Re: [doc] Looking for a project Delorean

[Martin Gutkowski <webmaster@xxxx>]

Chris, I am moved here to ask what you'd do with all those DeLoreans which are "beyond economic repair" as you seem to be
suggesting?

As you know I'm on the verge of buying a project car. However I've found one with low mileage that has sat for four years,
where the body's in prostine condition, but the interior's tatty (mainly sun damage) and all the non-stainless trim is in need
of a lick of paint and/or _minor_ repair.

I own two cars already, my Xantia and my BX. My BX was my first car and as a student at the time, I really HAD to learn how to
work on it myself, and establish channels for sourcing parts at non-dealership prices. It's truly amazing what you can find if
you look hard wnough. Last June I had an accident in it which would have clearly written it off had I reported it to the
insurance company. Instead, it sat on my mum's driveway for 9 months while I got the readies together, bought a knackered BX
for parts and nursed it back to health. It's now going strong for a freind who's at university. 176,000 miles and rising...

My point: Especially here in the UK, we put different values on things DeLorean. Our friends in the US often seem to need to
replace repairable parts - eg the auto governor computer, interior trim, even body panels. Mechanical items such as brake
calipers can be bought new over the counter here as long as you have a decent parts cross-reference. James Grant seems to be a
man after my own heart, sourcing places to repair interior trim, the original manufacturer for his windscreen, and the brake
caliper mantioned above - £16 wasn't it James? Engine and transmission parts are STILL available from Renault. I expect to
find out just how much as soon as my mechanic gets hold of my car - he's ex-Renault.

At Eurofest, a bunch of us "young-uns" put an informal plan together to take a road trip round europe when we've all got our
D's on the road. Chris Hawes was clearly worried about putting so many miles on what is likely to be a gem in the club's list
(he wants as near to a new car as he can get). My car has fewer than 2500 miles on it, but having nursed it back to health
myself, I'm going to relish every last mile I put on that car, because it's my hands that have made it possible.

...and the preliminary estimates suggest my "project car" will be a good investment, but only time will tell. Plus buying this
one and spending on it over time will enable me to buy it sooner, and enjoy it sooner. Even if it ends up costing more than a
"newer" one would, it'll still be MY DeLorean, that I'VE rescued. There's no greater reward IMO.

And one day, when it's up to scratch, I may well sell it and find another project car to restore. That's being a true
enthusiast I'd say.

Martin

Chris Parnham wrote:

> Dan,
> There are a few people, like you and Chris N , who have been able to commit
> time (2 years?), money, and some help from others, and still keep the dream
> alive. BUT I have many conversations with people with VERY limited budgets
> and time, and family's etc. , for whom, a tatty "cheap" DeLorean project
> would be a disaster.
>
> I have restored 6 cars over the years, it put a lot of strain on family and
> finances...its all right for you flushed young lads!
>
> I want people to feel good about owning a DeLorean, not wish to hell they
> have never seen one!
>
> Yes, the ideal purchase for any new member, is one that "some one else" has
> put all the money and time into.
>
> Sorry just my "shop keepers" view.
>
> Chris (Arkwright) Parnham