Originally Posted by
DMCVegas
That's a bummer. I'm really sorry to hear that. John did a lot to help the DeLorean community. Most notably starting with his alternators (I still have a D150 that whistles) which helped us all a great deal. He was definitely a breath of fresh air because he appeared at the right time. People take for granted now the amount of vendors and choices we have. There was though a time starting 20 years ago when our supplies were then dwindling because their existence were unknown. This then became coupled with the fact that another well known vendor (who I am told has since long passed away) started banning people from purchasing parts simply because they dared to simply participate in online discussions. These were indeed dark times. Many owners and enthusiasts had anxiety about parts supplies.
When John arrived on the scene, he really became a great hope for us all that we had a new vendor. Not to mention that he also was willing to competitively price parts and helped reduce overall parts prices. Even if you've never purchased a single part from him, I promise that you've benefitted from his business due to the competition he created. True, his business did have some growing pains. I can't lie, he wasn't the worlds best book keeper, that's for sure. Then there was the confusion between "Special-T-Auto" and Darryl Tinnerstet's "Specialty Automotive" in Washington that added to much confusion for buyers, and consternation for Darryl (probably even a factor as to why he retired from the business). Plus his rapid expansion of parts had it's hiccups. From auto trans harnesses, to parts that weren't quite 100% compatible per se, his communication skills, and that previously mentioned book keeping.
But none the less, he did help test new designs and test new parts, and again, helped push the community and get cars onto the road. DMCH is certainly the hero of the marque, but John was also there as another character who helped lend a hand too with his website that even I window shopped and occasionally purchased from.
Rest well, John. You've earned it, and will be missed.