Nissan Homy GT Cruise

[WildCards]

I picked this up from Datman last Thursday, as I bought it through these forums, I thought it only right to share it with you all.



I think it's pretty special, not only because it's rare but also because you just can't but anything like it nowadays, nothing is made (as far as I know) by any manufacturer that offers what this does. The same goes for the Hiaces's and Delica's of the period, crazy spec competition between the manufacturers that isn't unlike the power struggle that their performance vehicles went through at the time. "We've got 4wd in our minibus" "Well, we've got 4wd AND an ice maker" and so on.

Anyway, it's in decent condition all things considered, the interior better than the exterior which I prefer, as it's usually easier and cheaper to repair dings and dents than it is upholstery and carpet.









Specification;

• Nissan TD27ETi Engine.
• 4 Speed Auto with overdrive.
• RWD with LSD and switchable 4WD.
• Electric windows and mirrors.
• Power Steering.
• Privacy glass.
• Pop-up sunroof in the cab.
• Ice old aircon in the cab, operated from the dash.
• Front fogs.
• Central locking.
• Tilting steering wheel, for easy access to the drivers seat.
• Aftermarket headunit with bluetooth phone connectivity & handsfree capability.
• 4 Cup Holders in the front.
• Armrest, with massive storage compartment underneath.
• Cigarette lighter in the dash.

In the rear we have two rows of seats, the first row moves forwards and backwards aswell as tilting and they can turn to face the rear of the vehicle. The second row of seats is fixed in position, but they tilt backwards and can be folded up to the side of the vehicle to create a very impressive load area. With the removal of a few bolts, the 3rd row can be removed entirely allowing for even more room in the back.

More Specification;

• Ice Cold air con for the rear of the vehicle, operated either from the dash, or by using the handy remote control. The remote also operates the heater for the rear. Both the rear cooler and heater operates entirely seperately from the cabin environment.
• Electrically operated curtains for the sides and rear door, again these can be operated from the front cab or via individual buttons next to each window.
• Next to the middle curtains buttons is another cigarette lighter, then at the back of the vehicle is yet another cigarette lighter. Handy for camping, roadside fettling and long journeys with phones, iPads etc.

The only change as far as I know is the 15x7 slotmags that Datman fitted to sell the vehicle, they'll be staying and i'll just be trying to bring the old bus back to full lustre again. That said, if anyone has any suggestions for me, i'm all ears for ideas to make this a better family/dog wagon than it already is.

[HmmDK]

Looks like you got yourself a fun toy there, didnt know all those 4wd van´s came to life during bacause of some sort of competition between manufactueres, fun fact !

what year is it and hows that engine performing?

[WildCards]

I'm not saying the competition is definate, but it certainly seems like some sort of oneupmanship was going on between manufacturers.

It's a 1995 N reg, engine is the dame as in the FX4 Black Cabs, so plentiful parts and fantastic reliability. Mine needs a good service I think, but with each day it gets better. I filled it up with Shell Diesel Nitro+ today, it's made a massive difference! Can only imagine what a service and a AT flush will do.

[carlb1970]

Really really like this bus

[fr€$h&m1nt¥]

I love it for obvious reasons.

When you say you can't buy anything like this nowadays, the Elgrand is the current equivalent but not quite as square I guess.

[eternaloptimist]

I really like this. Looking forward to seeing what you do with it.

[WildCards]

No great plans for it i'm afraid other than a few minor cosmetic points.

I may remove the ginger from the front, the side strips will be coming off, either to refurbish or leave off entirely depending on how it looks. The two sunroofs need to be tinted, the clear glass let's in too much dazzling sunlight. The protective strips down the leading edges of the front doors will be removed aswell as some of the badges. Rear fog needs to be housed somewhere more subtle too. The underside is looking ok but desperately in need of undersealing (are their any traders on here that do this?). Oh and i'll be makig up templates of the carpets to get them replaced, as the originals are looking past their best.

[fr€$h&m1nt¥]

Jul 26, 2015 21:45:55 GMT WildCards said:

No great plans for it i'm afraid other than a few minor cosmetic points.

I may remove the ginger from the front, the side strips will be coming off, either to refurbish or leave off entirely depending on how it looks. The two sunroofs need to be tinted, the clear glass let's in too much dazzling sunlight. The protective strips down the leading edges of the front doors will be removed aswell as some of the badges. Rear fog needs to be housed somewhere more subtle too. The underside is looking ok but desperately in need of undersealing (are their any traders on here that do this?). Oh and i'll be makig up templates of the carpets to get them replaced, as the originals are looking past their best.

Those plans sound perfect.

Red LED bulb in the driver-side reverse lamp is the ultimate stealth fog lamp.

[WildCards]

Had a read through your Elgrand thread last night Minty. I did have a look at them before buying this, I like them, but they look too much like an appliance for me, I think with age they may become more appealing.

Were/are thy offered with the same levels of spec as these old 90's buses? From what i've seen they're much more mainstream in their options list, 4wd, leccy curtains, moonroofs, ice makers, drinks tables etc.

[fr€$h&m1nt¥]

I see where you're coming from regarding the shape. I think the Toyota HiAce is the only one that stayed true to the box on wheels look.

As for spec list I read through your initial post and every spec you listed I thought elgrand has that, and that, and that, etc. impressive that they've been doing the similar spec for so long now.

[rmad]

Great to see it's gone to a good home. Nice buying!

[WildCards]

I bow to your superior knowledge Minty and i'm glad to hear that in the future i'll have something of similiar bonkers spec to grow into.

[Mercdan68]

I have a sudden liking for this type of vehicle,and it's auto just superb I like it!

[olig]

Love this, just got my f reg Bedford midi bus MOT'd today. Not half as cool as this, what size tyre does it run?

[WildCards]

215/70/15 originally, 205/65/15 on these slots if I recall correctly.

[oukie]

I like this,

I had a high spec delica for 4 year's that had silly spec it had a factory fit LCD touch screen (mms system) to control everything from the air con front and rear to the tv, for the ten disc CD changer, to the factory fit karaoke machine I kid you not. to the satnav, all of this in a 1996 car, not to mention the Windows in the roof with the electric slides, the electric sunroof, curtains the plush carpets lol. OH MY GOD  I miss the beast from the east.

The only thing mine never had was cruise control bizarrely.

[WildCards]

Ok, looking for some inspiration with this.

So far i've done a minor service on it, (oil and filters), i've found a price for undersealing which will be done before the winter, i've also enquired about fitting a drop down TV in the back and a reversing camera as I don't fully trust the mirror still. It's had the AC sterilised and i've given it a damn good clean and polish. Oh, I also want a sunstrip fitted and limo tints on both sunroofs.

I'm torn between keeping it high and replacing the dampers for better 4wd efficiency, or dropping it in the hope of giving it better on road manners, not that it's bad, just a little bobbly.

Does anyone know of a company that can make new vehicle carpets? not just the fitted mats, but the actual formed carpets that run through the back?

Can someone point me in the direction of a rear ladder and an expedition rack, JAOS or AIBA Works would be lovely but anything nice and strong would work.

Other suggestions welcome, although i'm not a sticker person, this is about function over form for me so it needs to be practical, hardwearing and reliable above all else. I will regularly carry dogs and my junior football team in it.

[Davenger]

Well, this is what me and stuyizz did to his Homy

After market hilux wheels ftw!

[WildCards]

Did you cut the springs to lower the front or fit aftermarket items?

Now i've seen stuyizz's Homy i'm not sure about removing the rubbing strips, I think i'll get them refurbed.

I keep looking on Yahoo Japan, but it seems even the Japs weren't oo bothered about modifying these.

[Davenger]

I'm not sure on the suspension set up.
Best ask him