When you wanted to be an suv,but mama said be a van…

[fiat fan]

On 8/17/2024 at 9:41 PM, iRage said:

 

The high roof ladder is the nicer one due to its beefiness. But since you are going with a complete manufacturer-spec look, it might seem a bit off place. But then, I wouldn't be surprised if dealers installed the high roof ladder on the low roof.

Having said that...the installation of the ladder is totally wrong on your vehicle. The ladder should be more towards the middle where both top mounts are at the same level. Right now, the left side mount on top in lying on the slightly raised part of the roof line with the right-side mount on the lowered part of the roof shape. Both mounts should be at the same roof level point. It might be because they used the wrong type of mount (i.e., they didn't have the low roof ladder mounts), so they had to improvise. The result seems to be:

a. top mounting brackets just seem twisted and stuck on by a high schooler.

b. the ladder seems to be twisted at the bottom and seems to be too close to the over-rider on the rear bumper (probably why the side has been hit in).

c. when the ladder is too much on to the side it increases the blind spot around the D-pillar. This happens because there is no see-through gap between the outter edge of the ladder and the metal surround of the rear glass.

Also...if the ladder is not properly mounted this may impact the mounting and clearance for the rear spoiler.

So...yeah...I might have kept the high-roof ladder but totally reinstalled it.

Exactly what I was thinking. It does look nice and chunky. Lmao

Correct again, the dealers apparently went all-in on installing these ladders to the flat roof gang. Plus these Terzo ladders were more desirable than the manufacturer item according to a few Delica nuts. You can actually see a-lot of these on flat roofs globally.

 

😅😅

Fitment and placement is crap I agree. I actually had it removed after taking that picture and had it reinstalled just yesterday.

still misaligned. I put it up hours before your reply. I did no research and just got a guy to go-ahead. Google also pointed that mine needs to be more centered. Will get on it asap.

 

18 hours ago, john cooper said:

Confirming the P25, 35 or 45 none of them came with coil sprung rear suspension.

The Star Wagon that I was referred to as original was a conversion.

 I do apologize for the mistake!

Regards,

JC

Thanks for the confirmation bro. Appreciate it!

No problem. Easy mistake to make because info is vague on these sometimes.

Edited August 18, 2024 by fiat fan

[iRage]

10 hours ago, fiat fan said:

flat roof gang

Now this can actually be a thing for a group. I fear to imagine what the HIGH roof gang is up to  

[fiat fan]

11 hours ago, iRage said:

Now this can actually be a thing for a group. I fear to imagine what the HIGH roof gang is up to  

lol 🍃🍀 

Actually the US has a strong Delica culture. (They seem to import every last one from Japan. Still cheaper than Sri Lanka even after them jumping all those hoops sadly/oddly)

Most of these US owners are into grass smoking and getting high roofed 😅 They also prefer the high roof 🤔

[fiat fan]

So got the lower and upper arm bushes changed.
Real PITA to find parts like these. 4WD parts are rare and priced gouged it seems. Luckily Hyundai H100 shares a-lot of parts with Delica’s. So went that route.

Also a bunch of other small bushes and rubbers on the arms were changed. Got the wheels aligned and drives much better.

Ball joints were ok at time of repair- but not anymore. So that’s something needs fixing. 
 

OEM/Genuine parts are almost nonexistent and even the dupes are pricey. Who tf says japs are easy and cheap to maintain!? Only the buyya fellas it seems.

Also changed an alternator belt that was squealing. All the other belts are fine.

 

Took a drive to UK 😅 and met-up @AVANTE for a quick chat! 
 

Two very interesting pieces of transportation indeed!

[Gummybr]

6 hours ago, fiat fan said:

 

OEM/Genuine parts are almost nonexistent and even the dupes are pricey. Who tf says japs are easy and cheap to maintain!? Only the buyya fellas it seems.

 

 

I agree even the so called Toyota parts are sometimes not easy to come by.

[iRage]

8 hours ago, fiat fan said:

Who tf says japs are easy and cheap to maintain!? Only the buyya fellas it seems.

The buyyas and the ones who don't mind (or doesn't know better) using cheap, substandard parts. In Japan the genuine parts are priced the same as any other part, only a few are actually cheaper. In Sri Lanka, thanks to low market share, people willing to buy duplicates and substandard parts and the opportunistic behavior of the agents make genuine ones cost an arm and a leg with the promise of a kidney donation.

[wade456]

Hey, 
I read on one of the posts regarding Hyundai h100 parts.
I am sorry, i understand this is very random. 

Im trying to find more details on this vehicle, cannot find much. 

Im seeing quite a few on the second hand market. I was initially looking to get a delica but these seem to be at a better price. 

Would it be easy to find parts to replace, and would this van be considered reliable?
Im mostly looking to surf, and do surf trips. Not very good with vehicles, dont understand too much about them.
Trying to get a stress free vehicle. Even considered a viva elite, but vehicles like Tata winger, delica, h100 give me a lot of freedom to travel with my surfboards and friends.

so sorry to randomly pop up here. 
That delica looks rad man. Wish I could get my hands on something like that.

[fiat fan]

On 9/5/2024 at 7:37 AM, Gummybr said:

I agree even the so called Toyota parts are sometimes not easy to come by.

Very true!

On 9/5/2024 at 9:18 AM, iRage said:

The buyyas and the ones who don't mind (or doesn't know better) using cheap, substandard parts. In Japan the genuine parts are priced the same as any other part, only a few are actually cheaper. In Sri Lanka, thanks to low market share, people willing to buy duplicates and substandard parts and the opportunistic behavior of the agents make genuine ones cost an arm and a leg with the promise of a kidney donation.

Honestly that sucks. A little rarer jdm needs the same attention and money as a euro of similar vintage.

[fiat fan]

Update time-

Accelerator cable was jammed somewhat. Reinstalled and works a charm now.

Brake pump was replaced. Had a leak.

Upper and lower clutch pump replaced- previously the bushes were changed but it still started leaking, So decided to replace the pumps. Bnew Taiwan parts instead of recon jap parts which are real dodgy.

Had an oil hose that went to the turbo,leak. Was replaced.

Radiator was replaced- unfortunately the whole assembly with the tanks was unavailable. Replaced with browns Radco aluminum radiator and used the existing tanks. No heating issues and no water loss in the morning.

Had a coolant hose leak a-bit after repair that has been also redone.

 

in the pipeline-

Power steering rack oil seal fix

power steering pump fix

AC compressor clutch replacement.

water ingress to the passenger footwell needs looking into.

Dashboard area wiring needs to be redone( it works but is fked up in pure lankan style)

Ball joint replacement.

Rear leaf spring shackles need replacing.

Turbo is on its way out.

Thermostat.

EGR delete.

these are the repairs that are needed initially.

 

with the dash removed for work.

 

current looks /\

[fiat fan]

Lots to update, but here for a photo-dump.

 I think the wheels were a good choice. Also Im amazed at how much of a difference de-ricing made it.

The Maruko horn was giving issues and one never worked. Looking into fixing it. A Fiamm horn from a new Peugeot 3008 that was for my 508 is temporarily commisioned.

Like I said, lots were done including turbo, shock absorbers and such. it almost flies now.

Location- Kaudulla Lake/Tank close to Habarana.

[fiat fan]

I suddenly remembered that I had not updated this thread in a while.

I am currently out of the country, but my cousin takes car of my rides for me thankfully.

 

I did do some major work on it before leaving. It was mostly ageing bits and other Lankan-user ignored repairs. Some of these were reported early yes.

1. The 3 core radiator was patched badly and had many cores blocked off. The recon parts were either crazy expensive or just pure junk. So we opted for a brand new radiator from Radco by Browns. Prices were decent and quality is satisfactory. The upper and lower tanks were difficult to find, So that is something thats upcoming.

2.Air filter was changed.

3.Shocks were shot.lol they actually were worn more than a tiktok ho. So new ones went in.

4.Gaskets were shot and had a slight heating issue on uphill drives. So replaced the gaskets.

5.Water pump and Belts minus the timing belt was changed. T Belt changed just before my purchase and was in good nick.

6. Camshaft was changed.

7. Turbo was clogged with gunk and a missing pipe meant turbo almost never worked. Also put in few more parts which I don't remember anymore. Much faster now with a very apparent "whistle" when revved.

8. Oil change done.

9.Upper and lower clutch pumps changed.

10.Brake pump leak fixed.

11. Some other minor work done,Sorry cant remember no more.

 

Battery was changed on the 5th of this month with an Exide 90ah. 23.5k after the trade in. Well worth it i'd say.

 

Cosmetically nothing much was changed further, other than the crash bar being taken off(before the Clean SL thing) which makes it look a-little odd. But not terrible. I was contemplating getting a newer style front bumper from the 96 onwards facelift(which comes with its own plastic guard built into the bumper) But that would not make it period correct. 

 

Currently the van is at SL Chop Shop in Kandy undergoing a full mechanical restoration. as per them it's not in bad shape, but I wanted to keep it running 100% and up-to date.

I had done most mechanicals through a few mechs before. But in typical Lankan style, They are lazy, dishonest and expensive. Im trying to spend right the first time and not get repetitive jobs done. From what I saw, these guys seem to be the best option.

The paint will also need redoing in a year or so, plus there are few rust spots and cataloy that I'd like gone.

 

current looks.

[fiat fan]

So the Van is currently being fixed ATM.

As expected Lankan car owners specially van owners do no maintenance. Suspension repairs are alien. Only what needed to work to run has been “fixed” and that too in a crappy way.

I am adding receipts for future reference and to help others.
Parts we are using are the best available in the market.

Power steering rack is beyond repair, will be replaced with a Recon unit.

Starter motor has been serviced/repaired.

Alternator has been fixed.

 

Brake discs have been “faced” lol (pads are at about 60% )

Whole bunch of front suspension parts went in.

 

work in progress-

This was a list of known issues and maintenance I wanted done (not including the suspension)

Will I be able to finish everything in one go? I’m not sure honestly due to time consumed. But I will get everything major before I bring it home.

• Sump oil leak
• Power steering ✅
• Coolant tanks
• AC Compressor Clutch
• Alternator ✅
• Install shocks ✅
• Tappet sound
• Rear differential nut
• Dunu shackle
• Injectors
• Diesel pump
• Starter motor ✅
• Wiring
• Door pins
• Rust spots
• Polish
• Horn
• Fluid change
• Eco test license
• Alignment/ balance
• Thermostat 
• Undercoating

So far total cost for van including purchase and repairs along with spares and other unique accessories is at around 3.75 million.

After this semi restoration it will go to about 4 million. But by then it will be in excellent running condition and some.
What needs be done from there is a proper paint job and some love on the interior. That will stretch it to around 4.8 million, but by then it will be mint and in factory fresh condition.
The “mint” condition vans advertised want anything from 6.8 to 9 million. I think this is a good deal. Mostly because I know that it actually was restored well, unlike the guy who wanted 8 million on one van(that he claimed was the best delica in the world) that is 80% rusted off. 

[fiat fan]

Since the last update, the van has been out and running.

It drives like an absolute dream. Soft as a pillow and smooth as butter. The recon power steering pump really did wonders. One finger movement.

No more noises or creaking. The ride really changed for the best. It’s unbelievable how good getting the suspension overhaul did!

Starts right up and drives anywhere in style. Absolutely no issues in the mechanical side that needs repair. I will replace the diesel pump and injectors in about 10k kms because I’m crazy.

Funny how good something becomes if you take care of it!

The brakes were going hard on the way home from the garage. Turned out it was a rusted brake vacuum line. I asked the garage to check everything and they said they did,but missed this!?

Rating on Nandana Motors/SL Chop Shop-7/10

The work they perform is good,but God are they slow af. Unresponsive at times. And you have to keep mentioning repairs or they forget. So like most places in SL. But still probably the best in Kandy. To their credit, the work they perform is excellent. They are just too busy. Thats their issue. Also they are very very expensive. If you can wait and if you are ok spending more to make your ride a minter, then it’s sorta worth it.

Next up is the full re-wiring. Already bought a harness.  25k for it. 2k for the badges

Saw this beauty the other day. 1st Delica I’ve seen in person in the yeehaw land!

 

Also managed to cop some rare MMC Magnum 400 fogs with the super ultra rare covers. Works good but a lick of paint would really bring it up! Factory option ✅ (25k)

after she came home-

 

no crash bar life-

 

Mitsubishi deff designed this with the crash bar in mind-

 

straight out the workshop-

Edited April 27 by fiat fan
Added info

[john cooper]

Great stuff, keep it up, mate.

Just wanted to add something that came to my mind, this is a "design fault" when then becomes a fire hazard.

Next to the battery, you will see a set of connectors, which get loose over time and start a fire, or it's get very hot and melt the plastic.
Get that checked and replaced, it has melted on a few of the Vans that I am aware and ours almost ended in a fireball, but managed to cut the wires before it was too late.

 

If you are keeping the Van for a long time, please buy a spare steering box that connects to the steering rack.
Delica, with its forward control setup, the steering input is connected to a box in the middle, which is very weak, so with the added stress of large tires, you will be looking to change them sooner than the other models.

It was a bit hard to find back in the day, but I believe 2WD model fits the 4wd

Please make sure the Brake booster is in top condition (noticed that you have serviced that). We have had a few near misses, so we have upgraded our's to a Hyundai H100 unit, and that was spot on.

Looks like you are on the correct path to restoring the Van, great to see that you have serviced the alternator.

In 2007, we went to Kudumbigala Monastery, and the alternator gave up, and it was late in the night, we only had one small torch to find our way to Arugam Bay, and we did that 25 KM with a small torch. 😅

A lot of fun stories with that Van. lol

 

Regards,

JC

[fiat fan]

On 4/27/2025 at 9:21 PM, john cooper said:

Great stuff, keep it up, mate.

Just wanted to add something that came to my mind, this is a "design fault" when then becomes a fire hazard.

Next to the battery, you will see a set of connectors, which get loose over time and start a fire, or it's get very hot and melt the plastic.
Get that checked and replaced, it has melted on a few of the Vans that I am aware and ours almost ended in a fireball, but managed to cut the wires before it was too late.

 

If you are keeping the Van for a long time, please buy a spare steering box that connects to the steering rack.
Delica, with its forward control setup, the steering input is connected to a box in the middle, which is very weak, so with the added stress of large tires, you will be looking to change them sooner than the other models.

It was a bit hard to find back in the day, but I believe 2WD model fits the 4wd

Please make sure the Brake booster is in top condition (noticed that you have serviced that). We have had a few near misses, so we have upgraded our's to a Hyundai H100 unit, and that was spot on.

Looks like you are on the correct path to restoring the Van, great to see that you have serviced the alternator.

In 2007, we went to Kudumbigala Monastery, and the alternator gave up, and it was late in the night, we only had one small torch to find our way to Arugam Bay, and we did that 25 KM with a small torch. 😅

A lot of fun stories with that Van. lol

 

Regards,

JC

Thanks for the heads up bro. 

Mine actually has very minimal wiring around the battery (just the subwoofer power line) so thats a relief. It’s got other wires everywhere else that not even Jesus can figure out.

I will be redoing the entire wiring soon. 
 

The steering box on mine looks to be in good condition. It did have huge “boku alow vheal” when purchased, now it runs on pizza cutter 215 tires (oem size)

Plus the entire suspension was replaced and worked on. Also replacing the power steering rack helped loads. Much smoother now. Will keep an eye though!

Yup the brakes are excellent now. “Top badu” according to my mech lol

I am yet to have adventures as you did with your van,but here's hoping! Would love to see a photo dump of any adventures…

I wanted this to be my daily abuse,but it’s quickly turning into a full restore and protect pride and joy.