To address comments privately to the moderating team, please address:
moderators@xxxxxxxxxxx
For more info on the list, tech articles, cars for sale see www.dmcnews.com
To search the archives or view files, log in at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dmcnews
------------------------------------------------------------------------
There are 17 messages in this issue.
Topics in this digest:
1. Re: DeLorean Mobile Home?
From: "therealdmcvegas" <DMCVegas@xxxxxxxx>
2. Re: Door Lock Solenoids
From: Gus Schlachter <gus@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
3. Re: Porsche Motors in BTTF Deloreans
From: Bob Brandys <BobB@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
4. Re: Re: DeLorean Mobile Home?
From: Bob Brandys <BobB@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
5. Steering
From: "Paul Salsbury" <paul.salsbury@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
6. Re: Re: DeLorean Mobile Home?
From: "Brian McCool" <bjmccool@xxxxxxxxx>
7. Re: Re: DeLorean Mobile Home?
From: "Mr. Copies Print Centres" <mike@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
8. Re: Spare tie down.
From: "David Teitelbaum" <jtrealty@xxxxxxxxxxx>
9. Re: Cooling Fan Failure.
From: "David Teitelbaum" <jtrealty@xxxxxxxxxxx>
10. RE: DeLorean Mobile Home?
From: "Murray Fisher" <murrayf@xxxxxxxxxxx>
11. Opinion -- Keep or Sell?
From: "Jason Jones" <jason@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
12. DeLorean in Fayetteville NC / Cumberland County 3/8/03?
From: "content22207" <brobertson@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
13. Dmc logo
From: "joshp1986" <joshp1986@xxxxxxxxx>
14. DMC 12 Stainless Exhaust Tips
From: "davvet2" <davvet2@xxxxxxxxx>
15. strange "knuckle" on bumper
From: "Michael Paine" <mpaine@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
16. How do you jack these things up?
From: "jevans742003" <nucleus@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
17. Re: Alabama owner needed for local sports promo
From: pbnorton@xxxxxx
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 1
Date: Sat, 08 Mar 2003 14:46:35 -0000
From: "therealdmcvegas" <DMCVegas@xxxxxxxx>
Subject: Re: DeLorean Mobile Home?
--- In dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, "Stragand, Dave" <dave.stragand@xxxx>
wrote:
> Hi All,
>
> Has anyone ever heard of a DeLorean motor home, called
(coincidentally
> enough) a "Vixen"? Here's what the owner had to say:
<SNIP>
By the time I post this, I'm sure that there will already be a few
links to this RV posted here. But, here is a quick one that will sum
everything up:
http://www.agencyrv.com/Vixen.HTM
Midway down the page, it has the following quote:
"587 Vixens were built by Vixen Motor Co., Pontiac, Michigan, between
1986 - 1989, when the company closed."
So this couldn't possibly have been a DMC related project for when
the company was in business. Could JZD have possibly been involved?
There is always that possibility, but I seriously doubt it. Durring
these years, DeLorean was mainly fighting his bankruptcy in Michigan,
and the only companies that I've see him being involved with were
attempts as reviving DMC, and Logan Manufacturing. In all the
documents and articles that I've run across, I've never seen a
mention of an RV, let alone any other projects that he started up.
But who knows...
-Robert
vin 6585 "X"
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 2
Date: Thu, 06 Mar 2003 12:16:44 -0600
From: Gus Schlachter <gus@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: Re: Door Lock Solenoids
Raine,
My door locks behaved the same way. The doors would lock together but not unlock. (The central locking was probably tied to just the driver's side solenoid.)
I traced it to the "LOCK DOORS" light in the dash. It had fallen out and was touching a ground, preventing the "unlock signal" from working correctly. This problem could also be caused by a faulty lock module.
I worked out all the wiring details and posted it here many moons ago. You should check the archives.
Gus Schlachter
VIN #4695
Austin, TX
Raine Moreno wrote:
> ok...do you other guys have to mash on your Door lock switch to get it to work? I didnt think that was "normal" or working as intended...So along with having to tear down the door to fix my window problems, i figued i would investigate why the resistance of the door lock switch, also my remote control unit will lock both doors but will not Unlock the drivers side door, i figured (after inspection of the door mechanics) that the solenoid is worn out and needing to be replaced...when engaged it barely moved almost like the arm moves out and then back in....Just enough to move the pieces of the contact plate to lock the doors..it doesnt seem like it should be working like that. Have any of you had experienced that? I have not taken out the solenoid and inspected it yet, but i have been reading about some similar instances and wonder as well, if anyone has had thier solenoids "rewound" to give them back thier strength. I guess old age and or a combination of the old stock door!
> lock module weakend the solenoids. Just wanted to know so i could possibly save 150 Bucks for a new solenoid.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 3
Date: Sat, 08 Mar 2003 09:35:30 -0600
From: Bob Brandys <BobB@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: Re: Porsche Motors in BTTF Deloreans
Just finished watching all the detail stuff on the BTTF DVDs. Early on
in the DVDs they talked about the Delorean having a 4 cylinder which we
all thought was wrong.
Well, in the third DVD they talk about the Delorean's being retrofitted
with more powerful Porsche engines. This is news to me, but the sound
from the engines in the movies is certainly reminiscent of Porsche
exhaust systems.
Anyway, who did these conversions.? Kevin Pike certainly did not..
Jay Orvis did not. Bob Boyce was not aware of this.
It certainly was not a Porsche flat 6 (though the white wall tired
Delorean may have been a Porsche/VW chassis.), Was it is a turbo 4
cylinder.? This may be probable since these were supposed to be more
powerful engines than the Ds.
Well for those BTTF purists (HA! HA!), I guess we would have to put
Porsche engines in our cars.
BOB
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 4
Date: Sat, 08 Mar 2003 10:15:46 -0600
From: Bob Brandys <BobB@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: Re: Re: DeLorean Mobile Home?
Does anyone know whether parts or support is available for the Vixen?
The statement that it had a 4.3 L GM V6 mated to a 4 speed automatic
transaxel means it had to be using the ZF4 automatic transmission.
What perfect "drop in" for a D.
The big question is how did they control it. The trans computer would
be a "plug in" that would make this upgrade to a D very easy.
Anyone know these answer or where to go?
Thinking about building another D project car.
BOB
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 5
Date: Sat, 8 Mar 2003 17:25:41 -0000
From: "Paul Salsbury" <paul.salsbury@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: Steering
Well that's it I've replaced every thing bar the steering rack in my attempt
to sort out my excessive play in the steering. I had a worn lower universal
joint which I replaced and that helped a bit, however a trip to my local
garage today for advice confirmed my rack needs surgery.
How much of a job is removing and replacing a rack? any hints and tips would
be appreciated, what time does a job like this take???
Cheers
Paul
#6463
http://www.paul.salsbury.btinternet.co.uk
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 6
Date: Sat, 8 Mar 2003 11:54:36 -0600
From: "Brian McCool" <bjmccool@xxxxxxxxx>
Subject: Re: Re: DeLorean Mobile Home?
Ok, here's the deal on the Delorean connection to the Vixen. Bill Collins,
who had worked with John Delorean at GM, and later went with him to help on
engineering the DMC-12, left Delorean Motor Company in 1979 and went to work
as head of product planning at American Motors for the next 2 1/2 years. He
then decided to leave American Motors, and Start Vixen Motor Co. with the
former chief financial officer of DMC, Bob Dewey. Coincidently, the same
company that did the prototype DMC-12, also built the prototype Vixen. The
whole idea behind Vixen was to make motorhomes that could fit inside a
regular sized garage. I remember reading a small article in Autoweek around
'88 or '89 that mentioned the bankruptcy of Vixen Motor Co. and I also
remember seeing an ad in Hemmings Motor News selling the remaining motor
homes that were left after the bankruptcy (I've got the article bookmarked
but it's in storage).
The majority of this info was pulled from Stainless Steel Illusion page #68.
----- Original Message -----
From: "therealdmcvegas" <DMCVegas@xxxxxxxx>
To: <dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Saturday, March 08, 2003 8:46 AM
Subject: [DML] Re: DeLorean Mobile Home?
> --- In dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, "Stragand, Dave" <dave.stragand@xxxx>
> wrote:
> > Hi All,
> >
> > Has anyone ever heard of a DeLorean motor home, called
> (coincidentally
> > enough) a "Vixen"? Here's what the owner had to say:
> <SNIP>
>
> By the time I post this, I'm sure that there will already be a few
> links to this RV posted here. But, here is a quick one that will sum
> everything up:
>
> http://www.agencyrv.com/Vixen.HTM
>
> Midway down the page, it has the following quote:
> "587 Vixens were built by Vixen Motor Co., Pontiac, Michigan, between
> 1986 - 1989, when the company closed."
> So this couldn't possibly have been a DMC related project for when
> the company was in business. Could JZD have possibly been involved?
> There is always that possibility, but I seriously doubt it. Durring
> these years, DeLorean was mainly fighting his bankruptcy in Michigan,
> and the only companies that I've see him being involved with were
> attempts as reviving DMC, and Logan Manufacturing. In all the
> documents and articles that I've run across, I've never seen a
> mention of an RV, let alone any other projects that he started up.
> But who knows...
>
> -Robert
> vin 6585 "X"
>
>
>
> To address comments privately to the moderating team, please address:
> moderators@xxxxxxxxxxx
>
> For more info on the list, tech articles, cars for sale see
www.dmcnews.com
>
> To search the archives or view files, log in at
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dmcnews
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
>
>
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 7
Date: Sat, 8 Mar 2003 13:59:44 -0800
From: "Mr. Copies Print Centres" <mike@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: Re: Re: DeLorean Mobile Home?
Vixen was owned, designed and engineered by Bill Collins.
Bill Collins was responsible for the engineering of the first few Delorean
prototypes prior to the D being handed off to Lotus.
I met Mr. Collins a few years ago and to the best of my knowledge JZD had
ZERO to do with the Vixen venture.
mike@xxxxxxxxxxxx
VIN# 17089
----- Original Message -----
From: "therealdmcvegas" <DMCVegas@xxxxxxxx>
To: <dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Saturday, March 08, 2003 6:46 AM
Subject: [DML] Re: DeLorean Mobile Home?
> --- In dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, "Stragand, Dave" <dave.stragand@xxxx>
> wrote:
> > Hi All,
> >
> > Has anyone ever heard of a DeLorean motor home, called
> (coincidentally
> > enough) a "Vixen"? Here's what the owner had to say:
> <SNIP>
>
> By the time I post this, I'm sure that there will already be a few
> links to this RV posted here. But, here is a quick one that will sum
> everything up:
>
> http://www.agencyrv.com/Vixen.HTM
>
> Midway down the page, it has the following quote:
> "587 Vixens were built by Vixen Motor Co., Pontiac, Michigan, between
> 1986 - 1989, when the company closed."
> So this couldn't possibly have been a DMC related project for when
> the company was in business. Could JZD have possibly been involved?
> There is always that possibility, but I seriously doubt it. Durring
> these years, DeLorean was mainly fighting his bankruptcy in Michigan,
> and the only companies that I've see him being involved with were
> attempts as reviving DMC, and Logan Manufacturing. In all the
> documents and articles that I've run across, I've never seen a
> mention of an RV, let alone any other projects that he started up.
> But who knows...
>
> -Robert
> vin 6585 "X"
>
>
>
> To address comments privately to the moderating team, please address:
> moderators@xxxxxxxxxxx
>
> For more info on the list, tech articles, cars for sale see
www.dmcnews.com
>
> To search the archives or view files, log in at
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dmcnews
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
>
>
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 8
Date: Sat, 08 Mar 2003 20:31:14 -0000
From: "David Teitelbaum" <jtrealty@xxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: Re: Spare tie down.
I use it to put the tool kit in.
David Teitelbaum
vin 10757
--- In dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, "Jerry Condray" <genghis@xxxx> wrote:
> What is the function of the snap closed loop on the spare tiedown rubber
> strap? I've seen no illustration of it's use!
>
> Thanks, Jerry Condray
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 9
Date: Sat, 08 Mar 2003 20:49:01 -0000
From: "David Teitelbaum" <jtrealty@xxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: Re: Cooling Fan Failure.
Setting up the cooling fans to run continuosly is not the best thing
to do in a Delorean. As previously explained in past posts (and an
especilly good one by Bob Zilla) you MUST cycle the fans on and off to
avoid overloading the electrical system. It has to do with what is
known as "duty cycle". The electrical system needs some "off time" to
cool. As far as the engine running "cool", it has a thermostat in it
so it can run at the proper temperature, by running the fans steady
you cannot "overcool" the motor, the thermostat will just close to try
to keep the motor at operating temperature (185 degrees). You should
inspect all of the connectors in the cooling fan circuit to make sure
none have overheated and gotten "soft".
David Teitelbaum
vin 10757
--- In dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, "Harold McElraft" <hmcelraft@xxxx> wrote:
> The OEM fans will wear the brushes out prematurely due to the way
> they are designed to turn on and off. The brushes just wear down to
> the point where they no longer touch the armature. I have had them
> apart numerous times. The brushes use to be readily available but I
> have long since lost the details. That is because after I wired the
> fans to run all the time when the AC was on, they never went bad
> again. These fans are DC motor and they will run cooler and the
> brushes will last longer if they just stay running once they are
> started. I did this on three different DeLoreans I owned when I
> lived in Houston. In Houston I figure I had the AC on 11 months out
> of the year. On 2 5 speed cars the Temp needle never moved from the
> warmed-up position. On the auto, on really hot days (over 90
> degrees), when I am really working the torque converter, I could see
> the needle move up some just into the fan run zone. I have driven in
> 100+ degree weather with the AC on at 75 mph and the needle stays in
> the run zone on the auto. In the 5 speed it did not seem to matter
> what the temp was, the needle never moved. That is with an OEM
> radiator. My point? The fans should be wired to run all the time
> with the AC on in my opinion. It is so much easier on the fan motors
> and the car runs cooler. Of course, you have to do relay thing.
> Don't leave that oem fan fail module in there, it is junk.
>
> BTW, John Hervey, www.specialtauto.com has the parts and rebuilds
> the OEM fans. Price seems good too.
>
> Harold McElraft - 3354
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 10
Date: Sat, 8 Mar 2003 14:13:46 -0800
From: "Murray Fisher" <murrayf@xxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: RE: DeLorean Mobile Home?
The Vixen Motorhome has no relationship in any way to the DeLorean
car.....John had nothing to do with it. I dunno where that story started
but first time I have heard it. The only similarity is that it has a rear
engine!! It was a good idea and ahead of its time. 587 were built
between 86 and 89 by the Vixen Motor Company in Pontiac Michigan. . They
started out with the Turbo Diesel 5 speed and a flat roof.....they will go
in any garage....then they went to the Buick V6 with Automatic and some had
a top that pushed up by hand and others had a solid raised roof. Still
others had an AIR powered roof. A neighbor owned one new and They loaned it
to us several times. It was compact.....a 21 footer fully self contained.
Motorhome magazines always have pictures and ads of them for sale. They
cost between 40 and 53K new and even now go for between 18 and 22k. They
were very light weight but small in size (21 feet long). They are just a
compact motorhome and very good for what they were intended to do. NO gull
wing doors, no stainless steel!! They were like the DeLorean in that the
design STILL looks up to date. Very smooth and sleek looking. There are
clubs and groups that have Regional and National get togethers that are very
active.
Murray
Vin: 05962
Lic: DMC-XII
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 11
Date: Sat, 8 Mar 2003 21:31:02 -0500
From: "Jason Jones" <jason@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: Opinion -- Keep or Sell?
Hey all it has been a while since I have posted anything but I have been
keeping tabs on what's going on in the news group and I wanted to get some
options on my D. I have now owned it for over a year now and I love the car
but as with everyone else I seem to be putting in a lot of money into it to
get it, or I should say keep it road worthy and beautiful. I found myself
driving less than I thought and now I have, collectively since the 1st
owner, over $17000 in receipts documenting restoration and up keep. I said
to myself when I was a kid that someday I would own a DeLorean... and I did.
The car has less than 23K miles (I don't suspect any extra miles from the
Speedo cable as it has always functions and the last owner I knew got a new
one as it was a problem with some D's) and it runs great and I have had
almost every possible upgrade and fix done to the car including the PG Grady
upgrades like Sport springs, tankzilla, whole new fuel system, new
upholstery etc... Now that I have owned the car I feel satisfied now so I
am thinking of selling it and move on to some other cars I always wanted to
own. For the last two years I have been building a Lamborghini Diablo (85%
done with dream car #2) and I just bought a MR2 Spyder, I enjoy driving my
D except when I cause accidents by onlookers not paying attention to the
road (Twice now..gosh I feel bad too) I guess my question is should I sell
it or hold on to it. I think now that I am satisfied with the opportunity
to own a DeLorean once in my life I don't feel so bad about letting her go
but the only thing holding me back is keeping it for an investment. Before
buying my D I had been shopping for years before finding the "right" one and
I have not seen the prices change on them in a long time so I am wondering
if I hold on to it how long do you all think it will be when they would be
worth more? And if I do decide to sell her what is a good asking price? I
know I will never get out what I have put in unless I ask $30K or more, but
I have not seen a D sell for over $20K in a long time and maybe it is just
me but it looks like you could pickup and "fixer-upper" for less than $10K
If I thought I would be able to get $30K out of her in the next 5 years I
would maybe consider keeping it but I think that is just not going to
happen. So you all once again I am asking for some advice. Thanks - Jason
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 12
Date: Sun, 09 Mar 2003 03:41:42 -0000
From: "content22207" <brobertson@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: DeLorean in Fayetteville NC / Cumberland County 3/8/03?
Was someone on list driving US 401 south of Fayetteville / Cumberland
County Saturday 3/8/03 6:00 pm? Other than Louie G, have never seen
another little silver car anywhere near my neck of woods.
Passed you going north with two vans of youth group kids (oh boy).
Kids went crazy at your car. They thought I had only one left in the
world.
Bill Robertson
#5939
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 13
Date: Sun, 09 Mar 2003 04:00:08 -0000
From: "joshp1986" <joshp1986@xxxxxxxxx>
Subject: Dmc logo
Doe's anyone know where I might find the DMC logo for fairly cheap?
I'm wanting to put it on the dash of my Ford Ranger.
Thanks,
Josh
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 14
Date: Sun, 09 Mar 2003 04:24:37 -0000
From: "davvet2" <davvet2@xxxxxxxxx>
Subject: DMC 12 Stainless Exhaust Tips
Sometime ago I read that stainless exhaust tips were available, and
then heard that DMC Houston is saving them for their stage one engine
conversions. Anyone seen them for sale ?
Thanks,
Jim
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 15
Date: Sat, 08 Mar 2003 23:32:22 EST (-0500)
From: "Michael Paine" <mpaine@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: strange "knuckle" on bumper
Hello,
I have just put a deposit on my first delorean!! But I had seen
something on it that struck me as odd and didn't know if others have
seen it before. There is a strange circular protrusion from the middle
of the front bumper about as big around as an american penny. It sticks
out about 1/4 inch or so and has a metal face kindof like a screw might
go in there. It doen't look added it's molded into the bumper itself on
the black band part. Does anyone know what that is??
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 16
Date: Sun, 09 Mar 2003 05:15:45 -0000
From: "jevans742003" <nucleus@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: How do you jack these things up?
I want to jack my car up and put it on jack stand but the GRP
underbody doesn't seem strong enough to sit on jack stands without
punching through. Any ideas?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 17
Date: Sun, 9 Mar 2003 00:25:27 EST
From: pbnorton@xxxxxx
Subject: Re: Alabama owner needed for local sports promo
I live in Huntsville and I might be able to help you out. Let me know dates,
times, etc.
Dave
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
Back to the Home of PROJECT VIXEN