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tatters |
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 tatters Exxon Valdez

Joined: 04 Jan 2004 Karma :   
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 Posted: 19:47 - 30 Dec 2024 Post subject: Mitsubishi Delica Project |
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Recently picked up a 1999 Mitsubishi Delica L400 here in Saskatchewan, Canada. Been interested in getting one of these Japanese imported 4x4 vans for a while for a offroad camper project.
Due to Canadian import rules a grey (not sold on north American market) vehicle has to be at lest 15 years old to be imported so by the time they arrive in country most have been rotting from sitting in Japan. And when they do arrive here most end up in British Columbia and rust away from the road salt/wet climate.
So finding one that did not have a rusty frame was a challenge.
This one arrived from Japan in 2018 and went straight to Saskatchewan (dry climate) so apart from some minor surface rust it was solid. It is also is fitted with a factory rear limited slip diff.
https://www.bikechatforums.com/files/l400_tatters1.jpg
https://www.bikechatforums.com/files/l400_tatters2.jpg
https://www.bikechatforums.com/files/l400_tatters3.jpg
Gutted inside rear and ran wiring for the camper.
https://www.bikechatforums.com/files/tattersl400_4.jpg
I welded 1/2" stud couplers to the floor to allow the plywood sub floor to be bolted down and insulated the floor.
https://www.bikechatforums.com/files/tattersl400_5.jpg
Building the plywood floor.
https://www.bikechatforums.com/files/tatters_l400_6.jpg
https://www.bikechatforums.com/files/tattersl400_7.jpg ____________________ Past:NRG50,AF1125(x2),NSR125RR,ZZR250,CX500,VFR400,KR1S,ZZR600(x2),CB400N,YZF1000(x2),KH125,Z200,FX400R,CBR954RR(x2)GPZ500S,GT550,VFR750F(x2),RD350N,XR650R,CBR600F,CB250,KDX250,YZF750R,CRM250,400EXC,KLR650,TTR600RE,DR350S,R100GSPD,RGV250,VMAX1200,DL650,KZ750 Present:G650XC,C12,CRF450X,1190ADV |
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tatters |
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 tatters Exxon Valdez

Joined: 04 Jan 2004 Karma :   
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 Posted: 19:56 - 30 Dec 2024 Post subject: |
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Insulating the roof and adding wood paneling.
https://www.bikechatforums.com/files/tattersl400_9.jpg
Slide out sofa/bed.
https://www.bikechatforums.com/files/tattersl400_10.jpg
https://www.bikechatforums.com/files/tattersl400_11.jpg
12v draw type fridge in the center, countertop with sink on the left side with all the electrical/battery under.
https://www.bikechatforums.com/files/tattersl400_8.jpg ____________________ Past:NRG50,AF1125(x2),NSR125RR,ZZR250,CX500,VFR400,KR1S,ZZR600(x2),CB400N,YZF1000(x2),KH125,Z200,FX400R,CBR954RR(x2)GPZ500S,GT550,VFR750F(x2),RD350N,XR650R,CBR600F,CB250,KDX250,YZF750R,CRM250,400EXC,KLR650,TTR600RE,DR350S,R100GSPD,RGV250,VMAX1200,DL650,KZ750 Present:G650XC,C12,CRF450X,1190ADV |
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tatters |
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 tatters Exxon Valdez

Joined: 04 Jan 2004 Karma :   
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 Posted: 20:04 - 30 Dec 2024 Post subject: |
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High clearance steel bumper with winch, plus a snorkel kit.
https://www.bikechatforums.com/files/tattersl400_13.jpg
https://www.bikechatforums.com/files/tattersl400_12.jpg ____________________ Past:NRG50,AF1125(x2),NSR125RR,ZZR250,CX500,VFR400,KR1S,ZZR600(x2),CB400N,YZF1000(x2),KH125,Z200,FX400R,CBR954RR(x2)GPZ500S,GT550,VFR750F(x2),RD350N,XR650R,CBR600F,CB250,KDX250,YZF750R,CRM250,400EXC,KLR650,TTR600RE,DR350S,R100GSPD,RGV250,VMAX1200,DL650,KZ750 Present:G650XC,C12,CRF450X,1190ADV |
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Easy-X |
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 Easy-X Super Spammer

Joined: 08 Mar 2019 Karma :   
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 Posted: 20:19 - 30 Dec 2024 Post subject: |
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"Needs moar Mad Max."
Done! ____________________ Husqvarna Vitpilen 401, Yamaha XSR700, Honda Rebel, Yamaha DT175, Suzuki SV650 (loan) Fazer 600, Keeway Superlight 125, 50cc turd scooter |
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stinkwheel |
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 stinkwheel Bovine Proctologist

Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :    
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 Posted: 22:57 - 30 Dec 2024 Post subject: |
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I looked into getting one here in the UK and they were universally red rotten. Seems they skipped out on corrosion protection on them. The amount of salt they shovel over the roads in winter here means they all had sills like teabags. ____________________ “Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles. |
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tatters |
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 tatters Exxon Valdez

Joined: 04 Jan 2004 Karma :   
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 Posted: 23:29 - 30 Dec 2024 Post subject: |
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stinkwheel wrote: | I looked into getting one here in the UK and they were universally red rotten. It seems they skipped out corrosion protection on them. The amount of salt they shovel over the roads in winter here means they all had sills like teabags. |
From what I have seen on other forums, Mitsubishi did not add enough zinc to the steel. Plus, the uni-body construction of thin-layered steel allowed salt/water to collect at low points between the layers, rotting from the inside out.
I almost got fu*ked on another one which came from BC (costal province) until l had a good poke around the areas of concern with a screwdriver which uncovered rot that the seller was trying to hide with rubberized rocker panel paint.
My province has only just started the past few years salting the major highways. The extreme cold winters bring very low humidity which is great for older cars. ____________________ Past:NRG50,AF1125(x2),NSR125RR,ZZR250,CX500,VFR400,KR1S,ZZR600(x2),CB400N,YZF1000(x2),KH125,Z200,FX400R,CBR954RR(x2)GPZ500S,GT550,VFR750F(x2),RD350N,XR650R,CBR600F,CB250,KDX250,YZF750R,CRM250,400EXC,KLR650,TTR600RE,DR350S,R100GSPD,RGV250,VMAX1200,DL650,KZ750 Present:G650XC,C12,CRF450X,1190ADV |
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virus |
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 virus World Chat Champion

Joined: 16 Aug 2006 Karma :  
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tatters |
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 tatters Exxon Valdez

Joined: 04 Jan 2004 Karma :   
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 Posted: 16:52 - 31 Dec 2024 Post subject: |
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virus wrote: | Very nice and suprisingly capable machine, what engine is it?
If its the 4d56t then pay attention to temps and dont overheat it as the heads crack very easily (i had a l200 and a shogun sport both with 56ts and ive done 3 head gaskets in 5 years) |
6G72 (3L V6 petrol) with a automatic transmission and high/low transfer case. I was looking into getting the 2.8TD but as you say the overheating heads issues seem to occur often.
The petrol engine is commonly used on a lot of 90s dodge cars over here so parts are easy to find, the petrol has more HP and far better at highway speeds. ____________________ Past:NRG50,AF1125(x2),NSR125RR,ZZR250,CX500,VFR400,KR1S,ZZR600(x2),CB400N,YZF1000(x2),KH125,Z200,FX400R,CBR954RR(x2)GPZ500S,GT550,VFR750F(x2),RD350N,XR650R,CBR600F,CB250,KDX250,YZF750R,CRM250,400EXC,KLR650,TTR600RE,DR350S,R100GSPD,RGV250,VMAX1200,DL650,KZ750 Present:G650XC,C12,CRF450X,1190ADV |
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virus |
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 virus World Chat Champion

Joined: 16 Aug 2006 Karma :  
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 Posted: 17:41 - 31 Dec 2024 Post subject: |
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Deffo picked the best engine they fitted to that era of mitzi 4x4s, Dunno what fuel prices are like over there or the availability of LPG but those engines take quite well to a twintank gas conversion.
the 2.8td isnt a complete dog and at least has a bit more power but still suffers from the weak cooling system issues.
The auoboxes arent as strong as the manuals but if your not seriously spanking it offroad it'l go well, think the transfercase was the same across the range. the hybrid LSD is pretty capable too, had the same in the shogun sport and rarely got it stuck despite my best attempts. ____________________ own: 81 xs1100g...
owned: 85 rat CG (sold), 91 GS500e (stolen), 84 gsx400f (scrapped), 81 z250 (siezed, siezed, scrapped), 83 cb250rs (sold), 84 gpz750r ratfighter (killed) 84gpz400 (sold), '80 cb650 ratfighter (wrote off) 95gsx6/12f ratfighter (killed) 91 xj900 (sold)
stinkwheel Well I just had my hands up a pigs fanny. Which makes your concerns pale into insignificance. |
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tatters |
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 tatters Exxon Valdez

Joined: 04 Jan 2004 Karma :   
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 Posted: 01:16 - 02 Jan 2025 Post subject: |
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virus wrote: | Deffo picked the best engine they fitted to that era of mitzi 4x4s, Dunno what fuel prices are like over there or the availability of LPG but those engines take quite well to a twintank gas conversion.
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Petrol is currently around 0.72p (GBP) per liter and should hopefully drop back down to around 0.56p once fu*k face Trudeau is gone next year and the carbon tax (green levy) is scraped. Both my personal and work 4x4 trucks average around 13-15 mpg so if this gets 15-18 mpg l will be happy.
Finished welding up and painting the bumper which didn't work out that great. I tack welded all the sections together with my little 130 amp flux core mig welder but had to use my brothers-in-law's larger gas-shielded mig welder on the farm which was a bitch to use so I ended up with not the best-looking welds. I rushed grinding down the welds to get the painting done, which showed up more than expected after painting. Will have to sand blast and re-do in the summer.
Also got a set of wider (1/2") steel rims to fit larger 31" tires, plus added a 2" suspension lift kit so the bigger tires fit.
https://www.bikechatforums.com/files/tatters_bumper.jpg
The bumper is over 70lb so looking like l will also have to swap out the front torsion bars for HD ones to handle the extra weight. Already added air shocks and heavier springs on the rear as l plan to add a hitch bike carrier for my CRF450X. ____________________ Past:NRG50,AF1125(x2),NSR125RR,ZZR250,CX500,VFR400,KR1S,ZZR600(x2),CB400N,YZF1000(x2),KH125,Z200,FX400R,CBR954RR(x2)GPZ500S,GT550,VFR750F(x2),RD350N,XR650R,CBR600F,CB250,KDX250,YZF750R,CRM250,400EXC,KLR650,TTR600RE,DR350S,R100GSPD,RGV250,VMAX1200,DL650,KZ750 Present:G650XC,C12,CRF450X,1190ADV |
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doggone |
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 doggone World Chat Champion

Joined: 20 May 2004 Karma :    
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virus |
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 virus World Chat Champion

Joined: 16 Aug 2006 Karma :  
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 Posted: 20:03 - 02 Jan 2025 Post subject: |
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Nice, old man emu torsion bars have a good rep, never changed mine from stock just re indexed them for more lift.
Bumper looks sweet and 31s should give it a load of ground clearance. ____________________ own: 81 xs1100g...
owned: 85 rat CG (sold), 91 GS500e (stolen), 84 gsx400f (scrapped), 81 z250 (siezed, siezed, scrapped), 83 cb250rs (sold), 84 gpz750r ratfighter (killed) 84gpz400 (sold), '80 cb650 ratfighter (wrote off) 95gsx6/12f ratfighter (killed) 91 xj900 (sold)
stinkwheel Well I just had my hands up a pigs fanny. Which makes your concerns pale into insignificance. |
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tatters |
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 tatters Exxon Valdez

Joined: 04 Jan 2004 Karma :   
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 Posted: 20:43 - 13 Jan 2025 Post subject: |
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Completed the electrical system and most of the woodwork. Still a few things left to do inside.
20amp dc to dc charger from the starter battery to a 100ah Lifepo4 battery for the camper section also have a 200w solar array going on the roof in parallel to charge the battery when the engine is not running.
inside and external lighting, 12vdc fridge, 8kw diesel heater 12vdc power, 12vdc water pump for the sink, 1100w power invertor. plus a system charge/battery monitor.
https://www.bikechatforums.com/files/tattersl400_jan1.jpg
https://www.bikechatforums.com/files/tattersl400_jan2.jpg ____________________ Past:NRG50,AF1125(x2),NSR125RR,ZZR250,CX500,VFR400,KR1S,ZZR600(x2),CB400N,YZF1000(x2),KH125,Z200,FX400R,CBR954RR(x2)GPZ500S,GT550,VFR750F(x2),RD350N,XR650R,CBR600F,CB250,KDX250,YZF750R,CRM250,400EXC,KLR650,TTR600RE,DR350S,R100GSPD,RGV250,VMAX1200,DL650,KZ750 Present:G650XC,C12,CRF450X,1190ADV |
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tatters |
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 tatters Exxon Valdez

Joined: 04 Jan 2004 Karma :   
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 Posted: 18:31 - 04 Mar 2025 Post subject: |
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Added a rear steel bumper which l welded up the same as the front one from a DIY kit with built in hitch which will support a hitch motorcycle carrier.
https://www.bikechatforums.com/files/tatters_55542.jpg
Also made a roof rack out of 1/2 and 3/4 EMT conduit, front section will support two 100w solar panels.
https://www.bikechatforums.com/files/tatters_img_4853.jpg
https://www.bikechatforums.com/files/tatters_img_4854.jpg ____________________ Past:NRG50,AF1125(x2),NSR125RR,ZZR250,CX500,VFR400,KR1S,ZZR600(x2),CB400N,YZF1000(x2),KH125,Z200,FX400R,CBR954RR(x2)GPZ500S,GT550,VFR750F(x2),RD350N,XR650R,CBR600F,CB250,KDX250,YZF750R,CRM250,400EXC,KLR650,TTR600RE,DR350S,R100GSPD,RGV250,VMAX1200,DL650,KZ750 Present:G650XC,C12,CRF450X,1190ADV |
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Wave2k |
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 Wave2k G's Stalker

Joined: 06 Apr 2004 Karma :     
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MarJay |
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 MarJay But it's British!

Joined: 15 Sep 2003 Karma :     
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tatters |
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 tatters Exxon Valdez

Joined: 04 Jan 2004 Karma :   
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 Posted: 21:17 - 25 Mar 2025 Post subject: |
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500lb rated motorcycle carrier on the back with my CFR450X to test it out.
Plan was to head down to Sacramento, California next month to pick up my BMW G650X that l left at a self-storage unit near the airport and use the camper as a mother ship on trails before heading back to Canada. shit luck for me l got CES in a thrid spinal disc at the weekend requiring emergency surgey so stuck in hospital this week and off spannering/riding for a few months.
https://www.bikechatforums.com/files/img_4876tatters2025.jpg ____________________ Past:NRG50,AF1125(x2),NSR125RR,ZZR250,CX500,VFR400,KR1S,ZZR600(x2),CB400N,YZF1000(x2),KH125,Z200,FX400R,CBR954RR(x2)GPZ500S,GT550,VFR750F(x2),RD350N,XR650R,CBR600F,CB250,KDX250,YZF750R,CRM250,400EXC,KLR650,TTR600RE,DR350S,R100GSPD,RGV250,VMAX1200,DL650,KZ750 Present:G650XC,C12,CRF450X,1190ADV |
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Tarmacsurfer |
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 Tarmacsurfer World Chat Champion

Joined: 29 Jun 2004 Karma :     
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