Re: [doc] Looking for a project Delorean

[danielpwillis@xxxx]

Hear hear Martin.

To put a point on this case (and not to start an arguement ;) ) my 
car has taken 18 months so far to repair and has another 6 months 
ahead. PLUS I'm now out of work (redundancy) so I think there is 
always room for a DeLorean. I actually agree with a lot of what you 
say Chris, especially the strain a restoration can put on "people" as 
well as finance. I think though, if people have gotten as far as to 
ask for your advice then they already have will do go forward.

As for DeLorean's future value... well, waste of time speculating! 
I'll never get back what I've put in, neither will anyone else. But 
who really cares? :)

Just my 2 cents.

Dan
Vin#5641 - Maddie - Oct'81 - www.projectmadness.com - 'STALLED'


--- In doc-uk@xxxx, Martin Gutkowski <webmaster@xxxx> wrote:
> 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