Re: [DML] Outside Parking

["therealdmcvegas" <DMCVegas@xxxx>]

--- In dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, Christian Williams <delorean@xxxx> wrote:
> It all depends on what kind of neighbourhood you live in.
<SNIP>

That for the most part, pretty much sums up, and says the same for a garage 
as well. If you're worried about someone stealing/valdalizing your car, then a 
garage isn't going to really stop anyone, if they're determined, *technicly*. 
However, a more likely problem with a garage that you'd run into is the 
possibility of things falling off of shelves durring rummaging, earthquakes, 
etc... Although that too is a variable factor depending upon how tidy you keep 
things.

As for carports, the downsides are that you may not be able to work on your 
car if you park it in a carport (this depends upon the association rules of your 
condo/apartment complex). Nor will you be able to obtain most (if not all) 
collector car insurance, if that's something that you're after. Everyone that I 
spoke with stated that one of the requirements was a locked garage for the 
vehicle.

Aside from myself, I personally know of 2 other DeLorean owners here in Las 
Vegas that live in apartments, and park their cars in open carports. So far, 
none of us have problems, or at least, none that I'm aware of. Where you live, 
and who/what type of people your neighbors are is going to play a BIG part. 
Before I settled on my apartment, I toured the entire place, and made it a point 
to look at the other cars that were parked there. A few classic cars, a few 
pickups, a couple of work trucks, and then mostly coupes, and family type 
sedans. Only 2-3 modified import cars (or as everyone I know affectionaly 
refers to them, "rice rockets") out of over 500 units. Now this may not be 
scientific, or a proven method to avoid car theft (GTA can happen anywhere), 
but everyone I know that lives in an apartment complex that's had a number of 
stolen cars, always seem to have a large number of modified import cars 
around, and much younger residents (not that I've much room to talk, since I'm 
only 24). So while it may be a flawed theory, it works for me. Plus it also helps 
to live in a unit which is also in constant line of sight with your car. I made that 
requirement, and my rental company was able, and more than happy to 
accomodate my request.


As for driving in the rain, you do of course want to make sure that your car is 
watertight. The gullwing door design for the DeLorean isn't a problem at all, 
and most time you'll probably find that reseating the door seals will go a long 
way. Otherwise, the DeLorean does have TSBs for water leaks, just like other 
cars. And with a good driver, you'll probably find that the previous owner(s) 
have already done most, if not all of the work for you in sealing up the car.

One rule that I always have tried to adhere to for any vehicle is to try wait at 
least an hour+ or so after a rainstorm has started before driving in it. That'll 
give time for the rain to wash away excess oil from the road (traction), and 
allows most accidents to occur, and get out of the way. Can't speak for snow, 
but I can tell you that with a good set of tires, the DeLorean drives just fine in 
the rain, with minimal slipping of the rear wheels.

-Robert
vin 6585 "X"