My adventure for the Delica starts tomorrow morning

Okay guys here is the rest of the story. Sorry I have taken so long to get this all out. Before heading out to the border crossing I printed up the email from my customs broker who had specific instructions for the border crossing. They told me that I had to go to this exact crossing, and it had to happen on that day. They also told me that I had to cross with the commercial vehicles, and not with the normal vehicles.

We got to the border crossing about 40 minutes after leaving the university in Welland, and pulled in with the tractor trailers. We were getting strange looks from the truckers while in line waiting our turn. Eventually we got strange looks from the regular automobile drivers, maybe because we were in the trucker line, but more likely because we were in a strange Japanese space van. It took about 30-40 minutes in line before it was our turn, and as we pulled up the customs officer at the booth, he welcomed us, and asked why we were not in the regular vehicle line. I started explaining that I was importing the van, and the customs officer was looking and talking to Brad in the passengers seat. Shortly there after he realized I was the one talking, and driving, and was a bit surprised. We then handed him our passports, drivers licenses, and the customs brokers paperwork that we had just printed up.

Amazingly the customs broker was super friendly, and looked at my paperwork briefly before asking where I got the paperwork prepared, and whether I was importing for sale, or personal use? I replied that it was through a customs broker. He then asked me how much I had paid for it to be prepared? I replied with around $6-800 including the $400 bond fee, and duty tax,etc.. The customs agent then said I had wasted my money as it wasn't necessary, and that I could have done it on my own at the crossing. Brad wasn't thrilled to hear this as we had wasted a day of travel waiting for this paperwork, and suggested that we just try to cross without it earlier in the trip. The customs agent then told us to sit tight while he checked on a few things in the booth. About 10 minutes later he poked his head out of the booth, and apologized to us, saying he was indeed wrong, and that the paperwork was needed, and I was smart to use a broker. I was thrilled to hear this, and so was Brad because it meant we hadn't wasted our time fully. Another 5-10 minutes went by before the agent was car side again, and handed us back our passports, and the paperwork I had given him. He instructed us to park over with the tractor trailers, and enter another building with a red door, and walk through the halls until we reach room 116. We were to bring the paperwork in there,and put it on the counter. We did this, and were then told that there was a waiting room across the hallway. We entered the room with some of the oldest vending machines known to man, and a bunch of angry truckers. We shortly found out why the truckers were angry as a few mentioned they had been there 2+ hours just to pay a $10.95 fee. We sat quietly, and I was wondering what would be next, and how long we would be there.

While looking out the window I noticed a flat bed truck with a long articulating arm with some sort of sensor attached to it. I saw this truck driving along side tractor trailers that would pull up every few minutes. The tractor trailer drivers would exit the truck,and the flat bed truck would drive along the side of the tractor trailers to x-ray them I believe. I assumed we would have to do the same as a friend of mine had his Delica x-rayed when he imported his in Washington a few months ago. About a half hour later they called my name, and I entered room 116 again with Brad. The customs agent who we had talking to earlier handed me my envelope with all of my paperwork, and aid " you are all set, and your paperwork is all stamped". He then mentioned that there was a $10.95 fee to finish the crossing. I handed him $11, and he handed me a shiny nickel back.

No X-rays, no vehicle inspection, no body cavity search, and most importantly no vehicle seizure, and crushing of my van. We got back in the Delica, and looked at each other in wonder as to how easy it was to do what I was thinking would be the worst part of the trip. Out on to the interstate in the grande ole U.S. of A, and east towards Massachusetts. After driving around Buffalo on a few secondary interstates we got to Route 90 East, and had about 8-9 hours ahead of us. We stopped shortly after getting on 90 at a rest area for fuel, and much needed food after not eating since breakfast at the hotel. I then drove all the way until we hit the Mass Pike many hours later. At the first rest are on the Pike we stopped for fuel again, and Brad took over the driving. We arrived at Brads house in Georgetown MA around 3-3:30am, and there was no way I was driving the 2 hours south after all that, so I crashed on his couch. We got up around 9AM, and headed out for some breakfast in town before I headed the 2 hours south to get home. I was home about an hour or so to shower, and gather some clothes for camping, and headed over to my parents house to show the van to my sister, and mother. After that I was back home, and loading up my stuff in the Suburban for a 3+ hour drive north to New Hampshire where my family was still camping. Traffic through Boston sucked, and I was still tired from all the driving, but I was so happy to be back with my wife and kids.

So that is my little adventure for a weird JDM minivan. I am so glad I did it, and look forward to more adventures in the van with my family. Many thanks to my understanding wife Becky, my kids Lucas & Alex, Brad, Craig and his wife, Al, Erin, James, and all of the other people that we encountered on the way. Chris

Well done.

I was in Ottawa in June, and there was a 4WD Delica parked on the street near my parents' house. I thought of this thread

An aside to this story and something that I am kind of disappointed with is the fact that I worried about so many things that were not an issue. The biggest being the fact that I waited until August due to the build date of the van according to my importers data from Mitsubishi. They never even looked at anything on the van, so I could have had the van months ago. I also worried about the headlights and non dot tires. They checked none of it and I guess the tire upgrade was a worthy one but the USA headlights are not as good. Live and learn I guess.

Chris

Congrats, when do you bring the next car in, it will be a breeze. Looking forward to seeing it in person and going for a ride. We'll have to go 4 wheelin' on the power lines down the street from your house!

Took the van out for a spin last night in the rain. I didn't want to but my eight year old son was begging me. All my hard work washing and waxing the van on Sunday went out the window.

Does anyone know the rules on using yellow driving lights? I ask because the van has two huge yellow driving /fog lights I'm not sure what you would call them. They are really bright but I don't want to be using them on the road if it's illegal.

About the headlights - if they had a good beam pattern, they would have been wrong for the US anyhow. RHD cars put more light on the left side of the road instead of the right. Pardon me if this has already been mentioned.

If you don't use those lights in traffic, I don't think you'll have a problem. If they're real driving lights, you wouldn't use them in traffic anyhow.

I just don't know if they are fog lights or driving lights and if they are for off road use only or on foggy rainy nights. I didn't use them last night, but I could have used the extra light for sure. It was a pretty miserable drive.

Chris

Just read thru your thread - very cool little van, and a great story to get it home! One stupid question, where the heck is the engine & radiator? Is it a mid like the old Dodge/Ford vans?

There are pics on page three of this thread that shows the very corner of the radiator. The engine, and radiator live under the front seats, and are accessed through a large hinged hatch that the passengers seat, and centre console are mounted on. The drivers seat also unbolts, and the floor that it is mounted to is removable for more access to the other side of the motor. Very strange setup, but well thought out when it comes to access. Not as simple to work on, but you get used to it. Well I did at least with my US spec 2wd gas motor model a few years ago.

OK now I can put the pics together abit better. That thing is just unbelievably cool; I love the idea of a diesel 4x4 minivan.

Brought my kids in the Deli to the local cruise night yesterday. Wasn't expecting glowing reviews as this is the same cruise night that didn't want to let me in a few years ago in my REPU because it wasn't a "classic car". Think "Murica berkeley yeah!!"

Amazingly I had a few people really interested in the van while I was near by it, and can only imagine there were more when I left to look at the show myself. One guy almost wouldn't let me leave with all of his questions.

So my first little hiccup. Just dropped by TR8Todd's house to show him the van, and while it was idling in his driveway he mentioned that he smelled coolant. I then noticed it as well. Turns out the van was dripping a fair amount of coolant on his driveway. Under some slight investigation it appears to be the upper radiator hose where it meets the engine, but I plan to check it a bit more once it cools down. Hopefully it isn't anything major.

Chris

When in Rome... It saw all the British cars and figured it was OK to urinate all over my driveway.

Found the factory style clamp where the upper hose meets the motor was loose. Removed it and installed a new clamp. All fixed.

Awesome van! Didn't realize it was that "easy" to import something like that. But seriously, that's an awesome van

Mazdax, how difficult do you think it would be to get ahold of a Mitsu Elf? I'm looking for something bigger than a minivan, that gets 30mpg and can be converted into an RV.

I'm not sure to be honest with you as I am not familiar with that model. If it is an 89 or older it won't be a problem as long as you can find one on the ground. Contact Craig at Bonsai Rides on Ontario, and ask him. Tell him Chris sent you.

Keith Tanner wrote: If you don't use those lights in traffic, I don't think you'll have a problem. If they're real driving lights, you wouldn't use them in traffic anyhow.

We would hope he wouldn't, anyway.

People using driving lights in traffic is one of my biggest annoyances ever.

I have now had the Deli for about a month and a half, and the RHD is becoming second nature now. What felt so alien for the first week or so is just normal feeling now. I don't even screw up the directionals anymore. Heck I don;t think I did it more than twice anyway.

I personally know the seller of that Delica as well. I bought my old 83 Plymouth Sapporo from him, and he is a stand up true car guys.

So how is the Delica going? I want to convince the wife. Are the middle seats carseat friendly?

The Delica is truly awesome. I have not driven it in a few weeks due to the salt has started flying here in New England. I know it sort of defeats the purpose of the 4wd in the van, but this thing is so nice I really don't want to subject it to the salt we have here in such great abundance. Also it doesn't like starting in the cold weather. I plan to install some sort of block heater in it soon.

The middle seat on my 8 passenger is a bench that you can flip flop to either face front or rear. That seat only has two seating spots, and both are served by lap belts only, but that is okay with child seats from what I remember from my days with kids in car seats. Actually the seats being reconfigurable may lend itself to being better for child seats, but I am not sure. I also have a fold out 8th jump seat in the middle row that while it is a seating position it doesn't have a belt, so in my book not really a seat that can be used for travel. I suppose one could rig up a belt for it, but I have no idea why Mitsubishi didn't provide one. Most of the other Delicas I see have the 7 seat configuration that has the middle row captains seats. I had that set up on my US spec L300, and wanted it on this Delica, but the condition of this one was so nice I made a compromise. I am glad I did as I like the bench seat better anyway.

If you want to chat more, you can PM me, and we can take this off the forum, or I can even give my number, and we can converse on the phone.

TL/DR

I love my van, and am so glad I got it!!

Hey guys,

So I made the original post on this thread one year ago today. Hard to believe a whole year has passed. To sum up my experience over the last year with this van: Amazing!!

Whenever I drive the van my interactions with other people are usually as follows:

DipE36 M3s at the local cruise night yelling out "Hey your(yes I imagine they spell it wrong) on the wrong side of the car". Strange looks from people in traffic, and maybe an occasional double take from passing cars. Maybe being asked one million times if it is British. Mostly all kids love it. Even last night when hanging out in the parking lot after playing hockey there was kid that showed up with his mother. He had to be 10-12 years old, and was drooling over the van. I let him check it out a little closer by opening it up for him(not in a creeper kind of way you pervs). Most people can't guess how old it is, with many thinking it is new. I know it's in good shape, but how could anyone think this very angular looking van is not from the 80's? Also tons of people asking if it is tough to drive. That one I understand as I would probably ask the same thing.

My kids have enjoyed the van maybe even more than I have. They love riding in the rear facing seat in the middle row. They also enjoy riding "shotgun" with an extra steering wheel I have in their hands to trick people into thinking they are driving. I especially love the looks we get at drive-thrus when doing this. I know I'm 8 years old.

The van has been flawless so far, and has only needed an oil change(another is due now), and fuel so far. I haven't taken any big trips yet with it as we have been on a bit of a budget with the possibility that I may be in a work stoppage this August. I hope to maybe bring it to Nova Scotia this summer/early autumn, but we will see. I bought an over sand beach permit for a local beach on my sisters persistence, and have had lots of fun taking the van on the beach. I was worried early on that I may get stuck in the really soft sand, but so far so good. This little bugger in 4wd is like a bear. I imagine with better tires, and a small lift that it could be down right amazing off-road. I haven't tried my hand at that either, but hope to this fall.

The driving experience with the RHD has been really easy. I was nervous about it before getting it, but after a few days it came to be so natural that I wonder why I worried about it now. I've only made one mistake so far with the RHD and that was on the morning after we drove it home 12 hours or whatever it was. I was in a town I was unfamiliar with, and it was an odd intersection, but it was a mistake that brought me into the opposing lane at a traffic light. Not a huge deal as there was no traffic coming the other way at the time, but it scared me a bit. I am so used to the RHD thing now that I find I mix up the controls a bit on my LHD vehicles from tome to time. I guess you can say I have been assimilated.

If I had to do it all again I don't think I would change a thing aside from maybe worry less about the process. I look forward to someday doing it all again with another Delica(high roof newer model) in the future, but right now I love the van, and don't regret getting it.

TL:DR

One year ago I imported my 89 Delica Starwagon, and one year later I still love it.

And when the day comes to replace it, you'll be giving me a call.

Awesome that it's worked out so well.