To address comments privately to the moderating team, please address:
moderator@xxxxxxxxxxx
To search the archives or view files, log in at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dmcnews
------------------------------------------------------------------------
There are 25 messages in this issue.
Topics in this digest:
1. Re: Stainless Cleaner NOT!
From: jwit6@xxxxxx
2. RE: IHI Turbo's
From: "Marc A. Levy" <malevy@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
3. Re: A disservice to our car
From: RJRavalli@xxxxxxx
4. RE: Should I or Shouldn't I??
From: "Marc A. Levy" <malevy@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
5. leaky injector
From: "Payne" <bpayne@xxxxxxxxxx>
6. CUSTOM DMC wheels for Sale
From: Delorean17@xxxxxxx
7. Re: Stainless Cleaner
From: Senatorpack@xxxxxx
8. Re: Who makes the DMC 5-speed? RENAULT!!!!!
From: Senatorpack@xxxxxx
9. Re: A disservice to our car..Question
From: Senatorpack@xxxxxx
10. window regulator replacement
From: "Walter Coe" <Whalt@xxxxxxx>
11. Re: A disservice to our car
From: BondAtomic@xxxxxxx
12. Re: Auto Tranny governor fix.. justa few more questions!
From: "jtrealtywebspannet" <jtrealty@xxxxxxxxxxx>
13. Re: delorean quality formerly 'live the dream ad'
From: "DMC Joe" <dmcjoe@xxxxxxx>
14. Re: Just bought my DMC and have 142 questions (long)
From: "DMC Joe" <dmcjoe@xxxxxxx>
15. Re: Interest in Performace Air Filters
From: "DMC Joe" <dmcjoe@xxxxxxx>
16. Quentin Willson
From: BondAtomic@xxxxxxx
17. Re: Should I or Shouldn't I??
From: "tmpintnl" <tobyp@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
18. DeLorean Wiring Diagram
From: Trevor Johnson <comet4055@xxxxxxxx>
19. Re: Stainless Cleaner NOT!
From: "therealdmcvegas" <DMCVegas@xxxxxxxx>
20. Re: A disservice to our car
From: "therealdmcvegas" <DMCVegas@xxxxxxxx>
21. Re: delorean quality formerly 'live the dream ad' (LONG!)
From: "therealdmcvegas" <DMCVegas@xxxxxxxx>
22. Re: Should I or Shouldn't I??
From: "erikgeerdink" <erikgeerdink@xxxxxxxxx>
23. New Speaker Install...Save original car
From: "Kevin Abato" <delorean@xxxxxxxxx>
24. RE: A disservice to our car
From: "Kevin Abato" <delorean@xxxxxxxxx>
25. Re: Winged1 (WAS: Should I or Shouldn't I??)
From: "funkymcfly" <danielpwillis@xxxxxxxxxxx>
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 1
Date: Tue, 12 Feb 2002 21:34:22 EST
From: jwit6@xxxxxx
Subject: Re: Stainless Cleaner NOT!
Well done Walt......
Stainless as it was intended.
I keep mine bare and touch up the inevitable finger prints with a quick spray
of Windex...
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 2
Date: Tue, 12 Feb 2002 21:35:05 -0500
From: "Marc A. Levy" <malevy@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: RE: IHI Turbo's
Yup, Island are a flavor of RHB5.
Legend also used the same style turbos.
-----Original Message-----
From: Dick Ryan [mailto:deloreanbiker@xxxxxxxxx]
Sent: Tuesday, February 12, 2002 1:28 PM
To: dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [DML] IHI Turbo's
The turbo's used in the "Island" twin turbo kit are
from IHI. They are, I believe, from the RHB family of
IHI turbo's. Does anyone (Marc?) no which RHB turbo
is used?
<SNIP>
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 3
Date: Tue, 12 Feb 2002 21:41:34 EST
From: RJRavalli@xxxxxxx
Subject: Re: A disservice to our car
I have seen that "Cars" book too at bookstores, and the entry about the DeLorean is so obviously written by someone who doesn't like the car it's not even funny. It's a cool book with some very nice pictures of the car and of other cars, but that is a really sour job that was done on the D. Is this guy jealous of D owners for some reason? Does he have some kind of personal vendeta against John DeLorean? What's the deal?
Richard
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 4
Date: Tue, 12 Feb 2002 21:44:36 -0500
From: "Marc A. Levy" <malevy@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: RE: Should I or Shouldn't I??
This seems to be a popular subject lately.. I wish some of the big aftermarket auto part companies were on the list to see how much money they are loosing by not making "junk" for our cars. :)
There is a lot of information in the back issues on different modifications for safety, reliability, performance, and looks. There is of course a infinite number of things that can be done (with more time and money) in addition to all that has been discussed already.
However, if your looking for opinions there will be no shortage of them here! So- My opinion is that if your current delorean is as "mint" as you say, leave it alone. If you want to do heavy modifications on a DeLorean (especially paint it!) please find another car that is in need of work anyway, possibly one that is already painted. While I personally do not own a "stock" DeLorean, it is something to be appreciated and not destroyed (painted) when there are alternatives.... and there are plenty of DeLoreans out there waiting to be "rescued".
-----Original Message-----
From: dmc812001 [mailto:stamberino@xxxxxxx]
Sent: Tuesday, February 12, 2002 4:12 PM
To: dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [DML] Should I or Shouldn't I??
Hi All,
I am new to this group, but i am an avid(rabid??) Delorean fan. I
purchased an 81 #2801 in August 2001. After some work at PJ Gradys,
shes now a daily driver and a great compliment to my SLK 320. I have
some questions regarding modifications. I love the way the car looks,
but i saw a pic of one in Black that looks wild.
<SNIP>
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 5
Date: Tue, 12 Feb 2002 18:54:41 -0800
From: "Payne" <bpayne@xxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: leaky injector
Perhaps it's my undying love for my car, but I just can't stop looking at
her. I guess that's a good thing since a while back I felt compelled to
look in the engine compartment as it was idling and noticed a disheartening
sight. Fuel was pouring out the top of one of the injectors, right on top
of the spark plug tube. I decided it better not to drive it, as I have a
bad record of things catching on fire when I'm involved. My only problem
now is that I can't get it to stop leaking despite what I've replaced. So
far I have changed the copper seals at the fuel line (twice), the rubber
boot at the bottom, the hollow bolt going into the injector, and even the
fuel injector itself. The copper washers don't seem to crush very much, and
I'm afraid to torque the bolt down any further. My last attempt at
tightening it was the reason I had to replace the hollow bolt and the
injector and I'm a little wary of doing it again. The leak is now much less
than it was, but still appears to be leaking out at the copper washers. I
don't like the idea of driving a big stainless steel fire hazard. No matter
how good it may look.
If anyone has any tips, they would be much appreciated. I guess I may have
to just keep trying more washers until it stops.
Thanks for all your help!
Brandon J. Payne
#2975
bpayne@xxxxxxxxxx
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 6
Date: Tue, 12 Feb 2002 22:11:17 EST
From: Delorean17@xxxxxxx
Subject: CUSTOM DMC wheels for Sale
Hi List,
I have had a set of custom Wheels in my basement and I doubt I was
ever going to put them on. They came on a project car I had 3 years ago and
I planned on putting them on my car to be a bit different at the Memphis Show
but I fell in love with the original wheels so I put these on ebay. They
have less than 5k miles on them but will need to be refurbished as they have
many scratches and some oxidation from being poorly stored. They are made by
ROH of Australia and are nice wheels.(NOTE: wheels are same sizes as
originals) The reserve is so so low, probably less than what one wheel cost
new. check it out at
http://cgi.aol.ebay.com/ebaymotors/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&
item=1805013588
I will have a front fascia and possibly a front left fender on tomorrow. I
am in need of an automatic shifter Lever, and a front impact absorber. if
anyone has one for sale please email me.(and no I dont have a parts car, just
a few extra parts laying around)
Thanks
David
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 7
Date: Tue, 12 Feb 2002 22:34:27 EST
From: Senatorpack@xxxxxx
Subject: Re: Stainless Cleaner
I have used "Twinkle" by Johnson Wax Co. to the DeLight of other Mid Atlantic
Owners. It is available from Home Depot and Restoration Hardware Co.
Sincerely,
Michael
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 8
Date: Tue, 12 Feb 2002 22:46:07 EST
From: Senatorpack@xxxxxx
Subject: Re: Who makes the DMC 5-speed? RENAULT!!!!!
ZF made an automatic transmission & 5-speed for the Volvo 760 GLE from
82-1991. These cars are REAR wheel drive with a LONNNNNNNg drive shaft
mounted to a rear differential.
The DeLorean transmissions, both Auto & manual are Renault products.
Best Wishes,
Michael R. Pack
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 9
Date: Tue, 12 Feb 2002 23:01:40 EST
From: Senatorpack@xxxxxx
Subject: Re: A disservice to our car..Question
Do all of you get tired of answering the same stupid, ignorant questions over
and over?
I get tired of repeating myself over and over and over and over and over to
everyone that I talk to when I drive the DeLorean.
When I drive a DeLorean, I am constantly put on the defensive side of the
conversation, answering the (in my opinion) ignorant (usually someone that
thinks they know everything about everything, especially everything about the
DeLorean saga, even though they have never driven one or actually read
anything about the saga) statements about John DeLoreans trials, the car,
problems, and problems.
I just cut the conversation short and ask the asshole "Why do you like to
talk about problems so much? Do you need a therapist?"
Ha HA
Sincerely,
Mike
[long duplicate quote snipped by moderator]
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 10
Date: Tue, 12 Feb 2002 23:16:12 -0500
From: "Walter Coe" <Whalt@xxxxxxx>
Subject: window regulator replacement
No one sent me any photos of a heavy duty window regulator installation, but
I was sent a photo of an OEM installation and also a copy of PJ Grady's
installation instructions in .pdf format.
Armed with this information, I installed a new heavy-duty window regulator
in Jim Sleeth's DeLorean today. I first installed it according to the PJ
Grady instructions, but I was not happy with the results. The problem
isn't obvious unless you really study why the window moves slower when
mostly open and faster when mostly closed as the regulator's tube flexes
about.
The crux of the problem is that the tab welded at the elbow in the regulator
tube is supposed to be bolted to the rear hole in the door handle support
bracket, but this puts the tube too close to the door skin where it can dent
the door from the inside. I have found such dents on several DeLoreans.
This location also puts the tube too far forward. When the window is near
the top of travel, this isn't very obvious because the glass carrier is at
the end of the tube where it doesn't take much force to flex the tube. But
when the window is near the bottom of travel, the glass carrier is closer to
the elbow where there isn't much room for forgiveness. The result is that
the tube flexes to line up with the window while it binds & slows down. It
also makes the window more prone to popping off the front track.
My fix was to install the window the way I just finished installing one in
my own DeLorean. I removed the inner part of the door handle bracket by
drilling out the spot welds. Then I made all new brackets from scratch.
This locates the tab on the elbow about 1cm further back, 1cm further toward
the center of the car and 1cm higher. This may not sound like much, but it
allows the window regulator tube to always line up with the studs on the
glass carrier assembly. Now the window moves up & down effortlessly.
Since I've seen the exact same problem on two DeLoreans, I tend to believe
that the problem lies in the design of the heavy-duty window regulator and
not due to my inability to follow instructions. I believe that the design
is faulty and that no amount of re-bending the tube will help enough. If it
is installed without substantial modifications then you risk damage to the
door skin, having the window pop off track and making the motor work much
harder than it needs to as the tube flexes & binds. What stumps me is why I
am the only one to notice this. Aren't there vendors out there who have
installed more of these than they can count? Are you guys just unobservant
or did I make a wasteful mistake on two cars now by making custom brackets?
For the rest of you, we took plenty of photos and will put a web page
together soon demonstrating the problem & the fix. Meanwhile, I would like
your comments.
Walt Tampa, FL
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 11
Date: Wed, 13 Feb 2002 00:22:07 EST
From: BondAtomic@xxxxxxx
Subject: Re: A disservice to our car
I don't know who the guy is, but as I recall-he also wrote a book with
classic cars, but I don't remember the title....maybe "The Ultimate Classic
Car Book" or something of that nature. I remember the story of it all totally
slamming the DeLorean once again, saying it was totally unreliable and only
famous from being in Back to the Future. I don't like this guy.
John
4275
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 12
Date: Wed, 13 Feb 2002 05:26:47 -0000
From: "jtrealtywebspannet" <jtrealty@xxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: Re: Auto Tranny governor fix.. justa few more questions!
The clip you are referring to holds the output transistors against the
metal cover so it can act like a heat sink. In fact you can go to
Radio Shack and add finned heat sinks onto the outside of the cover
and use heat sink compound for maximum heat transfer. The caulk is
just a rubberized sealer to keep moisture out. A small amount of
silicone sealer will do the same thing. Before you seal it up put it
together and drive for a while to make sure it is working properly.
The shift computer seems to act up more when warm so drive on it a few
days in heat to be sure it really is OK.
--- In dmcnews@xxxx, "Adam Price" <acprice1@xxxx> wrote:
>
>
> Thanks to Mark Hershey for all his help so far. I just have
> a few more questions about the governor.
>
> There is some type of retaining clip? That slides in above
> the boards, is this clip necessary?
[moderator snip]
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 13
Date: Tue, 12 Feb 2002 23:57:06 -0500
From: "DMC Joe" <dmcjoe@xxxxxxx>
Subject: Re: delorean quality formerly 'live the dream ad'
You said:
"The car would not last forever, as he intended,........"
JZD predicted a life span of 20 years, NOT FOREVER!
You said:
" .............the stainless panels were never aligned properly
initially."
The factory did an excellent job on panel alignment.
You said:
"most EVERY aspect of the car is more prone to failure than other normal
cars." "...almost all parts of the car were poorly built.."
Does that include the following:
Starter, Engine, Ignition Coil, Ignition ECU, Lambda ECU, Windshield wiper
system, Shock Absorbers, CV Boots, CV Joints, Brake System, Muffler,
Transmissions, HVAC, Fiberglass Underbody, Stainless Steel Panels, etc.
We have been keeping failure rate records for 17 years and the above
components all have a less than 1% failure rate after 50k miles and less
than 5% after 100k miles. Compare that with any other car of that period.
You said:
"pawn that off on the poor quality of the Irish workers"
Virtually all industry reports indicated that the factory workers did an
outstanding job considering their short learning curve.
FINALLY
You said:
"........ the only reason the delorean is still around is because it's
cool."
People ask me why are there so many DeLoreans on the market. My response;
they don't rust away even if totally ignored and left to the elements. We
receive many D's that have sat outdoors and unused in excess of 10 years. We
seldom have a problem bringing the PRV-6 back to life. Less any frame damage
the majority of the car can be revived to like new condition by simply
replacing defective parts. Try that with any other car.
DMC Joe
DeLorean Help dmchelp@xxxxxxx
www.dmc.tv
http://shopping.oraclesmallbusiness.com/dsvstore
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 14
Date: Wed, 13 Feb 2002 00:12:14 -0500
From: "DMC Joe" <dmcjoe@xxxxxxx>
Subject: Re: Just bought my DMC and have 142 questions (long)
Give me a call; I can answer most of your questions in far less time that it
takes to write. Check the DML archives and our website for lots of
information and links to creditable vendors.
To get you started here is a link to a color map of the electrical
compartment. http://www.geocities.com/dmcjoe/dmcjoe.html
Regards,
DMC Joe
DeLorean Help dmchelp@xxxxxxx
770 631-4800 M-F 9-5 EST
www.dmc.tv
http://shopping.oraclesmallbusiness.com/dsvstore
----- Original Message -----
From: "stevepeck1" <stevepeck1@xxxxxxxxx>
To: <dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Tuesday, February 12, 2002 5:39 PM
Subject: [DML] Just bought my DMC and have 142 questions (long)
> Anyone with a bit of time out there? I would greatly
> appreciate your looking over the list below and advising
> on any or all subjects.
[Olympic-sized quote snipped by moderator]
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 15
Date: Wed, 13 Feb 2002 00:27:12 -0500
From: "DMC Joe" <dmcjoe@xxxxxxx>
Subject: Re: Interest in Performace Air Filters
Concerning air filter restriction try the following test. Find a location
where you can run a 0-60 or quarter mile acceleration test run. Perform the
test with the stock set up with a new air filter in place.
Repeat the test with the filter removed. The results should prove to you
that modifying or replacing the air filter will not result in any
substantial reduction in acceleration times.
DMC Joe
DeLorean Help dmchelp@xxxxxxx
www.dmc.tv
http://shopping.oraclesmallbusiness.com/dsvstore
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 16
Date: Wed, 13 Feb 2002 00:35:33 EST
From: BondAtomic@xxxxxxx
Subject: Quentin Willson
Alright I read some websites about his stories on DeLoreans-and I hate this
guy. I particularily "liked" his nice little end of an article: "....but
never, ever, buy a De Lorean."
This guy knows jack. But I guess he can say these things because he's "The
Writer the Motor Industry Fears." What a joke.
John
4275
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 17
Date: Wed, 13 Feb 2002 06:17:35 -0000
From: "tmpintnl" <tobyp@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: Re: Should I or Shouldn't I??
Sean - In my humble opinion (that's my disclaimer), I would preserve
this one as is (if it's as good as you say), and go out and save some
poor barn relic from an ignoble death. A friend and I have been
doing just that with a car that he found that was used to stack hay
bales on, and had a rat condo in it. This poor thing now runs quite
well, is clean and shiny (and painted red from the previous owner),
and sports 17" wheels in front, and 18" wheels in the rear, and major
performance rubber all around. It looks great, and we are looking to
make it run and look even better. My buddy has reason to be proud of
what he has accomplished so far, and the feeling that one gets from
saving the life of a defenseless car ... well, you get the idea.
Toby Peterson VIN 2248
Winged1
--- In dmcnews@xxxx, "dmc812001" <stamberino@xxxx> wrote:
> Hi All,
> I am new to this group, but i am an avid(rabid??) Delorean fan. I
> have some questions regarding modifications. I love the way the car
> looks, but ...
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 18
Date: Tue, 12 Feb 2002 23:01:15 -0800
From: Trevor Johnson <comet4055@xxxxxxxx>
Subject: DeLorean Wiring Diagram
I have seen this question asked several times recently and thought
perhaps some of you would benefit from visiting the DeLorean Store. Under
DeLorean Posters (about halfway down the page).
Here is the write up on it.
DeLorean Wiring Diagram Poster(1981)
Printed on 22 inch x 34 inch poster paper with separate 11 inch x 17 inch
Location Index and Symbol Key. A must for all DeLorean owners. Great on
the wall or in the garage.
$ 15.00
There are also many other interesting Items for all DeLorean Enthusiasts
and Owners.
Talk to you later
Trevor Johnson
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 19
Date: Wed, 13 Feb 2002 08:59:49 -0000
From: "therealdmcvegas" <DMCVegas@xxxxxxxx>
Subject: Re: Stainless Cleaner NOT!
--- In dmcnews@xxxx, "Walter Coe" <Whalt@xxxx> wrote:
> This whole scenario gets you stuck in a cycle of addiction. You
> want a shiny car, so you apply a fresh coat of stainless steel
> polish...
<SNIP>
Nope, that cycle got broken with me a long time ago. I spent 4 1/
2 hours washing and detailing my car. Had a beautiful layer of
polish on her. So shinny, it was almost blinding!
I drove about 3 miles from my house, and right into a duststorm!
It look like I had never even washed the car. I drove her to the
nearest car wash, and sprayed the dirt and polish off. Never
polished her since.
However, hard water is a problem. I have calcium stuck down in
the grain. I'll try the bleach-white as see if that cleans things up a
bit. Thanks for the tip!
-Robert
vin 6585 "X"
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 20
Date: Wed, 13 Feb 2002 09:25:48 -0000
From: "therealdmcvegas" <DMCVegas@xxxxxxxx>
Subject: Re: A disservice to our car
As you can probably guess, I too am not a big fan of Quentin
Wilson. To be blunt, my opinions of him have already been said
by others here, and those that haven't, I can't repeat in a family
base forum such as this! :)
But, I can say one nice thing. When you do a search for his name
on both google.com, and yahoo.co.uk, John's page here is at the
top of both lists!
Top Gear isn't shown here on this side of the pond. But, his
slanderous little books are published. Does anyone know the
publisher's address? I'd like to send them a letter. What I'd really
love to do is publicly challenge him.
I like other owners love my car, but I certainly don't want some
unqualified half-wit slandering my car, damaging it's reputation,
and it's value. In all honestly, I doubt that the guy could even do
an oil change, let alone judge the merrits of a car...
--- In dmcnews@xxxx, "dmcjohn" <dmcjohn@xxxx> wrote:
> Hey Don,
> I have a little piece on my website just about this idiot Quentin,
> check it out at http://homepage.eircom.net/~johndore/
Quentin.htm
> Thanks,
> John Dore (now in Boston!)
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 21
Date: Wed, 13 Feb 2002 11:44:38 -0000
From: "therealdmcvegas" <DMCVegas@xxxxxxxx>
Subject: Re: delorean quality formerly 'live the dream ad' (LONG!)
You do bring up questions, and a coupIe of valid points I do
admit. Yeah, the DeLorean is after all just a car. Come to think
about it, why should anyone feel so passionite about an
innanimate object? After all, it is just steel, fiberglass, rubber,
plastic, glass, some leather and vinyl. A little petrolium lubricants
here and there, a few copper wires. It's just a car. We've paid
thousands of dollars for our cars. Some of us use our cars for
daily transportation, some for recreational use, and some of us
simply keep them in garages to look at. So why all the fuss?
Well, let's try and find out.
Do I put too much faith in my DeLorean? No. How far does my
faith go? To be honest, I trust my DeLorean with my life. I can say
with full confidence that I absolutely trust my DeLorean with my
life! How can I prove it? If I didn't feel safe, I wouldn't even open
the door, let alone get behind the wheel. After all, I could be rear
ended, t-boned, hit by a tractor-trailer. I could drive off a bridge
into a river, I could flip upside down, gasoline could pour out,
cover me, ignite, and I could burn to death, right? WRONG! I don't
believe if any of this happened I would be killed. And I prove it
with my life everytime I turn that key. Why? Because my car is that
well designed/engineered/made! Since she's come into my
hands, her progress has come quite a ways. In that time, I've
also become quite familiar with her. I now trust my car since I
know what she is capable of, and I've replaced most of what
needed to be done. I don't even carry a life hammer inside. I
dobut that I'll flip over, and be trapped inside. If the accident really
is that bad, I'll probably be too dazed, or flat out incappable of
getting out of the car by myself. I might as well carry a rabbits foot
for good luck. Because I've always veiwed those hammers as
"supersticious" items.
Comparing the DeLorean to modern and/or cars mass
produced by big name auto companies is quite honestly apples
to oranges. Remember this: The DeLorean was produced by a
company that was just starting out. It had limited production, a
limited timeframe to be built, limited assembly times, and an
engineering firm that did not dedicate themselve the 100%
attention that the project not only deserved, but PAID for! By
comparison, vehicles such as the new Ford Thunderbird have
been in production for years. I've seen pictures of prototype
Fieros from the early to mid 80's that echo Saturn SL1s & 2s that
were not released until the middle to late 90's. And of course
these vehicles will most of the time use a mix and match of test
proven components that have been used on previous cars. Did
you know that the same Eagle Premier that uses a PRV motor
also shares it's rear braking system with the Dodge Viper? And
of course the same goes for chassis and suspension design.
Even Jaguars are no longer the same. They now share the exact
same suspension and chassis as Ford Crown Victorias, and
Escorts! The DeLorean while designed by competent people
was a car that was truly made from scratch. It utilitzed concepts,
but wasn't able to directly borrow them for it's application. It was
too unique.
You also had a good # of corporate employees that were basicly
rejects from other car companies. Wheather it was the quality of
parts, or the quality of employees, there were some areas that
were lacking. The DeLorean project had odds against it from all
sides. The fact that the car even made it into production is a
small miracle in itself.
Did the company fail miserably? I'd say so. After all, the goal of
the company was to stay in business for an infinate period of
time. So yes, absolute failure is of course miserable. Is it John Z.
DeLorean's personal fault? I mean, is he absolutely
responsible? NO! DMC had plenty of help from all sides around
that brought it to it's knees. If you want to focus on one person in
particular, how about Sol Shenk? (or however you spell his
name) Sol ran Consolidated International. What later became
KAPAC. And of course that is the company that auctioned off
DMC's assesests, and ran The DeLorean Depot for many years
selling parts off. Sol Shenk was offered DMC & DMCL on a silver
platter. This company that took years for JZD & crew to
assemble and build, was offered up by the British Govt. to him.
He had everything! A manufacturing plant, a supply of currently
built cars to immediatly sell, a ready to go set of plans for a turbo
car, the final revisions for the DMC-12, a 30 year parts supply,
and the hopes and dreams of 2500 factory workers. He alone
was given the opprotunity to save DMC. He could have been the
hero of the 80's. An automotive saviour bigger than Lee Iacoca,
and a success story to rival that of the software companies of the
time. But no. He snubbs his nose at it all, and by doing so he
nails DMC's coffin shut. A company that now had everything
going for it, he finally doomed.
So now, what are we left with? Cars. Thousands of stainless
steel DeLoreans. And what have we decided to do with them?
You need only read a single days worth of postings to discover
what's happened. While only a short production car, the
DeLorean has not only developed, but it has earned a well
dedicated following. Many people here do what they can to keep
their cars on the road. Even fellow owers who own Concourse
cars that are not driven that often. You can sure bet that if they
wanted to, their cars are ready to hit the pavement at the drop of
a hat!
And the final aspect. Why own a DeLorean? To me, it is the
perfect car. Not only for function, but ideals. I love the fact that I
drive a car that was ment to be driven forever. And this the car
accomplishes by way of generating it's own following, and by
looking so updated. I don't care where, or WHEN you are. The
DeLorean looks absolutely perfect. No matter the year, the
DeLorean is as modern as the cars that try and surround it. I
also love the idea that I have purchased a car for life. It's
comfortable, looks nice, and I have no social reasons to sell it. If
I now choose to purchase a new car off the lot, it's because I
want to, not because I have to. the wait was well worth it. I own
my dream car, I have no monthly payments, I'm not pressured
into buying something else, and I'm beyond content. It truly is fun
to drive my car. I work with people who own Camaros and
Mustangs. They always nit-pick at their cars. Wheather it's
dropping cash for a new exhaust system, a stereo, wheels,
ignition system, etc..., they are never happy! There is always
something that they NEED to do to their cars to satisfy them.
And there are policical reasons that I own my car. I don't agree
with any car mfgs today on what a car should be. So rather then
spend my hard earned money on something new, I have exactly
what I want, and I am happier. And of course in a world where
every other car on the road has a cartoon character urinating on
somebody elses car logo, the DeLorean is exempt. And of
course it just feels like a mature car.
So I guess in the end here, the DeLorean isn't just a car. It is a
statement for some. And as far as quality is concerned, who
knows. If I believed everything about the DeLorean I read in print,
I guess I wouldn't own one. I know that there are a few original
owners on the list here. I guess they would be the best ones to
ask about what it was like to own a brand new DeLorean.
-Robert
vin 6585 "X"
Living the dream, and defying the world!
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 22
Date: Wed, 13 Feb 2002 12:56:59 -0000
From: "erikgeerdink" <erikgeerdink@xxxxxxxxx>
Subject: Re: Should I or Shouldn't I??
Going by you comments, I would assume you would be able to afford
another delorean. with all the upgrades you are doing, you might
want to consider getting a car that needs some work and might have a
dent here or there. fix that car up, have your wild delorean....and
still keep a perfect delorean.
my .02
Erik Geerdink
4512
--- In dmcnews@xxxx, "dmc812001" <stamberino@xxxx> wrote:
> I love the way the car looks, but i saw a pic of one in
> Black that looks wild. I am thinking of painting, and
> updating the car to turn it into the car we all know
> it would have become.
[long quote trimmed by moderator]
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 23
Date: Wed, 13 Feb 2002 09:06:14 -0500
From: "Kevin Abato" <delorean@xxxxxxxxx>
Subject: New Speaker Install...Save original car
Hi everyone...I have been meaning to put some new speakers in my car for a
while, and toyed with different options. DanRc30 and I discussed some
options, and he presented an Idea to me (I know Dan...your idea would hide
the speakers 100%, but I did not do that)
Dan suggested mounting speakers in the rear wall above the storage shelf. I
opened the wall up, and there is enough room to fit some shallow mount 6
1/2" speakers. I am trying to replace the radio, and install the speakers
to keep the car as original as possible (for resale value)
I ordered a radio mount kit from DMC Houston, but the rear wall is too
expensive buy another one to cut and mount speakers in. Instead, I made my
own. Total cost: $21.
Here are pictures of what I did for the speakers:
http://24.46.235.195:81/images/dmcspeakers/
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 24
Date: Wed, 13 Feb 2002 09:16:57 -0500
From: "Kevin Abato" <delorean@xxxxxxxxx>
Subject: RE: A disservice to our car
People are not Jellous (well..not most of them) of Delorean owners, nor are
they carrying a personal Vendetta against John Delorean.
It all comes down to the fact that general public "including people who make
books" have a common perception that the car sucks based on the fact that it
was only made for three years, and Delorean had all the problems that
followed.
I love my car, but lets face it...When I saw a show on TLC a few weeks ago
based on the DMC-12, and the show is called "Greatest blunders in history"
They were right on the money.....And unless you own a Delorean, or are a
well educated enthusiest, that is the perception that is implanted in your
mind from all the media and general talk.
-----Original Message-----
From: RJRavalli@xxxxxxx [mailto:RJRavalli@xxxxxxx]
Sent: Tuesday, February 12, 2002 9:42 PM
To: dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Re: [DML] A disservice to our car
> I have seen that "Cars" book too at bookstores, and the
> entry about the DeLorean is so obviously written by
> someone who doesn't like the car it's not even funny.
> It's a cool book with some very nice pictures of the car
> and of other cars, but that is a really sour job that was
> done on the D. Is this guy jealous of D owners for some
> reason? Does he have some kind of personal vendeta against
> John DeLorean? What's the deal?
> Richard
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 25
Date: Wed, 13 Feb 2002 14:46:36 -0000
From: "funkymcfly" <danielpwillis@xxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: Re: Winged1 (WAS: Should I or Shouldn't I??)
Toby,
I don't suppose you have any pictures/website for this project do you?
I'm facinated... how the hell did you get 17s in those front arches? ;o)
Dan
Vin#5284 - "Hana" - www.projectmadness.com
> well, is clean and shiny (and painted red from the previous owner),
> and sports 17" wheels in front, and 18" wheels in the rear, and major
> performance rubber all around. It looks great, and we are looking to
> make it run and look even better.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
Back to the Home of PROJECT VIXEN