dmcnews-digest Friday, October 2 1998 Volume 03 : Number 422
In this issue:
DML: Mobile, Al. Hooters Car Show
Re: DML: 5-point harness
DML: Mobile Car Show Update #5
DML: DeLorean on the Radio
DML: Steering rack boots ????????
DML: DE LOREAN MIDATLANTIC -- RECENT PAST EVENTS
DML: Battery
DML: Car for sale?
DML: Save the Clock Tower!
DML: NCDMC meeting
DML: Fwd: Monthly WWW access count for dmcnews.com
DML: Aluminum Outer Door Handles
DML: Some newbie questions
Re: DML: Some newbie questions
DML: Zine #3
Re: DML: Some newbie questions
Re: DML: Re: Power windows - final episode
DML: Ignition Switch
DML: 5 Speed transmission work
DML: Angle Drive
Re: DML: Some newbie questions
Re: DML: Steering rack boots ????????
Re: DML: Some newbie questions
Re: DML: Some newbie questions
DML: RE: Angle Drive
DML: Re: Newbie Questions (painted car, stuck window, oil
DML: Re: Power windows final episode (limit switches)
DML: Re: Some newbie questions
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Wed, 30 Sep 1998 01:09:14 -0500
From: Duke <at88mph@xxxxxxxxx>
Subject: DML: Mobile, Al. Hooters Car Show
I've updated my web page with the info on the Hooters Car Show that will
be held Oct. 31st in Mobile, Al. If you have any questions or
comments, please feel free to email me. ALL enthusiasts and owners are
invited. This is THE best car show that takes place in Mobile, Al so
please come and join us. I believe so far we have a total of 11 DMC
owners showing up (including myself and Scott Muller) and if we get at
least 12 D's, Stephen Wayne will give a tech session at no charge.
(That's definitely worth the ride within itself!) So please sign up
today. There is also a list of hotels that Scott has composed listed on
my page as well. Oh, and don't forget, there's also a BBQ at Scott's
house after the show.=20
Thanks and hope to see ya there,
Duke
www.geocities.com/motorcity/8952/delorean.html
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 30 Sep 1998 03:36:02 -0700
From: "lseiler@xxxxxxxxxxxx" <lseiler@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: Re: DML: 5-point harness
At 12:50 AM 9/30/98 -0700, you wrote:
>>Any one who would like photos or availability (prices) contact
>>me by direct email
>I am interested in prices and availability. =20
>I keep flying out of my seat on those freeway onramps. :-)
reply:
Brad,
I will send you the 5 point information in a day or so. I will also try
to get some pictures together and upload them as soon as I find some
time.
>I just joined the DML recently (after the purchase of #10251) and am very
>interested in your Limited Edition Models.=20
>
>Are there any more available?
>
>Will you be doing another run?
reply:
a few words about the limited edition: As of today the List of 100 plus
the stand by list for reservations is 628 names. When I started this I
was only able to round up enough donor parts to produce 100 hundred kits,
which is why I am calling it a limited edition, as all the additional
parts are 100% hand made. The actual number of kits that will be
produced looks like 102 or 103. It is worth mentioning that when I first
started out to do this project It was more or less something less than a
formal project. And in the beginning stages I had thought I could put the
kits together for less than $50 bucks and just sell them on a first come
first serve basis. And as most regular DML members know, due to a
potential legal problem caused by a DML member I was forced to spend a
substantial sum on Legal fees to resolve the problem. The net result is
that the limited edition has become a private commissioned art agreement
(contract) between my self and each of the reservation holders. What this
amounts to is that if a person has a reservation he/she has the first
right to "commission a kit from me" and for any one who has pre-paid
(paid in advance), has already commissioned me to produce their numbered
(1-100) limited edition. They are as a practical matter just waiting for
delivery.
On the surface it may seam that just doing another run would be easy
enough, and when you do the math, @$125.00 each 628 kits would seam like
a real good idea. My feeling is that I would be breaking faith with the
current List of 100 and devaluing the collectors value of the Kits by
producing more kits. I might consider it but before that could happen I
think that most or all the current list of 100 would have to agree to
such a second run. I have had a few conversations with stand by list
members, who have suggested un numbered versions, and donor part-less
kits not to mention the suggestions of just producing the kits to 1000
instead of 100. I am aware that It's really my choice and I can do what
ever I like but at the moment I don't have any plans on exceeding the
current limited edition.
I would be happy to add you to the list as 629 if you like, there really
is no telling how many current people will decide when the time comes,
may decide to cancel their reservations, so it is possible you could end
up at the top of the list to get a kit.
If you would like to see more and follow the progress you can visit the
Limited Edition Internet site and bulletin board at:
http://www.totalimmersion.com/dmcboard/ ...........and
http://www.totalimmersion.com/silver1.htm ...to silver6.htm
http://www.totalimmersion.com/dmcindex/
Lee
81DMC-12
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 30 Sep 1998 06:44:38 -0500
From: scottmueller@xxxxxxxxx (Scott Mueller)
Subject: DML: Mobile Car Show Update #5
Mobile Car Show Update #5
The car show is still scheduled for October 31, 1998
We will display our cars in Class number 40
My family survived Georges arrival without incident, and downtown Mobile
will be cleaned up by the time you arrive.
If you are looking for Motel/Hotel's to stay in, I have compiled a list
and will send it to any that tell be that they are going to attend.
The show registration form is at this link:
http://www.zebra.net/~mgmarshall/hooters/hootersweb.html
I hope to see you here.
Email me directly with any questions
Scott Mueller
scottmueller@xxxxxxxxx
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 30 Sep 1998 12:50:23 -0400
From: "Yocom, Shannon" <syocom@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: DML: DeLorean on the Radio
FYI
Every weekend here in Toledo, OH 105.5 FM has a Big Eightys
Weekend, playing hits from the 80s. Each weekend and during the week
they have promos for the 80's weekend and the primary comercial is Marty
McFly talking to Doc "Doc, you built a time machine out of a DeLorean?"
Doc " I figured ( if your gonna do it you might as well do it w/ some
style)"
-Shannon
VIN# not yet!
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 30 Sep 1998 12:29:05 -0500
From: "Kemp, Nick (MN10)" <nick.kemp@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: DML: Steering rack boots ????????
When I had the front end aligned they adjusted the "balance" of the
steering
wheel. They did not loosen the steering rack boot and when the first turn
was made the end ripped out. They have been very cooperative relative to
replacing it but it turns out that they are hard to get. The car has been
out of service for about a month and I'm getting anxious to drive it
before
we start seeing snow.
Does anyone know of a suitable aftermarket boot that will fit the Delorean
steering rack?
Nick Kemp
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 30 Sep 1998 14:22:45 -0400
From: Aldo.Buono@xxxxxxxxx
Subject: DML: DE LOREAN MIDATLANTIC -- RECENT PAST EVENTS
End of season events have brought out our members to the delight of
enthusiasts.
At the Freehold, New Jersey, Cruise Night, on September 24, Tom and
Carol Griepenburg joined me at this fabulous event. Just imagine
over
two hundred cars and over 400 motorcycles. The crowd especially the
kids were enthusiatic about out De Loreans.
On the following Saturday, English Car Day at Graeme Park in
Horsham,
Pennsylvania, brought out four De Loreans. Congratulations to Scott
and Cathryn Tice for taking First Place in our marque. I took a
Second Place Award, and Charles and Barbara Douglas took Third
Place.
Thanks also to Joe Fedeli for showing his modified De Lorean. The
English car owners were very receptive and inquisitive about our
De Loreans.
On Sunday, Craig Snee joined me with his De Lorean at Meeting of the
Marques in Boiling Springs, Pennsylvania. Again, the British car
lovers had lots of questions to ask us about the De Lorean. We did
not win in the popular voting, but we had a nice day there, and
enjoyed all the other British cars.
Here is the remainder of our Calendar of Events. Do join us.
October 11 & 12, 1998, Saturday/Sunday
A Canterbury Feast and Fall Tour
Western Pennsylvania
Joint Event with De Lorean Club of Ohio
Meeting Place: Steak and Lube in Sharon, PA, at 11AM on Saturday. We
will enjoy lunch at this quaint restaurant which features all
types of automobiles, race cars, motorcycles and auto related items.
The neighboring restaurant is the Hot Rod Cafe -- a must see!
At 1PM we will journey through the hills of PA to a small town
called
Cambridge Springs. This is where we dine and stay for the evening
at The Riverside Inn. The hotel was built in 1884 and today has
been
restored and furnished in that era. No telephones or TVs in your
rooms!!! Our fare for the evening will be a Medieval style musical
comedy as Knaves and Wenches take you back to the year 1492 where
they
not only perform but also serve a delicious and plentiful feast,
eaten
without utensils!!!!
A (1) night package including the Canterbury Feast dinner and show,
a
full breakfast the next morning and your room is $160.00 including
tax. For reservations at The Riverside Inn, call 800-964-5173 or
814-398-4645. Tell them that you are with the De Lorean Club so we
can
sit together.
Additional info: Wayne and Jill Luoma, 440-352-1707.
December 1998
Annual Holiday Social
Call Aldo at 215-849-5160 in November for date, time and place.
Membership in De Lorean Midatlantic is open to all owners and
enthusiasts. Benefits include this exciting social schedule, annual
complimentary door adjustment social in the spring, membership
directory, **** Parts Interchange List **** updated annually with
lots
of stuff from DML, club newsletter two/three times a year.
Send a check for $12 made out to De Lorean Owners to: Dick Lash, De
Lorean Midatlantic Treasurer, 409 Lark Drive, Newark, DE 19713.
Aldo Buono, President
De Lorean Midatlantic
VIN 1440
DOC #14
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 30 Sep 1998 16:51:24 -0400
From: Michael Pack <mpack1@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: DML: Battery
Rob Grady put the battery in my car. I think that it is an optymia
battery.
I cleaned out the cowl below the windscreen and found the problem with my
drain. Some dirt/leaves etc made its way down inside this area and
clogged the pipe. Rob Grady gave me a call and let me know the correct
way to clean out the pipe/drain. After about 3 hours of cleaning it works
just like new.
I recommend the "FANZILLA A/C " unit that Rob Grady sells. I can really
notice the difference when I'm in traffic. The factory had the blue relay
then the factory came up with the wire jumpper. The "FANZILLA" is
designed to improve the FACTORY BLUE RELAY. IT really does a fantastic
job of smoothing out the fans when they come on.
Mike Babb had his WIRE JUMPPER burn up and catch on fire at the
Richmond British Car Days last Sept. That is why I ordered the FANZILLA
unit. This is not an Ad for Grady, he is the only DeLorean specialist who
improved this design problem, and he did a great job too.
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 1 Oct 1998 00:17:42 -0400
From: "yugoman" <mdrig@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: DML: Car for sale?
Financial situation may make it necessary to sell #2423. Has 17,000 miles,
black interior, auto, non-stock am-fm-cassette-cd. ould like to get in the
$18,000 neighborhood. Located in Greensboro, NC.
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 30 Sep 1998 23:44:45 +0000
From: kenm@xxxxxxxx
Subject: DML: Save the Clock Tower!
It was reported on the evening news that the clock tower in Auburn,
California was struck by lightning during a thunderstorm this past
weekend. The clock has stopped and the clock has not chimed since.
Reporters inquired if anyone saw a speeding DeLorean in the area. One
witness did say they heard someone say "Hey McFly!" The residents of
Auburn
relied on the chimes from the tower to keep them on time so it is believed
that an effort will be made to save the clock tower.
Although I live near Auburn, I swear I was nowhere in the area when the
lightning struck the clock tower (I already have my 'Mr Fusion' :^).
I did not make this up! Not even the part about the reporters.
- --------------------------------------------------
Ken Montgomery My DeLorean VIN #10911 'OUTTIME'
Sacramento, CA
kenm@xxxxxxxx Operating Systems Analyst
W(916) 278-7646 H(916) 944-3252
Please visit my website at:
http://www.jps.net/arkham/delorean01.htm
- --------------------------------------------------
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 1 Oct 1998 04:10:41 EDT
From: WtrResQ@xxxxxxx
Subject: DML: NCDMC meeting
OK, i received confirmation from the Blackhawk Museum regarding our
upcoming
visit. basicaly stating the following:
Confirmed on Sunday, Oct. 18th, 1998. to arrive at the museum at 11am.
We
will receive a guided tour of the 1st floor and self guided tour of the
remainder of the museum. cost will be $8 per person($6 w/ group of 15 or
more). $5/$4 for seniors. Display of our cars on front plaza w/
assistance
of the security staff, after checking in w/ the front desk.
as we discussed before, the group will be meeting at the Marie Calendars
rest.
for breakfast at 9am and driving to the museum at 1045 am. for those who
are
not interested or cant make the breakfast, the museum is located at 3700
Blackhawk Plaza Circle, in Danville. (take the Crow Canyon Rd. exit off
hiway
680 and go east for 4.2 miles. Turn right on Camino Tassajara. The first
left is the entrance to Blackhawk Plaza. the museum is straight ahead).
PLz email me to RSVP(if you havnt) and let me know if you will be
attending.
what i need is number of people and will you be driving a "D". i also
need to
know if you will be interested in lunch at a local restaurant (Cafe de
Paris).
i will be making the final calls this week. please email by, Oct. 8th.
thx all,
james
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 1 Oct 98 08:48:57 -0000
From: James Espey <espey@xxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: DML: Fwd: Monthly WWW access count for dmcnews.com
Thanks to everyone for making the DMC-News and the DeLorean Mailing List
so popular - September 1998 was our best month ever with over 30,000 HTML
pages viewed.
James Espey
Moderator, DeLorean Mailing List
http://www.dmcnews.com
- ---------------- Begin Forwarded Message ----------------
Date: 10/01 9:10 AM
Received: 10/01 8:16 AM
From: Statistics, statistics@xxxxxxxxxxx
To: Webmaster, webmaster@xxxxxxxxxxx
- ------------+--------------+--------------+---------------+---------------
| HTML | Total | KBytes | MBytes
Date | Pages | Hits | Transferred | Transferred
- ------------+--------------+--------------+---------------+---------------
9/1/1998 | 760 | 2,960 | 56,460 | 55
9/2/1998 | 1,126 | 3,435 | 60,672 | 59
9/3/1998 | 731 | 2,599 | 55,676 | 54
9/4/1998 | 1,077 | 2,876 | 60,310 | 58
9/5/1998 | 578 | 2,058 | 75,301 | 73
9/6/1998 | 1,215 | 3,469 | 150,263 | 146
9/7/1998 | 479 | 2,198 | 73,976 | 72
9/8/1998 | 937 | 3,870 | 108,994 | 106
9/9/1998 | 833 | 3,749 | 124,546 | 121
9/10/1998 | 1,898 | 5,347 | 135,545 | 132
9/11/1998 | 509 | 2,456 | 113,399 | 110
9/12/1998 | 794 | 3,220 | 77,029 | 75
9/13/1998 | 885 | 3,386 | 100,727 | 98
9/14/1998 | 746 | 3,042 | 49,689 | 48
9/15/1998 | 1,481 | 4,052 | 73,648 | 71
9/16/1998 | 1,012 | 3,613 | 98,073 | 95
9/17/1998 | 921 | 3,934 | 80,593 | 78
9/18/1998 | 1,285 | 3,883 | 99,209 | 96
9/19/1998 | 630 | 2,571 | 167,788 | 163
9/20/1998 | 1,026 | 4,048 | 133,711 | 130
9/21/1998 | 862 | 3,780 | 158,842 | 155
9/22/1998 | 1,181 | 4,278 | 119,418 | 116
9/23/1998 | 1,072 | 3,954 | 117,064 | 114
9/24/1998 | 997 | 4,411 | 161,255 | 157
9/25/1998 | 1,581 | 4,536 | 115,366 | 112
9/26/1998 | 939 | 3,738 | 154,249 | 150
9/27/1998 | 700 | 3,029 | 77,698 | 75
9/28/1998 | 1,123 | 4,417 | 143,986 | 140
9/29/1998 | 1,748 | 5,328 | 158,808 | 155
9/30/1998 | 1,356 | 4,625 | 199,065 | 194
- ------------+--------------+--------------+---------------+---------------
Totals | 30,482 | 108,862 | 3,301,378 | 3,224
- ----------------- End Forwarded Message -----------------
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 01 Oct 1998 11:52:32 -0400
From: Mike Substelny <SUBSTEM@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: DML: Aluminum Outer Door Handles
I just installed that new ALUMINUM outer door handle yesterday. It
seems to be much stronger than the original plastic handle.
The same handle piece will work on either door. The procedure requires
you to disassemble the bracket that holds the handle, which means
drilling out the rivets.
Once the handle is on the bracket, replacing it can be tricky. The new
axles do not fit through the slots in the body, and the easiest solution
is
to grind away a tiny bit of the stainless inside the door. Do not let
this
frighten you.
The other minor problem I encountered was that the aluminum handle
was a bit longer than the plastic one, so when it is in the released
position the handle interfered with the plastic molding stripe on the
door.
The DMC workers in Ireland placed my door stripes precisely so that they
would fit with the plastic handle. I had to remove one stripe and reglue
it
a few milimeters farther back.
- - Mike Substelny
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 01 Oct 1998 13:26:01 -0700
From: "Cox, David (SD-EX)" <DCox@xxxxxx>
Subject: DML: Some newbie questions
Hi - I'm hoping to join the ranks of Delorean owners soon. I've been
reading everything I can find, and think I'm aware of the obvious issues,
but... I think I may have found a car to buy, but I have some questions
that somebody might be able to answer for me. First, the car is painted.
The current owner had it done because he wanted to, not to hide any
damage.
He claims it was prepped with something called "chromatic primer" which
can
be stripped off without causing any damage to the body. Does anyone have
enough painting knowledge to comment on this? Secondly, there were a
couple
of things I had some concerns about, and I would appreciate any idea of
how
big a concern they should be. Just recently the passenger side window
stopped operating. This was noticed about the same time that some of the
dial lights went out, so he thinks it is just a minor electrical problem.
He hadn't checked the fuses, but assumed that to be the source of the
problem. The driver's side door droops a fair amount. Is the gas-shock
adjustable, or will I have to replace it? If replacement is needed, am I
correct to think that they're fairly easy to find? The most worrying item
was the oil pressure. When idling, the gauge showed the pressure about
75%
(don't remember the units), however, when I pressed the gas pedal, the
pressure would immediately jump up a bit past the high mark on the gauge,
then slowly drop back down to just under the high mark. Is this normal,
and
if not, what should I be seeing? If this is a problem, what would you
guess
to be the cause?
Thanks for your help,
Dave Cox
home e-mail: dmcox@xxxxxxxxxxxxx <---note the initials, I want a
monogrammed car! (DMC)
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 01 Oct 1998 19:44:45 -0500
From: scottmueller@xxxxxxxxx (Scott Mueller)
Subject: Re: DML: Some newbie questions
Cox, David (SD-EX) wrote:
>
> Hi - I'm hoping to join the ranks of Delorean owners soon.
> He claims it was prepped with something called "chromatic primer" which
> can
> be stripped off without causing any damage to the body.
If you want a DeLorean without paint, then buy it that way. It will
cost in excess of $1000 to just refinish bare steel panels, who knows
how much more it will cost to strip the paint off. I would stay away
from this car.
Scott Mueller
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 1 Oct 1998 21:23:43 EDT
From: ABatt10347@xxxxxxx
Subject: DML: Zine #3
Fellow DMCer's,
My hat is off to James and all others who put together the Zine #3. Just
when
I thought that the Zine could not get better , it did!!! If you have not
taken
the time to download it and read it you are missing out. Please note the
chance to buy the Xmas cards on page 6, (yes James my check is in the
mail) it
has been said before, but please buy some and help with the costs of the
DML
and the Zine. An extra thanks goes out to Travis G. for his help with my
downloading. Look forward to Zine #4, how are you going to top this one
James?
Bruce Battles
Vin# 6569
Moderators Note: Zine #3 can be downloaded from:
ftp://couriergraphics.com/zine003.pdf
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 1 Oct 1998 20:55:45 -0400 (EDT)
From: Bill Wilson <fluffy@xxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: Re: DML: Some newbie questions
On Thu, 1 Oct 1998, Cox, David (SD-EX) wrote:
> that somebody might be able to answer for me. First, the car is
> painted. The current owner had it done because he wanted to, not to
> hide any damage. He claims it was prepped with something called
> "chromatic primer" which can be stripped off without causing any damage
> to the body. Does anyone have
The going consensus is that it's not very easy to paint a D with any sort
of primer that is easily reversible. The problem is that the grain in the
stainless has to be sanded out in order to make the paint stick, and if
the paint is removed, the stainless itself will be okay but will look
terrible because the grain will be ruined. I don't know anything about
this "chromatic primer" but I'd be wary. On the other hand I'm not an
expert in this department.
> big a concern they should be. Just recently the passenger side window
> stopped operating. This was noticed about the same time that some of the
> dial lights went out, so he thinks it is just a minor electrical problem.
Likely. Minor electrical problems are everywhere. You do need to make
sure that the motor itself is functioning, the connection between the
window and motor is in good shape, and that the window is not off the
track. These problems are significantly harder to fix.
> He hadn't checked the fuses, but assumed that to be the source of the
> adjustable, or will I have to replace it? If replacement is needed, am
> I correct to think that they're fairly easy to find? The most worrying
You'll have to replace it, but the major parts houses all have them, and
they don't cost too much. Supposedly there is also an aftermarket part
that will fit, but do the Right Thing and get one from an actual DeLorean
specialist.
> was the oil pressure. When idling, the gauge showed the pressure about
> 75% (don't remember the units), however, when I pressed the gas pedal,
> the pressure would immediately jump up a bit past the high mark on the
> gauge,
As far as I know the oil pressure gauge is always ridiculous and reads at
the top of the scale.
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 01 Oct 1998 22:20:57 -0400
From: Andrew Block <mrfusion@xxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: Re: DML: Re: Power windows - final episode
Greetings,
I have an '81 DeLorean with a problem of both power windows not stopping
at the top when being raised. They make this loud "clicking" sound
until the button is released. Lowering is fine though. Is there an
adjustment I can make? Thank You!
Andrew
#3810
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 1 Oct 1998 23:25:49 -0400
From: "Larry C. Hildreth" <Hildreths@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: DML: Ignition Switch
I've a problem with the ignition switch on my DeLorean which is caused by
a
broken return spring within the ignition mechanism itself. Ignition
switches used to be around $45.00 then $60.00 now $100.00 and rising if
you
can find one. All this for a broken return spring. What happens when
the
return spring is broken is that when turning the ignition to start, there
is no longer spring tension to return the switch to the run position. You
have to do this manually. I've gotten rather good at this, but would
prefer to get this problem fixed. I've actually taken the switch apart,
which is no easy feat and had a spring shop manufacture a new one. It was
the perfect size, but lacked the necessary tensile strength to work
properly. I'm sure the spring master could finally make one that works,
but alas I've no spare and don't particularily want to lay the car up by
pulling and dissasembling the switch again.
O.K. here's where one of you come in. The whole ignition housing is I
believe manufactured by Neiden and is available for something upwards of
$400.00. Pretty expensive spring! The ignition switch itself is made to
recess in the housing and is (you guessed it - Lucas!) I've been told it
is the same as a Triumph or Jaguar. If I could find out a cross
reference I've an idea I can get back to a more reasonable purchasae price
and spend more dollars somewhere else on the car requiring more immediate
attention. Any ideas? Also if anyone has an old one with a good spring,
I'm certainly willing to negotiate a price.
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 1 Oct 1998 23:26:12 -0400
From: "Larry C. Hildreth" <Hildreths@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: DML: 5 Speed transmission work
Dave,
Read your thread with some interest, as I did a manual 5 speed rebuild in
1989 after I threw the spider gear through the side of the transmission
housing! Yeah, really! Anyway, I spent just over a thousand dollars in
parts. I pulled the transmission myself and reinstalled it as well. The
actual transmission work was done by a local (my neighbor) mechanic, who
was very thorough and knowledgable. Let's see, as I remember, pulling the
transmission wasn't all that difficult, but you should have alot of
hydraulic assist in the form of a floor jack, jack for the engine and a
transmission jack. The DeLorean service manual will help. You really
need
to get those pesky under car radiator pipes removed. Trying to work
around
them will cause you considerable grief and you'll end up bending the pipes
when removing the tranny. I obtained the parts through then KPAC, now DMC
in Houston. It was expensive then and considering the escalation in parts
cost for Deloreans, probably prohibitive now. You might consider going
through Volvo or Renault. I believe the transmission is a Renault 30-5
speed manual. It may well be less expensive going that route. This is
not
a terribly difficult job, but it takes time and can get a bit expensive.
My advice is if you've got it apart anyway then bite the bullet and do it
right. New seals, gaskets, carrier, m/t diff, carrier bearing, pressure
plate, pilot bearing, release bearing, clutch tube, etc., etc. I replaced
all this, reinstalled a heavier duty clutch and viola she shifts like warm
butter - better than ever and no problems since. Good luck. Let me know
if you need more specifics.
Larry C. Hildreth
Vin 903
Hildreths@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 1 Oct 1998 23:26:04 -0400
From: "Larry C. Hildreth" <Hildreths@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: DML: Angle Drive
Jeff,
Reference your problem with the speedometer L drive. First off, its not
always the L drive that creates speedometer problems! It can be a broken
lower speedo cable, a broken upper speedo cable or simply a worn speedo
adapter cap that fits the hub of the left front wheel. I've broken and
replaced at least three of those four. To determine what causes your
speedometer failure:
1. Disconnect the lower speedo cable from the Lambda counter (mounted just
above the clutch and brake pedals under the steering colum).
2. Jack up the left front wheel.
3. Turn the wheel by hand (forward of course!) and determine if the cable
is turning.
- -if it turns, the problem is either the upper speedo cable, the
speedometer
itself or the lamba counter (the later two are not prone to failure.)
- -if it doesnt turn, the problem is either the plastic speedo cap is worn,
the L drive itself is fritzed or the cable is broken.
You can easily pull the speedo adapter cap and check it for wear, although
it can be worn and you'll not even see it. Once this is pulled, you will
expose the small end square of the L drive. You can turn this by
attaching
a very small adjustable wrench over the square (turn it) and again check
inside at the disconnected lower drive cable for movement. If it turns,
then the L drive is O.K. and the culprit is that little plastic cap
(cheap!) - If not its the L drive or the lower cable is broken which will
be obvious as they usually break right into.
The best solution for the problem in the short term is to keep the L drive
and speedometer cable housing clean, lubed and the speedo cable pathway
unkinked and unobstructed. They sell kits for this and for
weatherization.
(DMC, DeLorean One, and P.J. Grady). I haven't used any of these so I
can't really comment on their respective or collective effectivity. I
use
a wire wrap bungee cord attached from the back of the front wheel well
housing which keeps the speedo cable clear and removes stress from shock
or
turning. I've heard some owners have taken the lower oil screw out of the
L drive and had it resized to take a small grease fitting. This sounds
like a good idea, but I've heard that a light machine oil is better for
this fitting and lubricating grease might prove too heavy.
As far as actual mileage for DeLoreans being at best bogus because of this
problem, I agree! I seriously doubt that many DeLoreans indicate there
true mileage. I'd be more inclined to look at the overall condition of
the
car, engine compression, interior cleanliness and upkeep and even more
important maintainance history. How many sets of tires has it had on it
since new. That in itself will tell you alot about mileage. In my
experience, mileage counts for little to nothing on this car. I'll take
a high mileage, well maintained DeLorean everytime to a mediocre low
mileage one. One look at the car and it will speak volumes. In the end,
what it will tell you may have very little bearing to the oddometer
readout.
By the way, the long term solution for the DeLorean speedo problem
according to Stephen Wynn of DMC is an electric speedometer! Of course,
these already exists, but none to fit in our instrument cluster or adapted
for dial prensentation in the DMC 12. Good luck!
Larry C. Hildreth
VIN 903
Hidreths@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 2 Oct 1998 00:56:25 EDT
From: OLopez1@xxxxxxx
Subject: Re: DML: Some newbie questions
In a message dated 10/1/98 11:13:16 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
fluffy@xxxxxxxxxxx writes:
<< The going consensus is that it's not very easy to paint a D with any
sort
of primer that is easily reversible. The problem is that the grain in
the
stainless has to be sanded out in order to make the paint stick, and if
the paint is removed, the stainless itself will be okay but will look
terrible because the grain will be ruined. I don't know anything about
this "chromatic primer" but I'd be wary. On the other hand I'm not an
expert in this department. >>
Just a note on chromatic primer.
This paint is usually light yellowish-green in color and it's used to
paint on
steel / aluminum and generally other metallic surfaces. I use this paint
alot
at work and most aircraft components that are aluminum or steel do have
this
primer and they do have grain when painted and in my experience is not
that
easy to remove. Just a note chromium based paints tend to be on the
dangerous
health hazard side so caution should be used when removing and painting
with
it.
Orlando Lopez
#06882
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 02 Oct 1998 00:50:00 -0400
From: Vicki Miller <"1000mil@xxxxxxx"@gte.net>
Subject: Re: DML: Steering rack boots ????????
>
> Does anyone know of a suitable aftermarket boot that will fit the Delorean
> steering rack?
>
> Nick Kemp
Rob Grady has them in stock onn the shelf..also tie rod ends and they
are not as expensive as oem equipment and do an excellent job..
any questions call
bob miller
919-383-6187
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 01 Oct 1998 22:33:09 -0700
From: "lseiler@xxxxxxxxxxxx" <lseiler@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: Re: DML: Some newbie questions
At 01:26 PM 10/1/98 -0700, you wrote:
>Hi - I'm hoping to join the ranks of Delorean owners soon. I've been
>reading everything I can find, and think I'm aware of the obvious issues,
>but... I think I may have found a car to buy, but I have some questions
>that somebody might be able to answer for me. First, the car is painted.
>The current owner had it done because he wanted to, not to hide any
>damage.
>He claims it was prepped with something called "chromatic primer" which
>can
>be stripped off without causing any damage to the body. Does anyone have
>enough painting knowledge to comment on this? ...........Snip<
Yes I can help.
"chromatic primer" is a Du-Pont product and used for car bodies that have
mixtures of metals, like leaded fillets. It does "etch" the surface to
provide a good grip for the paint coats to follow.
It can be removed like any other paint using the appropriate solvents. You
will have to "re-Brush" the stainless to bring back the natural luster.
Even under the very best of conditions the re-exposed stainless will have
a
blush which can only be removed by brushing.
Lee
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 01 Oct 1998 22:44:25 -0700
From: "lseiler@xxxxxxxxxxxx" <lseiler@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: Re: DML: Some newbie questions
At 07:44 PM 10/1/98 -0500, you wrote:
>Cox, David (SD-EX) wrote:
>>
>> Hi - I'm hoping to join the ranks of Delorean owners soon.
>> He claims it was prepped with something called "chromatic primer" which
>> can
>> be stripped off without causing any damage to the body.
>
>If you want a DeLorean without paint, then buy it that way. It will
>cost in excess of $1000 to just refinish bare steel panels, who knows
>how much more it will cost to strip the paint off. I would stay away
>from this car.
>
>Scott Mueller
>
Hi Scott,
Can I disagree with you on the cost of refinishing the stainless panels?
or better yet, would you mind outlining why it cost a grand to refinish a
bear metal D?
Thanks
Lee
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 2 Oct 1998 08:55:16 -0400
From: "Yocom, Shannon" <syocom@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: DML: RE: Angle Drive
I remember in a past posting someone mentioning that you should jack up
the front end in the center to take pressure off of the windshield to
prevent possible cracking. I have never experienced this myself, but
wanted to bring it to your attention just in case.
Shannon
VIN# not yet
> ----------
> From: Larry C. Hildreth
> Reply To: dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
> Sent: Thursday, October 1, 1998 10:26 PM
> To: Jeff Wiltzius
> Subject: DML: Angle Drive
>
<snip>
> 2. Jack up the left front wheel.
<snip>
> Larry C. Hildreth
> VIN 903
> Hidreths@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 02 Oct 1998 08:55:58 -0400
From: Mike Substelny <SUBSTEM@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: DML: Re: Newbie Questions (painted car, stuck window, oil
pressure)
Sender: dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Precedence: list
Reply-To: dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Dave Cox said:
> He claims it was prepped with something called "chromatic primer"
> which can be stripped off without causing any damage to the body.
Dave, if you don't want a painted car then don't buy a painted car. At
the
same time, if you like the color of this car or if you plan a custom
paint job
anyway then this might be the perfect DeLorean for you.
> Just recently the passenger side window stopped operating. This
> was noticed about the same time that some of the dial lights went
> out, so he thinks it is just a minor electrical problem.
The first think to check is the window control switch; it probably has
dirty contacts. Swap the two switches and see if you can get the
passenger's window to work. If so, then you can open up the switch
and clean those dirty contacts in a few minutes.
> When idling, the gauge showed the pressure about 75% (don't
> remember the units), however, when I pressed the gas pedal, the
> pressure would immediately jump up a bit past the high mark on the
> gauge . . .
This is lower than normal. Was the engine good and hot at the time it
read 75%? Maybe he just put in some very low viscosity oil. When I put
5W30 in my car it would read just a little higher than that when it was
idling at operating temperature.
- - Mike Substelny
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 02 Oct 1998 09:00:53 -0400
From: Mike Substelny <SUBSTEM@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: DML: Re: Power windows final episode (limit switches)
Andrew said:
> I have an '81 DeLorean with a problem of both power windows
> not stopping at the top when being raised. They make this loud
> "clicking" sound until the button is released.
There are no electrical limit switches for the DeLorean windows!
When the window reaches the top of its travel you need to take
your finger off of the button immediately. Failure to do so will result
in wear and tear and eventually the sort of sound you have described.
- - Mike Substelny
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 2 Oct 1998 09:46:17 -0400
From: "DMC Joe" <dmcjoe@xxxxxxx>
Subject: DML: Re: Some newbie questions
Dave,
There is no electrical relation between the dash lights and the window
motor, based on failure rate data here are the answers to your questions.
1. Dash lights out: caused by a defective dimmer control. Most owners just
by pass this item by changing one connection. The lights are not bright
and
dimming is not necessary. Est cost $ 0.0.
2. Inoperative window motor: One of three items could cause this problem.
The console mounted switch may be dirty or defective, cleaning the switch
with contact spray may correct the problem or the switch may have to be
replaced. If replacement is necessary the cost is around $50.00. The
second
cause of window motor failure and most common is a defective regulator.
The
original units have a more than 85% failure rate, improved custom
manufactured units are available from all DeLorean parts suppliers, these
units are excellent and should last the life of the car. Installation is
not a "do it yourself project", repair facilities not familiar with
DeLoreans should not attempt this procedure. Replacement should be left to
a DeLorean repair facility. Cost of replacement regulator $ 325.00 labor
charges range from $ 75.00 to 125.00.
3. Doors not opening fully is usually corrected with the replacement of
the
gas strut, this can be done by a ""shade tree" mechanic". The cost of a
replacement is around $55.00.
4. Finally; the erratic reading of the oil pressure gauge is normal, no
repair or replacement is necessary.
Joe/DeLorean Services
------------------------------
End of dmcnews-digest V3 #422
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