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Sunday, 29 September 1996 Volume 02 : Number 178
In this issue:
Re: The New DeLorean
Interesting new piece of memorabilia
Re: DeLorean electric car
"Kiddie" DeLorean Pedal Car
New DeLorean?
Re: New DeLorean?
New DMC & Tires
Re: Re: Gas Filler Door
Re: Lowering
Re: DMC12 Detail Changes
Re: Lowering
Hood and Oil Pressure gauges
Speedometer
Delorean Model
Re: Delorean Model (Attn: Rob Hook)
Re: Speedometer
Re: Fuel Flap and Grooved Hood
Re: Ceramic Engines & Tires
Re: Any repair chains do front-end align
Re: DeLorean electric car
Re: Speedometer
Re: Speedometer
----------------------------------------------------------------------
From: "Marvin S. Sterling"
Date: Sat, 28 Sep 1996 03:36:53 -0700
Subject: Re: The New DeLorean
Mr. THX wrote:
>
> Boing!
> NEW DeLorean? Why is it that nobody here or in DeLorean World
> reported this? Anyone see a mention of this in Car & Driver or Motor
> Trend? I'd like to know more about it!
>
> Mike
- -------------------------
Mike,
Sometime ago it was reported that JZD was working on an electric car in
conjunction with someone who was financing him. Talk about stepping in
fecal matter.
Marv
------------------------------
From: James Espey
Date: Sat, 28 Sep 96 05:38:29 -0700
Subject: Interesting new piece of memorabilia
A few months ago I ran across two interesting pieces of DeLorean
memorabila, these being directly related to John Z. DeLorean and
Cristina. I finally got my hands on them and may be receiving more of
them. If you think you might be interested in one or both of these items,
email me and we'll talk.
April 1984 issue, "Contemporary Christian Magazine". Cover story
interview with Cristina DeLorean, color cover shot of Cristina and 4
inside BW photos. Table of contents reads:"Cristina DeLroean claims that
husband John was framed -- and clings to me Lord for strength -- in this
exclusive interview.
October 1984 issue, "Contemporary Christian Magazine". Cover story
interview with John Z. DeLorean "His Fall, His Fight, His Faith". Nice BW
cover photo, 1 color inside and 4 BW inside Lorean photos. Table of
contents reads:"The jury found him 'not guilty' of conspiracy to
distribute cocaine. The accused now stands free -- and freely shares his
testimony of faith in Jesus Christ.
November 1984 issue, "Contemporary Christian Magazine". Part two of
previous months cover story interview with John Z. DeLorean "His Fall,
His Fight, His Faith". In this issue, John Z. DeLorean discusses the
Justice Department, the press, his attorneys, Christian media and prayer.
James
------------------------------
From: James Espey
Date: Sat, 28 Sep 96 07:44:41 -0800
Subject: Re: DeLorean electric car
Marv - Are you sure you're not thinking Malcolm Bricklin and his electric
bicycle? Thata was a topic a few motnhs ago here on the list.
James
------------------------------
From: James Espey
Date: Sat, 28 Sep 96 07:44:38 -0800
Subject: "Kiddie" DeLorean Pedal Car
Several months back on the list, someone metioned that they had one of
those BTTF DeLorean "kiddie" pedal/electric cars that they wanted to get
rid of. Is this person still on the list, and if so, do you still want to
get rid of it? I'm interested, please email me.
James
------------------------------
From: FHALS(AT)aol.com
Date: Sat, 28 Sep 1996 12:14:04 -0400
Subject: New DeLorean?
If I'm not mistaken JZD still has some lawsuits unresolved which would
eliminate any idea of raising any investment funds to start a new car
company. I know that Arthur Andersen & Co, SC still has a newly filed lawsuit
in excess of $75 million by the British government to reclaim funds, so this
issue of lawsuits isn't over by a longshot.
Perhaps a small start-up firm is asking John to lend his name and some
expertise in a consulting capacity?
My suggestion to anyone looking to get in the auto game would be to buy out a
pre-designed auto and automaker who is in trouble financially (a la Vector)
but open to new ideas...best bet would be either Bugatti Autombili S.p.A
(however I hear that it was already liquidated) or Italian based Cinzeta with
its V-16 engine and links to Los Angeles investors. A mere $10 million
investment in a semi-working company sure beats a $100 million re invention
of the wheel.
- -Peter-
------------------------------
From: James Espey
Date: Sat, 28 Sep 96 09:31:36 -0800
Subject: Re: New DeLorean?
>If I'm not mistaken JZD still has some lawsuits unresolved which would
>eliminate any idea of raising any investment funds to start a new car
Seriously now, once your name has been on a company that lost over $200
million dollars (most of it taxpayers money) I find it hard to believe
that any savvy businessperson or government would take a chance on JZD
again. Sad, because I think DMC was the last time we'll EVER see a new
automaker make the market again it the way DMC did. It appears that we're
left with Chrysler to introduce "exciting" cars that the "average" person
can realistically expect to own (ala Viper and Prowler).
>My suggestion to anyone looking to get in the auto game would be to buy out a
>pre-designed auto and automaker who is in trouble financially (a la Vector)
>but open to new ideas...best bet would be either Bugatti Autombili S.p.A
IMO, a company that still has market viability and relatively low
start-up costs would be the former Avanti Motor Company. Right now the
Avanti convertible is one of the hottest cars in status conscious So.
Cal. All the tooling for the 2 door hardtop and convertible (and designs
for a sedan, too, I think) is sitting in a warehouse, waiting for someone
with approx. $3M to put it back into production. Herb Adams recently
redesigned the chassis and Avanti had a good relationship with GM for
powertrains and other parts. Hmmm, what is the Powerball jackpot this
week?
James
------------------------------
From: Mpeak(AT)aol.com
Date: Sat, 28 Sep 1996 14:42:09 -0400
Subject: New DMC & Tires
Before I get to my question, recent discussion about a new car that John
Delorean might be producing has prompted me to send in what I know about the
situation. Quite a while ago I contacted John Delorean just do to the fact
that I am just as big of a fan of his as I am of his car. Because John tries
to keep a low profile and out of the public eye, he had a friend of his
contact me and I have been corresponding with him ever since. From what I
understand of plans for restarting the DMC, a new car isn't in the works but
Mr. Delorean is currently working on an engineering project for a
revolutionary new engine, dubbed the ceramic engine, in which it is expected
to revolutionize the automobile industry. A working prototype of this engine
is expected out before the year 2000.
As for my question, I am currently riding around on my original NCT's and
need to replace them soon (not because of tread, but just because of age). I
am not interested in the Yokohamas because of past experiences with them and
am currently deciding between the Pirelli P600's and a configuration
mentioned in the Pepsi ad in "Delorean 1977-1993" of Bridgestone Potenza's in
the front and NCT's in the rear, saying that after numerous handling tests,
the car performed the best with this configuration. If anybody has any
comments on this configuration and/or the P600's (good or bad experiences),
please tell me!
~Matt
#4428
------------------------------
From: Raymond_Haug(AT)lamg.com (Raymond Haug)
Date: 28 Sep 1996 12:43:05 GMT
Subject: Re: Re: Gas Filler Door
On 9/28/96 at 3:12 AM, dmcnews(AT)world.std.com wrote:
d> Does ANY owner of a 1982 "D" (with the original hood) have these
d> >indentations? I'll start the survery responses by saying that mine does
d> >not. Anyone else?
My '81, #3153 mfg in Aug, has both indentions, and gas flap. Antenna is on
the right front fender.
Ray Haug
- - via BulkRate 2.5
------------------------------
From: Raymond_Haug(AT)lamg.com (Raymond Haug)
Date: 28 Sep 1996 12:43:24 GMT
Subject: Re: Lowering
In message ID <960927213753_319110850(AT)emout18.mail.aol.com> on 9/28/96,
dmcnews(AT)world.std.com wrote:
d> Also, I am looking for a good source for springs with which
d> to lower my car. Does anyone know which DeLorean shops stock this
d> product. Exactly what is involved in the lowering process, ie: can
d> it be done in the comfort of your own garage or must you take it to
d> a shop? Is there anything else that needs to be adjusted after
d> lowering ( steering coloumn, etc)?
Scott:
Don Steger of DeLorean Motor Center in Garden Grove, CA has lowered hundreds.
He did mine and it looks great. He wrote an illustrated article in DeLorean
World, Vol 4, No. 4, copies are available from the DeLorean Owners
Association Products Division, 818-547-3638, or check out the DeLoran Owners
Home Page at "www.delorean-owners.org"
Don noted in the article that the cambers is altered by 1/4 degree. He has a
adjustable lower control arm that can be used if necessary.
Ray Haug
- - via BulkRate 2.5
------------------------------
From: Raymond_Haug(AT)lamg.com (Raymond Haug)
Date: 28 Sep 1996 12:43:13 GMT
Subject: Re: DMC12 Detail Changes
On 9/28/96 at 1:43 AM, dmcnews(AT)world.std.com wrote:
d> My '81 (#1141) has only a narrow (1/8") vane in the center, separating
d> and supporting the louvres. Most of the cars I have seen at DOA events
d> have a much wider (say 3/4") support at the rear end of the vane. Does
d> anyone know the VIN number that corresponds to this change?
My '81, #3153 mfg Aug '81 has the 3/4" support a the rear of each vane. You
may want to consider purchasing the black aluminum doubler that was sold by
Teri Jennings a number of years ago in DeLorean World. Check past issues in
early '90s.
Ray
- - via BulkRate 2.5
------------------------------
From: Raymond_Haug(AT)lamg.com (Raymond Haug)
Date: 28 Sep 1996 12:43:24 GMT
Subject: Re: Lowering
In message ID <960927213753_319110850(AT)emout18.mail.aol.com> on 9/28/96,
dmcnews(AT)world.std.com wrote:
d> Also, I am looking for a good source for springs with which
d> to lower my car. Does anyone know which DeLorean shops stock this
d> product. Exactly what is involved in the lowering process, ie: can
d> it be done in the comfort of your own garage or must you take it to
d> a shop? Is there anything else that needs to be adjusted after
d> lowering ( steering coloumn, etc)?
Scott:
Don Steger of DeLorean Motor Center in Garden Grove, CA has lowered hundreds.
He did mine and it looks great. He wrote an illustrated article in DeLorean
World, Vol 4, No. 4, copies are available from the DeLorean Owners
Association Products Division, 818-547-3638, or check out the DeLoran Owners
Home Page at "www.delorean-owners.org"
Don noted in the article that the cambers is altered by 1/4 degree. He has a
adjustable lower control arm that can be used if necessary.
Ray Haug
- - via BulkRate 2.5
------------------------------
From: Delornut(AT)aol.com
Date: Sat, 28 Sep 1996 20:00:23 -0400
Subject: Hood and Oil Pressure gauges
I have a late '81 and several friends have "81's of various vin #'s and only
the earliest have the fuel flap. I've never seen an original '82 with the
grooves in the hood. My guess the fuel door went to cut production costs.
Besides the added expense of the door, a locking gas cap was needed which
also added to the cost of the car. By eliminating the door the cap is
securely locked under the hood. The locking gas cap went away with vin # 4128
so I'd guess that's when the hood was changed.
I'm not sure if Marty Maier is on this news letter but he did some
experimenting with oil pressure sending units. He told me the resistance in
the sender didn't match the gauge. After some trial and error he found a
sending unit from an older model Chevy truck that seem compatible with the
DeLorean's gauge. He said he bought it at an Auto Zone store under the brand
name WELLS with a part number #PS136. He also said it's a bit smaller in
diameter so it's easier to fit a variety of oil filters.
Bruce Benson
------------------------------
From: dlowery(AT)ix.netcom.com (Dennis Lowery)
Date: Sat, 28 Sep 1996 18:11:15 -0700
Subject: Speedometer
Hi All,
I called Rob Grady at P. J. Grady and he gave me some ideas as to why
my speedometer had stopped working. I thought I had located the problem
after finding the lower cable had broken, but after installing a new one
(thanks Rob!) it still doesn't work. Any suggestions? Did I install the
thing right? HELP!
BTW I have an 81 vin.#4797 with no gas flap, but it has the
grooves. I don't think is ever been involved in an accident. BTW The X
pattern of the reinforcing structure is visable on the top of my hood. Does
anyone els have this problem, or does it just mean someone has sat on the
hood or something.
I am looking for a new sunshade as well as grey floormats and
binnacle anybody looking to sell?
Thanks,
Dennis Lowery
Goodbye says it all....
------------------------------
From: ShrtCrt(AT)aol.com
Date: Sat, 28 Sep 1996 22:18:25 -0400
Subject: Delorean Model
What happened with the model. I haven't heard anythign about it in a long
time. A new Delorean would be interesting. If it is true I hope is has teh
gullwing doors, besides what is a D without them.
Justin Holman
------------------------------
From: James Espey
Date: Sat, 28 Sep 96 19:48:58 -0700
Subject: Re: Delorean Model (Attn: Rob Hook)
>What happened with the model. I haven't heard anythign about it in a long
>time.
Yeah, Rob, what's the deal? I hope you are still on it. Xmas is coming,
y'know. If you like, you can forward the contact info to me and I can
coordinate it, let me know.
James
------------------------------
From: James Espey
Date: Sat, 28 Sep 96 19:52:34 -0700
Subject: Re: Speedometer
>after finding the lower cable had broken, but after installing a new one
>(thanks Rob!) it still doesn't work. Any suggestions? Did I install the
>thing right? HELP!
Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I'd imagine that the lower cable
damged the angle drive itself, or the angle drive broke first and then
broke the lower cable. In either case, the little plastic "cup" that
holds the cable in place is probably rounded out, too.
> BTW I have an 81 vin.#4797 with no gas flap, but it has the
>grooves. I don't think is ever been involved in an accident. BTW The X
>pattern of the reinforcing structure is visable on the top of my hood. Does
>anyone els have this problem, or does it just mean someone has sat on the
>hood or something.
My car also has the "X" pattern, and this came up some time ago on the
list, and the genreal consensus was that is was caused by the
rubbing/cleaning process over time. Anyone hace conflicting information
to share? BTW, I'm compiling the answers people are sending, and for
those who missed the question:
What year is your car, what are the last five of the VIN and what style
hood do you have?
James
------------------------------
From: stormrider(AT)socketis.net (Chase Clark)
Date: Sun, 29 Sep 1996 00:42:58 -0600
Subject: Re: Fuel Flap and Grooved Hood
Well, the answers are fairly obvious, but my DeLorean is an '81 model,
VIN#1529. I do have the fuel flap and the two grooved stripes down the
sides of my hood.
Also, I have previously heard from others on the list without the fuel flap
that their hoods have warped slightly at the edges from being opened and
closed so often to gas up the car. With that being the case, I believe the
fuel flap is a better engineering solution.
And I do not spill gasoline all over my hood either. Generally I carefully
insert the pump nuzzle by holding it upright until it is above the fuel
line. I add fuel only slowly as it often shuts off at higher speeds (must
be pressure building up from curve or narrowness of fuel pipe down to the
tank). Once it is filled, I turn off the pump and let the remaining fuel in
the nozzle drain out before removing it. A pretty simple and non-messy
approach in my opinion.
~ Chase
------------------------------
From: stormrider(AT)socketis.net (Chase Clark)
Date: Sun, 29 Sep 1996 01:09:12 -0600
Subject: Re: Ceramic Engines & Tires
>Mr. Delorean is currently working on an engineering project for a
>revolutionary new engine, dubbed the ceramic engine, in which it is expected
>to revolutionize the automobile industry.
Ceramic engines were well into development when I was a sophomore in high
schools which was 12 years ago. My physics instructed discussed them once
(for why I do not remember) and said the main problem to overcome was the
tendency of the ceramic to crack under constant vibration. Otherwise, yes,
the engines were proven to be lighter and able to dissipate heat much
quicker than metallic engines did.
>mentioned in the Pepsi ad in "Delorean 1977-1993" of Bridgestone Potenza's in
>the front and NCT's in the rear, saying that after numerous handling tests,
>the car performed the best with this configuration.
Funny, you should mention that configuration as it is preceisely what was
on my car up until I got new rear tires earlier this summer. Personally, I
not only do not like the looks of the Potenza tires, but also think they
handle very poorly. With the lack of weight in the front of the car, the
Potenza tires have absolutely no traction in rain. They feel way too light
on the road most anytime and often jump around between the bad alignment,
15-year-old suspension and pulsating brakes. I ended up getting BF Goodrich
Radial TA tires for the rear and will do the same for the front end before
the end of October.
As far as Pirelli tires go...I do like them tremendously. BUT, they are not
known for long tire life, so if you plan to drive your car everyday, they
may not be the best choice in their price range. I think the 40,000 mile
Pirelli's I had on my Nissan 200SX lasted between 27,000 and 30,000 miles.
On the bright side, however, Pirelli has begun to use a harder compound of
rubber in their tires which will give a longer thread life.
~ Chase
------------------------------
From: stormrider(AT)socketis.net (Chase Clark)
Date: Sun, 29 Sep 1996 01:20:40 -0600
Subject: Re: Any repair chains do front-end align
>I would *NEVER* take any car to SEARS... I could tell you many personal
>horror stories on their alignment..... I dont think sears ever
>calibrates their machines, or trains the mechanics.
Actually, the car handled much better for one week and then returned to its
formal jittery condition slowly over the course of the next two weeks. I
live in Missouri and find the road conditions to be horrible on car
alignments. None of my cars have stayed aligned perfectly for very long. I
only had Sears do the work, since they were already putting tires on the
car for me.
>When I needed my car aligned, I called PJ Grady. Rob told me that you
>can only adjust the front toe, so if you paid for a 4 wheel alignment,
>you may have gotten ripped off.
You don't say. I FAXed the alignment specs to Rob before taking it to Sears
to ask if anything should be changed for a lowered DeLorean, and he didn't
mention that only a two-wheel alignment could be done. But then I did not
ask and he was quite BUSY that day. I'll have to ask him if this is true or
not for my own personal sanity next time I call him up for parts and/or
advice on repairs.
~ Chase
------------------------------
From: "Marvin S. Sterling"
Date: Sun, 29 Sep 1996 03:15:46 -0700
Subject: Re: DeLorean electric car
James Espey wrote:
>
> Marv - Are you sure you're not thinking Malcolm Bricklin and his electric
> bicycle? Thata was a topic a few motnhs ago here on the list.
>
> James
- ---------------------
No James - this report was in either the NY Times or the Wall Street
Jnl. If anyone is in touch with JZD they might ask him about it.
Marv
------------------------------
From: "Marvin S. Sterling"
Date: Sun, 29 Sep 1996 03:32:08 -0700
Subject: Re: Speedometer
Dennis Lowery wrote:
>
snip - snip
>
> grooves. I don't think is ever been involved in an accident. BTW The X
> pattern of the reinforcing structure is visable on the top of my hood. Does
> anyone els have this problem, or does it just mean someone has sat on the
> hood or something.
>
I have an '83 vin 16000 that has a smooth hood and the D marque. When
there is a large temperature change you can see the X support, even when
I wash it . . . . no one has sat on your hood.
Regards,
Marv
------------------------------
From: "Marvin S. Sterling"
Date: Sun, 29 Sep 1996 03:35:55 -0700
Subject: Re: Speedometer
James Espey wrote:
>
>humongous snip
>
> What year is your car, what are the last five of the VIN and what style
> hood do you have?
>
> James
vin 16000 '83 no grooves, no flap just smooth SS.
Marv Sterling
------------------------------
End of dmcnews-digest V2 #178
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