Friday, 21 June 1996 Volume 02 : Number 130
In this issue:
VIN #500 - WHITE LETTERS
D1 Catalogs
Plastic letter insets
Re: Plastic letter insets
National Archives
VIN#500
Delorean Tapes
DMC Catalog
Re: DMC Catalog
powder coating wheels
5 speed AND video.
New chapter in D.C area
How to clean
Re: 5 speed AND video.
Seeking Reference List & '81 Radios
RE: 5 speed AND video.
Windoze version of Commercial
Re: Windoze version of Commercial
Lock
Re: Lock
Start inhibit / door latch woes: how embarrassing
Help! No more 5-speeds?
5 speed transmission
Re: Start inhibit relay
Re: How to clean
Re: Help! No more 5-speeds?
selling DeLorean
Range of cars built in DEC 81
New owner
Exhaust Gasket Blown...Help !
The first DeLorean?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Don_Gowler-CFPO01@email.mot.com
Date: Wed, 19 Jun 1996 10:40:56 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: VIN #500 - WHITE LETTERS
- -Mike Substelny wrote, "BTW Rob, you can't see it unless the museum
people let you crawl around behind the car, but VIN#500 has white
plastic insets in the rear fascia "DeLorean" lettering that look
pretty cool."
Mike, are you sure they are actual white plastic insets as opposed to
paint?
Regards, The Silver Fox
------------------------------
From: magriese@VNET.IBM.COM
Date: Wed, 19 Jun 1996 12:39:25 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: D1 Catalogs
I asked about a newer catalog last time I called D1 (about a week ago)
and was told that the catalog is ready to go to print, but they are
having a hard time deciding if it would be better to wait a little and
call it a '97 catalog or to just go with it as a '96. Prices were going
to remain stable, with the largest increases in shipping. They are also
going to feature some different items this time around.
Mike Griese
magriese@vnet.ibm.com
------------------------------
From: Mike Substelny, SUBSTEM@cesmtp.ccf.org
Date: Wed, 19 Jun 1996 12:49:13 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Plastic letter insets
It's been a while I got behind the VIN#500 car to see the
plastic insets on the back. One of the museum guides
pointed them out to me and said they were unique. Now that
I think of it, they may have been grey, like the fascia, not
white. They were fairly subtle against the black bumper, but
they looked good. I will try to stop by the museum today
and ask to see them again.
- -Mike Substelny
------------------------------
From: mikasa, mikasa@goodnet.com
Date: Wed, 19 Jun 1996 13:16:27 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Re: Plastic letter insets
>pointed them out to me and said they were unique. Now that
>I think of it, they may have been grey, like the fascia, not
>white. They were fairly subtle against the black bumper, but
Has anyone seen the issue of Special interest Autos from about a year ago
that features a DeLroean on the cover? It's a rear shot that shows the
"reversed" fascia lettering. Looks kind of grey/silver in the photo. This
is an early car from the looks of it, but I'm basing that on the lack of
door latch guides and the lettering primarily.
James
------------------------------
From: michael richard pack, mrpack@wam.umd.edu
Date: Wed, 19 Jun 1996 13:51:34 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: National Archives
The National Archives is across from my campus. I'm doing
Intern/research in the Motion Picture Dept. Just for fun I looked in the
database, and they do have 1 item on the Delorean.
1984//CBS Television
Interview with Gerald Scotti former DEA agent that testified, that the
U.S. Government was pursuing DeLorean unconstitutionally as a drug lord.
------------------------------
From: Mike Substelny, SUBSTEM@cesmtp.ccf.org
Date: Wed, 19 Jun 1996 13:55:10 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: VIN#500
I am such an idiot. I just ran to the Crawford Museum at
lunch to check out the VIN#500 car. I read the dealer sticker
to confirm that the car was indeed sold by a dealer, BUT I
FORGOT TO WRITE DOWN THE NAME OF THE DEALER!
OOPS!
The lettering on the back bumper appears to be a plastic, but
that turns out to be an optical illusion due to bad lighting (the
back of the car is against a wall).
James said:
>It's a rear shot that shows the "reversed" fascia lettering.
>Looks kind of grey/silver in the photo.
This is exactly what is on the VIN#500 car. IT IS GREY
PAINT. But it does look cool. Maybe I'll paint mine like that.
BTW I saw the museum putting in a new display in the
room next to the DeLorean: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. It's the
original WWI era race car that inspired Ian Fleming's book by
the same name, not the 1968 car they made for the movie
(the movie car had a Ford V-6). It is ironic that the Chitty
and DeLorean were both made famous by movie contrivances
instead of the real thing.
- -Mike Substelny
------------------------------
From: michael richard pack, mrpack@wam.umd.edu
Date: Wed, 19 Jun 1996 13:55:20 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Delorean Tapes
The movie is in the process of conversion from PAL European format to
American NTSC format. I'm having someone here convert it for me at the
tune of $250.00. The film I have in PAL format is the original, not a
copy. My contact in London's film district located the copy for me and
sent it
air-mail for nothing. I work for in the film industry (student) so my
contact with Danny Boyle the producer/director was simple enough. If my
college
schedule permits I'll see if I can show it in Nashville. Or Mr. Truscott
could show it for me? I'm not making any statements with the film, it is
a piece of memorabilia that is related to the car and its maker. I'm not
trying to offend anyone.
I cannot stay the entire day at Bowie, but we do have 12 cars coming.
Some are coming in the morning, afternoon, late afternoon, etc. The
photo oppurtunity will be there, and hopefully a story in DeLorean World.
I've called Mr. DeLorean and asked him if he will be attending. In
addition I think he would be interested in the footage, movie, and
memorabilia since he asked me for copies. He told me he is marketing an
interview with John Kelly of Ulster Television in Belfast that should be
released soon. $25.00 for the interview.
Mr Charlie Hodges, I left a message last night with Mr. Delorean. I asked
him to contact you about the SS louver. I hope you don'y mind.
Mike
telephone
410-551-3107
University of Maryland
301-314-3833 Aug '96
------------------------------
From: Frederick Embden, NOTES.FEMBDEN@A50VM1.trg.nynex.COM
Date: Wed, 19 Jun 1996 14:20:47 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: DMC Catalog
I share "storm_rider's sentiments, I too am happy to hear there are
people who
get the Delorean 1 catalog, I am still waiting for mine, Since Nov. 95.
------------------------------
From: jory bell, jory@MIT.EDU
Date: Wed, 19 Jun 1996 16:00:44 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Re: DMC Catalog
>I share "storm_rider's sentiments, I too am happy to hear there are people who
>get the Delorean 1 catalog, I am still waiting for mine, Since Nov. 95.
I am waiting as well, despite 3 orders fom D1. Each time, they said they'd
send a catalog...
- -jory
------------------------------
From: Damien Falato, dgf108@psu.edu
Date: Wed, 19 Jun 1996 16:04:41 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: powder coating wheels
I decided that since the wheels on my restored car had some edge damage
and
the wheels on my salvage car were just badly painted to have the badly
painted wheels redone. A got a quote from one of the parts houses for
having them stripped and powder coated at 200.00 each. Well, that was
just a
bit on the high side for my taste, so I went shopping arround. I am happy
to report that if any one want's the wheels on their DMC stripped and
powder
coated to look like new I can have it done for 250.00 plus shipping for
ALL
4 WHEELS. That's a heck of a lot better than 800.00 total plus shipping.
(oh yea, needless to say, I'm having it done.)
If any one want's to have their wheels redone contact me.
The next message I post should contain a series of used parts for sale and
on hand.
------------------------------
From: mal@hocpa.ho.att.com
Date: Wed, 19 Jun 1996 17:27:35 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: 5 speed AND video.
Ut-oh! Well, it used to be that when I would shift hard and quickly from
first into second I would get some gear grind. This did not happen that
often, usually when I was at a light next to some punk in a Mustang. The
Twin turbo V6 gives the 5.0 a run for their money!
Anyway, last weekend it started to grind all of the time! under "normal"
driving condition the gears grind when I go into second. If I slowly and
gently ease the stick in to second, it kinda of falls in to place, but
otherwise I get a loud grind. Not only is this going to destroy my
gears,
but the loud grinding noise is not cool when cruising at the beach!
So, any ideas on why this would happen? Any one else have this problem?
I
would guess it is a problem with the syncro's in the trans. We talking
big
bux here? PJ Grady has a backlog of a few months, so I thought of taking
it
to the local trans shop. What kind of trans does the D have? I don't
know
if I want to do this though, any time I bring a car to a trans shop, it
comes out worse than it went in..... "Feeler Gauge? What's that??" or
"We
don't need no stinking torque wrench!" What a bunch of buttheads!
And also, Has anyone tried the new .ZIP version of the delorean
commercial?
I still cant get it to work!! Al of the quicktime movies from other
sites
work fine, so I don't think it is a problem with my viewer. I am using
QuickTime (32-bit) 2.1.1.57 from Apple under Windows NT. I can watch
Bevis
and Butthead on it, but not Delorean!!
Thanks,
Marc
malevy@lucent.com
------------------------------
From: michael richard pack, mrpack@wam.umd.edu
Date: Wed, 19 Jun 1996 17:56:15 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: New chapter in D.C area
We are considering the "start-up" of a chapter here in the Balt/Wash D.C.
area. Any interest out there?
There is a Mid-Atlantic DMC newsletter.
write to:
Pete Zoller
ph.(215) 297-8087
4520 Toll Gate Road
New Hope PA 18938
or
Aldo Buono
515 W. Chelten Ave., Suite1009
Philadelphia PA 19144
Mike Pack
------------------------------
From: Blarness@aol.com
Date: Thu, 20 Jun 1996 09:21:55 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: How to clean
Hello all,
So far I've washed my DMC every four days since I bought it. The car is
great condition but there are a few very very minute details in the
stainless
that I would like to remove.
I wash with soap and hot water keeping it wet until I am finished with the
entire car.
I wash *with* the grain.
I also have to scrub like crazy to remove finger prints!
The owners manual says to use a common kitchen scotchbrite pad (or
something
like that) for slight blemishes. Wouldn't the area you scrubbed be
brighter
that the rest of the car? I'm afraid to do this because I don't want to
have
to do the WHOLE car to avoid a shiney spot.
What do you recommend I do for things like discolorations and such on the
stainless?
Thanks again!
- -C2
------------------------------
From: Marvin S.Sterling, marv930@ix.netcom.com
Date: Thu, 20 Jun 1996 09:29:22 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Re: 5 speed AND video.
Sounds like your clutch is not completely releasing. Check you fluid
level ... do you have the original clutch line or has it been upgraded to
the steel braided line ? The original clutch line was plastic and in high
ambient heat balloned making gear changes near impossible.
Good luck,
Marv Sterling vin 16000
------------------------------
From: Chase Clark, stormrider@socketis.net
Date: Thu, 20 Jun 1996 09:29:54 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Seeking Reference List & '81 Radios
I have had a few fellow DeLorean owners inform me that they are looking
for
a couple of items and wanted to let everyone else know about this, just
in
case you have want they need.
I know of at least two people wanting to obtain an original Craig radio
unit for the 1981 DeLorean. If you have one you'd like to part with, say
so
here or drop me a line and I'll forward the messages to the prospective
buyers.
Also, The Tri-State DeLorean Owners Club and Tom Long have created a
cross-reference list. I believe Tom Long is a member of this mailing list,
and since I don't have his email address handy, I wanted to ask him to
post
info on the cost of the list and how to obtain it. I have a copy of it
(and
NO I can't redistribute it to others), but it is about a year or two old
so
I figured the contact info may be out of date by now.
~ Chase
------------------------------
From: Rob Hook, mail06754@pop.net
Date: Thu, 20 Jun 1996 09:49:29 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: RE: 5 speed AND video.
I haven't been able to get the DeLorean commercial to work either. I
tried on a brand-new laptop with a brand-new installation of the
quicktime viewer. James generally doesn't like supporting the WIntel
group (from what I've gathered) so it'll probaby be a while before it's
fixed. I've got a few friends who are into Macs and Amigas (which have
Mac emulators) so I'll see if I can get someone to try to convert it for
me. If I can get it to work, I'll send it to James to post.
- --Rob Hook
------------------------------
From: mikasa, mikasa@goodnet.com
Date: Thu, 20 Jun 1996 10:04:31 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Windoze version of Commercial
>laptop with a brand-new installation of the quicktime viewer. James
>generally doesn't like supporting the WIntel group (from what I've gathered)
Well, I guess I can't argue when it's the truth, huh?
I will say that I know and love the Mac, always have and always will. I
have far too many irons in the fire to expend a great deal of energy on
this Windoze version of the commercial. If anyone in the Windoze world
would like to digitize the commercial and forward it to me, I would be
more than willing to post it on the web page. I've been led to believe
that most of the subscribers to the DML are Windows users, certainly
someone out there is willing to do this for the rest of their Windows
brethren.
James
------------------------------
From: Dan Barrans, dbarrans@newtech.net
Date: Thu, 20 Jun 1996 10:54:51 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Re: Windoze version of Commercial
On Thu, 20 Jun 1996 10:04:31 -0400 (EDT),
mikasa@europe.std.com, mikasa@goodnet.com wrote about Windoze version of
Commercial:
> >laptop with a brand-new installation of the quicktime viewer. James
> >generally doesn't like supporting the WIntel group (from what I've
gathered)
>
> Well, I guess I can't argue when it's the truth, huh?
>
> I will say that I know and love the Mac, always have and always will. I
> have far too many irons in the fire to expend a great deal of energy on
> this Windoze version of the commercial. If anyone in the Windoze world
> would like to digitize the commercial and forward it to me, I would be
> more than willing to post it on the web page. I've been led to believe
> that most of the subscribers to the DML are Windows users, certainly
> someone out there is willing to do this for the rest of their Windows
> brethren.
Windows? What windows? Seriously, though, I'm neither a Mac or Windows
user (at home, anyway). Several Amigas and a BeBox, but I haven't figured
out a way to even try to look at this stuff yet. No, I'm not likely to do
what it takes to make my Amiga run a Mac emulator.
It makes it a bit difficult to look at either Mac-specific or
Windows-specific
anim file formats, although I've got image file formats pretty well
covered.
I guess the same character flaw that makes me like ususual cars makes me
like off-beat computers. :-)
- - dan
------------------------------
From: ausmith@pdx.oneworld.com
Date: Thu, 20 Jun 1996 12:39:20 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Lock
Anyone have an idea why a door lock won't stay unlocked? It's not
the solenoid because it isn't activated. When I shut the drivers door
I have to use the key to open it, or reach through the window and push
the rocker. Seems to be a linkage that needs adjusting, but which?
Thanks,
Chris
------------------------------
From: Chase Clark, stormrider@socketis.net
Date: Thu, 20 Jun 1996 13:23:10 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Re: Lock
> Anyone have an idea why a door lock won't stay unlocked? It's not
>the solenoid because it isn't activated.
Chris:
Ah, ignore my earlier email to you about this problem. Definitely appears
to be a latch or linkage problem. Open the door and lock it, then unlock
it, and inspect the latches to see which one is remaining locked. On my
car
it was the back latch that wasn't releasing and I did have to undo and
adjust the length of the linkage to the latch. The door wasn't "locked,"
it
just wouldn't open. In your case it does sound like the lock linkage is
too
tight or loose.
If you have a copy of the parts manual, it shows the inner workings of the
door. I got some printed instructions on how to adjust the linkages when I
purchased my car. I'll send them out your way today via snail mail and you
can go through the whole system piece by piece if you want.
~ Chase
------------------------------
From: Mike Substelny, SUBSTEM@cesmtp.ccf.org
Date: Thu, 20 Jun 1996 14:09:32 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Start inhibit / door latch woes: how embarrassing
This week I discovered that DML regular Rob Hook and I
work just a couple miles apart. Yesterday after work I picked
him up in my DeLorean and we went out for a beer. Two very
embarrassing things happened.
1) The car would not start.
2) The driver's door would not close.
Both problems happened at a very bad moment. Rob and I
were parked right in front of DeLorean Cadillac, where they
have five steeply sloped parking spaces right along the side
of West 117th Street. While we peered into the DeLorean
garage windows (it was after hours) a few passers-by noticed
the car, and undoubted got the momentous significance of it
being parked there. All eyes were on us when we went to
leave (an exaggeration, but in my egocentric mind they
were). Then the engine wouldn't start and the door wouldn't
close!
The starting problem was obviously electrical, so we began
to jiggle random relays, and instantly it started. The culprit
turned out to be the "start inhibit" relay. Why would my car
have a relay to inhibit starting, anyway?
I checked the wiring diagram, and it looks like the "start
inhibit" relay is there to make sure that automatic trans cars
can only start in park or neutral. The puzzler is that my car
is a FIVE SPEED! Can anyone please tell me why I have
that defective piece of Lucas #%&@ inhibiting me? Could all
of us five-speeders get along without it?
The door problem was weird. After slamming it repeatedly
and messing with both latches we discovered that the entire
door was resting too far back in its frame. Immediate
solution: park the car in a level place. Then the door closed
perfectly, but only after some slamming damage to both
latch mechanisms (ouch!). Can anyone suggest a
permanent solution?
My car may have had the door problem for years, I just never
noticed because I never parked it facing uphill before.
Comments / advice / sympathy appreciated
- -Mike Substelny
------------------------------
From: ATMorgan1@aol.com
Date: Thu, 20 Jun 1996 15:54:29 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Help! No more 5-speeds?
I have an 82 delorean that is a five speed manual. Last week while
driving
for some unknown reason I lost control of my transmission. When I took
it to
my mechanic he told me the whole transmission needed to be replaced. Can
somebody tell me where to get another five speed transmission or a cross
over
transmission. Someone told me that No more transmissions are available in
this country. What does this mean for me and any other delorean owner.
How
can I keep a car that I can't find a transmission for. Please help
ATM
------------------------------
From: mikasa, mikasa@goodnet.com
Date: Thu, 20 Jun 1996 16:31:04 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: 5 speed transmission
What in the world is wrong with your transmission that would require it's
replacement? Are you sure this mechanic knows what he's talking about?
Assuming that is does need replacement...no more transmissions? That's a
new one to me...first I'd call KAPAC, and if they say there are no more,
then I might believe it. If that's the case, then I'd call Rob Grady,
he's a transmission guru from what I understand.
Let us know what develops...
James
------------------------------
From: Chase Clark, stormrider@socketis.net
Date: Thu, 20 Jun 1996 16:31:18 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Re: Start inhibit relay
>The starting problem was obviously electrical, so we began
>to jiggle random relays, and instantly it started. The culprit
>turned out to be the "start inhibit" relay. Why would my car
>have a relay to inhibit starting, anyway?
>
>I checked the wiring diagram, and it looks like the "start
>inhibit" relay is there to make sure that automatic trans cars
>can only start in park or neutral. The puzzler is that my car
>is a FIVE SPEED! Can anyone please tell me why I have
>that defective piece of Lucas #%&@ inhibiting me? Could all
>of us five-speeders get along without it?
Mike:
I've got an '81 DeLorean that is 5-speed manual myself. Descibe to me
where the start inhibit relay is and I'll check to see if mine has it and
if there have been any obvious modifications made in its generalk area of
influence?
English are not good electricians (hence, their love of WARM beer) and it
probably was wired up for all cars and no one thought about how
unneccessary it should be for a stick shift DeLorean. I'd keep the relay
installed, but try to replace it with a Bosch component.
~ Chase
BTW, occasional embarrassment is common when driving a British sports car.
Get used to it. No matter how methodical you be at maintainign the car,
something will periodically break down unexpectedly at all the wrong times.
------------------------------
From: Chase Clark, stormrider@socketis.net
Date: Thu, 20 Jun 1996 17:01:11 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Re: How to clean
>The owners manual says to use a common kitchen scotchbrite pad (or
>something like that) for slight blemishes. Wouldn't the area you scrubbed be
>brighter that the rest of the car? I'm afraid to do this because I don't
>want >to have to do the WHOLE car to avoid a shiney spot.
>
>What do you recommend I do for things like discolorations and such on the
>stainless?
Good questions. Considering my car is painted SS304 I don't have any of
these problems. But I'd be most interested in the answers for use in the
Common Faults FAQ which is slowly coming about on my hard drive.
~ Chase
------------------------------
From: ausmith@pdx.oneworld.com
Date: Thu, 20 Jun 1996 17:06:08 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Re: Help! No more 5-speeds?
Don't listen to anyone untill you've checked yourself.
Someone posted a list of suppliers recently and will probably send it
to you. DON'T PANIC! Everything is out there.
Try Daryl at
Specialty Automotive
PO Box 11323
4031 forest Park St.
Olympia, WA 98508
Ph/FAX 360-867-0551
Good Luck,
Chris
------------------------------
From: Howard Breinan, breinan@ortho.bwh.harvard.edu
Date: Thu, 20 Jun 1996 17:31:02 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: selling DeLorean
I have just joined this list because I have inherited a DeLorean and am
interested in selling it. Any advice? Where to advertise? What about
the car do I need to find out? How to base it's value?
What I know so far: I think it is an '81. It has basically been
garaged since '86 or so. It is being stored in Connecticut (about 45
min. from Hartford or New Haven). I am in Boston, about 2 hours away.
It was originally driven in Texas (still registered there).
I will be tracking this list in digest form.
Howie Breinan
breinan@ortho.bwh.harvard.edu
------------------------------
From: mikasa, mikasa@goodnet.com
Date: Thu, 20 Jun 1996 17:49:19 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Range of cars built in DEC 81
I own an '82 DeLorean, #10570, with a build month of DEC 81, I would like
to determine, as close as possible, what the range of cars is for that
month. Another subscriber here online owns #10410, also with a build
date of DEC 81, does anyone have an '82 with a VIN earlier that #10410 or
later than #10570 that was built in DEC 81? Thanks!
James
------------------------------
From: Guy V.Boutet, guy.delor@sympatico.ca
Date: Thu, 20 Jun 1996 19:26:30 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: New owner
Hello everyone,
I am the new owner of the 1981 V.I.N. 004155 and I want to thank James
(for his mailing list), Chase, Wolfie, Eric H. and Rene F. for all the
information they provided me in order for me to make sure I won't regret
my purchase in spite of its numerous problems.
I would never have bought such a car without all the help that I found
from the mailing list and the guys above mentioned. My hope is that I
will be able to keep my beauty in nice shape thanks to all the fixes I
found and I will surely find in the future from all of you.
My car is a 5-speed with 13K miles (???) and I have began to have some
repairs on it, e.g. clutch, A/C, cooling system, catalyst, etc....
(interior and exterior are nice). However I pretend I will love it more
and more...
Thanks again!
Guy V. Boutet
Quebec City (Canada)
------------------------------
From: Blarness@aol.com
Date: Fri, 21 Jun 1996 09:51:26 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Exhaust Gasket Blown...Help !
I blew out an exhaust manifold gasket on the drivers side and it makes an
annoying (read embarrassing) ticking sound when I drive.
The guy at the muffler shop that found the leak for me (I couldn't get
under
the car at home) suggested I replace them by loosening the nuts on the
manifold enough to pull the gaskets out and cut slots in the new ones and
drop them in place.
This sounds like a good idea but I'm afraid I can't clean the surfaces
very
well using this method. With only 21K on the car should I be concerned
about
this method and has anyone else had to do this?
To change this I'll need to get my hands on a set of driver's side exhaust
manifold gaskets, and a manual to give me the correct torque specs and
tightening sequence.
I went to NAPA and they had NO reference for Delorean exhausts. What
cross
references this engine and manifold makeup, and where can I purchase
Delorean
gaskets?
- -C2
------------------------------
From: SCiszek@aol.com
Date: Fri, 21 Jun 1996 09:51:44 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: The first DeLorean?
>Well, I went to the Crawford auto museum here in Cleveland today to see
>the first DeLorean ever sold (#500).
>Rob:
>I was under the impression that the first DeLorean sold was VIN#649. If
>this can be proven to be incorrect than I would like to know since it
>would
>mean my car was the 1029th produced for sale instead of one of the first
>thousand like I have been claiming to admirers. How about it Dave and
>Knut?
>~ Chase
I've done a little research into this topic and although I have no
definitive answer as to which was the first sold (only my opinion) here is
what I have come up with..
Cars VIN# 1-500 were early production cars used in crash tests at
Belfast not meant for sale, only for evalutaion and some for display since
the doors fit very poorly. This was because the doors were tooled on
substandard machinery as the correct equipment had not yet been shipped to
the factory from the United States. Heres some other interesting info:
VIN#500 was produced on January 21, 1981 and the last DeLorean ever
produced
was VIN# 20104 built on December 24,1982.
Cars VIN# 520-648 were used as test vechicles by the DOT and EPA and
subsequently dissasembeled or destroyed after their test runs. What
happened
to the undocumented numbers 501-519?
This leaves car VIN# 649 to be the first car to be produced for sale
in
the 1981 model year. The information leads me to believe that while
VIN#500
might have been sold, it could also have been just a showroom car with the
sticker on it to inform potential buyers yet not meant for sale. Thus
VIN#649
in my opinion would be the first DeLorean produced for sale.
- Scott Ciszek
------------------------------
End of dmcnews-digest V2 #130
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