DeLorean Mailing List - 04/19/96


Friday, 19 April 1996       Volume 02 : Number 102

       In this issue:
        [none]
        [none]
        Four-Winged Cars
        DeLoreans For Sale (3)
        entry to dmc news
        cigarette lighter
        [none]
        One Recall Done - Two More Left
        ADMIN NOTE
        Fiero and GM's Revenge
        Re: One Recall Done - Two More Left
        DeLorean Models
        Hissing Noise in Center Console
        Re: cigarette lighter
        Dashboard Cracks
        Just an Idea...
        Fiero and GM's Revenge -Reply
        KAPAC and PJ Grady Info

----------------------------------------------------------------------

From: dmcnews-approval
Date: Tue, 16 Apr 1996 21:32:41 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: [none]

When someone mentioned droopy struts, I am reminded of when they filmed
Back to The Future, they had the car(s) sitting around in teh chilly night
air with the doors open- between takes, they would warm the struts with
hair driers to keep them springy!

- -Otto-

_____________________________________________________________
 Otto Vondrak                             Box 02045
 Rochester Institute of Technology        Hettie Shumway Hall
 School of Art and Design                 Rochester NY  14623
 Graphic Design Major                     716.475.4451
               http://www.rit.edu/~omv6369
_____________________________________________________________


------------------------------

From: dmcnews-approval
Date: Tue, 16 Apr 1996 21:39:12 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: [none]

THe only concept cars I know about are...
the DMC-24- whihc I thought was supposed to be a normal four-dour.
the DMC-44- what would be called a "sport-utility" vehicle these days. 4x4
to the max.
DMC-80 transit style bus. Prototype made by gernam manufacturer.

I also saw a picture of a "1980 Medusa" designed by Giugario. Looks liek
Geo picked it up for use as their Metro.... looks identical. There's a
picture of it in the "Stainless Steel Illusions"

I think the DMC would have to change to stay competitive- like the 
Mustang.

My two cents.
- -Otto-

_____________________________________________________________
 Otto Vondrak                             Box 02045
 Rochester Institute of Technology        Hettie Shumway Hall
 School of Art and Design                 Rochester NY  14623
 Graphic Design Major                     716.475.4451
               http://www.rit.edu/~omv6369
_____________________________________________________________


------------------------------

From: The Doctor 
Date: Wed, 17 Apr 1996 14:24:45 +6C
Subject: Four-Winged Cars

Indeed there is a car customizer in California who specializes in 
manufacturing gull-winged cars from adaptable cars.  Although his name 
currently escapes me, I believe he also created the four-winged StarCar 
for the 1983 movie "The Last Starfighter".  [BTW, it would be rather 
difficult to form a true gull-winged convertible from the DMC-12 (even 
the Mercedes SL convertibles of the mid-50's had regular doors).  
However, a hybrid - reminiscent of the Lancia Zagato, with a wrap-over 
pillar and convertible rear window - may be possible.]

The car with the two pairs of scissors-type doors was the 
Chrysler/Lamborghini Portofino, a show car created in 1987 when 
Lamborghini and Chrysler were still partners.  Unfortunately, this car 
was destroyed several years later when its' transporter was wrecked in a 
highway accident [with the Portofino inside].

Interesting that the Porsche 928 was mentioned.  At one time, this 
platform was to be the basis of a four-door Porsche; artists' renderings 
[one of which is in a early-90's issue of Road & Track] showed a 928 
stretched to four doors with a trunk formed from the hatchback [a la 
convertible Camaros & Firebirds].  The project was abandoned when 
Porsche's financial picture became bleak.

Of course, now Porsche has plans to put big wheels, new fascias, and a 
turbocharged V-6 package on the European Ford/VW minivan and 
market it under the Porsche name.  Wonder how ol' JZD would have 
constructed a DMC minivan?

The Doctor

------------------------------

From: stormrider@socketis.net (Chase Clark)
Date: Wed, 17 Apr 1996 12:21:45 -0600
Subject: DeLoreans For Sale (3)

I didn't really have anything special to say, but wanted to try out the
"live" version fo the list, so I decided to post information on DeLoreans
that I know are presently on the market. I've seen some posts requesting
such info and here it is. These were all found on the WWW at
http://www.peak.org/~takeuchi/sale.html or from The Special Car Journal -
A Clayton Group, Inc. Publication (sorry, but Idon't have the URL handy).

Keep in mind, that this list is only of those I KNOW are for sale as there
are others listed that I have not verified are still on the market. I have
not seen any of these cars and in no way vouch for their condition or
originality. That and the usual other disclaimer stuff that is so 
prevalent
in the lawsuit-happy United States. ;)

And now for the feature presentation . . . . . .

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
1981 DeLorean DMC-12 red, 37 000miles, new clutch, black interior, faded
paint $ 11,000.00. Dusan Neumann, PA, Phone: 717 622 3932, FAX: 717 622
4171, Email: dneu@postoffice.ptd.net, Ad #-1849324431
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
1981 DeLorean (Pasadena, (southern) California)
17,000 miles, Excellent condition, recently overhauled by DeLorean One.
Manual transmission, lowered 5.5", metal radiator and coolant bottle.
Asking $20,000.
     contact:   QWUT31A@prodigy.com
                or call (904) 458-2526
Note: QWUT31A@prodigy.com is a
friend of the original seller who is not on the Internet.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
1982 DeLorean (East Coast)
6700 miles; $20,000 OBO.  All papers, grey interior, original purchase
from Shepard Chevrolet Lake Bluff, IL, 5-speed, Like new.  E-mail
shrtcrt@aol.com or call 1-708-892-2396
after 7pm.  ASK FOR VERN.  If there is no answer at that number, then
e-mail me.  Thank you.
Posted December 5, 1995
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------

------------------------------

From: dgf108@psu.edu (Damien Falato)
Date: Wed, 17 Apr 1996 02:02:16 -0400
Subject: entry to dmc news

Hi guys.  Just got on the mailing list.  Had my car for about two and a 
half
years.  First let me get the plug out of the way.  In regard to Rob 
Grady, 3
3/4 stars.  I've been using his shop for about a year and a half and it's
more than worth the drive through the city to get to his shop in west
sayville.  Just read the talk about a 97 model year DMC-12.  I have to 
agree
with the idea of following the Lotus body style.  There would probably 
also
be a second factory elseware.  This one would be geared toward much lower
production numbers than the last, probably around 1000-3000 units anually.
I think the volvo motor would have been scraped too, probably in echange 
for
a certan German built 3.6 litre flat six twin turbo.  I also forsee a 
sixth
gear added to the transaxel via the same source.  No more vinal either, 
all
high grade hide.  

One other thing.  Just bought my second 12.  Salvage car, good body, 
burned
motor and sun damaged dash/vinal.  Hmmm, now all I need is an 87 carera 
post
head on.

------------------------------

From: Virginia Mason Hodges 
Date: Wed, 17 Apr 1996 16:28:24 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: cigarette lighter

Just a few days ago I posted help for my battery dying every
morning. Well, I found the problem. When I pulled out the fuse
to the clock and cigarette lighter the battery retained it's
power. The problem is now how do i fix the cigarette lighter. I
assume that is the problem since I just bought a cardisc man
that uses the cigarette lighter for power. Also, the green
light around the rim of the socket never turned off when I first
got the car so my father unhooked the light. Has anyone had a
similar problem with the cigarette lighter? Please help. I
really miss listening to music while I drive.Thanks again.

			Virginia Hodges


------------------------------

From: ABARRUS@novell.com (Aaron Barrus)
Date: Wed, 17 Apr 1996 09:28:22 -0600
Subject: [none]

>	I like to think that the newer DMC's would go along the
same lines as  the Pontiac Fiero.  The 88 Pontiac Fiero GT
has striking resemblences to the  DeLorean, two seat, mid
engine, unlike the SE's it has the sloped (97 style)  back as
the DeLorean does. . .

Help me remember, wasn't the Fiero introduced around 1982? 
I often wonder if the fiero was Pontiac's attempt to beat John
at his own game.  I know there was a lot of tension and angry
feelings between John and the rest of GM.  Think they
introduced the Fiero as direct competition to the Delorean? 
The similarities are many, although the Delorean is much
much more "cool".

Aaron - owner wannabe


------------------------------

From: stormrider@socketis.net (Chase Clark)
Date: Wed, 17 Apr 1996 23:18:24 -0600
Subject: One Recall Done - Two More Left

Well everyone, I finally got around to performing the throttle recall
(splash shield, etc.) on my DeLorean. It didn't take 30 minutes like the
DMC Tech Bulletin said it would, but three hours later it was done and the
car idles smoother than before. I'm happy even though I removed the
circular sections of the intake manifolds to better access the throttle
assembly.

So now I'm down to 999,997 repairs, updates and factory recalls left to
perform. And only 16 days until the first area car show that I've
considered taking it to - the 8th Annual Street Meet Nationals at Lake of
the Ozarks about 40 miles away. Some of you might remember The Lake from
the DOA Convention there a few years back. I doubt it will be ready in 
time
to show, but I hope to have it spruced up enough by the end of May.

Just thought I'd share my happiness with all of you. BTW, I LOVE the 
"live"
version of the DeLorean Mailing List, although I'll probably still 
download
the archived digests from Espey's web site as time permits.

~ Chase

------------------------------

From: dmcnews-approval
Date: Thu, 18 Apr 1996 00:40:24 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: ADMIN NOTE

Well, the bugs ARE getting ironed out, I believe. I'd like to remind 
everyone to post to the NEW address (dmcnews@world.std.com). Hopefully 
this will be the last address we'll all have to adjust to. The list is 
once again moderated, and I think that alone will make a big difference. 

Later this week/weekend I will update the web page (even if it kills me), 
and then all should be good again. In the meantime, if you have any 
prblems or questions, let me know!

James "Mikasa" Espey 
Moderator, DeLorean Mailing List 

------------------------------

From: stormrider@socketis.net (Chase Clark)
Date: Wed, 17 Apr 1996 23:26:45 -0600
Subject: Fiero and GM's Revenge

I personally think the Fiero originally was introduced as America's answer
to the Fiat/Bertone X-19. But the restyled GT version introduced in the
latter years of production definitely resembles a DeLorean in numerous
ways. Although I'll deny every saying that should anyone repeat it as I
have always hated the Pontiac Fiero. It was ugly in its original body 
style
and a very poorly built car from what I witnessed of friends who owned 
them
(i.e. two blown engines)

Just my two bits worth...

~ Chase

------------------------------

From: jory bell 
Date: Wed, 17 Apr 1996 22:05:37 -0700
Subject: Re: One Recall Done - Two More Left

>Well everyone, I finally got around to performing the throttle recall
>(splash shield, etc.) on my DeLorean. It didn't take 30 minutes like the
>DMC Tech Bulletin said it would, but three hours later it was done and the
>car idles smoother than before. I'm happy even though I removed the
>circular sections of the intake manifolds to better access the throttle
>assembly.

Chase,

Could you describe the throttle recall? Thanks.

- -joyr

------------------------------

From: magriese@VNET.IBM.COM
Date: Thu, 18 Apr 96 00:08:04 CDT
Subject: DeLorean Models

The only models produced of the DeLorean are the BTTF kits done by AMT.
There were 2 kits, one of the time machine from the first movie, and a
second kit that contained complete models of all three time machines.
You could make a relatively stock DeLorean from one of the BTTF kits,
however, you would need to be a pretty good modeller to pull it off.
There are several resin kit producers in the model world, check
Scale Auto Enthusiast or FineScale Modeller for suppliers.

Mike Griese

------------------------------

From: magriese@VNET.IBM.COM
Date: Thu, 18 Apr 96 00:12:40 CDT
Subject: Hissing Noise in Center Console

The fascia on the center console comes off with only one screw - it's
behind the mode control switch knob.  That doesn't really help much
though, since the superstructure for the console is still in place.
You'll have to reach around the sides of the console to get to the
switches.  It's a little uncomfortable, but do-able.  You might need
to remove some of the other switches to get at the mode switch.

Your fan problem is probably due to the mode switch and not the fan speed
switch.  The original mode switches were pretty crummy and have a tendency
to arc when used.  This causes a layer of carbon to build up on the
electrical contacts, which prevent the fan from working.

A light coating of a good silicon grease should be sufficient to seal
the vacuum lines to the mode switch.  The lines actually attach to a
rubber connector that then slips over the mode switch.

Mike Griese


------------------------------

From: "Marvin S. Sterling" 
Date: Thu, 18 Apr 1996 03:01:26 -0700
Subject: Re: cigarette lighter

Virginia Mason Hodges wrote:
> 
> Just a few days ago I posted help for my battery dying every
> morning. Well, I found the problem. When I pulled out the fuse
> to the clock and cigarette lighter the battery retained it's
> power. The problem is now how do i fix the cigarette lighter. I
> assume that is the problem since I just bought a cardisc man
> that uses the cigarette lighter for power. Also, the green
> light around the rim of the socket never turned off when I first
> got the car so my father unhooked the light. Has anyone had a
> similar problem with the cigarette lighter? Please help. I
> really miss listening to music while I drive.Thanks again.
> 
>                         Virginia Hodges

Virginia, I obtained a replacement cigarette assembly from KAPAC in 
Columbus ... I think that they still have most of the original parts 
available. Otherwise you might try Rob Grady.


------------------------------

From: mpeak@ucla.edu (Magnum)
Date: Thu, 18 Apr 1996 16:59:10 -0700
Subject: Dashboard Cracks

Does anybody know how big of a problem it is to fix dashboard cracks?  Is
it an expensive problem?  Does the entire dashboard have to be replaced or
can a cracked dashboard just be repaired?  When looking for a Delorean to
purchase, is it better to avoid cracked dashes, or are they really not 
that
big of a problem?

Thanks,

Matt Peak

------------------------------

From: stormrider@socketis.net (Chase Clark)
Date: Thu, 18 Apr 1996 14:42:44 -0600
Subject: Just an Idea...

Although I'll probably never sell my DeLorean, I have decided to do
something that will make it easier to identify causes of problems easier
for another owner, should there ever be one. I have a photocopy of the DMC
Parts Book and everytime I replace a part in the car, I mark the name of
it, the part number and illustration of it in the Parts Book with a yellow
hi-liter. Within a year, I seriously doubt there will be more than a few
pages that don't have neon markings on them.

This way, I can keep track of what I've done and have illustrated proof of
my ability to be mechanically-minded and fix problems on the car. An old
friend still questions my skills after seeing me try to remove a flywheel
from a go-cart engine with a sledgehammer when I was a junior in high
school. Hey, IT WORKED!! :)

~ Chase

------------------------------

From: ABARRUS@novell.com (Aaron Barrus)
Date: Thu, 18 Apr 1996 13:15:50 -0700
Subject: Fiero and GM's Revenge -Reply

Agreed.  In consumer reports they rated the car as "American
Junk Food", looks good but full of junk.  They even
recomended against the car saying it wasn't roadworthy
because it was so undependable, and handling was so
sporatic.

>>> Chase Clark  04/17/96
11:26pm >>>
I personally think the Fiero originally was introduced as
America's answer to the Fiat/Bertone X-19. But the restyled
GT version introduced in the latter years of production
definitely resembles a DeLorean in numerous ways. Although
I'll deny every saying that should anyone repeat it as I have
always hated the Pontiac Fiero. It was ugly in its original body
style and a very poorly built car from what I witnessed of
friends who owned them
(i.e. two blown engines)

Just my two bits worth...

~ Chase

------------------------------

From: stormrider@socketis.net (Chase Clark)
Date: Thu, 18 Apr 1996 14:33:49 -0600
Subject: KAPAC and PJ Grady Info

Virginia:

This is some additional information to go with Marvin Sterling's
recommendation to replace the cigarette lighter with original stock from
KAPAC.

KAPAC is the current name of Consolidated Industries, which purchased the
remaining stock of DeLorean parts when the factory was closed. There are
very few parts that can't be found in their warehouse in Ohio, however,
some items are no longer sold due to suspected deterioration (i.e. 
original
tires, windshields and leather seat covers). Every DeLorean parts supplier
uses them for most of the items they sell.

KAPAC will sell straight to individuals, but I am told the parts are 
marked
up to the price levels of DeLorean One, PJ Grady and the other places. Rob
Grady runs PJ Grady, Inc., which is located in West Sayville, NY and would
be your best local parts supplier. The phone number there is (516)
589-6224. I'd also recommend going through him to get the cigarette 
lighter
as he always seems willing to take a minute to answer any installation
questions on parts he sells.

Well, I hope this helps gets your DeLorean to play tunes again. BTW, is 
the
original radio no longer working? If not, I'd consider replacing it with a
high-quality CD receiver. But then I'm not a "concours" owner by any 
means.

~ Chase

- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stormrider Media Productions            P.O. Box 105301
Chase Clark, Co-Owner                   Jefferson City, Missouri 
65110-5301
Voice/Fax (573)635-0622                 Email: stormrider@socketis.net
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------

End of dmcnews-digest V2 #102
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