Recommended Mechanics in ATL

[Chris3991]

Anyone with any recommendations for a reputable mechanic with Delorean experience? A guy named Sal (who currently works at Hennessey Lexus of Gwinnett) and was a mechanic that worked on Deloreans when they were sold new at Spring Toyota in the '80s, recommended Zen Motors in Buford.

I've spoken to the guys at Zen Motors on the phone and they were very professional and confident in their abilities although they have yet to work on a Delorean. Before I commit to scheduling and arranging the work (and before being the first Delorean they see), I was curious if anyone in the ATL had other advice. The specific work I'm looking to have done is fuel system related. New pump, accumulator, clean the tank....

Cheers,
Chris

[nullset]

Anyone with any recommendations for a reputable mechanic with Delorean experience? A guy named Sal (who currently works at Hennessey Lexus of Gwinnett) and was a mechanic that worked on Deloreans when they were sold new at Spring Toyota in the '80s, recommended Zen Motors in Buford.

I've spoken to the guys at Zen Motors on the phone and they were very professional and confident in their abilities although they have yet to work on a Delorean. Before I commit to scheduling and arranging the work (and before being the first Delorean they see), I was curious if anyone in the ATL had other advice. The specific work I'm looking to have done is fuel system related. New pump, accumulator, clean the tank....

Cheers,
Chris

I'd ask around for a reliable volvo mechanic. Some old school Porsche mechanics may also be familiar with K-Jet.

Are you bringing a sitting car back to life?

[DL4567]

I can recommend a good general mechanic in Suwanee. I've had things like wheel bearings, balancing, and A/C charging done on my DeLorean there and they are very careful and do good work. It's a small shop owned and run by 2 guys, and they do all the work themselves. I know Suwanee is far from you, so let me know if you're interested.

Whatever you do, don't take it to American Resto Mods in Buford.

[Jimmyvonviggle]

If they have never seen a DeLorean before you are asking for trouble. There is no way a regular mechanic will be able to tackle the quirkiness . Factor what it will cost in extra hours for them to experiment, the chance of them fucking it up. For example changing the fuel filter seems pretty straight forward, but if you over crank and snap those hard lines, you are in big trouble and suddenly you are facing a big repair. I would either invite some experienced owners over, and pay them in beer (or whatever) or drive or truck it down to dmcfl.

[medicine man]

Years ago there was a man called "DMC Joe" in Atlanta. He would make house calls in the southeast and had a shop in the Atl area. Maybe someone you know could locate him. Good luck.

[Dangermouse]

DmcJoe has been out of the business for a few years now.

[Silverbullet]

Ok,

Cleaning the gas tank, and replacing the fuel pump with the new combo unit is EASY... Anyone can do it.... The accumulator you need some skill and short wrenches... The fuel filter, fuel distributor, and injectors are also needing attention my guess.... So the Volvo trained may be best if you can't get it to a DMC.

[ccurzio]

Ok,

Cleaning the gas tank, and replacing the fuel pump with the new combo unit is EASY... Anyone can do it.... The accumulator you need some skill and short wrenches... The fuel filter, fuel distributor, and injectors are also needing attention my guess.... So the Volvo trained may be best if you can't get it to a DMC.

I will agree that replacing the pump is very easy, but cleaning the tank is kind of a bitch to do. It's possible for a newbie (I did it), but I won't go so far as to say the cleaning process is anything short of a pain in the ass.

The pump swap however is dead easy.

[Chris3991]

From what I've read on this forum, seen on a youtube demo video, and the instructions Dave from DMC Midwest sent me, the fuel pump swap doesn't seem to be too bad. The challenges I foresee are: removing the tank for cleaning and having access to a lift for the accumulator. This is where having the right tools and a lift can make or break the entire project. What would take a properly equipped shop a day to accomplish, would take me weeks in my garage. Since every shop typically has all the necessary tools, the variable is the experience with working on Deloreans.

Nullset- the car is in running order. It has had some fuel system work done in the past but it appears the install was incorrect. The pump and lines are not original. The specific issues I'm trying to alleviate in addition to just updating the system are: it takes several attempts to start, especially when its warmed up already, an overwhelming fuel smell inside and outside of the vehicle partially (or completely) due to the missing fuel pump cap (this can also lead to water in the tank if it runs down then windshield), and an inoperative fuel gauge.

The benefits of a complete fuel system overhaul from cleaning the tank, updating the components, to replacing the fuel distributor are monumental. Since the car is in great condition otherwise, this is my main focus right now.

Anyone going to Bonita Springs or Crystal Lake anytime soon??


Cheers.

[Dangermouse]

FWIW, you don't take the tank out to clean it. It is done in-situ. Everything in and around the tank is pretty accessible.

I'm told that the accumulator can be reached through the access panel under the ashtray, though I have never done that.

You could do the rest and leave the accumulator til last and then do it if needed or when the opportunity for a lift appeared.

Just a though

[DMCMW Dave]

I'm told that the accumulator can be reached through the access panel under the ashtray, though I have never done that.



No, it must be done from underneath. You can see one fitting from above.

[Jagreen]

Guys, Gals, I'm new to this form, yet I recently had a fuel system and cooling issue, and had Scott Delong's Auto Service on Post Oak Trit Rd. 770-509-0222 work on my '81. If you look at their Facebook page, you'll see my car. I mostly delt with Scott at first, then mostly his very capable son and partner, Ryan They did a fantastic job. They could have totally gouged me (I told them it was one or both fuel pumps) but they found the root cause of the fuel system issue ... A small leak, causing loss of pressure, a 6 inch hose and 2 clamps fixed it. They also had to completely flush the cooling system ... They let it run idle for a while, then reflushed the entire system again to ensure no air pockets. The young, very talented mechanics were all quite enthuasticastic to have it in the shop and took very special care of the car. Tell them Jeff Green sent you. You will be impressed, and the price was less then 1/2 of what I expected ... With towing, and yes, they sent a high end flat bed to pick it up. You will not have to worry about the care they will give your DMC ... Good luck.

[ccurzio]

(I told them it was one or both fuel pumps)

:confused0:

[Dangermouse]

I was wondering about that too

[Bikercmbc]

Once I get back from Utah for the winter I will be able to come down to work on ATL Deloreans. I have finished restoring the second Delorean except for painting the facias and possibly lowering it. so I will try to bring that one to a spring/summer tech session.

[Chris3991]

I spoke with a guy named Jim at Theo Automotive in Peachtree City. He said he has almost 30 years of Volvo mechanic experience and has worked on many Deloreans over the years and he is quite familiar with the PRV engine. Anyway, it sounds promising.

Cheers.

[Mark C]

...Jim at Theo Automotive in Peachtree City...has worked on many Deloreans over the years...

And two of them were mine! :wrenchin: Jim Little used to be with AllSpeed Auto Works nearby, and he has done minor work on both of my cars over the years. I have not visited him at Theo's yet, but I would not hesitate to do so. He is the most DMC-friendly mechanic I have found in my area, and it doesn't hurt that he is only 3 miles from my house.

[DeLorean6934]

I work at tires plus in austell and live off exit 44 on i20. I can pretty much do any kind of work you need done. You can call me if you like203-209-9526.
Matt parker
6934-6201//

[DELOR1]

I can recommend a good general mechanic in Suwanee. I've had things like wheel bearings, balancing, and A/C charging done on my DeLorean there and they are very careful and do good work. It's a small shop owned and run by 2 guys, and they do all the work themselves. I know Suwanee is far from you, so let me know if you're interested.

Whatever you do, don't take it to American Resto Mods in Buford.

I had the front rotors and bearings replaced by NOR-WEST in Suwanee. Did a good job and took care of my car.
Good so Far!!!!!!
JJ

[DL4567]

I had the front rotors and bearings replaced by NOR-WEST in Suwanee. Did a good job and took care of my car.
Good so Far!!!!!!
JJ

Glad to hear they treated you well. :thumbup:

[Dangermouse]

Anyone with any recommendations for a reputable mechanic with Delorean experience? A guy named Sal (who currently works at Hennessey Lexus of Gwinnett) and was a mechanic that worked on Deloreans when they were sold new at Spring Toyota in the '80s, recommended Zen Motors in Buford.


Oddly, I spoke to a guy named Sal last night who also used to work on D's back in the 80s. Different guy though. He runs S&D Automotive in Buford (what the heck is it with Buford shops anyway). I've never been there, so I can't recommend him but it may be an option.

[DELOR1]

I need o top off my /a/c.

Anyone know of a local place to purchase freeze 12 and or refill my a/c

[Dangermouse]

Derek took his to AutoCool in Smyrna - not exactly local, I know

http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?12150-AutoCool-in-Smyrna

Hopefully Ron will see this and might know a good place John

[Ron]

I can hook you up at a meet...or you can always take a trip to the mountains:devil: