[DML] Torsion bar Epiphany

[Mike Substelny <msubstel@xxxx>]

In the years I've been reading the DML I have been alarmed by the number
of times I have seen torsion bar adjustments mentioned, almost always to
increase the lifting force on the doors. This seemed like a bad idea to
me.

I had long assumed that the torsion bars MUST NOT need frequent
'tightening' adjustments. If a torsion bar wore out so quickly that
someone needed to tighten it every year, within ten years it would have
so many extra twists that it would be destroyed. So I assumed that the
accounts reflected a large population of owners who adjusted their
torsion bars once, perhaps owners who were just too lazy or cheap to
replace their door struts regularly.

Until yesterday.

Yesterday I was thinking about my own prematurely sagging doors when I
suddenly remembered two things I have learned since subscribing to the
DML. The first was a conversation about remote door openers. I believe
it was DMC Joe who mentioned that the added weight of the solenoids will
require a torsion bar adjustment. The second was a conversation with
Jerry Rine at Kapac, who told me that a large number of DeLoreans (mine
included) left the factory without door guides. Guides may have been
added later by dealers, QACs, owners, or whoever.

My theory: a lot of DeLoreans, including mine, never had their torsion
bars adjusted for the added weight of the door guides. Assuming I've
finally solved the nagging mystery of those adjustment stories that have
bothered me all these years, I slept better last night. ;-)

- Mike Substelny
VIN 1280