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Tuesday, 24 September 1996 Volume 02 : Number 175
In this issue:
Re: Indy Cars
Delorean mention on Married w/Children
DeLorean "Matchbox" die-cast cars
More radios
Re: drop in speakers
1981 Delorean
Angle Drive Maint.
Re: Any repair chains do front-end alignments?
Looking at a basket case...
CAR-SHOW NEWS: late 81 gray 5-Speed Beauty for sale in SF
Fuel pump fuse keeps blowing
DMC Antenna, Horn, Headlights...
DMC-12 heart transplant
RPM to MPH conversion
Re: ergonomics / a few thing to look for
Radio Upgrade / Ampzilla
Electrical Updates
A major heart transplant...
Re: DMC-12 heart transplant
Re: ergonomics / a few thing to look for
----------------------------------------------------------------------
From: "Marvin S. Sterling" (marv930(AT)ix.netcom.com)
Date: Fri, 20 Sep 1996 00:38:54 -0700
Subject: Re: Indy Cars
raddad(AT)cmn.net wrote:
>
> Bruce, have you stumbled across this site - www.indyphoto.com/
>
>
> Also, my internet provider gives me 150 hours per month
> for $25. Can't beat that.
>
> >
> Regards
>
> Dick
- --------------------
Netcom Communications had no hourly limit . . . your phone bill is your
conscience.
Marv Sterling
------------------------------
From: Paul Parkanzky
Date: Fri, 20 Sep 1996 00:48:41 -0400
Subject: Delorean mention on Married w/Children
They mention (briefly), the Delorean on Married with Children. He's trying
to point out the high points of the 70's and the Delorean is on his list
(he's corrected).
**************************************
Paul Parkanzky KB8NPO
Lima Hall Rm 39
Ohio Northern University
e-mail: p-parkanzky(AT)onu.edu
Phone: (419)-772-1665
Cell Phone: (419)-233-5770
**************************************
------------------------------
From: time(AT)Traveller.COM (Back to the Future...The Fan Club)
Date: Fri, 20 Sep 1996 06:59:37 -0500
Subject: DeLorean "Matchbox" die-cast cars
Just before the Expo, many of you had inquired and reserved the DeLorean
die-cast "Matchbox" cars we have in stock. Just wanted to let you know
that we still have a few left - $20.00 postage paid (in U.S., or $25.00
everywhere else) - for those who've yet to claim theirs. Thanks!
And if you didn't get to attend the Expo and visit our booth, then come
check out our new online catalog of BTTF merchandise, located on our website
at: http://www.traveller.com/~bttf/catalog.htm
See you all in the "Future"!
To Be Continued...
Stephen M. Clark, President
Back to the Future=99...The Fan Club
11101 Cardinal Drive
Madison, AL 35758-5803
Voice/Fax: (205) 230-6288
E-mail: time(AT)traveller.com
URL: http://www.traveller.com/~bttf/
------------------------------
From: raddad(AT)cmn.net
Date: Fri, 20 Sep 1996 06:47:42 -0600
Subject: More radios
re Marvin Sterlings question on Rob Grady's radio project - I don't think
it was ever finished - BTW, I installed Rob's Lockzilla and Fanzilla some
time ago and they are everything they were claimed to be.
------------------------------
From: Mike Substelny
Date: Fri, 20 Sep 1996 09:45:57 -0400
Subject: Re: drop in speakers
Marv Sterling asked:
>Does anyone know if Rob Grady ever marketed his speaker
>drop in unit for the D ... it was supposed to drop in in place
>of the wood access panel in the area behind the seats.
If you mean "AmpZilla" then I saw one at the Expo. Rob
Grady was showing it off at the products fair. More than just
speakers, it was a very attractive amplifier / speaker unit with
a metallic "DeLorean" emblem in the center. The emblem
looks identicle to the one in the left front corner of a 1983
DeLorean luggage compartment lid. It appeared like it would
span the entire width of the wooden access panel. I did not
hear how it sounded, but it *looked* beautiful!
- -Mike Substelny
------------------------------
From: Karla Flannagan (karlaf(AT)jwburress.com)
Date: Sun, 22 Sep 1996 00:21:31 -0700
Subject: 1981 Delorean
Is there anyone interested in purchasing a 1981 Delorean, 5 speed?
Located in Roanoke, Virginia. Please reply if you are. Thanks
------------------------------
From: Bryan Pearce (deneb(AT)denebcorp.com)
Date: Sat, 21 Sep 96 07:05:36 +0100
Subject: Angle Drive Maint.
In issue 174 Knut talked about re-lubricating the angle drive at each oil
change. How is this done and with what type of lubricant?
Thanks Much,
Bryan Pearce
------------------------------
From: stormrider(AT)socketis.net (Chase Clark)
Date: Sun, 22 Sep 1996 12:35:57 -0600
Subject: Re: Any repair chains do front-end alignments?
> My DMC needs the front end aligned. Does any chain like Midas or R&S do
>that kind of work on a D?
I took the specs out of the owner's manual and had a Sears Automotive
Center align all four wheels when putting on new rear tires. No extra
charge for an "exotic" car, but who knows about other places.
~ Chase
------------------------------
From: "Roger Huggins" (RogerHuggins(AT)msn.com)
Date: Sun, 22 Sep 96 22:45:52 UT
Subject: Looking at a basket case...
If things work out, I'll be taking a look at a DeLorean shortly. What I know
so far is that the car has been sitting outside, under a pine tree, for at
least 2 years, and hasn't been run during that interval. At least 1 wheel is
flat on the rim.
I am very familiar with Volvos, Volkswagens, Bosch fuel injection, and
maintaining older cars in general. I always do all the work myself, so I am
intimately familiar with their workings and idiosyncrasies. (My current Volvo
has 127k miles, my Volkswagen 227k miles.)
I am looking for advice on specific things that I should look for when I go to
take a look at this car, things that always need to be done, things that may
be unique to the Delorean that I might not think to look at.
Thank you in advance for any help you are able to give!
Roger
------------------------------
From: backissues(AT)dmcnews.com (Ian)
Date: Sun, 22 Sep 1996 17:02:55 +0000
Subject: CAR-SHOW NEWS: late 81 gray 5-Speed Beauty for sale in SF
Yep. I am a new man...
I just met my first Car-Show related DeLorean. It's the late 81 above. Here
is the story-line for anyone interested in finding this DeLroean:
The original owner died last year. His brother's (or something... but their
related) grandfather inherited it and now, stay with me, the brother wants
to sell it.
The car has only 10,100 mi and is IN EXCELLENT CONDITION!! There is some wear
on the parking brake handle and small "hash" marks from improper cleaning with
a abrasive pad. The Louvers are *perfect* without any scratches or cracks.
The
engine looks great and the double Y frame has not a bit of rust on it. I swear
it looks like it was restored... the frame is super clean! I followed him
(on foot,
probably looked *really* stupid jogging behind a car) as he left and man was it
smooth. He had to get it moving to get into traffic and there was no
hesitation
that I could hear.
Ok, ok, it's not perfect, the car does have antenna damage. It looks like
someone
snapped the antenna while it was extended and broke the black air-scoop
looking thing above the antenna. Small damage, just a replacement job. No
damage to the surrounding
Stainless Steel.
If I had *any* way of getting this car (remember "Ian of the Wanna-be DOA??
Thats me=) )
I would have bought it right there! The brother selling it brushed me off
when I offered
to advertise the car on the internet othewise I would have his name and
address.
Finding this car, unfortinuately is up to you. Your task (if you want the car)
to find this guy and save this super DeLorean from being sold to someone
who wont
care for it as it deserves to be cared for. The brother really didn't care
for the
car just wants to get rid of it.
Jeeze, I WANT THAT CAR!! =(
Hopefully in a few years...
Oh, the car show was the "Woodside Classic Machines '96" and it had a
decent turnout.
Including 2 tanks and one Patriot missle system. The time I spent not
in/under/around
the DeLorean I got a good look at the new F-50 and 6 or 7 Panteras. Lots-a
local cars
too. I think next year I'll have to enter my '63 bug and see if I win
anything. =)
Hope you weekend was a AWESOME as mine was!!
- -Ian
- - backissues(AT)dmcnews.com
= "RickHuntr" on IRC
- -
= Industriall strength high school student and proud owner of a Mac Quadra.
- - Member and head 'whozit' of WDOA. (Wanna-bee DeLorean Owners Association)
=
- - NOTE: Looking for a Rear deck for a '63 vw bug, and a 'fresh off the
= showroom floor' DeLorean for a buck... or even 2 bucks. =)
------------------------------
From: "Mr. THX"
Date: Sun, 22 Sep 1996 21:00:49 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Fuel pump fuse keeps blowing
Hi all,
My fuse for the fuel pump keeps blowing. Has anoyone heard of a
fuel pump creating shorts on that line?
Mike
------------------------------
From: backissues(AT)dmcnews.com (Ian)
Date: Sun, 22 Sep 1996 19:18:27 +0000
Subject: DMC Antenna, Horn, Headlights...
OK, I *love* the DMC with a passion but why are the controls so, um... unique?
The Horn (although a great BTTF story) is on the turn signal arm, the
headlight switch is on the center console, and the antenna... well thats not
unique but it shure seems to give people problems.
I got to sit in the "pilots" seat of a DMC today and, since I'm 6'3, I just
barely fit.
My right leg sits above the center console and I look like a giant in the
car... small
price to pay. At leat there is enough head room. =)
- -Ian
- - backissues(AT)dmcnews.com
= "RickHuntr" on IRC
- -
= Industriall strength high school student and proud owner of a Mac Quadra.
- - Member and head 'whozit' of WDOA. (Wanna-bee DeLorean Owners Association)
=
- - NOTE: Looking for a Rear deck for a '63 vw bug, and a 'fresh off the
= showroom floor' DeLorean for a buck... or even 2 bucks. =)
------------------------------
From: Knut S Grimsrud
Date: Mon, 23 Sep 96 07:53:00 PDT
Subject: DMC-12 heart transplant
An update for those following the open-heart vs
transplant story...
After having the heads pulled off my engine, I finally
decided on a heart transplant for the DMC over
re-building the engine that's in it. I will keep the
old engine and re-build it at my leisure and swap it
back in after the next 100,000 miles or so. The head
gaskets were pretty trashed, but it was the overall
condition of the block that made me change strategies
partway through the process. The aluminum block
apparently undergoes some electrolosys as the
antifreeze ages (tip for the day -- make sure you
replace your coolant on a regular basis). Although I
have been meticulous in keeping fresh coolant in my
car, I have only put the last 30,000 miles on the car
over the last 3 years. God knows how it was kept before
that!
In any case, with some corrosion showing, it was a
pretty good bet that the engine was leaking through the
bottom of the cylinder liners as well as through the
head gasket, and the labor involved in rebuilding the
engine properly was not cost effective when compared
with the purchase price of a new engine.
I'm getting my engine from KAPAC through my local DMC
parts retailer. Although I usually go through a
retailer, KAPAC will sell parts directly to end users
as well. The few times I have had contact with them I
have found them to be professional and knowledgable.
It's good to know that companies like KAPAC have had
the foresight to stockpile sufficient parts to support
our cars. Based on the little research I have done with
others that have purchased engines, it seems that the
engines have been remarkably well preserved, and there
have been few reported problems with the new units
despite their age.
My understanding is that engines can be obtained in
three different configurations:
1) Traditional "long block" configuration
2) Mostly complete (has everything except fuel
distributor, I believe)
3) Complete
The "complete" configuration seems to have EVERYTHING.
It apparently comes with everything from the oil pan
and exhaust manifold up through and including air
cleaner with DMC sticker! The alternator, starter, and
A/C compressor are included as well as fuel
distributor, wiring harness, etc. My suspicion is that
this is the configuration the engine was in when it was
to be mounted in the car on the DMC assembly line -- to
minimize labor time it was likely fully assembled
before installation.
Because it was cost effective, I purchased the complete
configuration and am eagerly awaiting its arrival.
Because it is fully configured, installation should not
be that big of a deal. I will keep you posted.
Knut Grimsrud
DOA Chapter 41
------------------------------
From: James Espey
Date: Mon, 23 Sep 96 08:30:02 -0800
Subject: RPM to MPH conversion
With the recent discussion of angles drives and speedo cables, I have
posted a conversion table on the web page
(http://www.goodnet.com/~mikasa/rpm2mph.html). This data was originally
forwarded to me by John Truscott of the DOA.
James
------------------------------
From: Mike Substelny
Date: Mon, 23 Sep 1996 13:30:34 -0400
Subject: Re: ergonomics / a few thing to look for
Ian said:
>The Horn (although a great BTTF story) is on the turn signal
>arm, the headlight switch is on the center console, and the
>antenna...
The horn / turn signal combo was very common for a few
years in the early 80's. It was considered "safer" because
you could blow your horn while keeping both hands on the
wheel in an emergrncy maneuver. I think it was one of the
features DMC devised in conjunction with Allstate. My 82
Ford T-Bird also had it, but my 81 Malibu didn't.
I like the headlight switch and other unique features, as they
increase security (a thief who can't figure out the headlights
won't get far). I prefer the windshield antenna, myself.
Roger said:
>I am looking for advice on specific things that I should look
>for when I go to take a look at this car, things that always
>need to be done, things that may be unique to the
>Delorean that I might not think to look at.
Frame rust
Look everywhere, but mostly around shock towers. The
DeLorean frame looks different from any other due to the
epoxy coating. It can look brand new almost everywhere but
still have one spot that is rusting out.
Instrument pod
This simple vinyl covered unit cracks easily, and is expensive
to replace.
Power windows
I hate to work on anything in the door. If the windows have
been mistreated then the tracks may be weak and require
frequent and inconvenient adjustment.
Speedo / odo
The angle drive & lower cable can fail on any DeLorean, even
with low mileage. If they have been replaced then the
odometer reading is wrong, the car has more miles on it than
shown.
Rear trailing arm bolts
These can come loose. As long as they don't break or fall off
the repair is easy and cheap. But if you don't check them
you could be driving a dangerous car.
GOOD STUFF TO COMPLAIN ABOUT:
(If you find the following problems you can whine and
complain that they are disasterous, even though you can fix
them easily)
Sagging doors
The doors should open up with gusto, and hold themselves
up as high as they can go. Anything less means weak
struts, which are easy to replace. But you might be able to
convince the seller that the torsion springs are bad . . .
Interior door rests
The vinyl rests behind the doors wear out. You might
convince the seller that it's his fault.
Fast idle
A DeLorean should idle at 800-900 rpms, although it is
common for the idle speed control to fail intermittently. If the
car idles faster than 1,000 rpms then it will fail emission
tests. This is easy to repair, but the seller may not realize
why his car has failed a test . . .
Headliners
They droop and sag. There are many ways to repair them,
but unless they look perfect you can make it seem like the
end of the world.
Power Locks
They should operate together, anthough working power locks
are not necessarily a good thing. They can trap you in the
car or run down your battery. Many owners disconnect
them, but they can also be repaired.
Fan Fail Light
This light on the center console can give false readings if the
bypass was not installed in the factory recall. You can make
a bypass for about two bucks, but the seller might not know
that . . .
Fuel gauge
Does it read inaccurately, or not at all? This is due to the
car's unique sender unit, which was poorly designed.
(The previous three can be solved quite well by a Lockzilla,
Fanzilla, or Tankzilla from PJ Grady).
Oil Gauge
The oil pressure gauge should be pretty much pegged at the
top almost all the time. This is normal. Of course, the seller
may not know that . . .
I have a few other ideas, but no time right now.
- -Mike Substelny
------------------------------
From: LordWeb(AT)aol.com
Date: Mon, 23 Sep 1996 15:39:00 -0400
Subject: Radio Upgrade / Ampzilla
When I upgraded the stereo in my car, have of the decision was already
made for me. I already have 2 other vehicles that have multi-disk CD
changers made by Sony so when I upgraded the unit in the Delorean I
looked exclusively at Sony car audio products. I wanted to be able to
use the same CD changer cartridge between the 3 vehicles. What I was
looking for was an AM/FM Cassette in dash with the 10 disk CD changer to
hide someplace in the car.
The specific units I selected was the Sony XR-C720 Cassette Receiver and
the CDX-91 CD Changer. Stephen Wynne from Delorean Motor Company in
Houston installed all of this and also upgraded the speakers, front and
back, with Alpines. One of the neat features of the Sony unit is that it
has a wired remote control unit that I have mounted to the left of my
(5-speed) shifter. This small "stick" allows me to control just about
every function of the receiver without reaching for the in dash controls
or taking my eyes off the road.
Regarding the Ampzilla product from Rob Grady, he did show one of the
later prototypes at the Product Fair in Nashville. I was verry
impressed. To summarize, it is a monster 14 speaker unit with woofers,
tweeters, mid's, amps, venturi's and if that ain't enough it also has a
neo light assembly that can be switced to turn on when you open the
doors. It is designed to replace the rear panel in the behind the seats
and supposedly steals only 3 inches off the rear deck. Rob is still
tweeking this audio monster and did not quote me a price as of yet. I am
sure that if anyone is interested in this for their car Rob will be glad
to hear from you. I do know that I will purchase one when it becomes
available.
Finally, at the Concours event in Nashville, Rob did show his Delorean
(with an Ampzilla installed) as a Peoples Choice entrant. Rob's car is a
beautiful "BMW Green" with chrome BBS wheels that did get my attention.
I am kind of a purist and do not think very much of the painted
Deloreans. I have seen a couple of red cars and one black one. But if I
ever get the urge to paint my car then I would defrinitely look into
whoever painted Rob's car.
------------------------------
From: 76153.3641(AT)compuserve.com
Date: Mon, 23 Sep 1996 21:00:17 -0400
Subject: Electrical Updates
Anyone knows were to get electricals update for the Delorean
fuses, relays, ect.
------------------------------
From: no thanks
Date: Mon, 23 Sep 1996 18:37:24 -0700
Subject: A major heart transplant...
Hi... my name is Brendan O'Mara. Im a new DeLorean owner
and just joined the dmcnews mailing list. I'll introduce
myself first (so everyone can get to know me, Im sure
you will be hearing from me frequently). I am 17 years
old and Live in Oregon. I am the MIS specialist (computer
network administrator in other words) for a psychiatric
facility. I do computer consulting on the side. I enjoy
working on cars and maintaining them (otherwise I wouldn't
own a Jag too :P )
Anyhow... I just purchased an 81 about 2 weeks ago. The
transmission is in pieces under the hood. I know the
engine has problems too.. by looking at it, and the fact
that the previous owner says there was a rod knocking.
I know you purists out there aren't going to like this
very much, but since I am pretty tight on money, I want
to find a REASONABLE PRICED option for making my Delorean
driveable once again. I have seen the web page of the
man in Washington who did the Chevy 300hp V6 conversion.
Does anyone know of anybody who has done conversions
such as this? If so, could you please put me in contact
with them? I would really appreciate it.
Thank you..
Brendan O'Mara
Stealth Technologies
omarab(AT)peak.org
------------------------------
From: "Marvin S. Sterling"
Date: Tue, 24 Sep 1996 02:07:01 -0700
Subject: Re: DMC-12 heart transplant
Knut S Grimsrud wrote:
>
> An update for those following the open-heart vs
> transplant story...
>
>
> 3) Complete
>
> The "complete" configuration seems to have EVERYTHING.
> It apparently comes with everything from the oil pan
> and exhaust manifold up through and including air
> cleaner with DMC sticker! The alternator, starter, and
> A/C compressor are included as well as fuel
> distributor, wiring harness, etc. My suspicion is that
> this is the configuration the engine was in when it was
> to be mounted in the car on the DMC assembly line -- to
> minimize labor time it was likely fully assembled
> before installation.
>
> Because it was cost effective,
>
> Knut Grimsrud
> DOA Chapter 41
- ---------------------------------
Knut,
Out of sheer curiousity ... what is KAPAC asking for a complete
configuration ?
Marv Sterling
------------------------------
From: "Marvin S. Sterling"
Date: Tue, 24 Sep 1996 02:16:46 -0700
Subject: Re: ergonomics / a few thing to look for
Mike Substelny wrote:
>
>
>
> Oil Gauge
> The oil pressure gauge should be pretty much pegged at the
> top almost all the time. This is normal. Of course, the seller
> may not know that . . .
>
>> -Mike Substelny
- ----------------------------------
Mike,
I question your statement that the oil pressure gauge should be "pretty
much pegged ..." I purchase my D new, from one of the Dealers that was
used to sell the last 500 cars. From day one my oil pressure gauge has
worked as they have in my other cars meaning that the faster the rpms
the higher the gauge reading with the pressure dropping as the rpms
drop. If your gauge is continually pegged how the heck do you know
whether you have a low oil situation. If the gauge is always pegged then
you guys have a problem with the sender unit that should be taken care
of.
Best regards,
Marv Sterling
------------------------------
End of dmcnews-digest V2 #175
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