these windows as being that vulnerable. I'm no expert though, I just love these windows - these pictures speak for themselves. And, as you can see, have no problem carrying a canoe (it doesn't even obstruct the view.)

[Erebus]

I absolutely, positively love my Crystal Lite (that's the correct spelling, BTW) roof. The view is well worth the slight risk of breakage. That said, if I was to regularly carry stuff on the roof without a serious rack (like I have), I'd go for the regular highroof. I figure my rack provides a lot of protection; but at the risk my dropping something on the windows.

I do make sure I'm careful when I'm up on the roof rack -- something I seem to do on a very regular basis -- to make sure I don't drop tools or such.

If you have children who ride in the back, and you buy a non-Crystal Lite, and they ever ride in one, they'll probably hire a lawyer and sue you for traumatizing them by making them ride in a vehicle without the skylights.

[JazzyBC]

Lol!! Well the kids are going to have to try to squeeze blood from a stone to sue me Erebus... We're going to be handing over all of our savings to Mardy for the L400 Delica spacegear we've now got on hold with him! It's a beautiful blue, very soulful, and a bit ironic considering I sign in as JazzyBC, may have to call her Jazzy... She's got no crystal lite skylights though... We just wanted to minimize the chance of added expenses in any way we can.

Glenn, is that pup of yours a heeler, or part heeler? People on here have good taste in many areas...

Can't wait to pick up my Deli!

Erika

[glenn]

Well spotted! Yes he is a blue heeler/german shepherd mix. Smart as whip, and the shepherd in him makes him a great family dog.

And I'm sure you'll love your new ride, like so many of us do. Even without crystal lite roofs, the side windows afford great views. Our other car is a pontiac vibe, and my youngest daughter can hardly see anything out the window it's so high and small. Small windows in passenger cars is a funny design trend, all about posing and not funtion I think. Ever noticed the tiny little windows on the current mercedes E class?

I really like the dark blue color on the L400's - I think it is a very contemporary one. Some of the other colours available on the L400 really date them.

[Green1]

Small windows in passenger cars is a funny design trend, all about posing and not funtion I think. Ever noticed the tiny little windows on the current mercedes E class?

Studies show that people feel "safer" when there is less glass around them, the bulk of the metal makes them feel safe, this of course is actually more dangerous as they have worse sight lines and more blind spots, however manufacturers build what people buy, not what is better for them.