DeLorean Mailing List - 05/29/96
dmcnews-digest Wednesday, 29 May 1996 Volume 02 : Number 118
In this issue:
Electrics coming back to life??
A/C cycling and cooling fans
Painted Delorean.
Grady's BRG DeLorean
Painted Panels
Rolled DeLorean for sale
Chevy 350 in DMC
Starter Problem & Windows
Gas, any dmcs for sale?
D1 and ....
Without all the Gizmos...
DMC Facilities
Disappearance of Quarks
More on Starter Problem
Common Faults FAQ
DMCs in some recent computer games
Stereo Head Unit
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From: C.I.S.Computer Corporation, ciscorp(AT)primenet.com
Date: Fri, 24 May 1996 12:01:13 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Electrics coming back to life??
Upon purchasing my 1981 DMC-12, I noticed a number of electric switches
that were either erratic or completely non-functional. Over the last few
days,
most of the trouble spots have disappeared. I have seen this sort of
thing in
electronics before, but not to this degree. Is this an indication that
the vehicle was stored for an extended period of time??
Thanks..
Chris P. Rabalais
------------------------------
From: Knut S Grimsrud, Knut_S_Grimsrud(AT)ccm.jf.intel.com
Date: Fri, 24 May 1996 12:23:03 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: A/C cycling and cooling fans
Text item: External Message Header
Eric J.Hennebury, aj532(AT)freenet.toronto.on.ca writes:
> Anyways, now for a tech question... When I put mu a/c on, the
> air blows cold, but my cooling fans cycle constantly at about 5
> second intervals. This seems to occur for as long as the a/c is
> left on. Is this normal? It sure doesn't seem like it should be
> normal. Anyone had this problem. Any Fanzilla owners out there
> care to share their experiences?
The A/C compressor is connected to the cooling fan relay (check your
wiring diagram). Thus, the fans will come on whenever the A/C
compressor does, and the compressor cycles in order to keep the
pressure of the refrigerant up. This is normal behavior although quite
irritating when you drive -- when the compressor and fans all kick in
it nearly brings the car to a stop and you feel a noticeable jerk.
I run the FanZilla module and I really like it. The module is solid
state, so its reliability should be good, and it "soft starts" the
fans one at a time instead of just applying power to the whole
circuit. This reduces the current surge when the fans kick on and
smoothes things out a bit. They also delay slightly when turning off
and they turn off "soft" as well. The module even restores the
function of the fan-fail indicator. Installation is trivial -- simply
pull the old module (or wire jumper workaround) and install the leads
to the unit in the open socket. The unit itself is wedged into an
available space in the relay compartment. Based on my experience with
it over the 1.5 years I would recommend it.
Knut Grimsrud
DOA Chapter 41
------------------------------
From: Marc.A.Levy(AT)att.com
Date: Fri, 24 May 1996 13:01:15 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Painted Delorean.
James Writes:
>Own a painted DeLorean? Wish it was the original stainless? Consider
>this...I would be interested in trading a complete set of excellent
>condition DeLorean body panels and front and rear fascias for your set of
>the same in painted condition. Obviously, logistics would have to be
>worked out, but if this interests you, please respond to me via email at
You may be better off calling the assorted Delorean shops, see if they
have
any old body panels from wrecked cars. If your going to paint the panel
anyway, you can use standard body shop fillers to repair the parts. This
may cost you next to nothing, and you will still have your original
panels
to some day put back on the car, or sell.
About 2 years ago, Rob at PJ Grady said he was going to do this with one
of
the cars he owned. He said it would be painted British Racing Green.
Great
way to make a car out of the junk panels laying around! I don't know if
he
ever did it, I never saw the car. I think green would look pretty good!
Better than the standard Red or White that I have seen.
What are your plans for the car?
Marc
------------------------------
From: Chase Clark, stormrider(AT)sockets.net
Date: Fri, 24 May 1996 13:41:10 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Grady's BRG DeLorean
Marc:
Rob Grady does indeed have a British Racing Green DeLorean, although I
have
never seen it myself (yet). Another person told me that he has turned down
$35,000 for that exact car. I used to own two MG Midgets that were both
the
dark 70s British Racing Green. I hated the color back then, but it seems
to
have grown on me, and I often contemplate changing mine from red to BRG.
~ Chase - 1981 DeLorean VIN#1529
------------------------------
From: Chase Clark, stormrider(AT)sockets.net
Date: Fri, 24 May 1996 13:41:36 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Painted Panels
Marc A. Levy writes...
>You may be better off calling the assorted Delorean shops, see if they have
>any old body panels from wrecked cars. If your going to paint the panel
>anyway, you can use standard body shop fillers to repair the parts. This
>may cost you next to nothing, and you will still have your original panels
>to some day put back on the car, or sell.
James:
I'd have to agree with Marc about this suggestion. One problem with
painted
SS304 panels in my experience is that a number of corners will flake or be
rubbed off. The rear louvre on mine touches the body panels slightly in
two
places around the rear fascia and tends to eventually rub away the paint.
Also the edges around my doors, fuel filler cap and door linkages all tend
to experience flaking of paint. I imagine this will be common on any
painted DeLorean that is driven everyday.
Also, if you do obtain a set of painted panels make sure you know the
exact
paint used so you can buy the same touch-up paint and get a precise
match.(something I forgot to do).
Trading for "stainless" panels is a tempting thought, but I like mine
painted right now. That and I have no way of knowing if any of the panels
wre ever damaged since I am at least the third owner of the car and do not
know when or who painted it.
~ Chase
------------------------------
From: GMA, calvin-gm(AT)granite.mv.net
Date: Sat, 25 May 1996 00:00:22 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Rolled DeLorean for sale
FOR SALE 1981 Delorean
Rolled over, all body panels are damaged. Has run and driven.
Best offer. New Hampshire
------------------------------
From: Magnum, mpeak(AT)ucla.edu
Date: Sat, 25 May 1996 00:00:34 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Chevy 350 in DMC
Marc,
Oddly enough you asked about a Chevy 350 in a Delorean.
Yesterday,
I talked with Don at Delorean Motor Center about what it would take to put
a Chevy 302 or 350 in a Delorean. He told me that basically you only need
a $1200 adapter (plus engine, plus small little things) to mat the engine
to the stock transmission. He then went on to say that he knows of a
person who recently bought a Delorean with a 350 in it, didn't know it had
a 350, wants a PRV-6, and is in the process of selling his car right now.
He wants to get as close to the $17,000 that he paid for it, but would
probably take less (contact Don if you're interested in buying it). Don
went on to tell me that if you're really looking for power, the buick V-6
twin-turbo is the way to go (like in BTTF), boosting the power of the car
up to 600 horsepower! He said that he once drove a car modified like this
all out, smoked the tires in first gear, then blew the transmission in
second. Therefore, he doesn't reccomend any modifications that boost the
car past 300 hp due to the transmission's capacity to handle the power and
the clutch's ability not to slip.
~Matt
mpeak(AT)ucla.edu
------------------------------
From: Chase Clark, stormrider(AT)sockets.net
Date: Sat, 25 May 1996 00:20:32 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Starter Problem & Windows
Well, a few weeks ago I did the starter circuit modification as mentioned
in an early DeLorean Tech bulletin - even though my car never had problems
related to the starter.
Guess what, now it does. A few days ago the starter refused to disengage a
couple of times after the car started. The symptom would go away after
restarting it a couple of times. This happened on two occasions before
today. Now earlier this evening I started it and noticed it hadn't
completely disengaged. I turned the car off numerous times but the starter
kept cranking the engine slowly. I removed the key, tripped the inertia
switch, pulled every fuse from the fuse block and even pulled the wire
jumper that replaces the starter relay, but to no avail. I put the car in
gear and that stopped it, but as soon as it was taken out of gear the
engine started cranking again. So, eventually I had to disconnect the
battery to get the car to stop.
The problem must be electrical since the starter is continually receiving
power after it should disengage. Does anyone have any experience or advice
on this? I do not have wiring diagrams for the starter assembly, nor do I
truly believe my recommended modification caused this, but it may have
triggered it indirectly. It's too late to go back to the old cicrcuit, so
I
must figure this problem out and fix it. Especially, since I don't want my
car taking off in the middle of the night on its own or wearing the
battery
down trying to crank itself.
Oh, while I am here, my passenger side power window no longer works. It
will lower about a half inch and stop. The metal pipe that sticks up looks
like chrome unlike the drivers side window, so I believe one or the other
has been modified before. Is this a sign of a bad bracket mechanism or
something?
As always, I'll appreciate ANY help or useful advice and tips.
~ Chase - 1981 DeLorean VIN#1529
------------------------------
From: zerkle(AT)west.net
Date: Sat, 25 May 1996 14:20:42 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Gas, any dmcs for sale?
Hello to all,
First, My friend who owns a 1981 vintage DeLorean. Currently he uses
Union 76
89 gasoline. He is wondering what the best kind of gasoline to use is,
while still watching the rising gas prices?
Second, I am looking for a DeLorean. Please no painted ones, classic
stainless steel! Any year, good condition. Preferably like Doc Brown's
deLorean without all of the gizmos and gadgets.(flux capacitor, vents, Mr.
Fusion, etc.) Thanks for your time! Be well my fellow DeLorean fans!
See you in the Future,
Geren Piltz
zerkle(AT)west.net
http://www.west.net/~zerkle
MiniReal Industries
_________________)___
H O V E R M E R I C A
__ __
\____/
/____\
0 0
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From: ausmith(AT)pdx.oneworld.com
Date: Sat, 25 May 1996 20:20:48 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: D1 and ....
O.K. a couple of comments. Last week I spoke with Ed at D1. I wanted
some original screws to replace what had been put in when someone
worked on the windows. Some were original and some were obviously
not. I specifically described the screws I wanted, 10.5mm long with a
10mm head, bronze color, with a seperate lock washer that is SS and
has a dimpled edge. What I got wasn't close. He sent 6 black screws
with attached washers on 4 and no washers on 2. The washers are black
and to thin. I also think that $1.91 each is robbery.
On the other hand we talked about why I had the door apart. The toll
booth window had come off its' track. He faxed me a drawing that shows
the alignment of the window to its' holder, which isn't right.
I don't know, he's probably like everyone else, good days and bad.
To R. KERMAN, Ed may be O.K. at times, but he certainly isn't my
best friend.
To Chris in Scottsdale,
Sounds like you got one great deal. Congratulations! I use a
commercial SS cleaner that I buy at a restaurant supply. About $4 a
good sized can.
To Marc,
I also have a Twin Turbo manufactured by Dicor (?). The current
owner is Eleanor Rogers and it's called Turbo Manifold. I really like
the system except for the little snaps and pops. It's probably a
result of the re-curve done to the distributor. If you find a cure
I'd be interested. Mine runs at about 7 lbs. but there's a guy in
N.Y. that has forged pistons and a few other things that's running
15lbs. Must be quite a surprise to a few people.
Chris
------------------------------
From: Chase Clark, stormrider(AT)sockets.net
Date: Wed, 29 May 1996 10:49:30 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Without all the Gizmos...
>Second, I am looking for a DeLorean. Please no painted ones, classic
>stainless steel! Any year, good condition. Preferably like Doc Brown's
>deLorean without all of the gizmos and gadgets.(flux capacitor, vents, Mr.
>Fusion, etc.) Thanks for your time! Be well my fellow DeLorean fans!
Geren:
If you can find a DeLorean with a working flux capacitor, don't hesitate
to
buy it! Stylish and working time machines are somewhat of a rarity these
days :)
~ Chase
------------------------------
From: Bdofprey(AT)aol.com
Date: Wed, 29 May 1996 10:49:49 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: DMC Facilities
MY ONE CENT: I find it difficult to purchase anything from Delorean One
since
I don't always have my entire engine ID number handy. Also, their prices
are
generally quite a bit higher then the other facilities. However, I
understand Ed Berstein has done a lot for the delorean "industry."
Tim at Swedish was always very helpful, however, he was dead wrong more
then
once. I stopped buying from them when they did not stand behind their
failed
part.
I have not had any trouble with Delorean Motor Center, but have not used
them
much either.
I recently purchased shocks from PJ Grady. They arrived very late and
were
the original Girling shocks. (The lady who took the order said that they
were new aftermarket shocks). Rob Grady told me afterwards that there
are no
acceptable aftermarket shocks. Does anyone have an opinion as to what time
generally does to shocks that have been sitting for 15 years?
------------------------------
From: Chase Clark, stormrider(AT)sockets.net
Date: Wed, 29 May 1996 10:49:57 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Disappearance of Quarks
>Upon purchasing my 1981 DMC-12, I noticed a number of electric switches
>that were either erratic or completely non-functional. Over the last few
>days,
>most of the trouble spots have disappeared. I have seen this sort of
>thing in
>electronics before, but not to this degree. Is this an indication that
>the vehicle was stored for an extended period of time??
Chris:
Some of the switches may not have been used in a while and were either
slightly corroded or not lubricated very well. Using them repeatedly for a
while may have helped clear these "trouble spots."
When I purchased my 1981 DeLorean back in October, I was told that there
were a couple of oil leaks and water leaks around the water pump. I drove
the car more than 2,000 miles from Oregon to Missouri upon picking it up
in
November. Haven't noticed any of these so-called problems since then.
Apparently, putting some regular use on the car for the first time in
years
(if not the first time in its lifetime) has helped everything reseal -
except the original radiator that is.
~ Chase
------------------------------
From: Chase Clark, stormrider(AT)sockets.net
Date: Wed, 29 May 1996 10:49:57 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: More on Starter Problem
Just a little update on my starter situation. Before any asks, there is no
jumper installed in place of the starter relay (that was the climate
control illumination jumper I pulled *DUMB*). I reconnected everything
yesterday and gave it another try. The starter didn't start up on its own
until the key was inserted and turned. Then once again it didn't
disengage.
I DID pull the starter circuit relay (2nd from left on top row) to no
effect. I had to disconnect the negative battery cable to get it the
starter to stop again.
I may try to start the engine without the relay and see if it still
engages
the starter. I don't know what that will tell me, but other than jacking
up
athe car and looking for rusted or shorted connections at the starter
itself I don't know what else to do. I'm thinking the starter solenoid may
be bad. I'm not sure if the solenoid can be replaced on its own, or if the
whole starter must be replaced?
As far as the power window goes that I mentioned before, I think some day
I'll check to make sure the window is still on its tracks, as I suspect
that is the problem.
~ Chase
------------------------------
From: Chase Clark, stormrider(AT)sockets.net
Date: Wed, 29 May 1996 10:51:34 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Common Faults FAQ
Hello all:
There's been very little progress on creating a Common Faults FAQ the last
couple of weeks as I have been too busy with work and other things.
Hopefully in about 10 days I will be able to devote some serious hours to
it and make some progress. That is after I fix my starter problem and
replace my DeLorean's radiator, overflow bottle and cooling hoses.
For those of you that know of cross reference parts, feel free to send
details to me as I'll likely start work on a Cross Reference FAQ once I
get
the other FAQ finished. Maybe by the time of the Nashville Convention, I
can have some professional pamphlets made of all this, but don't get your
hopes up just yet.
~ Chase
------------------------------
From: Mr Fusion, Mr_Fusion(AT)wow.com
Date: Wed, 29 May 1996 10:51:36 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: DMCs in some recent computer games
I'm somewhat of a lurker to this list but I have been paying
attention. I'm an avid computer gamer and I have noticed DeLoreans in my
two most recent purchases. The first is "Roger Wilco in Space Quest 6" by
Sierra. There is a mentioning of how one could use a DeLorean to control
the galaxy and ALL of its time zones. The second game is "Zone Raiders"
by Virgin Games. This is a futuristic shooter-up somewhat like "Doom"
except instead of a person, you control one of several hovering cars. You
have to earn your cars. The fourth one is the DeLorean (or a Bricklin,
not sure, but I'm pretty sure that it IS in fact a DeLorean) and it is
called "The Fusion Coupe". The name most likely is taken from "Back to
the Future"'s Mr. Fusion.
I hope that everyone on this list will at least play these games
(especially "Zone Raiders") if not buy them. Have fun.
------------------------------
From: Jeff Frailey, jfrailey(AT)niia.net
Date: Wed, 29 May 1996 11:01:07 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Stereo Head Unit
I have seen some talk about stereos not too long ago.
I don't want to turn this mailing list into a stereo review, so I'll keep
it
to one question:
How deep of an in dash unit can I fit into the dash of my D?
It seems everytime I find a CD player I like it probably won't fit into
the
limited space. I'd like to here from anyone who has some experience in
this. I may be contemplating installing the same stereo you already have.
I'm assuming all in dash CD changers are out of the question.
You can conatact me at jfrailey(AT)niia.net
Thanks and best regards,
~Jeff
------------------------------
End of dmcnews-digest V2 #118
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