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Tuesday, June 17 1997 Volume 02 : Number 253
In this issue:
DML: Seat belt light
DML: Fuel Filter
DML: Ducellier Alternators
DML: Fwd: ABE want matches
Re: DML: Windshield Replacement Advice?
Re: DML: Valve covers.
Re: DML: Clock/radio presets
Re: DML: Easy to replace shocks/struts?
DML: RE: MORE Engine Fans Update
DML: D1/Jim Espey
DML: Destroying cars
Re: DML: Tires
DML: Brakes
Re: DML: Valve covers.
DML: Fuel Pump
DML: Engine swap/Trailing Arm Bolts
DML: 1981 Dmc
DML: heater and a/c system
DML: engine and a/c vacuum
DML: Re: Thermal trip for cooling fans
DML: Midwest Convention Update
DML: '81 FOR SALE
Re: DML: Destroying cars
DML: DMC Items
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Fri, 13 Jun 1997 19:26:09 -0400 (EDT)
From: JSteuben@aol.com
Subject: DML: Seat belt light
Any ideas as to why the seat belt light comes on every time I
hand shift the auto-trannie? Regards, Joe
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 13 Jun 1997 23:55:47 -0400 (EDT)
From: Mpeak@aol.com
Subject: DML: Fuel Filter
Something that I just found out that I thought I'd pass on:
For some reason the style of fuel filter that the Delorean uses has been
recently modified by many, if not all, parts manufacturers. Included
with a
large amount of parts I am having installed was a Bosch 71-036 fuel
filter.
Although this is still the correct filter used on the Delorean, new
models
of this filter have different connectors than ones produced just a few
monthes ago. My mechanic pointed this out to me then went searching for a
brand that still had stock of the filter made a couple of months ago.
This
doesn't quite make sense to me. Does this mean the Delorean fuel filter
will
now become as rare as some of the other parts on the vehicle?
In addition I have heard that Rob Grady says there is a fire risk if the
Bosch filter is not used. How can this be possible Since Bosch no longer
makes the filter with the appropriate attachments, how
will we fix this problem?
Matt Peak
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 13 Jun 1997 23:56:24 -0400 (EDT)
From: Mpeak@aol.com
Subject: DML: Ducellier Alternators
A topic which I don't believe has come up in detail on the list is the
precise reliability of the Ducellier alternators, i.e. exact mileage when
the
alternator quit. I've heard of the Ducellier quiting on the way home from
the dealership (Johnny Carson) but I haven't heard whether anybody has had
remarkable success with the alternator without having it rebuilt.
To throw in my input, my Ducellier has 9,100 miles on it and has been
flawless, but I'm currently replacing it anyway just so I don't have to
worry
about it.
Matt Peak
------------------------------
Date: 6/13/97 10:22 PM
From: Advanced Book Exchange (abe@abebooks.com)
Subject: DML: Fwd: ABE want matches
To James Espey
The following wants have been matched by ABE:
***
Your Want Keywords: delorean;
Has been matched with the following book(s):
- ----------
GRAND DELUSIONS: THE COSMIC CAREER OF JOHN DELOREAN by Levin, Hillel Ny
Viking 1983 1st Edition. Near Fine In Fine Dj. 8vo, Hardcover, 336pp.
(index). Illustrated By B/w Photos. (Keywords: biography automobiles
general motore delorean automobile 1sted illustrated by b/w photos.)
The price of the book is US$ 12.50
Please reference the seller's book # 001199 when ordering.
The seller is CHESTNUT STREET BOOKS
P.O.Box 808 11 W.Chestnut St., Lancaster, PA, U.S.A., 17608-0808.
xtra@voicenet.com. Ph: 717-393-3773. Fax: 717-393-3435. Terms of sale:
All books are sold with a 10-day guarantee; money back if not as
described. Payment may be by Check, Money Order, VISA or Mastercard. PA
residents please add 6% retail sales tax. Shipping (4th Class/Book Rate)
is included in the book's price. For UPS or Priority Mail, please add $
3.00. Foreign shipments add $ 3.00 (Surface Rate), $ 4.00 to Pacific Rim;
inquire as to Air Shipment costs.
http://www.abebooks.com/cgi/abe.exe/routera^_pr=oi^_ph=1^_bi=2105366
This mail was created 06/13/1997 12:55:04 PM and postmarked 06/13/1997
01:54:59 PM
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 13 Jun 1986 22:44:31 -0700
From: Lee Seiler (lseiler@ccnet.com)
Subject: Re: DML: Windshield Replacement Advice?
At 11:58 PM 6/12/97 -0400, you wrote:
>I am interested in finding out what people are paying for new windshields
>since mine has a crack in it too!!
>
>
>
Hi Chittium,
I just purchased a new OEM windshield and new rearview mirror.
Hear are the figures:
1 ea #110076 Windshield Delorean OEM "NEW"" $496.40
1 ea #Dioi976 Mirror w/ Pad OEM "NEW" $ 6.97
shipping, insurance and tax $121.75
total for order $625.12
hope this helps....
Lee
VIN#5927
lee@ccnet.com
Tel: (510) 649-9118 Fax: (510) 848-7613
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 13 Jun 1986 22:56:27 -0700
From: Lee Seiler (lseiler@ccnet.com)
Subject: Re: DML: Valve covers.
At 11:41 AM 6/13/97 -0400, you wrote:
> Well, an attempt to fix some leaky exhaust manifold gaskets has
>resulted in the removal of the engine from my car (the only way I could
>get enough clearance to extract the broken studs. By the way, engine
>removal was not nearly as scary as I thought, although I'm sure I'll have
>some neat stories to tell by the time I complete re-installation.
> Since I have the engine out, I've been doing a little clean up as
>well. I've noticed that in the brochures, the valve covers on the engine
>are black, but mine are raw aluminum. I'm curious if anyone else has
>black valve covers (I'm toying with the idea of powder coating them, but
>I'd rather not deviate too far from stock). Also, if anyone has
>suggestions as to how to clean the oxidization off of the valve covers to
>restore that "new" look, I'd love to hear them.
>Thanks in advance,
>Eric
>
>
Hi Eric,
There are two general ways to do both clean the valve covers and
make them black.
1. Cleaning: Glass bead cleanung is the best as far as I know.
THis
process cleand the cover doen to raw un oxidized metal. the finish with
out
further treatment will be a fine jewel like luster.
2. Getting black: the only way I know of is "Black-anodizing"
(spl).
This method puts a chemical oxidization on the raw metal that prevents any
further oxidization, protects the metal from other air born damage and
improves cooling. Pains and even epoxy finishes are all just surface
coatings and will begin to break down as they cure. none of the home
methods
including all popular rust controle pains and nostrums will be very
effective.
I am having mine done this fall just befor the winter rains start.
hope this was of some help.....
Lee
VIN#5729
lee@ccnet.com
Tel: (510) 649-9118 Fax: (510) 848-7613
------------------------------
Date: Sat, 14 Jun 1997 01:40:16 -0700
From: "Marvin S. Sterling" (marv930@ix.netcom.com)
Subject: Re: DML: Clock/radio presets
James Espey wrote:
>
> > A quick, silly question. How the heck do you set the clock/radio
> >presets? I've the ASI radio (I think, it's got the DMC logo on the
> >cassette door and the digital display in the face, not the door like
> >the Craigs do.)
> > I've played with the buttons etc. etc. for a while and don't have
> >a manual for the radio. (Does anyone have a manual for it?)
>
> Setting the ASI clock:
>
> See the two little holes underneath the cassette door to the left and
> right? Insert a straightened paperclip in the left-most hole to set
> hours, and the right-most hole for minutes.
>
> Station presets:
>
> I don't have my car with me today, but if memeory serves, this is the
> procedure. Others please feel free to correct me if I'm wrong. Tune in
> the station you want, then press and hold the button on the right side of
> the stereo (PRG?) until the display flashes, then press the preset button
> you want to use for that station.
>
> James
- ----------------------------------
Nope - ASI - tune in the station - there is a memory button on upper
right of face - press in memory button and a little light goes on -
press the button you want for the station and the little light will go
out and that's it.
Marv
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 12 Jun 1997 19:12:03 -0400
From: DMC12 (DMC12@prodigy.net)
Subject: Re: DML: Easy to replace shocks/struts?
Starman wrote:
> Hi all,
> I'm looking to get my shocks and struts replaced. Should this be
> something that local places can do? I really don't wnt to bother Rob in LI
> for a simple job like this; I'd rather go up there for more important
> things. Can anyone (epsicially in NJ) tell me if they've had good
> experiences with local places or chains working on their suspension?
> Thanks.
> Mike
The font and rear shocks/struts are very basic units and any shop
should be able to replace them with no problem(as long as you bring the
shocks) I am a mechanic in East Brunswick N.J.
Doug Venner
83 DeLorean
78 MG Midget
------------------------------
Date: Sat, 14 Jun 97 10:48:39 -0600
From: David Swingle (dswingle@enteract.com)
Subject: DML: RE: MORE Engine Fans Update
Phillip wrote:
>Date: Thu, 12 Jun 1997 21:36:47 -0400 (EDT)
>From: Phillip124@aol.com
>Subject: Re: DML: RE: Engine Fans Update
>I connected the sockets that you told me to, but the fans still work the
>same way as they did with the original relay. They run for 1 minute and shut
>off,then they try to come on several times, but they never run for more than 2
>seconds. [snip}
>Thank You (I'll try to stay on the freeway when I drive this car for now)
>Phillip vin 7134
Based on your description, this sounds a lot to me like the thermal trip
instead of the temperature sensor. Since you still had the fan fail relay
(the blue one that you replaced with the jumper), I'd suspect that you
still have all the Lucas relays AND the two fan thermal trip breakers
that are too small. There is a relay update kit available from the
Delorean Suppliers that covers it all, and is real handy if you don't
want to chase down all of the individual components. Ther are a lot of
references to this in prior issues of the DML.
The thermal trip breakers are located between the fuse block and the
relays. They are little boxy things about an inch square and 1/2 " thick,
with two spade leads or screw lugs. They are for the heater and cooling
fans, and were originally 35 and 25 amps and should have been upgraded
long ago to 40 and 30 respectively. Normally the cooling fan breaker is
the one to the left, but they may be installed either way. Mine were
reversed from the "norm" because during the upgrade someone switched them
around to make room for the wiring. The one you are looking for should
have brown/orange and brown/black wiring. For a quick test you can jumper
the appropriate one, but don't leave them his way. Use a FAT (not the
little clippie things from Radio Shack) jumper wire, these carry a lot of
current. If the breaker is failing, you may notice that the leads are
starting to appear to pull out of the breaker due to the melting of the
case. This is hard to describe, if you have a fax machine available send
me your number privately and I'll send you an illustration on Monday.
The fans will come on with the A/C, but only if the freon charge is up
enought to engage the compressor, and only when the compressor is
running.
Dave Swingle
dswingle@enteract.com
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 15 Jun 1997 04:00:52 -0400 (EDT)
From: michael richard pack (mrpack@wam.umd.edu)
Subject: DML: D1/Jim Espey
Hello
I would like to thank Jim Espey for the support! I'm still shocked that
some of the adults that are Delorean related act like immature children.
As for the rest of us, we can enjoy our DeLoreans if they're in great
shape or not, and know that if we have to ask a question someone from this
great list will respond without incident.
I only use the DOA for the
magazine. I've sent my membership application to Robin McNeill. He has
started the DeLorean Motor Club with Kjell Myere. The dues are $40.00
annually. After spending time with him in Belfast, Robin and most of the
DeLorean car fan/owners that I meet there are a class act. We talked about
the purpose of DMC, and I would encourage other fans/owners to join.
------------------------------
Date: Sat, 14 Jun 1997 19:33:53 -0400
From: Sean Mullally (mullally@pilot.msu.edu)
Subject: DML: Destroying cars
After reading Marc Levy's post regarding the VINs of the Deloreans
used in BTTF, I was wondering how many of these did Universal Studios
buy up to use in their BTTF movies and ride? Also, does anyone know if
the Delorean smashed by the train in BTTF III was a mockup? I hope so.
I guess my next question pertains not just to Deloreans, but all rare
or classic cars. Does it seem wrong to anyone for someone to purchase
one of these cars simply to destroy it? For example, the current movie
Con Air, in which they drop a vintage mustang (I think?) out of an
airplane, or the classic car sent off the cliff in Thelma and Louise.
Obviously the studios paid for the cars and can legally do whatever they
want with them. But I think of cars like this as works of art. There are
only a certain number and we will never have anymore. Surely no one
would condone buying a Van Gogh just to molest it as a prop in a movie.
What does everyone think about this?
- -Sean Mullally
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 15 Jun 1997 02:09:40 -0400 (EDT)
From: Behrens427@aol.com
Subject: Re: DML: Tires
You do have an interesting point about those tires. Although I am not a
pro
at the automotive world, quite a few auto manufactures do design their
cars
on a specific type of tires. Some tires are actually designed for a
specific
car that comes onto the market. I don't know if John DeLorean did this
with
his car, but if he did, there is a good possibility that a different tire
brand would have some effect on the way the car handles. I would also
like
to know more specifics on this matter, too.
Thomas Behrens, Jacksonville, FL.
Behrens427
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 15 Jun 1997 02:37:37 -0400 (EDT)
From: Buster Bunny (buster@fdt.net)
Subject: DML: Brakes
I'm not an owner yet. Though in my search, I recently test drove
a very nice DeLorean. During my test drive, I noticed that I really had to
stomp on the brakes to get any sort of action out of them. That being the
only DeLorean I've had the opportunity to drive so far, I have no point of
refrence other than the numerous other cars I've driven. Is it normal to
have to apply so much pressure to the brake pedal in a DeLorean or might
there have been some sort of problem with this car. (I'm sure he didn't
have the updated stainless steel brake lines)
I ultimatly decided not to buy the car due to rust on the frame,
so I thought I'd ask how hard and costly it is to get rust on the frame
repaired.
-buster@fdt.net
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 15 Jun 1997 01:45:03 -0400 (EDT)
From: RPET123@aol.com
Subject: Re: DML: Valve covers.
Last winter I had my engine and trany out ,after cleaning with gunk and
other
degreasers,the alum. still looked grungy, I gave up trying to get back the
alum. look,and resorted to painting with a product called Alumablast.It
looks
quite good.i have had people ask how I got the alum so clean.I also
painted
my exaust parts with a high heat paint that I found in hemmings news, I
was
also pleased with the results.
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 15 Jun 97 00:19:17 PDT
From: "Brandon S. Moody" (bsmoody@kih.net)
Subject: DML: Fuel Pump
Can someone explain to me how the fuel pump works?
What I want to know is why doesn't my pump shut
off after turning the key on. Its my understanding that
the pump suppose to come on for a second or 2 then
shut off until you crank the engine. My pump runs anytime
when the key is on. But, on a rare occasion, the pump will
not run until you actually crank the engine ?
Any ideas ?
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 15 Jun 1997 16:25:20 -0400 (EDT)
From: ATMorgan1@aol.com
Subject: DML: Engine swap/Trailing Arm Bolts
I know that the DMC engine is the same used in a european volvo....but
does
this mean that if the DMC motor goes out that one can simply swap (order)
a
motor that fit in the european volvo and put in in your DMC with no
problem....if this can't be done does anybody know why???
Also how do you test to see if your Trailing arm bolts in the rear are any
good or not? I have heard that the arm bolts are one of the big things
that
go out but don't know how to test them....Any help would be appreciated.
ATM
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 15 Jun 1997 04:05:36 -0400 (EDT)
From: michael richard pack (mrpack@wam.umd.edu)
Subject: DML: 1981 Dmc
Make me a resonable offer
The car has a perfect frame and body. Glass and Interior are in excellent
condition. The car needs a new oil binnacle, and valve body and/or drum
for the Auto Trans. I just installed a new Gov Comp.
1981 DMC
Vin is in 6000 series
Automatic
18,9918 mile
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 15 Jun 1997 18:43:33 -0400 (EDT)
From: GunkelWWW@aol.com
Subject: DML: heater and a/c system
In the last days im working on my heater/ac system.
My blower never gives much airflow.
I read some old mailing lists (130-140):
>From: Thomas R.Long, trl2@america.net
>Date: Thu, 4 Jul 1996 23:48:37 -0400 (EDT)
>Subject: A/C Fan Velocity
>
>Burton,
>
>It may be that the A/C blower motor is hooked up backwards and hence
>running the wrong way. Even though it seems to be running fine, there
>will be very little air coming out of the ducts. The DeLorean fan motor
>is hooked up with a different polarity than 90+% of all of the other fan
>motors in the world.
>You can do two things: 1. Reverse the polarity of the feed to the fan.
>This is easily done because the fan is not connected to the car frame
>with mounting bolts. Just connect the hot (12 Volt feed) to the terminal
>where the ground wire is now connected and connect all of the wires that
>were connected to the ground to the formerly "hot" lead going to the fan
>motor.
>2: Replace the fan motor with a Delco 15-895 or a NAPA 6551005 which is
>wired with the same polarity as the original DMC motor and will fit
>perfectly. These motors will fit an '80 Chevrolet Monza.
I cant believe that this could work... but checked it out AND
I CANT BELIEVE IT.......!!!
THE FAN BLOWS LIKE A HURRICANE!!!
Was the factory so stupid to build the cars so???
I'm very happy about such infos and this mailing list!!
Markus from germany
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 15 Jun 1997 18:45:01 -0400 (EDT)
From: GunkelWWW@aol.com
Subject: DML: engine and a/c vacuum
Can someone tell me how long the vacuum for the actuators
must stay after engine turn off?
And how often you can change the mode-switch setting with the engine
not running.
When I turn off the engine I can only two times change the setting.
I have no leak at the mode switch, but maybe somewhere else.
>The engine vacuum is built up in a reservoir tank housed inside the
>drivers
>side rear quarter panel. It has a check valve in the line so as the engine
>revs and the vacuum begins to disappear, the reservoir maintains a steady
>level of operating vacuum. If cars didn't have this the vacuum would never
>stay constant. The turbo charger force feeds air to the engine and as it
>builds momentum, it begins to replace the negative ( vacuum ) atmosphere
I know that also the engine needs the vacuum. If some actuator have a
vacuum leak is this bad for the engine performance?
Markus from germany
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 16 Jun 1997 08:10:06 -0400
From: Mike Substelny (SUBSTEM@cesmtp.ccf.org)
Subject: DML: Re: Thermal trip for cooling fans
Phillip said (about his cooling fans):
> They run for 1 minute and shut off,then they try to come
> on several times, but they never run for more than 2
> seconds.
Dave Swingle responded:
> Based on your description, this sounds a lot to me like
> the thermal trip instead of the temperature sensor.
Dave, I have never seen the original thermal trip circuit
brealers in action. Would they really stop the fans after just
two seconds? I am surprised that cars would ever leave the
factory with such a terrible system built in!
- - Mike Substelny
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 15 Jun 1997 15:15:26 -0400 (EDT)
From: GullWinged@aol.com
Subject: DML: Midwest Convention Update
I have received a number of inquiries into the possibility of a fall
convention for DeLorean enthusiasts at the Lake of the Ozarks in
Missouri. Yes, the 1988 DOA Convention was held at the same place,
although I was in Kansas at the time and knew nothing about it.
There definitely is interest, although a number of valid points and
suggestions were brought to my attention. It is those matters that I am
thinking over right now and hope to choose a path before the the first
week in July. The questions basically center around fall versus spring,
competing against the DOA event, the Lake versus a larger Midwestern city
(i.e. Kansas City, St. Louis or Chicago), and the time available to plan
such an event.
One interesting thing has happened though. A person who I beleive is or
has been a DOA board member wrote me and gave me a lot of insightful info
on the successes and pitfalls of organizing the DOA's annual conventions.
As much as people have been bad-mouthing Ed Bernstein lately, I just
wanted to let everyone know that there are still very helpful and
friendly individuals within the DOA executive board.
Another thing that has amazed me, is that in all the discussions of Ed,
no one has pointed out that he was the one of the, if not THE,
instrumental force behind the founding of the DOA. If for nothing else
than that, he deserves credit as the organization has prospered and
survived for more almost 15 years. BTW, I mostly deal with Rob Grady for
parts and do not belong to the DOA at this point, but I did receive a lot
of advice from Ed when deciding to purchase my car. Well, actually, he
basically recommended I either buy the car and ship it to him for months
of expensive refurbishing or buy a DMC-12 directly from him. But I can't
blame him for trying to make thousands off me as he and John Truscott did
provide valuable info on my fuel system and likely problems I should
check out in other systems before driving it 2,000+ miles from Oregon to
Missouri.
Chase Clark
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 15 Jun 1997 07:40:28 -0700
From: thomkuby@ridgecrest.ca.us (Thom Kuby)
Subject: DML: '81 FOR SALE
Nice Delorean for sale:
1981
all original-no flaws anywhere.
less than 23,000 original miles
California car-excellent condition
$15,000
a real good buy - inquiries to:
thomkuby@owens.ridgecrest.ca.us
For those of you with long, (legal-type) memories...I tried to sell this
car (on this same list) almost two years ago for a friend of mine, who had
a lot of interesting collector cars that he asked me to find buyers
for...I
had the thing sold once, when he changed his mind about selling
anything...well the friend has since died and the estate went into (and
out
of) probate so now the car is available again..the owner's son has asked
me
to try this again. I don't know a whole lot about Deloreans, but this is
a
very nice, clean example as far as I can tell. It was purchased from a
Delorean Club Member initially...Runs strong etc etc. If my price (above)
is way outta line-please tell me...
Geographically, The car is about 3.5hrs Northeast of Los Angeles
For more details, please Email me privately (address above, somewhere)
Thanks
Thom Kuby
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 16 Jun 1997 14:43:53 -0400 (EDT)
From: JSteuben@aol.com
Subject: Re: DML: Destroying cars
Hi Shawn, I work as a cameraman and I have photographed many stunts that
involve destroying vintage cars. My experience has been that the car
that is
actually demolished on film is stripped down, one that has everything of
value
that the camera won't see removed before the stunt. It's not unusual
for a
movie
company to buy 6 or 8 junkers, fix them up enough so that they run and
look
OK
on camera and create a scene where one car drives down a street and
crashes.
By-the way, I understand that it took 3 DeLoreans to create the D car in
Back To The Future.
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 16 Jun 1997 16:46:12 -0400 (EDT)
From: Widdomaker@aol.com
Subject: DML: DMC Items
the following DMC related items are for sale:
Craig Radio $150
Ultra Supreme "Delorean" Car cover - New $480....Selling $290.00
Books: "Delorean" $15.00; "Dream Maker" $15.00
Magazines Original $3.50
Magazines Copies $2.50 - Some rare and hard to find!
All prices do not include shipping
E-mail me with specific request
------------------------------
End of dmcnews-digest V2 #253
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