5
One wonders how much load this type of design can take, since the stresses go into the flat
roof rather than the gutter.
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you still have your hands free to insert the screws. If the wheel will not go on
properly, check that the vehicle has been raised enough. Tighten the screws as far
as you can. Turn them clockwise. You don’t want the wheel to be on skew, so tighten
each screw a little in turn: don’t concentrate all your effort on one screw.
Then lower the jack and remove it. Tighten all the wheel screws as tight as you can.
You can exert more force pulling the spanner up than pushing it down, so arrange
your position accordingly.
3.2
Roof racks
The vehicle will accept roof racks, but special types are required because of the high
roof, and the non-structural trim attached to the gutter.
The following products are candidates (prices at 2004):
(1)
Thule roof rack kit 426. This has a special foot with (a) a long tongue and (b) a
special shape to the claw. It attaches to the gutter. Part (426) is unique to the
Delica, and only for high-top models from 1996 onwards. (A similar part, 425,
is for a low top Delica). Available in NZ from Hampco for NZ$430 for a set (4
feet plus two bars). In Australia the price is AU$250.
(2)
Prorack pad mount rack SB1000. This is permanently rivetted to the roof
5
.
Available in NZ ex Repco for $230. Fitting by a panel beater is additional.
(3)
Prorack track system. This has a pair of long tracks (ST14) which are
permanently attached to the roof, and then racks (SB3000) which slide into to
the track. Available in NZ ex Repco for $160 and $389 respectively. Fitting is
extra.
(4)
Second hand car dealers may sometimes have racks that they have removed
at the time of import. Pajero racks can be modified to fit.
The Delica is already a high vehicle, and adding roof racks may mean that it no
longer fits into the garage! You could extend the radio aerial (at front right, high up)
as a reminder not to drive into low spaces.