So why do people look for a non-original "wear" part? In the long run, you won't make money on it, because you will have to replace it sooner or later with a genuine DMC part.What is a "genuine DMC part"? For mechanical components, we've rarely had to look outside the UK for service items. Many of the components in the DeLorean are off-the-shelf circa 20-years ago, and there are many places still specialising in the cars these parts came from. For example, I ordered a set of track-rod-ends from www.rimmerbros.co.uk last week for £12 each. They are from a Triumph Herald, and are IDENTICAL to the DeLorean's.
Often you will find yourself wasting time at the local auto parts store. The DMC vendors know what you need.And with the exception of DMC Houston, where do you think most come from? Often from the same suppliers as we get them from if we "go it alone". You're right, though. Getting it from a DMC vendor means _knowing_ you've got the right part. You pay a little more because someone else's done the leg-work cross-referencing the parts.
I'm trying to get all my parts from the USA, I often combine it with other things I need. Why buy a Bosch Fuel Pump here in Norway, when I can get it in the same package with other parts I need?Fuel pump, brand new, £109 + vat from my garage over here. When you factor in the cost of import tax and shipping, it's a lot cheaper.
Why on Earth don't the DMC vendors offer parts like these:I guess it's one of those items we HAVE been left to find for ourselves because it's so common. Although they don't advertise them heavily, I'm sure you could buy a set if you asked.
* complete silicone hose set for the whole cooling system (only one vendor sell a few silicone hoses related to the waterpump). It would sell very well. Finally, no-one had to worry about those hoses anymore.
* stainless braided brake lines like Marty Maier made possibleI think Rob Grady offers these.
*Toby-tabs. Very much needed. Why didn't one or two of the vendors come up and say, Hey we're interested in your project. Maybe they did, but the DML hasn't heard of it.DMC Joe did state categorically that the only time he'd known of a bolt bending or breaking was when it hadn't been kept torqued. Noticing the massive difference in the handling of my D when I torqued mine properly has lead me to think that I'll just take that 5-minute job on when I can use the 4-poster ramp at the garage (most Saturdays)
* stainless steel frames made by Brian Pearce (why do they only offer the front tube extension? And why not make that part in stainless steel instead of powdercoated steel)Welding stainless, especially for a structural application is extremely skilled. Brian Pearce has been offering his frames for sale for years, and AFAIK, hasn't sold one. I believe one of the vendors has contracted him to make a set for them though.
* stainless braided fuel lines (we have all heard about sudden fuel-related DeLorean fires)THIS I agree with :-) However, I've discovered some of the banjo fittings on the DeLorean's engine are quite an odd size and quite rare. It's something I want to do with mine at some point - I am friendly with a hydraulic place who can do this sort of thing.
Are you sure of this?Again, I would like to ask - Do the vendors co-operate when deciding to make new parts? I don't think so, just think of the earlier shockabsorber debate...DMC Houston made custom-made shocks while PJ Grady uses off the shelf shocks.
DMC Joe's excellent Battery Saver. Why don't all vendors offer this? It is the final solution to all the doorlight-draining battery problem.It's treating the symptoms and not the disease - I just went to look at DMC Joe's website and couldn't find it - from memory isnt it a cutoff switch? I DO intend putting one in my car, however mine's been off the road for over a month now and I've still got enough left in the battery to turn it over every weekend (I run it for about 10 minutes). It only takes 10 seconds per side to un-plug the door-switches.
PJ Grady for instance, has the TankZilla. DMC Houston is reported to come up with a new fuel device. Is it really necessary?Competition is a healthy way of ensuring survival and reasonable prices (so says my A-level in economics :-)
When will someone start to remanufacture the LH side Torsion Bar?Nobody knows HOW! What we have are a number of anecdotal references, and no idea where the original machine (vat) is. THere's supposed to be a stash of bars lingering somewhere in the UK, but so far we've not found them
When will someone offer a brand new Volvo style AC Panel, where there is not any decal, but quality plastic engraved decal which won't crack up like the old one does.Possibly when demand is such that manufacturing a replacement of superior quality than the original stock (I guess Houston still has them?) warrents it.
Why don't the vendors ask us, the owners what part we may be interested in/committed to buy. If we committed to buy, Im sure the manufacturing process and time would be very quickly. The DML is a nice forum to find out what people want, right here, right now.Most vendors DO read the DML.
Also, I feel it a bit strange that the vendors themselves dont participate more often on the DML. I think they should be more active, in order to "get to know" the needs and wants of the DML members. After all, this is THE ONE list above all.I can make an educated guess here. It's amazing somtimes how "chinese whispers" sets in with posts to the DML. I might suggest one thing, and three days later, something I never said is being quoted as mine. I've learnt to read the DML with a healthy dose of cynicism, as have most "long-timers". An example with be the "vendors and other scammers" thread - the "scammers" was added in a reply, and not by the original poster, with whom I've had the privilege of a long-running e-mail debate, and whose opinoin I respect greatly. He has since left the list in disgust.
Another thing - more and more DeLorean are coming into Europe. Why isn't Wingray Autos in Liverpool, England more marketed by DMC Houston. I don't think all European DeLorean Owners know of this excellent DMC Houston affiliate. Parts warehouse in the US yes, but how about a little warehouse in England, in order to get the parts quicker.Wingray are very good, but for my money, I'd rather use the Diesel Centre, who are my local garage and who've done fantastically well on parts sourcing for both mine (#1458) and Rich's (#2727) cars. On the small number of occasions we've needed parts from outside the UK, I've tended to go with Rob Grady for the simple reason that I've met him and Chris Nicholson was able to bring back several things from him (saving us the aforementioned tax and shipping :-) Thanks Chris!)
Martin #1458 www.delorean.co.uk
Back to the Home of PROJECT VIXEN