The Ressurection of BLWNAWY

I wanted to start a new thread covering the reconstruction of this very unique car. For background see http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?13...highlight=Fire and http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?13...values-welcome.

It's good to get her home, and encouraging that the damage is not really as bad as some thought. Again, the car has a clear title, the supercharger appears to be ok, and I bet after disassembly for inspection the engine will be found good also. As noted on the other threads I first bought this car in 1990; spent 5 years installing the supercharged Chevy 4.3 V6 with minimal changes to the car; then reluctantly sold it in 2005. It fell back into my lap via bringatrailer.com and ebay, and will be brought back to its previous glory. After one day in my shop all of the melted rear parts are off (first time I ever had to use a saw to take a car apart!). Inside the trunk were a few surprises - some receipts from my 1990-1995 build; a brand new LH large door window in the same box I sent it off 11 years ago with the car; shop and parts manuals, a brand new carburetor, and the original WA front license plate. I will add updates as they occur, but my wife says it will not be at the 10hr/6day/17mo rate of my last restoration...
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Wow, good luck! Look forward to watching your progress!

Very Cool! It's great that the car is back in its builders hands! Good luck with the resurrection :thumbup:

Editors/moderators - can you correct the spelling of "Resurrection" in the thread title? I don't know how to do that. And to think I actually looked that word up and STILL spelled it wrong.

Good luck...cant wait to see the progress. You'll prolly get her ressurected before I finish mine..lol

That looks like an Edelbrock carb (or a Carter AFB). If it is, fuel inlet is directly above your ignition distributor. Might be worthwhile to rig up a splash guard.

Bill Robertson
#5939

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Originally Posted by content22207_2

That looks like an Edelbrock carb (or a Carter AFB). If it is, fuel inlet is directly above your ignition distributor. Might be worthwhile to rig up a splash guard.

Bill Robertson
#5939

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Edelbrock/Carter carbs have been used on literally millions of Chevy engines with few problems. However, this time I will install a hard line down to the fuel filter, which on this car is inside the frame where the "backbone" ends and rear "Y" starts. This fire was due to human error - failure to tighten the fuel line after working on the carb. It had nothing to do with the unfortunately well-documented rash of stock DeLorean engine fires, which were a problem way back when I was dealing with them in the late 80's and 90's. I parted out several cars that were totaled due to engine fires including a twin turbo car once owned by DMC exec Roy Nesseth that many believe was a Legend car.

Thought I would post a progress report. The frame is repainted and the replacement rear body section is in place. Yesterday I hauled the car to a boat builder/fiberglass fabrication shop to have them do the actual bonding. Before removal of the burnt body I made up a number of alignment jigs for the door openings, hinge studs, door latch pins, seat tracks, console bolts, and "T-top" height. That way I was able to position the replacement in exactly the same position. While it is in their shop I will be cleaning up the blackened quarter panels. I did the RH one yesterday and it came out like new. I started with oven cleaner, and then spray-on stainless cleaner and a coarse Scotchbrite pad. In a few places it required a little 80-grit sandpaper followed by the Scotchbrite, but part of that was due to minor scratches acquired over the last 11 years. Also the supercharger is disassembled, and it and a whole box of other aluminum parts are awaiting a trip to a polisher's shop. I could do that myself, but this guy's work is fabulous.

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Time for another update. Engine is in, plumbed and wired. Note there is now a hard line to the carb, as well as a fuel pump safety switch actuated by oil pressure. All wiring is repaired and ready to go. I would fire it up but am waiting on back-ordered seals and gaskets for the supercharger. Also waiting on a new billet air filter housing and s/s shift knob being custom made to my specs. New leather seat covers and seat back panels are in the mail from Lseat. Next up is installing the rear bumper, fascia, taillights etc. The modification to the engine cover is half done - opened up entirely, waiting for a piece of expanded metal to fill the hole. Last will be a hole in the louver for the air cleaner. A lot of work accomplished considering I started 8/9/16. I do enjoy being retired....

Looking Awesome!! :headbang:

fkn beautiful

Looking great!

Took it out for its first drive Friday and all went well. Everything works - tach, gages, speedo, windows - except for the aftermarket radio. Still waiting for the new custom made air cleaner assembly, after which I can finish the engine cover and louver modifications. Also after initialing refusing to re-issue the BLWNAWY plates, DOL has now reversed and said they will. A couple more weeks and she will be finished.

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This car has become more legendary than the Legend cars

Very nice going. Hope to see it in person some day...when ya get it running you should visit tacoma for a day...hehe.

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Originally Posted by Lwanmtr

Very nice going. Hope to see it in person some day...when ya get it running you should visit tacoma for a day...hehe.

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One of its first outings will be to take it around to show to the various shops who helped with its repair - fiberglass shop, glass shop, upholstery shop, 2 machine shops, etc. I will be taking it through Tacoma, to Edgewood, to show it to the guy who did the polishing on the supercharger. Still sorting out insurance options - whether to go with Grundy like on my '57 Dodge, or Safeco like my daily drivers. Grundy is slightly cheaper but has use restrictions. Thanks to my clean record, advanced age, multi-car discount (6 vehicles), and rural location the rates are quite reasonable - under $255/yr for full coverage. Got a quote for $160 from Classic Collectors, but need to research them some more before making the switch.

Oh wow.... Excellent job!! :headbang:

Darryl, were all those insurance rates for agreed value policies?


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Originally Posted by DMC5180

Darryl, were all those insurance rates for agreed value policies?


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Both the Grundy ($215) and Classic Collectors ($160) quotes were for the agreed value of $25k. I may raise that before actually pulling the trigger. Not sure about Safeco ($255) - think it was just for standard full coverage but have my agent checking it out. My very rural location, age (67), high credit rating, multi-car discount, and perfect driving record (no speeding tickets EVER) make for the lowest rates. Most folks will pay significantly higher. I'm leaning toward Safeco because the collector policies have use restrictions - to shows and occasional pleasure use. A trip down the coast, for example, does NOT qualify. I can live with that on my Dodge, but I'd like to be able to drive the DeLorean more often than that.

Don't forget Hagerty.


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Originally Posted by BLWNAWY

Both the Grundy ($215) and Classic Collectors ($160) quotes were for the agreed value of $25k. I may raise that before actually pulling the trigger. Not sure about Safeco ($255) - think it was just for standard full coverage but have my agent checking it out. My very rural location, age (67), high credit rating, multi-car discount, and perfect driving record (no speeding tickets EVER) make for the lowest rates. Most folks will pay significantly higher. I'm leaning toward Safeco because the collector policies have use restrictions - to shows and occasional pleasure use. A trip down the coast, for example, does NOT qualify. I can live with that on my Dodge, but I'd like to be able to drive the DeLorean more often than that.

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I just got my DeLorean insured through Grundy last month. They wouldn't go any higher than $35k for agreed value unless I provide an appraisal letter. Rob Grady is going to write something up for me. Then the only question is if their underwriter will accept it.

-Nick Pitello
VIN# 16377

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Originally Posted by DMC5180

Don't forget Hagerty.

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At $531 Hagerty was not even competitive. They have always been higher for my classic car quotes.

I'm really glad to see your car is back where she belongs. Congratulations to you on all the hard work you've put into her.

How easy was it to get rid of the smoke damage and smell from the passenger compartment? Did you have to clean out the ductwork? Steam/replace seats?

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Originally Posted by NJP548

I just got my DeLorean insured through Grundy last month. They wouldn't go any higher than $35k for agreed value unless I provide an appraisal letter. Rob Grady is going to write something up for me. Then the only question is if their underwriter will accept it.

-Nick Pitello
VIN# 16377

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Grundy insured mine for $50,000.

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Originally Posted by Drive Stainless

Grundy insured mine for $50,000.

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Without an appraisal?

-Nick Pitello
VIN# 16377

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Originally Posted by NJP548

Without an appraisal?

-Nick Pitello
VIN# 16377

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No, no appraisal mentioned.





Dear Mr. David:

Thank you for your application. Coverage for your 1981 Delorean has been bound for 5 days

effective as of 11/15/2016. The binder is based on the following information:

1. Maximum insurable value we will offer is $50,000.00 – signed acceptance is required.

X__________________________________________

High Book value is $45,000.00.

2. Current colored photos of the vehicle (front and side view) – required.

. . .

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Originally Posted by Drive Stainless

No, no appraisal mentioned.





Dear Mr. David:

Thank you for your application. Coverage for your 1981 Delorean has been bound for 5 days

effective as of 11/15/2016. The binder is based on the following information:

1. Maximum insurable value we will offer is $50,000.00 – signed acceptance is required.

X__________________________________________

High Book value is $45,000.00.

2. Current colored photos of the vehicle (front and side view) – required.

. . .

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After I submitted my paperwork with the $45k valuation, they called me to say they couldn't give me that high of an agreed value.

I had to email them that I would like to lower the valuation to $35k:

Support,

I understand that we will continue with this insurance quote at the valuation of $35,000.00. I will speak with the owner of the only remaining original DeLorean Dealership in existence (www.pjgrady.com) and ask them to provide me a valuation in writing. They recently inspected this car within the past month.

Thanks.

Nick Pitello


Then they sent me a letter similar to yours that I had to sign:

Dear Mr. Pitello,

Thank you for your application. After careful review your application is pending based on the following information.


1. Maximum value we will offer for your vehicle is $35,000. Signed acceptance is required:
X________________________________________
2. Payment is required in the amount of $283.00


Kindly send the above requested information at your earliest convenience.

Thank you for choosing Grundy Worldwide.

Also, I only had to submit one picture of my car.

-Nick Pitello
VIN# 16377

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Originally Posted by DMCVegas

How easy was it to get rid of the smoke damage and smell from the passenger compartment? Did you have to clean out the ductwork? Steam/replace seats?

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I replaced the 3 carpet pieces behind the seats and steam cleaned the rest. The headliners, upper door panels, and door A & B post trim were replaced, and the seats reupholstered. Ductwork was blown out. There is NO smell or smoke damage remaining. None.

I spent a lot of time undoing the previous (Texas) owner's "handiwork" including a steering wheel held on by a crude tin plate, wiring splices just twisted together, removing an ugly aftermarket interior mirror and shift knob, fuel line changes, etc. Luckily I know every bolt and wire on the car, having rebuilt it before in '90-'95. One of the biggest challenges was sorting out the maze of wiring shown below. It now looks original, and everything worked the first time except the electric choke which just turned out to be a missed blown fuse (and the radio as noted before).

Gotta love those fun gifts that PO's leave behind...lol

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Drive Stainless

Grundy insured mine for $50,000.

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Be careful with Grundy or any other collector car coverage unless you only drive your car to shows/events. I just got this response from them: "Thank you for contacting Grundy Worldwide. For any vehicle on the collector policy you cannot use the vehicle for running errands, taking trips out of town unless it is being used for hobby related use such as a car show, tour or parade. To visit a friend out of town on an extended trip we would consider that daily use [and not covered]." I am awaiting responses from Classic Collectors (much cheaper) and Safeco as to their use policies.

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Originally Posted by BLWNAWY

Be careful with Grundy or any other collector car coverage unless you only drive your car to shows/events. I just got this response from them: "Thank you for contacting Grundy Worldwide. For any vehicle on the collector policy you cannot use the vehicle for running errands, taking trips out of town unless it is being used for hobby related use such as a car show, tour or parade. To visit a friend out of town on an extended trip we would consider that daily use [and not covered]." I am awaiting responses from Classic Collectors (much cheaper) and Safeco as to their use policies.

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Yes, I know that. I've only had one claim so far with Grundy, and they mailed a check without even sending an appraiser.

Hagerty may be more permissive as far as use, but their quote was about 3x higher than Grundy.

At least for me, if I select 'daily driver' on Hagerty's quote page, it comes up denied...lol

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Originally Posted by BLWNAWY

I replaced the 3 carpet pieces behind the seats and steam cleaned the rest. The headliners, upper door panels, and door A & B post trim were replaced, and the seats reupholstered. Ductwork was blown out. There is NO smell or smoke damage remaining. None.

I spent a lot of time undoing the previous (Texas) owner's "handiwork" including a steering wheel held on by a crude tin plate, wiring splices just twisted together, removing an ugly aftermarket interior mirror and shift knob, fuel line changes, etc. Luckily I know every bolt and wire on the car, having rebuilt it before in '90-'95. One of the biggest challenges was sorting out the maze of wiring shown below. It now looks original, and everything worked the first time except the electric choke which just turned out to be a missed blown fuse (and the radio as noted before).

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Good to know it was easy to clean everything up, and get it sorted out. I remember seeing those blue LEDs and how proud the guy was of all the electrical work he had done to the car. I did not, however, know just what kind of work it was the he did.

Holding on a steering wheel with an octagon jbox cover is one of those things that seems clever at the time, but is just dangerous as all hell.

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Just thought I would tie off this thread - after about 11 months work the car is basically finished. I lost weeks waiting for a new custom air cleaner to be made, and then gave up and used an aftermarket one. And then 2 weeks ago, while installing the last part (louver) the driver's side torsion bar broke! All is finished now with the exception of new A/C lines and replacing the radio, neither of which are urgent.

My goal was to save the car and not see it get parted out. Unfortunately my plans to keep it have been less successful as I need space and funds for another project that has been put off too long. Sometime this fall I will reluctantly be offering it for sale once again.

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She looks good....too bad you have to let her go....maybe one of your other cars could go? hehe

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Originally Posted by Lwanmtr

maybe one of your other cars could go? hehe

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Goldwing? Yes, but I'd probably just get another Harley. The Dodge? In a few years. The Corvette? Never.