What Did You Do for Your Van Today?

[L.G.]

I think it's sweet! Always wanted to build something exactly like that for cup holder + speaker enclosure.

 

[DeliKit]

View attachment 25926Finished up my ghetto-rific switch panel. Now I have some place to hide all my wires.

What switch did you add there? Your pic immediately made me wish to add more switches to my van, but I don’t know of any to add. That is, unless… I was suddenly reminded of the More Magic switch of yore:

A Story About ‘Magic'​

Some years ago, I (GLS) was snooping around in the cabinets that housed the MIT AI Lab's PDP-10, and noticed a little switch glued to the frame of one cabinet. It was obviously a homebrew job, added by one of the lab's hardware hackers (no one knows who).

You don't touch an unknown switch on a computer without knowing what it does, because you might crash the computer. The switch was labeled in a most unhelpful way. It had two positions, and scrawled in pencil on the metal switch body were the words ‘magic' and ‘more magic'. The switch was in the ‘more magic' position.

I called another hacker over to look at it. He had never seen the switch before either. Closer examination revealed that the switch had only one wire running to it! The other end of the wire did disappear into the maze of wires inside the computer, but it's a basic fact of electricity that a switch can't do anything unless there are two wires connected to it. This switch had a wire connected on one side and no wire on its other side.

It was clear that this switch was someone's idea of a silly joke. Convinced by our reasoning that the switch was inoperative, we flipped it. The computer instantly crashed.

Imagine our utter astonishment. We wrote it off as coincidence, but nevertheless restored the switch to the ‘more magic’ position before reviving the computer.

A year later, I told this story to yet another hacker, David Moon as I recall. He clearly doubted my sanity, or suspected me of a supernatural belief in the power of this switch, or perhaps thought I was fooling him with a bogus saga. To prove it to him, I showed him the very switch, still glued to the cabinet frame with only one wire connected to it, still in the ‘more magic’ position. We scrutinized the switch and its lone connection, and found that the other end of the wire, though connected to the computer wiring, was connected to a ground pin. That clearly made the switch doubly useless: not only was it electrically nonoperative, but it was connected to a place that couldn't affect anything anyway. So we flipped the switch.

The computer promptly crashed.

This time we ran for Richard Greenblatt, a long-time MIT hacker, who was close at hand. He had never noticed the switch before, either. He inspected it, concluded it was useless, got some diagonal cutters and diked it out. We then revived the computer and it has run fine ever since.

We still don't know how the switch crashed the machine. There is a theory that some circuit near the ground pin was marginal, and flipping the switch changed the electrical capacitance enough to upset the circuit as millionth-of-a-second pulses went through it. But we'll never know for sure; all we can really say is that the switch was magic.

I still have that switch in my basement. Maybe I'm silly, but I usually keep it set on ‘more magic’.

A Story About ‘Magic'

 

[The Tick]

What switch did you add there? Your pic immediately made me wish to add more switches to my van, but I don’t know of any to add. That is, unless… I was suddenly reminded of the More Magic switch of yore:

A Story About ‘Magic'

Glow plug bypass button, usb charger, rear locker, and still need to add a switch for auto trans cooler fan. Should have put my meth/water injection controller there as well but don’t feel like moving it now.

 

[Not_Todd]

Just finished adjusting/checking the valves. Also trying to sort a pesky little oil leak...

Not sure if this helps or hurts. Lol

Something I've seen recently is a UV oil additive for oil. I've put a similar thing in my coolant and it's made it really easy to track down a few little leaks with a black light flashlight.

I'm thinking I'll add the UV oil dye just before my next oil change and see if I can find any glowing spots at night. Or, I'll do more research into how badly it might hurt my engine/turbo to add to fresh oil.

 

[mickdub]

Got 20 litres of ethylenglicol, this will make me 40 litres of antifreeze.

 

[ericzed]

Using this post as my introduction as well as what I did for Phil, my 92’ L300 Super Exceed.

I picked up Phil last July after researching since the beginning of the covid era. It’s become my daily driver bc I love driving it too much. I’m a furniture designer and fabricator and plan to use the van mostly for work but definitely have plans for campification and road trips - Im thinking some of sort of modular system that allows me to change things around and revert it back to stock if I want. Now and then I’ll have some time to intensely chip away at my long list of work I want to put into this money pit. I’m completely new to working on my vehicle, but so far I’ve been able to do almost everything on the list myself, but not without all the threads and support here.

A list of what I’ve completed to date….

• Swapped tires to K02s
• Montero Calipers and Rotor Upgrade
• Stainless Brake Lines (B-Line)
• Bilstein Shocks at Front (I have Monroe Airs for the Rear but have yet to install)
• Oil, Air, Fuel Filter Change
• Turbo Timer (HKS)
• Krown Sprayed
• Front Runner Slimline High Roof Rack
• Bought FTS Ladder + Hitch (Rising Sun)
• Bull Bar Refurb: Blacked out Plastic, Powder Coated Ladder, Bull Bars, and Bumper Guard with Anti-Slip Matte Black
• Sound System Upgrade - CarPlay Stereo, Replaced all Speakers, Added 5 Channel Audison Amp Behind Glove Box, Using an old 10” W7 Woofer until I find something smaller
• 250lbs Hatch Supports (Lift Supports Depot)

 

[Sparkyologist]

Made an insert for the fuse box lid. File is included for you to adjust as needed.

 

[luker63]

Haven't posted in forever. I was thinking of selling my obsession, but the market is pure barf right now. I started adding up everything I've spent and I'm nearing super car levels! I have problems. I've had it for 8 years so annually I guess I haven't spent that much per. Maybe I'll get some wealthy person in Asheville to bite on it this summer. But I'll probably just keep forever. Some pics and a list of everything. The Dakota Lithiums are the latest, my AGMs finally died.

List of goodies:
1991 Mitsubishi Delica Star Wagon GLX w/ Silk Road Auto Pop Top before sale - new timing belts, belt tensioners, new water pump, new radiator, new radiator hoses, radiator cap, new shocks, new brakes, new LT tires, fluid, seals, filters
USB Ports
Japanese Plate
Bosch Windshield Wipers
Altimeter/Clinometer
Cup Holders - Tuffy Security Products
Fiamma F45 Awning F45 S 10'1" x 8'2".
Custom heavy duty brackets and mounting for the Fiamma
Fiamma LED Lights
Jack - Northern Tool 8 Ton Bottle Jack.
Stereo/DVD – Kenwood AM FM CD DVD Bluetooth
Paint bars/steps/etc. – customized, cleaned up, powdercoated black
Dual Batteries Dakota Lithiums
Dual battery controller - National Luna Dual Batter Kit, Isolator, solenoid, controller.
Inverter - KRIËGER KR2000 2000W 12V Power Inverter with Dual 110V AC Outlets and Installation Kit
LED Fog/Driving Bar - Rough Country X5
Mounts / modifications for stock yellow fog lights
Interior LED lights - One for main cabin, one for rear hatch
Lift Supports for Rear Gate - Lift Supports Depot, custom made
Torsion Bars - Dobinson HD
Front Ball Joint Spacers - FTS
Revolver Shackles - FTS
Hitch Mounts for Bumper - FTS
Custom Rear Bumper w/ Swing out Tire – Good Karrma
Hotchkis Fox Front Shocks
New Rear Leaf Springs – Good Karrma
Black Rhino Wheels
Toyo AT2
Kicker sub w/ amp and 4 speakers
Paint correction
Waterproof the tent canvas topper
Rear comp shocks
Rearview Mirror
Repair door handles
Custom Built Cabinet under rear seat
Tools and Goodies in Cabinet - Snatch straps, shovel, zip ties, tape, wrencehs, screw drivers, shackles, etc
Diesel Injector Pump
140A Alternator
Aluminum Radiator 2 row
Fan clutch
Fuel Injectors
Valve cover gasket
Camshaft crankshaft balance shaft seal and tensioner
Stealth Snorkel Jimny Bits
Skid Plates by Good Karrma
Electrical repair dome lights, replace fog light switches and rewire, repair rear gate latch button
Turbo work, increase boost, bypass, etc
Hyundai D4BF 4D56T Crate Engine
Motor Mounts
New big AC Compressor
12v glow plug conversion
Big Brakes from Montero
Stainless brake lines
Anti Theft fuel cut off
Glowshift multigauge
Glow plug button
New Clutch and related
Rotopax and install w/ bumper alterations
New Windshield
2.5" exhaust system
Tint
UV Tint front windshield

 

[moonpost]

keep it, it's real pretty.

 

[The Tick]

Haven't posted in forever. I was thinking of selling my obsession, but the market is pure barf right now. I started adding up everything I've spent and I'm nearing super car levels! I have problems. I've had it for 8 years so annually I guess I haven't spent that much per. Maybe I'll get some wealthy person in Asheville to bite on it this summer. But I'll probably just keep forever. Some pics and a list of everything. The Dakota Lithiums are the latest, my AGMs finally died.
View attachment 26131
List of goodies:
1991 Mitsubishi Delica Star Wagon GLX w/ Silk Road Auto Pop Top before sale - new timing belts, belt tensioners, new water pump, new radiator, new radiator hoses, radiator cap, new shocks, new brakes, new LT tires, fluid, seals, filters
USB Ports
Japanese Plate
Bosch Windshield Wipers
Altimeter/Clinometer
Cup Holders - Tuffy Security Products
Fiamma F45 Awning F45 S 10'1" x 8'2".
Custom heavy duty brackets and mounting for the Fiamma
Fiamma LED Lights
Jack - Northern Tool 8 Ton Bottle Jack.
Stereo/DVD – Kenwood AM FM CD DVD Bluetooth
Paint bars/steps/etc. – customized, cleaned up, powdercoated black
Dual Batteries Dakota Lithiums
Dual battery controller - National Luna Dual Batter Kit, Isolator, solenoid, controller.
Inverter - KRIËGER KR2000 2000W 12V Power Inverter with Dual 110V AC Outlets and Installation Kit
LED Fog/Driving Bar - Rough Country X5
Mounts / modifications for stock yellow fog lights
Interior LED lights - One for main cabin, one for rear hatch
Lift Supports for Rear Gate - Lift Supports Depot, custom made
Torsion Bars - Dobinson HD
Front Ball Joint Spacers - FTS
Revolver Shackles - FTS
Hitch Mounts for Bumper - FTS
Custom Rear Bumper w/ Swing out Tire – Good Karrma
Hotchkis Fox Front Shocks
New Rear Leaf Springs – Good Karrma
Black Rhino Wheels
Toyo AT2
Kicker sub w/ amp and 4 speakers
Paint correction
Waterproof the tent canvas topper
Rear comp shocks
Rearview Mirror
Repair door handles
Custom Built Cabinet under rear seat
Tools and Goodies in Cabinet - Snatch straps, shovel, zip ties, tape, wrencehs, screw drivers, shackles, etc
Diesel Injector Pump
140A Alternator
Aluminum Radiator 2 row
Fan clutch
Fuel Injectors
Valve cover gasket
Camshaft crankshaft balance shaft seal and tensioner
Stealth Snorkel Jimny Bits
Skid Plates by Good Karrma
Electrical repair dome lights, replace fog light switches and rewire, repair rear gate latch button
Turbo work, increase boost, bypass, etc
Hyundai D4BF 4D56T Crate Engine
Motor Mounts
New big AC Compressor
12v glow plug conversion
Big Brakes from Montero
Stainless brake lines
Anti Theft fuel cut off
Glowshift multigauge
Glow plug button
New Clutch and related
Rotopax and install w/ bumper alterations
New Windshield
2.5" exhaust system
Tint
UV Tint front windshield

I’m in the same boat, I have just accepted the fact I’ll keep it forever. Very nice looking rig, you could do worse.

 

[Valgal]

I’m in the same boat, I have just accepted the fact I’ll keep it forever. Very nice looking rig, you could do worse.

keep her they're so special

 

[Mooser]

This is nothing compared to the above posts, but I took my paint-worn scoop on my L400 and painted it flat black. I also added vinyl lettering to the bull bar from Zen Graphics in the UK. Hopefully, they'll last a while, but in the meantime, they sure pop.

Oh, and also, I took my L400 through a car wash yesterday, and it grabbed my rear mirror and slammed it to the ground, invited a few cars to run over it, and summarily tossed it into part of the subfloor mechanical works. They shut the whole thing down for a few minutes, located it (a visual only, as it was out of reach), came back out to me and said, "Got some bad news for you, bud." After we shared a moment of silence, I drove home and ordered a new one from Coombs.

 

[Mooser]

I also fabbed a center console with cup holder and lid that opens to a larger interior compartment. Worked out pretty well!

 

[mickdub]

installed security camera
it works like video registrator while driving, and as security camera while parking
i got it hardwired
the front camera block is kind of big, but i installed it behind the mirror, so it is out of my view
radar is next to camera, and gps is in the right top corner of the windscreen
when someone approach the vehicle, camera start flashing red light, and it is clear warning
quality of recording is pretty good
the whole installation time appr 30 min
video on flash on approach

 

[Jack_1653]

Stripped and cleaned the entire interior except the dash. All done in preparation for some engine maintenance and sound deadening.
I also answered a question nobody's ever asked before... Will the entire interior of a Starwagon fit inside the back of a Hijet.

 

[Mooser]

Stripped and cleaned the entire interior except the dash. All done in preparation for some engine maintenance and sound deadening.View attachment 26236
I also answered a question nobody's ever asked before... Will the entire interior of a Starwagon fit inside the back of a Hijet. View attachment 26237

I cannot tell you how many sleepless nights I've had wondering whether or not the entire interior of a Starwagon could fit inside the back of a Hijet. I'll be able to sleep soundly again!! Thank you!!

 

[Chey]

Haven't posted in forever. I was thinking of selling my obsession, but the market is pure barf right now. I started adding up everything I've spent and I'm nearing super car levels! I have problems. I've had it for 8 years so annually I guess I haven't spent that much per. Maybe I'll get some wealthy person in Asheville to bite on it this summer. But I'll probably just keep forever. Some pics and a list of everything. The Dakota Lithiums are the latest, my AGMs finally died.
View attachment 26131
List of goodies:
1991 Mitsubishi Delica Star Wagon GLX w/ Silk Road Auto Pop Top before sale - new timing belts, belt tensioners, new water pump, new radiator, new radiator hoses, radiator cap, new shocks, new brakes, new LT tires, fluid, seals, filters
USB Ports
Japanese Plate
Bosch Windshield Wipers
Altimeter/Clinometer
Cup Holders - Tuffy Security Products
Fiamma F45 Awning F45 S 10'1" x 8'2".
Custom heavy duty brackets and mounting for the Fiamma
Fiamma LED Lights
Jack - Northern Tool 8 Ton Bottle Jack.
Stereo/DVD – Kenwood AM FM CD DVD Bluetooth
Paint bars/steps/etc. – customized, cleaned up, powdercoated black
Dual Batteries Dakota Lithiums
Dual battery controller - National Luna Dual Batter Kit, Isolator, solenoid, controller.
Inverter - KRIËGER KR2000 2000W 12V Power Inverter with Dual 110V AC Outlets and Installation Kit
LED Fog/Driving Bar - Rough Country X5
Mounts / modifications for stock yellow fog lights
Interior LED lights - One for main cabin, one for rear hatch
Lift Supports for Rear Gate - Lift Supports Depot, custom made
Torsion Bars - Dobinson HD
Front Ball Joint Spacers - FTS
Revolver Shackles - FTS
Hitch Mounts for Bumper - FTS
Custom Rear Bumper w/ Swing out Tire – Good Karrma
Hotchkis Fox Front Shocks
New Rear Leaf Springs – Good Karrma
Black Rhino Wheels
Toyo AT2
Kicker sub w/ amp and 4 speakers
Paint correction
Waterproof the tent canvas topper
Rear comp shocks
Rearview Mirror
Repair door handles
Custom Built Cabinet under rear seat
Tools and Goodies in Cabinet - Snatch straps, shovel, zip ties, tape, wrencehs, screw drivers, shackles, etc
Diesel Injector Pump
140A Alternator
Aluminum Radiator 2 row
Fan clutch
Fuel Injectors
Valve cover gasket
Camshaft crankshaft balance shaft seal and tensioner
Stealth Snorkel Jimny Bits
Skid Plates by Good Karrma
Electrical repair dome lights, replace fog light switches and rewire, repair rear gate latch button
Turbo work, increase boost, bypass, etc
Hyundai D4BF 4D56T Crate Engine
Motor Mounts
New big AC Compressor
12v glow plug conversion
Big Brakes from Montero
Stainless brake lines
Anti Theft fuel cut off
Glowshift multigauge
Glow plug button
New Clutch and related
Rotopax and install w/ bumper alterations
New Windshield
2.5" exhaust system
Tint
UV Tint front windshield

I’ve had the same thought lately but I think it’s probably a forever rig.

 

[Growlerbearnz]

Got 20 litres of ethylenglicol, this will make me 40 litres of antifreeze.

View attachment 25941

It won't freeze, but you also need a corrosion inhibitor additive because iron block/alloy head/brass radiator form a galvanic cell, which will corrode the aluminium alloy components and form sludge.

 

[mickdub]

It won't freeze, but you also need a corrosion inhibitor additive because iron block/alloy head/brass radiator form a galvanic cell, which will corrode the aluminium alloy components and form sludge.

Ethylene glycol has anti-corrosive property. The only downside of using ethylene glycol + distilled is that you need to monitor the quality of the coolant and replace it more often rather then you would replace something with additives. Freezing is less of my worries taking in account that we don't really getting frost. Cooling yes.
I started to use this home made mix after my new water pump was literally eaten by coolant I've got replaced in the garage.
Then another person got the same, and another.
So I had a look at printed garage manual that I happened to have and found that mechanic suppose to dilute ethylene glycol with distilled water in proportion 50/50 and use it as coolant .
That is exactly what is written in the manual. I can make a picture of the page.
So, I use it not for the first time, and not for the first year.
The coolant in the radiator is perfectly clear, no sign of corrosion.
The temperature is bit lower, that's for sure.
So I don't want to add anything or change anything.
If it works - don't fix it

 

[Mooser]

I just put on my new rear mirror sent to me from Coombs. A car wash destroyed the one my L400 came with.

Thanks, Coombs!