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Monday, 6 May 1996 Volume 02 : Number 109
In this issue:
The DeLorean Tapes - the movie!
DeLorean 3D object
Fuel Octane Opinion
Receivership DeLoreans
Delorean and the Web
My Clarification
Auto-Bleed Kit????
Re: DMC in a Motorola ad
Performing recalls -Vs- value
Personal (Attn: Mr. Anthony Wolf)
To: Damien Falato - Re: Luggage Rack
#0281 Leave It Like It Is
Placement of LH Coolant Hose
Dealer Ads
REPLACEMENT SHOCKS
RE: #0281 Leave It Like It Is
FW: OIL PRES./FUEL DISTRIBUTOR/SPARK PLUGS
Clutch fluid loss
Upholstery
Hello, model advice
----------------------------------------------------------------------
From: dmcnews-approval
Date: Fri, 03 May 96 13:49:15 -0400
Subject: The DeLorean Tapes - the movie!
Did you know there's a movie version of the DeLorean
Tapes book? At least that
appears to be implied at
http://www.foresight.co.uk:80/pvl/grave/contents/maker
s/danny.html
Good luck finding a copy of that one! :)
- --Rob Hook
------------------------------
From: dmcnews-approval
Date: Fri, 03 May 96 13:45:08 -0400
Subject: DeLorean 3D object
I remember someone on the list asking about a DeLorean
3D object some time ago.
I did find three yesterday but they are not free. They are
made by a place
called ViewPoint Datashop which does nothing but make
3D objects. The objects
range from a $99 version with 1300 points and 1457
polygons up to a $395
version with a total of 11803 points and 13088 polygons.
None of the objects
appear to have the rear louvres or any detail in the grill.
They also appear
to have late 81 style hoods with no gas flaps but creases.
This place makes
extremely good models. I was browsing their pictures of
objects and recognized
a few of them from local television commercials. I'd
consider buying the $99
version but I haven't had time to do any rendering in
several years. It would
be neat to have though. If you want to check the DeLorean
object out, you can
do so at
http://www.viewpoint.com/cgi-bin/datashop/nfshow?tvc
&VP1450:+Delorean+80&1450&11803&13088&1&395
- --Rob Hook
------------------------------
From: stormrider(AT)socketis.net (Chase Clark)
Date: Thu, 2 May 1996 20:33:04 -0600
Subject: Fuel Octane Opinion
I know there previously has been some discussion about what octane rating
to use in the DeLorean DMC-12. Now I think I'll add my two cents worth. 87
octane unleaded may be fine by the manual, but I have never used less than
91 octane and would not recommend that anyone use less than the highest
octane fuel available in their respective area.
I recently added a bottle of Berryman fuel additive to boost the octane
above 91 and see what I thought of it as I have always felt the engine is
not as smooth as it could be. Sure enough, I noticed an improvement in its
"purring" almost immediately. Even with the skyrocketing cost of fuel
right
now, I'll stick with premium unleaded and likely will start adding octane
boost additives (or possibly airplane fuel) to it on a regular basis.
No fluid is too good for my baby, especially when you consider I drive her
everyday and she is my sole transportation until at least next winter.
~ Chase
------------------------------
From: dmcnews-approval
Date: Thu, 2 May 1996 21:30:15 -0400
Subject: Receivership DeLoreans
When DeLorean was facing both a glut of cars and on-going cash flow
problems
Budget Rent-A-Car offered a plan to buy 1,000 DeLoreans, which they would
rent for $60 a day (1982 dollars). The deal was struck down as DMC
feared it
would damage the buying market (when they would be sold to the public in
the
fall of 1982) just when it was projecting that the DMC-12 was going to
increase in list price [with the bonus of a 12-month 12,000 warranty.]
Consolidated International, Inc of Columbus, Ohio headed by Sol Shenk
injected much needed cash by buying 1,174 Deloreans initially (April/May
1982) then 200 more a week later for $12,500 each. The plan was DMC,
were it
successful, could buy them back for $13,500. When DeLorean finally
collapsed
Consolidated bought the remaining inventory of 1,041finished and 53 in
process (making the total # acquired 2,487) for $1.25 million.
Consolidated also purchased the entire remaining supply of Bricklins when
they went into receivership (1975/76). Sol Shenk who admired DeLorean and
tried (somewhat) to help continue "the dream" died at the age of 83 on
September 1, 1994.
Peter Hayes Millen
Fhals(AT)aol.com
------------------------------
From: stormrider(AT)socketis.net (Chase Clark)
Date: Thu, 2 May 1996 20:23:15 -0600
Subject: Delorean and the Web
Lo and behold, the DeLorean is developing more and more of a presence on
the ever so popular World Wide Web. I checked a browser tonight to see how
many places mention "delorean" and it camme back with a list of 82 places.
I thought of printing it here, but then decided why waste the space when
the majority of you should hjave no problem doing a search of your own.
And to think I can remember back in October when the same query came back
with only EIGHT responses. Maybe one day I will add to the list and create
my own web page. Some day, yes, but not any time soon I can tell you that.
My '81 DeLorean already occupies all my free time and my girlfriend is
coming abck from college this weekend. So I expect a battle to ensue among
whom gets my attention the most! ;)
~ Chase
------------------------------
From: stormrider(AT)socketis.net (Chase Clark)
Date: Fri, 3 May 1996 18:05:21 -0600
Subject: My Clarification
OK, no one has pointed this out YET, but I thought I would clarify my
statement about possibly never needing to flush the cooling system. Even
IF
this is true, the cooling fluid should still be drained and changed
periodically. More so in aluminum systems than conventional systems
because
chemicals in most antifreeze mixtures can damage the system if left in
there for too long a time. For some reason changing the fluid once a year
prevents the damage from happening, although I am not privy to the
technical explanation for why that is.
~ Chase
------------------------------
From: stormrider(AT)socketis.net (Chase Clark)
Date: Sat, 4 May 1996 00:50:18 -0600
Subject: Auto-Bleed Kit????
A couple of people have mentioned an auto-bleed set-up for the cooling
system on the DeLorean. It doesn't replace the lost fluid, but does bleed
the air out of the water pump and into the overflow tank if I understand
them correctly. However, neither one have this kit and so can't tell me a
lot about it. I am wanting to hear from people who do have this set up on
their DeLorean and what they think of it. If the responses are favorable I
may decide to include this as a recommended update in the Common Faults
List, as well as installing it as a fail safe on my own DeLorean.
Thanks!
~ Chase
------------------------------
From: dmcnews-approval
Date: Fri, 03 May 96 17:13:38 CST
Subject: Re: DMC in a Motorola ad
Motorola ran an ad in the April 1 edition of Electronics Design for
their Global Positioning System electronics which featured the BTTF
DeLorean. The headline was
"GPS from Motorola will take you so far into the future you won't
recognize anyone when you get there. Except us."
It was a nice ad.
BTW, Thanks to those who Emailed info about setting the the dash
clock. Now I don't have to wait until Standard Time to have the
correct time!
Bob Rodgers
VIN #17015
------------------------------
From: "Scott Mueller"
Date: Sat, 4 May 96 12:03:41 UT
Subject: Performing recalls -Vs- value
I have recently put VIN 00281 on the road. I am considering entering my
car
in a show. I was wondering if anyone knows if a car has the recall
performed
on it, is it worth more or less?
Would the car receive a higher or lower score in a show?
My father purchased this car before any were released for production. It
has
been in storage for the last 12 years, and I would say that it is in
excellent
condition.
I have been tinkering with it for the past two years, mostly cleaning up
the
fuel system.
SCOTTAMUELLER(AT)MSN.COM
------------------------------
From: yhamaie(AT)ppp.bekkoame.or.jp
Date: Sat, 4 May 1996 13:52:29 +0900 (JST)
Subject: Personal (Attn: Mr. Anthony Wolf)
Dear Wolfie,
Would you please drop me a line when you read this? I do not think that
my messages have been reaching your mail box lately.
Sincerely, Yoshi
yhamaie(AT)ppp.bekkoame.or.jp
------------------------------
From: ausmith(AT)pdx.oneworld.com
Date: Sat, 4 May 1996 08:09:52 +0000
Subject: To: Damien Falato - Re: Luggage Rack
Damien,
I sent you an e-mail requesting one of the luggage racks, but got no
response, not even a return receipt. I would like to purchase one.
Please tell me where to send the check, and anything else I need to
know. If psu.edu is Portland State in OR I could pick it up.
Thanks,
Chris
------------------------------
From: stormrider(AT)socketis.net (Chase Clark)
Date: Sat, 4 May 1996 10:51:58 -0600
Subject: #0281 Leave It Like It Is
Scott:
You have a "pre" production DeLorean. DeLoreans made for public release
began with numbers VIN#0652 (or there about). You must have one of the
cars
that was made to test the quality of the production line and to train the
workers. DeLoreans made from VIN#500-652 were tested by the U.S.
government
(crash tests, regulation compliance, etc...) and all of these are suppose
to have been destroyed as well.
I own VIN #1529 and drive it everyday, so updating everything is important
to me. In your case, you have a car that was suppose to have been
disassembled by the factory, so I would keep it in original condition. It
should do very well at car shows. If I was you, I would NOT drive this car
very often. If you want a DeLorean as an every day car, there are plenty
for sale all across the U.S. I would consider purchasing or trading for
one
of those rather than risk changing/damaging a pre-production model. Just
my
two cents worth, although, you are welcome to do as you please. It is your
car.
~ Chase
------------------------------
From: stormrider(AT)socketis.net (Chase Clark)
Date: Sat, 4 May 1996 11:55:17 -0600
Subject: Placement of LH Coolant Hose
I keep hearing about air collecting in the top of the water pump and
having
to bleed it out, but so far this has not been the case with my car despite
it having a small radiator leak. I check the overflow tank every time I go
anywhere and usually fill it up once a day or more often. I just tried to
bleed it again and got nothing but green antifreeze. Since this should not
be the case, I got to looking around and realized the main coolant pipe on
the left side of the engine is actually higher in one spot than the top of
the water pump. I believe this is the coolant return pipe and with such
being the case, the air must be building up in there and being forced back
to the overflow tank eventually. At least that is my theory since I don't
really have an overheating problem, just a steady coolant leak.
Maybe I have the only coolant hose that sits up that high. Any others out
there notice the same thing? If not, this may be a simplified fix to air
building up in the pump itself and overheatingf the car.
~ Chase
------------------------------
From: "Eric J. Hennebury"
Date: Sat, 4 May 1996 14:37:32 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Dealer Ads
I just picked up some photocopies of some old Delorean Dealer ads
that someone left for me at the local garage. He is a collector of all
things car related, and when he saw I owned a Delorean, he pulled his
"Delorean file" and left some stuff for me.
I thought people might find some of the article contents
interesting... unfortunately, I don't have a scanner, so I'll just
mention some key points.
Aurora Cars Limited in Richmond Hill Ontario (just north of Toronto here
in Canada) included a schematic style picture of the car with several of
its stats (although I noted that horsepower was not mentioned!). There
ad stated "Brand New 1983 Deloreans Fully Loaded" (I didn't know they
came any other way!) The price was $29,000 , or add $3800 for custom
paint!
Consolidated (now KAPAC) advertised a price of $21,007, a claimed
"$13,000 off the sticker price" for cars from the "entire world inventory
of 1983 Deloreans" (Except those in Richmond Hill I guess!). Last
line... Delorean, The Vanishing Breed.
Gullo Hass Leasing would lease you a Delorean for 48 months at $615 per
month. Not bad.
Well, that's all the stuff I've dug out for now. Happy motoring!
Eric
------------------------------
From: "Scott Mueller"
Date: Sat, 4 May 96 23:59:39 UT
Subject: REPLACEMENT SHOCKS
MY DELOREAN IS VIN 002981 AND HAS BEEN IN STORAGE FOR 12 YEARS.
THE GLOVE BOX LATCH HAS FALLEN APART. ANYONE KNOW WHERE TO GET AN OEM
REPLACEMENT, WHAT OTHER CARS USE THE SAME LATCH?
I THINK MY SHOCKS NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE WHEELS HOP WHEN ACCELERATING
AND
WHEN YOU HIT A BUMP. ANYONE KNOW WHAT THE OEM REPLACEMENT IS? HOW ABOUT
PARTS INTERCHANGE.
SCOTTAMUELLER(AT)MSN.COM
------------------------------
From: "Scott Mueller"
Date: Sat, 4 May 96 23:55:52 UT
Subject: RE: #0281 Leave It Like It Is
>Scott:
>
>You have a "pre" production DeLorean. DeLoreans made for public release
>began with numbers VIN#0652 (or there about). You must have one of the cars
>that was made to test the quality of the production line and to train the
>workers. DeLoreans made from VIN#500-652 were tested by the U.S. government
>(crash tests, regulation compliance, etc...) and all of these are suppose
>to have been destroyed as well.
>
>I own VIN #1529 and drive it everyday, so updating everything is important
>to me. In your case, you have a car that was suppose to have been
>disassembled by the factory, so I would keep it in original condition. It
>should do very well at car shows. If I was you, I would NOT drive this car
>very often. If you want a DeLorean as an every day car, there are plenty
>for sale all across the U.S. I would consider purchasing or trading for one
>of those rather than risk changing/damaging a pre-production model. Just my
>two cents worth, although, you are welcome to do as you please. It is your
>car.
>
>~ Chase
I must have made a typo in my message, my VIN is 002981. I intend to
show
this car, and drive it occasionally. If my car is shown, would I loose
points
on originality by performing the factory recalls?
Thanks SCOTTAMUELLER(AT)MSN.COM
------------------------------
From: "Scott Mueller"
Date: Sat, 4 May 96 23:57:26 UT
Subject: FW: OIL PRES./FUEL DISTRIBUTOR/SPARK PLUGS
I JUST GOT MY DELOREAN ON THE ROAD THIS WEEK (VIN#2981)
THE CAR HAS BEEN IN STORAGE FOR 10 YEARS, I HAVE HAD IT FOR TWO YEARS.
IT WAS
IN EXCELLENT CONDITION WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE FUEL SYSTEM. THE BOOT
AROUND
THE FUEL PUMP HAD TURNED INTO GOO. I REMOVED THE TANK AND CLEANED IT. I
HAD
TO REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP AND BAFFLES, ALONG WITH THE FUEL FILTER. I
FLUSHED
ALL OF THE FUEL LINES AND CLEANED THE INJECTORS IN A ULTRASONIC PARTS
WASHER.
MANY, MANY HOURS OF TINKERING LATER, I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR RUNNING.
ONE LITTLE THING I FOUND THAT MAY SAVE YOU A LOT OF MONEY, IS THAT THERE
IS A
NEEDLE AND SEAT TYPE REGULATOR ON THE FUEL DISTRIBUTOR. BY JUST REMOVING
AND
CLEANING, THIS KEPT ME FROM HAVING TO REPLACE THE FUEL DISTRIBUTOR. A
DELOREAN PARTS SUPPLIER TOLD ME THAT THERE WERE NO USER SERVICEABLE
COMPONENTS
ON THE FUEL DISTRIBUTOR AND THAT ONLY REBUILT ONE WERE AVAILABLE FOR
$800. A
FRIEND OF MINE, SPOKE WITH A BUDDY OF HIS AT BOSCH. THE ORIGINAL FUEL
DISTRIBUTOR IS STILL MANUFACTURED UNDER THE PART NUMBER BOSCH FD46X AND
IS
AVAILABLE FOR $550 WHOLESALE.
SPARK PLUG INTERCHANGE
BOSCH HR6DS (ORIGINAL)
MOTORCRAFT AGF12
AUTOLIGHT 103
CHAMPION 304 (R59YC)
MY NORMAL OIL PRESSURE AT IDLE IS 40 PSIG, HIGH RPM IT IS 60 PSIG.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO REPLY DIRECTLY
MY EMAIL IS
SCOTTAMUELLER(AT)MSN.COM
------------------------------
From: ssykes(AT)cygnus.rsabbs.com (Scott Sykes)
Date: Sat, 4 May 1996 20:35:12 -0400
Subject: Clutch fluid loss
I am losing clutch fluid at a good clip. A puddle forms at the rear
between
the wheels. I can refill the system and the clutch works fine until the
fluid
level drops too low.
What is the most likely cause? How difficult/expensive is the repair.
Any comments would be appreciated.
BTW, the car is running great since the new fuel distributor was put in.
The
Bosch FD35X worked just as promised!
Thanks,
Scott Sykes
ssykes(AT)rsabbs.com
------------------------------
From: Ed Huckins
Date: Sun, 05 May 1996 20:18:44 -0700
Subject: Upholstery
Chase,
Thanks for the info about upholstery design. I will try to call DeLorean
Motor Center to see what they say these days. I had an absolutely
outrageous price for a full set of covers from another place but it
literally made me speechless it was so high. I know leather dries out if
not fed regularly, so the
originals would certainly be too dry to bother with. However I have had
leather seats in my last two cars (before DMC) and as long as I fed it
there
was only the problem of the stitching starting to burst when the old
cotton
thread rots. This time I may specify dacron thread, such as the kind I
get at
my neighborhood sail loft. If I couple that with the best sun control I
can
manage, I figure the new seats should last a long time. My mechanic says I
can drop in a set of used Ricaros for less than the upholstery price, so
that is an option too. However, I much prefer the stock stuff.
I'll pipe up again when I get further in the search. Thanks---Cindy
------------------------------
From: hutch(AT)wantree.com.au (Trevor Hutchison)
Date: Mon, 6 May 1996 11:56:06 +0800
Subject: Hello, model advice
Hello everybody. Just thought I'd introduce myself. My name is Trevor
Hutchison and I'm a multimedia designer from Perth, Western Australia. I
became interested in the DeLorean vehicle after seeing one in the state's
car museum! I suspect there are only about 5 DeLoreans in Australia (this
is a guess) both right-hand-drive and LHD. Since I've barely even SEEN the
vehicle, my input may be limited, but I'm keen to find out as much as I
can.
I can offer advice on the model kit though:
Rob Hook writes:
>The exterior of the model is meant to be
>painted with Testor's Model Master paint Stainless Steel metalizer.
>This does NOT give the brushed affect of the DeLorean's SS304 but
>he says the models look
>pretty good anyway. It is entirely possible that the
>metalizer could be
>brushed with steel wool pads or something giving the
>model the brushed
>appearance.
I've used this paint on the BTTF DeLorean kit and I used a really fine
sand
paper to give the brushed affect, which I think was quite effective.
Trevor Hutchison
------------------------------
End of dmcnews-digest V2 #109
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