Lancia Motor Club

When the 2008 Delta was mildly revamped in 2011 the grille became a horizontal affair (as per Chrysler Delta) rather than the previous horizontal version like Stuart Wilsons. I personally do not like the new version and wondered whether the pre '11 grille fits the latest cars.

The reason for my wondering is this-
I admit to saying that we would never own a Chrysler, however looking at used Delta prices they now represent fantastic value for money and there are a few to choose from which is making me re-consider my opinion.

I am now thinking of purchasing one and externally changing all Chrysler badging (& grille) for Lancia ones plus the additional rear pillar badges require adding. Also the steering wheel hub will require changing. I won't be bothering with the glazing, engine cover or sill plates and obviously it will remain a Chrysler on the log book, however from the 5yd test it will appear as a Lancia.

Anyone know if the grille is interchangeable?

Paul, if you look at my photo in http://www.lancia.myzen.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=6452.0 it looks like none of the dimensions of the grille have changed.  I would suggest that the Lancia style grille is interchangeable with the Chrysler style grille.  I will have my Delta at the GNW if you want to have a closer look and take some measurements.

For the pillar badges, you will need the full trim which goes under the rear side windows as the badges are sunk into the trim.

A while back Walkers (Harrogate area) had a Chrysler Delta for sale on a 12 plate and I asked them how easy it was to change the grille etc to Lancia and they said it was not a problem. Not so sure about the steering wheel. Might be worth giving them a call. I didn't travel up as they are so far away from me so I looked locally, with no success. Who the hell is selling these new, I only ever see Ypsilons, but I agree they look exceptionally good value and get a good write up. Grandchildren determined I had to buy an estate in the end, and I was outvoted on a Lefty Thema....shame!

Derek,

Walkers still have that Delta for sale and are still asking the same price (£9,699) which is about £700 more than most other dealers are asking for the same spec cars.
There are a number of ex Fiat/Chrysler '12 plate management cars on the market, mostly 1.6 multijet SR's although there are some 1.4 multiair SR's too all with around 15k miles on the clock and advertised around £9,000.

Stuart,

I will have a look at your car at the GNW, didn't realise the rear pillar bages were part of a trim, but these would have to be done along with the wheel centre caps too. We are hopefully time depending on Joe's football match going to look at some tomorrow.
Oh and by the way, we are not exchanging the Thesis!

Cheers,

Paul.

Thanks for the info Stuart, it must have been 3 or 4 months ago when I was looking. The dealers I went to all had Ypsilons but a couple said Chrysler wanted too much for the Delta so weren't prepared to stock them, how crazy is that!