dmcnews-digest Monday, October 5 1998 Volume 03 : Number 423
In this issue:
Re: DML: Re: Power windows - final episode
DML: Re: 5 Speed transmission work
DML: Re: Ignition Switch
DML: Re: Power windows final episode (limit switches)
DML: AFTERMARKET SHOCKS
DML: Kayo & Optima Battery
DML: A stolen idea...
DML: [admin] T-shirts and decals
DML: SOME POSSIBILE INFO
DML: New subscriber
DML: Wreacked ones
DML: windows zilla equivalent?
Re: DML: AFTERMARKET SHOCKS
DML: New Formulation
DML: Powersteering gone crunchy!
DML: Optima batteries
DML: RX7 Engine in DMC?
DML: Left door and Rear Quarter F/S
DML: Low Miles DMC F/S in Ohio
DML: AUTO TRANS
DML: DeLorean at auction
Re: DML: 81 Delorean Parts Car For Sale
DML: Old JZD Press Release
Re: DML: Kayo & Optima Battery
DML: New Options?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Fri, 2 Oct 1998 10:01:01 -0400
From: "DMC Joe" <dmcjoe@xxxxxxx>
Subject: Re: DML: Re: Power windows - final episode
Andrew,
Unfortunately you have two original window regulators, these units have an
80% failure rate. The noise you hear we call ""ratcheting"" it is caused
by
worn gears that drive the window lift cable up and down, some of the teeth
in the assembly are stripped preventing the window from going to the top.
These units are not repairable, new updated regulators are available from
all DeLorean part suppliers. Unless you are familiar with this service
procedure it should be left to an experienced DeLorean repair facility.
Joe/DeLorean Services
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 2 Oct 1998 10:10:19 -0400
From: "DMC Joe" <dmcjoe@xxxxxxx>
Subject: DML: Re: 5 Speed transmission work
Dave,
Larry has passed on good information and I thought I might add an
additional detail that may make the job easier. Most shifting problems are
due to one of two items, either the shifter is out of alignment or there
is
a bent roll pin for the gear effected, once you have removed and
disassembled the trans replacing the pin is relatively simple.
Joe/DeLorean Services
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 2 Oct 1998 10:24:53 -0400
From: "DMC Joe" <dmcjoe@xxxxxxx>
Subject: DML: Re: Ignition Switch
Larry,
Our Back To The Future DeLorean has a remote control engine start, so I
had
to eliminate the key start function. With some added wiring and a push
button switch placed wherever you desire you could by-pass the start
function of the key altogether. This could be accomplished for under $10.
If you need more info let me know.
BTW: it looks like you have done some good detective work on trying to
correct this problem, and as a side note this is the first time I have
ever
heard of a "D" with this problem.
Joe/DeLorean Services
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 2 Oct 1998 14:06:27 -0400
From: "Gerald Ranada" <ranada@xxxxxxx>
Subject: DML: Re: Power windows final episode (limit switches)
>> 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
I notice this problem (feature?) with the electrical windows within the
first week that I bought my Delorean. My sister sat in my car and started
to play with the power windows and I almost dropped by jaw when I heard
that
mechanical clicking on closing. A couple of months later, my passenger
window seized and refused to operate at all. I replaced the stock window
motor with the kit PJ Grady sells and window operation works like a charm.
The process is much faster, smoother and especially, no more mechanical
clicking on closing. There is just a momentary electrical buzz to let you
know that the window is closed but nothing to suggest physical damage.
Next
project of mine is to rebuild the solenoids...
Gerald Ranada
VIN #4572
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 02 Oct 1998 15:28:18 -0400
From: Marc A Levy <malevy@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: DML: AFTERMARKET SHOCKS
There was never a response to this one, so I figured I would throw it
out again!
I personally see a need here for some modern shocks. I am about to put
new springs in my DMC, and would love to also replace the shocks. I
just don't feel right about buying a set of shocks that have been
sitting on a shelf for almost 20 years! I also do not want to have new,
incorrect shocks. Those are the only 2 choices that I see available
right now.
on 8/18/98 Aldo.Buono@xxxxxxxxx wrote:
> I do not have personal knowledge of the Carrera shocks. Has anyone
> on
> the list installed them??????
>
on 8/18/98 raddad@xxxxxxx wrote:
>
> I believe that Specialty Automotive sold Carrera's for the D in the past.
> I assume they have also installed some. Anyone else?
>
> Dick Ryan
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 2 Oct 1998 13:59:04 -0700
From: Matthew Peak <mpeak@xxxxxxxx>
Subject: DML: Kayo & Optima Battery
Kayo,
It's interesting that you knock the Interstate battery because both the
Interstate and the Optima are made by the same company. All of my auto
shop teachers rave about the interstate battery and I personally have had
one that lasted almost seven years! The Interstate is the choice of
replacement by Mercedes mechanics. The main advantage the Optima has
over
the Interstate is that is is a sealed battery. I was going to buy the
Interstate, but I would have been too nervous about the possible buildup
of
gas in that little battery compartment so I went with the Optima.
Matt
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 02 Oct 1998 17:43:54 -0400
From: Marc A Levy <malevy@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: DML: A stolen idea...
A thread recently appeared on the SHOtimes mailing list about a "window
sticker" to identify SHOtimes members.
I think this would be a really good DML (DMCNEWS) item. Placing
stickers on the windows is non-destructive (they can be removed with a
razor blade). The sticker could fit on the rear quarter windows, and
advertise the DML. A well designed 2X2 sticker in the rear window with
the www.dmcnews.com address would not only let us identify each other,
but also give others the web address to get all of their Delorean
questions answered.
I stress that the design is important. There are no too many things I
would do to change the look of my car.
This may be a good project to integrate with the tee shirt design. for
the DML.
Any opinions?
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 2 Oct 1998 18:49:18 -0000
From: James Espey <espey@xxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: DML: [admin] T-shirts and decals
Ohmigod, t-shirts, window stickers, quarterly 'zine, all we'll need is
membership cards and dues and we can call this a club....
I will post the final entries for the t-shirt contest this weekend, and
voting will begin Monday. I got wrapped up in some "end of the quarter"
projects and got behind. Shirts are still expected to ready long before
the holidays roll around...
I'm all for the window decals - anyone else?
James Espey
Moderator, DeLorean Mailing List
http://www.dmcnews.com
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 2 Oct 1998 21:41:42 -0700 (PDT)
From: DMC_12@xxxxxxxxx (Justin Friel)
Subject: DML: SOME POSSIBILE INFO
I have heard somewhere that in one of the "National Geographc" issues,
that a DeLorean picture or some information is in there, can someone
confirm this? Thanx,
Jay
VIN# (give me a couple of years)
Visit my page for information on the DeLorean, the most "ethical" sports
car:
http://www.angelfire.com/ca2/jfriel
------------------------------
Date: Sat, 03 Oct 1998 00:04:07 -0700
From: Chuck Knight <cknight@xxxxxxxxx>
Subject: DML: New subscriber
Hello. In keeping with netiquette, I suppose I should introduce
myself. My name is Chuck Knight, and obviously I love Deloreans.
I have ever since I saw one, for the first time, in the movies.
It's a very classic design.
Now, I don't have one yet. This is actually one of the reasons
that I'm on this list...hopefully I will find one which I can
afford, which is actually in one piece.
And, a quick question. (hopefully this won't start a "religious"
war) Is it sacriledge to "modify" a dead Delorean, by converting
it to an electric vehicle? I've heard of very good condition
bodies, with dead engines. This would make one of the most striking
electric vehicles that I can imagine.
-- Chuck Knight
------------------------------
Date: Sat, 03 Oct 1998 03:06:24 +0000
From: chad knott <bto@xxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: DML: Wreacked ones
There is suposedly 2 wreacked D's in a junkyard near Port Charlotte,
Florida and I was wondering if anybody knows more about it, posibly
where it is.
thanks
Chad Knott
------------------------------
Date: Sat, 3 Oct 1998 03:55:01 -0400
From: Steve <dmc@xxxxxxx>
Subject: DML: windows zilla equivalent?
On Fri, 2 Oct 1998, Mike Substelny wrote:
> 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.
It is interesting that this should come up. I recently discussed this
problem with Rob Grady, and mentioned a device that he said was similar
to something he'd been thinking about making. This device hooks up to
your power windows and enhances their operation by providing touch up/down
features as well as the ability to connect them to an alarm. The
important feature though is that it senses when the window has reached
the top/bottom of it's travel by the change in current drawn by the motor.
When it senses this it removes power from the motor. (Whether you still
have your finger on the switch or not.)
I plan on installing this device in my Delorean (assuming I can do so
without chopping up the wiring harness) when I get it back from PJ Grady
in a few weeks. When I do I'll post to the list what the results are.
My delorean still has the original window lifts in it and this should
extend their life greatly.
This device BTW, is called Smart Windows II, made by car alarm
manufactorer
Clifford Electronics. I know that other manufactorers make similar
products, but I am not familliar with them or their operation. The
Clifford module allows normal window operation when installed, does
not require an alarm, and will operate up to two windows. (All we need
of course!) You can find clifford at (800) CLIFFORD, or www.clifford.com
(has non US phone numbers for those list members in Europe, etc)
I don't work for Clifford, or sell their products, I'm just a satisfied
customer. If anyone on the list would like mre detail on how this works,
feel free to email me.
-Steve <dmc@xxxxxxx>
------------------------------
Date: Sat, 03 Oct 1998 02:36:37 -0700
From: "lseiler@xxxxxxxxxxxx" <lseiler@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: Re: DML: AFTERMARKET SHOCKS
At 03:28 PM 10/2/98 -0400, you wrote:
>There was never a response to this one, so I figured I would throw it
>out again!
>
>I personally see a need here for some modern shocks. I am about to put
>new springs in my DMC, and would love to also replace the shocks. I
>just don't feel right about buying a set of shocks that have been
>sitting on a shelf for almost 20 years! I also do not want to have new,
>incorrect shocks. Those are the only 2 choices that I see available
>right now.
reply:
Dick a question?
Why do you say buy " new, incorrect shocks.", are you saying that there
are no identical shocks manufactured today that install into the D, or are
you saying that no modern shock made today has identical sects as the
original shocks.?
Hope you don't mind my asking!
Lee
81DMC-12
------------------------------
Date: Sat, 03 Oct 1998 04:42:52 -0700
From: "lseiler@xxxxxxxxxxxx" <lseiler@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: DML: New Formulation
Hello all DML'ers
It's about 4:30am But I just could not wait to post some good news.
If you are on the List of 100, all 670 of you then you know that the
release of the Delorean limited edition model kits was stalled due to a
material problem. The epoxy resin formula I was using would not cure
properly and made it impossible for me to make the final production dies
and molds for the various parts and "all Resin bodies".
Well the formulation has been dumped for an entirely new one that just
produced a perfect 1/24th scale Gull wing door with all the details in a
clear slightly almond tint. The surface detail is perfect, I will post a
picture early next week.
The important point is that the final work can now begin.
As a point of interest the problem appears to be some chemical conflict
between the die materials and the resins. The initial jelling went fine
but
then for some reason the resin touching the die would remain a liquid
while
the main body cured and began to shrink, then eventually the remaining
liquid would jell and leave a lumpy and lace curtain surface which was
also
the wrong size.
Much of this sort of thing can be controlled by the various components,
unfortunately there is no way to control both the formulation for the dies
and the epoxy, the base compounds as they come from the chemical supplier
are fixed.
I will as I posted above get some photos of both the failures and the new
properly formed parts up loaded some time early next week.
Lee
81DMC-12
------------------------------
Date: Sat, 3 Oct 1998 18:41:32 +0200
From: jbdesign@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: DML: Powersteering gone crunchy!
Hi!=20
I=B4ve got a major problem on my DeLorean..=20
Every time I turn the steeringwheel it is very hard to turn and it makes
this "Crunchy" sound.. i.e. Turn your car in packed snow..
I can=B4t help feeling like if the steeringwheel gets stuck somewhere?
Has anyone had these problems before? =20
And is there a way to diagnose an error on the powersteering?
Well.. this has left me very confused and I would really like to hear some
responses to this question of mine!
Thanks in advance!
/Henrik VIN #2270
PS. Joe / DeLorean services.. You are one helluva guy spending all that
time answering all these questions.. You and the rest of the helping ppl
are
true angels in my eyes! CHEERS!
- ----------------------------------------------------------
DiscoTech D&H Phone: +46 431 411 055
P.O Box: 1016 +46 103 315 310
S 262 21 Engelholm Fax: +46 431 410 435
SWEDEN
VAT no: SE 969644-4646 01
- ----------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------
Date: Sat, 3 Oct 1998 17:21:23 -0600 (MDT)
From: raddad@xxxxxxx
Subject: DML: Optima batteries
A recent post seemed to suggest that an Optima battery is nothing more
than
a "sealed Interstate battery". To dispel that notion and to let you know
why so many of us believe that it is the very best choice for a car with
the electrical idiosyncrasies that our cars possess, check out the
following web site
www.dcbattery.com/optima2.html
I don't have any financial connection with Optima. I just strongly
believe
that our cars are very special. Therefore, when I have to replace
something on mine, I try to get the very best replacement possible. It
may
cost a little more initially, but over the long haul, it ususally proves
to
be less expensive and the piece of mind is priceless.
Dick Ryan
------------------------------
Date: Sat, 3 Oct 98 23:35:58 -0000
From: David Swingle <dswingle@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: DML: RX7 Engine in DMC?
Is anyone on the list familar with this car? I'd sure like to know more!
http://www.stealthtech.com/dmc/
This is from an ad in the current issue of Hemmings.
Dave Swingle
81 VIN 5429
DOA, DMC, DMC(Midwest)
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 4 Oct 98 00:12:04 -0000
From: David Swingle <dswingle@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: DML: Left door and Rear Quarter F/S
A friend of mine came upon the following for sale at a flea market in
Wisconsin a week ago -
Drivers side door and rear quarter panel, believed new (unused). Asking
$1000 for both. Email me directly for contact information.
Dave Swingle
81 VIN 5429
DOA, DMC, DMC(Midwest)
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 4 Oct 98 00:12:12 -0000
From: David Swingle <dswingle@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: DML: Low Miles DMC F/S in Ohio
I was "vacationing" at the Fall Carlisle (PA) car show this weekend. A
man came up to me (I was wearing a DMC sweatshirt) and indicated that he
had a nice car for sale.
81, Automatic, VIN in the 2600 range, located in Warren Ohio. Email me
directly if you are interested and I'll provide contact information. Car
has 1100 miles, completely unmodified original car, original owner,
always in heated indoor storage. Asking $18,500, won't take a lowball
bid. Has been driven within the last month. Originally purchased as
"investment", obviously not a good one over a 17-year period.
Dave Swingle
81 VIN 5429
DOA, DMC, DMC(Midwest)
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 04 Oct 1998 11:37:09 +0000
From: Albert Siegel <siegel@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: DML: AUTO TRANS
How many DeLoreans were built with auto trans? someone told me 600 in
total. I think that cant be. any help would be great!
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 4 Oct 1998 16:00:37 -0400 (EDT)
From: Sandro John Di Giacomo <sandro@xxxxxxxx>
Subject: DML: DeLorean at auction
On Saturday, Oct. 3rd I went to the Dutchland Collector Auto Auction in
Strasburg, PA, where, among all the 'Vettes and Stingrays and T-birds,
they had an '81 DMC (they also had a 1975 Bricklin SV-1, but those silly
doors wouldn't open all the way). :)
Anyhoo, here's the lowdown on the D:
Build date: 10/81
Serial: 04423
5spd, grey interior
no gas flap, but did have hood creases
19,844 miles on stock speedo
this is all the stuff wrong with it:
Interior:
all kinds of wires dangling by pedals, esp. clutch
rear view mirror detached, sitting in glovebox
slightly sagging headliner
front and rear "dome" lights worked sporadically
small rip in shifter boot
fuel gauge pointing straight up vertically...won't move
parking brake won't disengage unless you take off the rubber cover
center console lights on constantly
instrument cluster lights not working
inside part of door coming loose
Craig stereo...would not turn on
electric side view mirrors moved erratically with controls
driver side window won't move, passenger side has very loud motor
front part of driver door seems to stick when you try to open it
trunk release lever broken...no access to trunk
cracking dash
Exterior:
front+rear facia painted grey
rear facia looks like it is not the original, since it interferes with
the closing and latching of the engine cover and louvres (neither one
will latch)
louvres need new struts
louvres cracked
needs new passenger door seal
no antenna...I guess it had one of those windshield antennas?
Engine:
now, I don't know much about car engines, but I'll try my best to explain
this: the hose that runs from the crankcase (I think) to the air intake
manifold (?) was disconnected (this is probably totally wrong...it's
that hose that returns hot air to keep the engine temp up)
It wasn't a bad car, but it was obvious that the owner(s) performed the
smallest amount of maintenance possible to keep the car running, but
didn't really take care of anything that was broken or malfunctioning, as
long as it fired up when they turned the key.
It was set to go on the block the next day, so I asked someone to email me
the price at which it sells...I'll keep everyone posted.
While I was sitting in it, writing stuff down, two women (on two separate
occasions) came up to me and told me that I looked very good in the D.
Either it's some sort of sign, or the owner was paying the two women to
say it. :)
Sandro J. Di Giacomo
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 4 Oct 1998 16:21:07 EDT
From: Torbeck911@xxxxxxx
Subject: Re: DML: 81 Delorean Parts Car For Sale
william prince said he has a dmc parts car for sale if you still do
william
please contact me asap
thanks
ryan torbeck
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 04 Oct 1998 21:06:22 -0400
From: Wade Shapiro <shapiro3@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: DML: Old JZD Press Release
Tonight I was looking at the Pontiac Historical Services web page, and
they offer some samples of a historical packet you can buy for your
classic Pontiac. Anyway, one of the samples was for the 1969 Judge, and
included in the packet is a press release that states that John Z.
DeLorean, one of General Motors' vice-presidents announced the price of
the new model.
To see the release for yourself, go to this site:
http://www.phs-online.com/images/69judge/1969-judge-news-03.gif
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 4 Oct 1998 23:34:31 EDT
From: KayoOng@xxxxxxx
Subject: Re: DML: Kayo & Optima Battery
Matt,
I am not sure of the manufacture of the Interstate Batteries "presently."
I
do know that Optima Batteries Inc. is in Aurora, Colorado, "presently."
I DID
NOT know that the Interstate and Optima are manufactured by the SAME
manufacture as you are telling me. Or they are a subdivision of each
other.
The Optima Batteries as they claim is engineered or back up by the Gylling
Group of Scandinavia--established 1912. The Optima Batteries is
Spiralcell
Technology a bit different from the Interstate Batteries which is
"conventional" in design.
Check their website: www.optimabatteries.com
If the Interstate Batteries have change their technology, I would like to
know
as info.
Honestly, I can care less as long as the product works and it stand up to
its
promises as a product and its policies in case of a problem. As any
product
goes...a product must stand out on its own! The Optima so far has done
so.
The Optima was recommended to me by several different owners of other
marques
as well as other DeLorean owners.
The case here is that Interstate is not an Optima. I don't think either
Interstate will honor the Optima warranty program and vice versa besides
the
warranties of the two company are not the same???
Matt, try to understand my response was to a previous DMLer who posted his
"experiences" in the "usage" of the Interstate Battery and the "policies"
that
went along with it. He was complaining about the Interstate Battery and
the
"run around" he got.
He also was asking questions about a better battery. I was just relating
to
the problems and experiences that I had when I sold the Interstate Battery
line. I do know that when I used to sell the Interstate batteries during
the
early 1980s they were a problem (just about the time the DMC was being
produced and sold). My customer would be returning the Interstate
Batteries
within the warranty program and they were becoming a pain to be dealt
with it
after taken the line in. The sales verses the returns was a burden. This
told the story the realistic figures in batteries sales. I also got the
"run
around" with the sales rep with the defectives when returning for credit
or
replacement. (This was also true with another line of batteries which I
sold.) I also had Interstate Batteries in several of our company's fleet
vehicles.......lets not get into it any further..........
If you would like to say that the Interstate and Optima are on the same
level
I don't think so. They are different in the construction, the price or
in the
usage where it counts! If you would like to defend the Interstate
Batteries,
please do so. In all fairness, Optima are quite expensive over the
Interstate. It is like comparing fillet minion to flank stake.
Different in
price, different in taste. Same, but not the same. Just like the two
cuts of
beef, even if they are from the same carcass. They are different all
around!
As far as the Interstate Batteries goes, IMHO they don't stand up against
the
Optima Batteries, EVEN IF THEY ARE FROM THE SAME MANUFACTURE. If you can
show
proof that the Interstate Batteries "can do," please show me the proof
and I
will purchase them and replace the Optimas and other batteries in vehicles
that I now have.
In business and competition we welcome newer and better technology in
products
and the services that it offers. Batteries like computers and other
things
are also moving fast into the future. When it comes to batteries or
anything
else, we should not be stuck "BACK IN THE FUTURE" with the failures as a
product or in their policies.
With many of us at times, price is not the object. Getting stuck is.
Getting
the run around with the product's warranty can make anyone with a "bad
day" to
become a terrible day or "nightmare." This was not to single out
Interstate
Batteries or neither do I represent Optima Batteries. No grips no hypes,
just
responses to the postings.
Kayo Ong
#05508
Lic 9D NY
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 05 Oct 1998 03:28:29 -0700
From: "lseiler@xxxxxxxxxxxx" <lseiler@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: DML: New Options?
At 04:42 AM 10/3/98 -0700, you wrote:
>Hello all DML'ers
>
This is an addition to the formulation post.
It appears that the new formulation will also allow pigmentation. This
being the case, It's my intention when the time comes, I will offer to all
pre paid reservations holders the option of black or gray interiors. All
others will be a translucent amber color. (this will be some interior
parts
and the doors, louver, engine CVR, hood.
more detailed info will be posted on the Limited edition bulletin board
later this week.
Lee
81 DMC-12
------------------------------
End of dmcnews-digest V3 #423
*****************************
Postings to the DELOREAN MAILING LIST are the opinions of the author and
not necessarily those of the list moderator (James Espey) or his
Internet
Service Provider(s). The list moderator makes every effort to screen out
false, misleading, and negative postings, but it is up to you, the
reader
of the DELOREAN MAILING LIST, to realize that nothing should be taken as
actual fact without research and investigation of your own.
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