Re: [DML] Hurt D for sale, please save!

[James Espey <james@xxxx>]

Let's talk for a minute about what it would take to save this car, 
and if it's "worth it".

This assumes that all parts are bought new...
Right quarter panel 997.49
rear valance 52.41
air inlet 14.31
right quarter glass 87.91
right tail light 191.26
side lamp assy 25.60
impact absorber 468.28
rear closing panel 323.40
Rear fascia 642.85
engine cover 253.25
engine cover stay assembly 49.41
engine cover grilles, clips, retaining strips 411.95
louvre 483.86
louvre grilles 92.42

So far we're at a little under $4100 - that's all the big stuff, NOT 
COUNTING fiberglass work - you can probably pick up a used rear body 
half or quarter for the repair for $500-$1000. Louvre latch, engine 
cover latch, struts, miscellaneous bits and pieces and trim and 
fasteners might add another $500-$750. And don't forget labor for all 
this - De Lorean Motor Company's labor rate is $62.50 per hour, 100 
hours labor all totalled, easily. This "off the cuff" estimate 
assumes no frame damage, no damage to the t-panel, passenger door, 
rear glass, tire/wheel, engine/exhaust/etc. It would be a miracle if 
there was no damage to the other side, either.

It appears to be a relatively early car judging from the black door 
locks (two key system), dark wheels and fender mounted antenna. These 
point to car with a VIN below 1800 or so. Probably a manual 
transmission, almost assuredly a black interior. Looks like it has 
the original coolant bottle, so it'll probably need some other 
upgrades as well.

So...counting the price of the car, you've got almost $20,000 into a 
car with a salvage title that will never be worth as much as any 
other $20,000 DeLorean out there with a "good" title.

There is intrinsic value in bringing a DeLorean back from the dead, 
particularly if you do it yourself (ask Dave about the Vixen 
project), and that can only be measured by each individual.

You can probably part it out in six months or a year, and recoup the 
$7500 fairly easily, but then you've got a partial DeLorean in your 
garage/backyard for a period of time. Not many homeowner's 
associations going to go for it sitting in your driveway.

Don't get me wrong - I'd love to see this car brought back to life, 
and the right person with the skills, disposable income, time, 
patience, and love for the DeLorean could do it - but they'd have to 
do it for love because they could probably never sell it and get 
their money out of it.

James Espey
DeLorean Motor Company
Houston, Texas

281/568-9573
800/USA-DMC1
http://www.delorean.com

PS - If anyone from the DML does buy this car with the intention of 
rebuilding it - let me know, I'll work you a deal on the parts :-)


> Dear List,
> Below is a link to pics of a hurt D that needs a new home. Please
> do NOT visit this link if you are easily upset at images of hurt D's
> (I cried when I visited). The car is selling for $7,500. That is all
> the info I have at this time. I would buy this car and save it if I
> could but sadly do not have the money at this time.
> http://www.octagonauto.com/images/delorenrear.jpg
> DMC Wannabe