in search of safety

**richlazarus** · August 11th, 2003 10:08 PM

hi dudes! i find your forums very informative!

i hope you could help me on this one: i'm planning to buy a converted pajero/delica. how much would it cost me to fix everything (as in total fix! wiring sytems, brakes, steering, etc) ? i've read some of your threads regarding the said vehicles and they are pretty scary--but would you be so kind to give me the details (prices of labor, job, parts, etc.) in order to eliminate the threat of encountering accidents? especially sa delica vans? wala naman kasing production nito sa atin, right? is there any hope to make these vehicles safer? :confused:

**OTEP** · August 11th, 2003 10:20 PM

The Delica is basically a cross between an L300 (Exceed) and a Pajero (GEN I).

For LHD parts donors (esp. for interior and trim parts), you can turn to the following:
*L300 (esp. the Exceed model)
*Pajero GEN I (the boxtype)
*Hyundai Grace (cousin of L300)

The Hyundai Grace uses a more rounded and modern looking dashboard and you might want to use it instead of the blocky dashboard Mitsubishi makes. It is a direct fit.

You can also get the front a/c and steering systems (including the steering column with the brake master mounted on it) off these vans to put in your Delica. There is really not much to do with regards to wiring. As long as every system is working properly (dash lamps, gauges, switches, etc.).

Sorry I don't have prices. But the rock bottom prices in Apalit, Pampanga may help lower your costs down.

After all the conversion stuff is through then we can sort out the details.

**richlazarus** · August 11th, 2003 10:51 PM

thanks otep! are you suggesting that i replace the steering system immediately after buying to make the delica van safer?

**OTEP** · August 11th, 2003 10:58 PM

Sir Richard,

It would be a good idea if you did. Sana pati yung steering column palitan niyo na din po para yung wiper stalk ang nasa kanan and yung lamp/flasher stalk ang nasa kaliwa (baligtad kasi sa Japan).

If that proves to be out of budget in the meantime, kahit yung mga RHD-specific underchassis components na lang po muna like the steering gearbox and other steering components.

Madami namang L300/Pajero/Grace parts sa market to help you in your project.

**odell** · August 11th, 2003 11:06 PM

maybe its safer pag sa casa mismo patignan?...

just a thought. hehe

**richlazarus** · August 11th, 2003 11:08 PM

thank you again otep! i'll PM you soon. if you were asked to choose between 94 delica and 91 pajero, what would you choose?

**OTEP** · August 11th, 2003 11:09 PM

Mahirap sa CASA. Most of them are OJT pa lang.

Pansin mo kapag pumunta ka sa CASA, they will always insist that you replace a part. Kasi most of the time they don't have the know-how and the experience (and the time) to open up a part (i.e. alternator, starter, compressor, etc.), to find out what's wrong.

Gumagaling lang ang mga CASA mechanics kapag bumukod na sila at nagtayo ng sarili nilang shop, based on my experience.

**richlazarus** · August 11th, 2003 11:10 PM

odell, do they accept delica vans sa mga casa?

**OTEP** · August 11th, 2003 11:11 PM

Sir,

If for family use, the Delica would be more appropriate. If you intend to it for personal use with some off-road adventures in between, the Pajero is hard to beat.

Sometimes I still miss my Besta.