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Saturday, 6 April 1996 Volume 02 : Number 098
In this issue:
DeLorean Mailing List
Re: Engine Temp.
Re: dmcnews-digest V2 #97
Daily drive
RE: dmcnews-digest V2 #97
Old gas/window motor/oil pressure/tires
Red Wire re; door locks
JZD and Spending Money
Replacing the DMC Horn
DeLorean Tires and Such
The D in Inclement Weather
RE: Automatic transmission governor computer
DeLorean world mags.
DeLorean world mags.
Re: Lowering a DeLorean
----------------------------------------------------------------------
From: "Marvin S. Sterling"
Date: Thu, 04 Apr 1996 03:08:42 -0800
Subject: DeLorean Mailing List
What the heck is wrong with "our" list. It seems to regurgitate the same
items over and over ad infinitum ( I think that that was redundant ) Jim
I have been trying to get and answer from Goodyear re the NCT's, even
left a message on their web page but no answer. Why don't you go the
Pirelli route since that was the tire that John D had picked at first.
What you need, obviously, is a HR or VR rated tire with A's for traction
and heat. Regards,
Marv Sterling
"Cheer up! If you think that the whole world is against you they probably
are."
------------------------------
From:
Date: Thu, 4 Apr 96 05:53:55 +0100
Subject: Re: Engine Temp.
Burton (BRS6688(AT)ACS.TAMU.EDU) writes:
>Howdy everybody,
>I have a little concern with my engine temp. gauge. It almost
>never reads but a little above the bottom. I'd say maybe
>half way to the first tic mark. Is this normal? I am extremely
>paranoid about my car's cooling system sstatus as when I bought
>it I drove for 25 miles with a blown head gasket. (LOTS of stops
>for water) Any info is appreciated.
>Burton
>BRS6688(AT)acs.tamu.edu
Most DeLoreans I have seen run right around the second mark, NOT the 220,
the one below it. I have talked with a number of owners that have had
problems because people have at some point changed the cooling system in
the cars because of overheating problems they do not understand. For
instance, someone may have changed your thermostat or removed it
completely.
The DMC cooling system can be a little tricky to get right, but once you
have everything correct it will work fine. I have a couple of questions
to help narrow down what might be happening:
1. Do your cooling fans cycle on and off, remain on, or ever run?
2. As far as you know, has the cooling system been pressure tested?
Best wishes,
Bryan Pearce
------------------------------
From: gray(AT)primenet.com (stuart)
Date: Thu, 4 Apr 1996 07:42:55 -0700 (MST)
Subject: Re: dmcnews-digest V2 #97
can anyone tell me where i can get a dmc keychain?
------------------------------
From: fordgb(AT)aur.alcatel.com (George B. Ford)
Date: Thu, 4 Apr 96 10:38:01 EST
Subject: Daily drive
>question...I know that a lot of you guys drive your D on a regular
>basis and you hold that even with 90,000 miles on her you would not
>hesitat to 'drive her cross country tomorrow'...now, I dont own one
>YET, but I am worried about this. I hear that they dont start in the
>rain, snow, cold...and I live in Maryland (not known for its tropical
>weather) and WHEN I buy one I wish to use it regularly. Will she be
>ok if I covered her every night? Or would I NEED a garage?
> concerned...thanks
>MacLeod
>There can be only one...
I drive my DeLorean every day. To and from work, lunch, the odd go get
whatever. (so long as whatever is not too big) The car has 79K miles on
the odometer. (it had 79K 4 years ago when i bought it in Arizona and
drove it back to North Carolina.
The original registration from the the guy I bought it from said 79K too
and he had it for about 5 years with lots of back and forth between
Pheonix and Albuquerque. - guess I'll have to get the speedo and odometer
fixed some day.)
Maryland/North Carolina, well maybe you have a little worse winter but
not too much worse. Rain - yes, snow - yes, ice - yes, too cold - definatly,
too hot and humid - yep. Car starts every time. (did have a tuneup not long
ago) I have a garage, unfortunatly it is like most of my garages, no room
for a car, so everything sits out. (well, I did manage to squeeze the 71 XLCH
in beside the drywall and etc. etc. etc.)
I try to keep up on standard maintenance items. If something breaks that
effects driveability, I get it fixed. (just can't bring myself to pay the
cost for the window motors yet and you already know about the speedo)
Anyway, yes I would drive across country right now.
Other people may have different experience, but hope this helps your
concern about the car.
George
------------------------------
From: SKYWALKER
Date: Thu, 4 Apr 1996 13:13:17 -0500 (EST)
Subject: RE: dmcnews-digest V2 #97
Alright,
i keep reading what everyone says about us "lurkers", and even though i
have posted once already..(i just began subscribing early this year) I figured
i'd post again. I don't own a DMC-12, and i don't know too much about them, I'm
just a sophomore in college who vows to someday own one. as i am only 19 I was
rather young during the 1981-1983 period when DMC's were in production. In
fact, i didn't know of their existance until 1985, when i saw "Back To The
Future" for the first time. Ever since that day, i've thought they were just
cool cars. Then, years later i get to college, and have free access tothe
internet. After watching the BTTF trilogy a record amount of times one weekend,
i decided to look on the web for DeLorean info. To my amazement, i fould a
wealth of sources dedicated solely to the DMC-12. I've been interested in the
car, the man, and the saga for well over 5 years now, and this newsletter has
taken my interest to another new level. I even did a speech in an oral
communications class on J.Z.D. himself. two more tthings... first, i'd like to
thank you all for keeping such a fascinating car alive today. and second...
this one's a biggie... but since i plan to buy a DMC-12 someday.. (hopefully
within the next couple years) is there anybody out there who could E-mail me a
load of tips and pointers on both how to go about finding a reasonable one on a
low budget. (i do want to get one that needs at least some fixing... just so i
can tinker), and also on what the most common problems would be? i'd greatly
appreciate it....
Thanx, until i write again....
Tim Waters Wat6539(AT)duncan.cup.edu
------------------------------
From: Todd Saylor
Date: Thu, 4 Apr 1996 13:57:13 -0800
Subject: Old gas/window motor/oil pressure/tires
...lurker decloaking...
1) Old gas:
Well, I've gone and done it. I've started (and driven) my DeLorean after
leaving it sitting for several months (probably about 6 months). I'm
learning from this group that this is a big no-no. I haven't observed any
problems, but I'm wondering what type of damage there may be that I don't
see. This is the second or third time that it's been left this long
between uses.
Any advice on this? Should I drain the gas before driving it again next
week (the tank is nearly full)? Does it need any corrective surgery?
2) Window motor:
I've just had my window get stuck in the down position. Taking apart the
door reveals that the bracket which attaches the window cable to the inner
door handle is broken in two and detached from the door handle. Is it
likely that I can just replace the bracket (or have it welded) and be back
in business, or is there another common problem which may just cause it to
break again?
3) Oil pressure:
Like several others (apparently), my oil pressure gauge is pegged when
driving. I always assumed the sending unit was faulty.
4) Tires:
I've replaced my tires with Toyo; they're good looking, fairly aggressive
tires with a lower price than the standard tires (I believe I paid around
$400 for a set of four). I'm not sure if there is any stigma attached to
owning this brand vs. a better-known performance tire.
------------------------------
From: Don_Gowler-CFPO01(AT)email.mot.com
Date: 4 Apr 96 15:21:00 -0600
Subject: Red Wire re; door locks
In answer to 'Bdofprey(AT)aol.com' question regarding the 'red wire' for the door
locks:
Behind the passenger seat in the relay compartment you will find the door relay.
I'm not looking at one right now but my recall is that it's the black plastic
box srewed flat to the metal panel midway between the relays and the engine fire
wall. If you remove the red wire, which is the 'hot' lead from the battery, you
will put the system into manual mode. In manual mode you will be able to
operate each door seperately, in fact they will only operate seperately. I
would suggest you put them in sync (both in open or both in closed position)
before you re-connect the red wire. Good Luck
The Silver Fox
------------------------------
From: stormrider(AT)socketis.net (Chase Clark)
Date: Thu, 4 Apr 1996 15:35:14 -0600
Subject: JZD and Spending Money
From a posting last month Barry wrote ....
>Well, I just finished reading "The rise and fall of John Z. Delorean" and at
>first, he just wanted to build the DMC-12, but he started designing a
>Gull-winged sedan called the DMC-24, a bus called the trasbus, and with the
>DMC-12 were genuine DMC leather jackets, golf clubs, and maybe, along with
>that, maybe articles such as wine. He was a big spender of money he didn't have
Actually, JZD was a big spender of OTHER PEOPLE'S money. The vast majority
of the $170+ million it took to get DMC off the ground came from
individuals, car dealers and the British government as well as banks, of
course.
If I remember a section I read in SSI correctly, the British were willing
to write off most of the debt on the factory for a cash payment of $15
million which he was unable to raise in time. Funny though, because I think
his legal defense on the drug charges came out to about $12 million, so he
ended up spending the money he didn't have either way.
He used the flashy DMC-12 to get the company off the ground. Unfortunately
luxury cars are not a reliable market and stable source of income, much
less profit, so the bus for the European market and the gullwing sedan were
put on the drawing board. Had he been able to get either off the ground,
they might have enabled the company to have survived in the long run,
providing he had stayed with realistic production numbers for the DMC-12.
Very few people believe he ever could have reached projected annual sales
of 30,000 to 40,000 sports car. Most experts figure about 10,000 per year
would have been all the market could have supported.
But JZD had a point to prove and wanted to be equal to the big automakers
in a quick fashion. Instead he destroyed the company and now we all get to
chat about a "classic" car and for the lucky few of us, actually own and
drive a real eye-turner. Because of that, I'm not complaining in the least.
I like being unique and the DeLorean definitely helps advertise that fact.
Or as my girlfriend says..."Boys and their toys". That and something about
the "male ego". Oh well, at least she took back the comment "it looks like
a Fiero"
Almost had to break up with her over such an insulting statement! :)
~ Chase
Stormrider Media Productions
Chase Clark, Co-Owner
P.O. Box 105301
Jefferson City, Missouri 65110-5301
Voice/Fax (573)635-0622
Email: stormrider(AT)socketis.net
------------------------------
From: stormrider(AT)socketis.net (Chase Clark)
Date: Thu, 4 Apr 1996 16:11:57 -0600
Subject: Replacing the DMC Horn
The DeLorean horn was manufactured by MIXO. The replacment part is a MIXO
TR89, although I don't see why any type of horn that fits in the opening
couldn't be used. Just don't use a musical horn that plays Dixie tunes!
DeLoreans are definitely in a higher class than the car used on the Dukes
of Hazzard and Cadillacs with steer horns on the hood. :)
~ Chase
Stormrider Media Productions
Chase Clark, Co-Owner
P.O. Box 105301
Jefferson City, Missouri 65110-5301
Voice/Fax (573)635-0622
Email: stormrider(AT)socketis.net
------------------------------
From: stormrider(AT)socketis.net (Chase Clark)
Date: Thu, 4 Apr 1996 16:08:20 -0600
Subject: DeLorean Tires and Such
The DeLorean came with Goodyear Eagle NCT tires. The front tires are
195/60HR14, while the back tires are significantly larger at 235/60HR15.
The reason behind this was to offset some of the handling problems
generated by rear-engined, rear-wheel drive setups. I must say the car
handles wonderfully in the turns!
As far as rotating tires, you can rotate the tires from one side to the
other, but not diagonally front to back.
Originally, the DMC-12 was to have Pirelli P7 tires, but this was changed
before it went into production. My guess would be because Goodyear has
higher salees in the U.S., generally cost less, and likely made a deal with
JZD as the car was featured in at least one print advertisement for
Goodyear.
As to James Espey's search for new tires...I'd go with a good set of
Pirelli tires in your area of the country. The tires are soft and do tend
to wear out quicker than most, but give an exceptional ride while they last
(which is longer than the original soft-compound Girling disc pads used on
the brakes). Personally, I may go with an all-season Aquatred design when I
replace mine since I live in the Midwest. However, I'd much rather go with
a jazzy set of Pirelli tires and may give in like I did on one of my former
MG Midgets and Nissan 200SX convertible in years past.
~ Chase
Stormrider Media Productions
Chase Clark, Co-Owner
P.O. Box 105301
Jefferson City, Missouri 65110-5301
Voice/Fax (573)635-0622
Email: stormrider(AT)socketis.net
------------------------------
From: The Doctor
Date: Thu, 4 Apr 1996 15:04:44 CST
Subject: The D in Inclement Weather
MacLeod:
Although the D does have some occasional starting problems in
inclement weather, it's not really that much different from any other 14
year old car. A garage would be a nice touch, though, for keeping the car
dry and warm, protecting it from vandals, and serving as an auxiliary
repair shop for your primary mechanic 8-).
Covers, by and large, are not worth the money.
Shirek:
After you drain out all that decrepit oil and gas, grab that crankshaft
pulley and try to give it a spin manually. If it's been sitting out by its
lonesome for a few years, it may be nearly impossible to turn - which
could lead to severe, severe damage if you try cranking it with the
starter. If the crank is indeed as stiff as I suspect, pull the plugs [you'll
probably want to do this anyway], squirt some oil into the chambers, and
try to spin it manually again.
Other potential replacement items: hoses, sparkplugs [& their wires],
belts, fuel filter, oil filter, air filter, transmission fluid & filter, battery.
If you don't feel comfortable with any part of this, by all means contact a
professional mechanic. Destroying a DeLorean powertrain is a sin.
Mikasa:
Cimbria? Haven't heard about [much less *seen*] one of those in years!
The Doctor
P.S. The messages seem to be repeating themselves.
P.S. The messages seem to be repeating themselves.
P.S. The messages seem to be repeating themselves.
[8-)]
------------------------------
From: "Thomas R. Long"
Date: Fri, 5 Apr 1996 11:55:16 -0500
Subject: RE: Automatic transmission governor computer
Most problems with the automatic transmission are caused by the Governer =
Computer that was put in at the factory. I suspect that they got a bad =
batch of components. The good news news is that the identical computer =
made with newer components is available from a Jeep Eagle dealer for =
less than $400. It is the R30 Auto Transmission Governer Coputer for =
Renault: Part #T1585496.
This is just one of the items listed in my 8 page cross reference list =
that can be yours by sending me $10 by snail mail to: Tom Long, 301 =
Black Kettle Lane, Alpharetta GA, 30202 (770-449-1968)
My auto transmission does not shift into third gear. I am afraid=20
that it needs a new governor. The one on it was replaced about three =
years=20
ago but it has less than a thousand miles on it(I drive the car =
infrequently=20
but keep it immaculately maintained). Before I send it to Steve Winn at =
DeLorean One in Houston I would like to have ideas from others who have=20
found similar problems with their automatic transmissions.
------------------------------
From: JamesMcBurney
Date: Sat, 06 Apr 96 00:03:20 -0800
Subject: DeLorean world mags.
Does anybody have any back issues of "DeLorean World" that they would be
interested in selling? I am not a member of DOA, but any other
information on finding them would be very helpful. E-mail me at
mack777(AT)ix.netcom.com not the above adress. Thanks!
------------------------------
From: JamesMcBurney
Date: Sat, 06 Apr 96 00:03:25 -0800
Subject: DeLorean world mags.
Does anybody have any back issues of "DeLorean World" that they would be
interested in selling? I am not a member of DOA, but any other
information on finding them would be very helpful. E-mail me at
mack777(AT)ix.netcom.com not the above adress. Thanks!
------------------------------
From: stormrider(AT)socketis.net (Chase Clark)
Date: Sat, 6 Apr 1996 00:53:09 -0600
Subject: Re: Lowering a DeLorean
Eric:
I was under the impression that the DeLorean was raised at the last minute
to meet U.S. bumper-height regulations. I believe one other problem the new
springs caused was that the factory forgot to readjust the alignment of the
front wheels at first. This is why some of the early '81s with low mileage
have had the front tires replaced but not the rear ones.
Mine was lowered at some unknown point in its history. I think it makes a
major difference in the looks of the car. Lower DeLoreans are much sleeker
and sportier in my opinion. Mine is an '81 model (VIN#1529) and needs to
have a wheel alignment performed, but I think it handles very good. British
cars have a long history of incredible handling and feel of the road with
the rack-and-pinion steering without power assist. I even prefer them over
the few Porsches I've driven.
~ Chase
Stormrider Media Productions
Chase Clark, Co-Owner
P.O. Box 105301
Jefferson City, Missouri 65110-5301
Voice/Fax (573)635-0622
Email: stormrider(AT)socketis.net
------------------------------
End of dmcnews-digest V2 #98
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