Delicat's new ride! Nissan Safari

fexlboi · Post by **fexlboi** » Tue Mar 09, 2010 1:55 pm

Pfffff. We are not allowed to see the photos. Just for forum members.

I guess you have to start your own mod-thread on delica.ca.

mararmeisto · Post by **mararmeisto** » Tue Mar 09, 2010 2:16 pm

delicat wrote:Just got thinking about RPM, does it still work if the truck isn't white?

Sure, if you're driving the clandestine model. That's the vehicle he uses when he doesn't want to be seen. You know, like when the film stars go out on the town in a black-out limo. Same idea, only it's the pope. Or in this case, the Delicat.

delicat · Post by **delicat** » Tue Mar 09, 2010 6:01 pm

They say being a member has it's advantage!

But here it is for the non privileged ones, hum hum.

Project part 1.

I decided to relocate the 2 batteries on my 24v Safari and move them inside the cab, just behind the rear passenger's seats.

I'm installing a by-pass remote oil filter, a wvo veggie kit and soon a snorkel so engine bay real estate was at a premium and those 2 batteries were the logical choice to free some much needed room.

I bought two Odyssey 34-PC1500 that punch out a nice 880cca each and also act as decent deep cycle unit (AGM so safe to run inside the truck). I also needed about 10m of No. 1 battery cable and crimps.

I looked into running the battery under the chassis but decided to run the cable under the carpet to minimize drilling holes in the floor and also save on cable length.

The cable enter the cab at the feet of the front passenger through the firewall then follow the original rear AC ducting.

Part 2 of the project will be building a custom box to secure the batteries, I'm thinking of building it of 1/2" plywood, strong and light. The box should also have extra room for gears.

We had a go at it last night with my good friend Jay who I happily refer to as my Electrical Guru. Pictures will describe it better than I can do so here we go...

Cheers
David

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delicat · Post by **delicat** » Tue Mar 09, 2010 6:19 pm

Ctn'd...

One on of the picture you can see my new oil by-pass filter mounted where the battery used to be...

Hope no one mind me posting Nissan's pictures on a Delica forum!

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mararmeisto · Post by **mararmeisto** » Tue Mar 09, 2010 7:16 pm

You weren't joking when you said the engine bay was FULL! I'm also going to go out on a limb and speculate that you're going to do something a little more discreet with the batteries behind the seat...

thedjjack · Post by **thedjjack** » Tue Mar 09, 2010 8:21 pm

I would add a battery disconnect switch at the batteries just in case!!

I have had a 12volt 1 gauge wire short and I do not wish that on anyone.

I would put a rubber heater hose over the wires through the firewall as well for added protection (that plastic wrap can wear fast especially on rough roads). you can slit the heater hose and pass it through and tape it both sides.

Tie them down good you do not want two lead boxes with acid fly around in a roll over with you. I usually put 1/2 threaded rod with heavy angle steel on each battery through the floor with big washers (1.5 inch square) on both sides of the floor.

Looks good

delicat · Post by **delicat** » Wed Mar 10, 2010 2:27 am

Yes Paul, Part 2 needs to be taken care of asap. I'll be building a 1/2" plywood box to secure both batteries and some extra storage space. This box with the batteries will be sandwiched between the rear seats and the future drawers/bed base that will be a summer project.

So once I'm done with the battery box they should become a sealed and safe unit. Should do it next week, dealing with kitchen passes now...

And for the firewall hole it's a good idea, I've done it for my snorkel and it worked really good. But I'm not too concern right now, there's 2 layers of split loom in there... should be fine until all the fun mods are done!

But not to be undone, here's one more mod that I just finished tonight; installing a TRABOLD remote (bypass) oil filter. It was a pretty easy install once I figured out where to mount it.

It's a German unit that's got pretty good reviews with Portal Expedition vehicles. I'd have to look at the specs again but I think it filters down to 0.1 micron and they suggest changing the filter cartridge every 24,000km, the OEM filters every couple years and the oil (synthetic) some crazy numbers (over 300,000km)! Regular oil analysis will tell me how far fetch or accurate those claims are... but it can't hurt to give it a try.

Here's a few pictures showing some of the prep work, install of the return line on the valve cover, the pick up line "T" at the oil pressure switch, the remote filter and the final result. Only thing I'd change if I'd do it again would be to move the return line on the valve cover further front and on the side instead of the top...

Nice thing with this unit is the filter element is accessed from the top and the option to have a oil sampler port (at the top) to make oil sample pick up made easy. With the fins on the unit it should also cool down the oil, maybe not where I mounted mine but move it by the grill and I'd see some benefits.

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http://www.trabold.net/English/default.htm

Cheers,
David

deLOOKA · Post by **deLOOKA** » Wed Mar 10, 2010 8:58 am

Looking good David.

Btw, what is your choice of beer?

You know, for future reference.

delicat · Post by **delicat** » Wed Mar 10, 2010 9:20 am

Does Unibroue ring a bell? Like "La fin du Monde" or "La Maudite"...

Would be nice to have you around on our next play day!

Cheers!

after oil · Post by **after oil** » Mon Mar 15, 2010 9:04 pm

delicat wrote:Does Unibroue ring a bell? Like "La fin du Monde" or "La Maudite"...
Would be nice to have you around on our next play day!

Cheers!

those are two of my favorite beers!mm mm
great mods and thanks for the posts!
just a tip: i personally find it easier to see the photos that are a little smaller. on my 21" screen, anyway, i gotta scroll around to see the whole photo.. just a couple of cents, sorry for the off topic and carry on as you were, my friend!

fexlboi · Post by **fexlboi** » Mon Mar 15, 2010 10:06 pm

delicat wrote:

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What an awasome white Delica in the background. No wonder you camera wouldn't want to focus on the fitting

Golf Cart · Post by **Golf Cart** » Tue Mar 16, 2010 4:21 pm

deLOOKA wrote:Looking good David.

Btw, what is your choice of beer?

You know, for future reference.

An open one !

deLOOKA · Post by **deLOOKA** » Sat Mar 20, 2010 5:13 pm

delicat wrote:Does Unibroue ring a bell? Like "La fin du Monde" or "La Maudite"...
Would be nice to have you around on our next play day!

Cheers!

Yes! I am very familiar with that selection. I think the taster pack is still available.

My shocks are dead and money went to other projects last year so it will be a while before I go 4x4ing.

I can tolerate the dipping feel when driving on our roads but off road I will hate it.
I bottomed out too many times last year for MTBing. That's more then I can handle.

-Delooka

delicat · Post by **delicat** » Sun Mar 21, 2010 10:20 am

PART 2

I finally find time to post some pictures of the storage box I made to secure my batteries. It's made of 1/2" plywood, glued and brad nailed together. Plenty strong and light. It's got 2 parts;

The bottom one is mainly for the batteries but overlaps side and rear for extra storage, long items... The batteries are covered with a heavy rubber mat.

The top one is for storage and it's floor doesn't extend all the way so that the remaining free space beside the batteries can be used through the upper unit for taller items. I'm not sure if I'll use a hinge to connect both boxes or leave it removable as it is.

Both boxes are secured together by a latch (not on pictures). The batteries are also secured to the box with marine grade battery straps.

The height of the boxes was set to line up with the folded middle seats so that I can make a bed once the rear storage box is built up.

I've used the forward bolt from the 3rd seat attachment to secure the box to the truck. The rearward bolt will be used to secure the upcoming rear storage/drawers box. I also had to use longer bolts.

I still need to make the upper box's lid (ran out of wood) and gelcoat it, just need more free time, one day! I did get some help though... Hey Jay, a big thanks for letting me use you table saw!

Cheers,
David