Who can be trusted to work on a Delorean?

[Scootdive]

I'm a relatively new Delorean owner and I'm trying to decide who I should let work on my car. Unfortunately, I live no where near anyone that you would consider a Delorean expert. Being 30 years old, and having a reputation for being somewhat temperamental, Deloreans need regular preventative mantaniance. Worse, they may eventually need repairs. Paying $1000 round trip to ship my car to a place like DPI or DMC for minor repairs or mantaniance is obviously not cost effective.
What level of knowledge does a mechanic at a car shop have? Are they capable of working on these cars?

[sdg3205]

Proceed with caution.

Old school Volvo shops should be excellent. A lot of modern shops and techs hit a wall when they can't find the OBD ll port.

How far are you from the closest Delorean vendor?

[Michael]

I have found that with DeLoreans (and pretty much any application) that it's not the knowledge of the tech as much as it is his attitude towards his job. I am lucky to know several techs that are not only good friends of mine but are also both skilled AND have a desire to do excellent work.

[Jonathan]

Adding to what Michael mentioned, I would suggest finding a mechanic you trust first, and then figuring out what the knowledge is around DeLoreans specifically.

It is just a car for the most part. Four ____ing wheels and a seat to quote another classic 80s movie. You find a guy that is honest and will work with you on figuring out the trickier, DeLorean specific stuff and you're all set.

But yes, bonus if you perhaps start by asking around for a Volvo or Import guy. Someone with experience working on Bosch systems or K-jet is more likely found than a guy skilled at fixing stainless or adjusting torsion bars. Those kinds of things aren't usually the show stoppers on our cars anyways.

Oh, and find a vendor you like and develop a relationship with them that you are both comfortable with. Whatever that might mean to you specifically.

[dmruschell]

Knowing where you are might help, since many of us have found local shop that will work on the cars or are willing to help out other owners.

[Michael]

Make sure it's an OLD Volvo guy. The technology has changed so much that just being Volvo certified don't mean jack unless this guy has been working on them since the 70s. Most techs will look at you like you asked for a light saber if you mention dwell meter.

[dustybarn]

I'm a relatively new Delorean owner and I'm trying to decide who I should let work on my car. Unfortunately, I live no where near anyone that you would consider a Delorean expert. Being 30 years old, and having a reputation for being somewhat temperamental, Deloreans need regular preventative mantaniance. Worse, they may eventually need repairs. Paying $1000 round trip to ship my car to a place like DPI or DMC for minor repairs or mantaniance is obviously not cost effective.
What level of knowledge does a mechanic at a car shop have? Are they capable of working on these cars?

How good a mechanic are you? If you have a good, straightforward mechanic's sense and skill, you may be better off maintaining it yourself, especially if you have a little experience with old British sports cars (with which the D shares rather a lot). Preventative maintenance is no different than any other car, really, and the Delorean is by modern standards bog-simple.

[Cory W]

I'm a relatively new Delorean owner and I'm trying to decide who I should let work on my car. Unfortunately, I live no where near anyone that you would consider a Delorean expert. Being 30 years old, and having a reputation for being somewhat temperamental, Deloreans need regular preventative mantaniance. Worse, they may eventually need repairs. Paying $1000 round trip to ship my car to a place like DPI or DMC for minor repairs or mantaniance is obviously not cost effective.
What level of knowledge does a mechanic at a car shop have? Are they capable of working on these cars?

This summer I drove my car with side impact damage 1200 kms one way (across an international border with the driver door jammed shut) to take it where I have a previous relationship with and trust the people. (this is my DMC Midwest plug) Shipping your car isn't the only option, if it moves under its own power.

As everybody has said, the more you know and can do yourself, the better. You may meet some very helpful people close enough to you just looking for an excuse to set up a Tech Day. Help is plentiful (and free) on here.

Of course, you may not want to turn your own wrenches, or finding time is the issue. Find out where owners of old (70s-mid 80s) VWs, Mercedes, and Volvos go in your area and build a relationship.

As for the stubborn reputation, I've had my car seven years now and have been left stranded twice, both in the first two years of ownership. A near overheat (low coolant, first weeks of ownership), and broken Trailing Arm Bolt, which could happen to any older vehicle. Once some wrinkles are smoothed out, DeLorean's aren't all that finicky. If you have doubt about an system in the vehicle, rebuild it to establish a benchmark (cooling system renewed in 2015, brakes in 2016, etc) and maintain it like you would any other older car.

Don't forget to drive it. They reward you for your attention.

[Dangermouse]

Of course, you may not want to turn your own wrenches, or finding time is the issue. Find out where owners of old (70s-mid 80s) VWs, Mercedes, and Volvos go in your area and build a relationship.

.

Also old British sports cars. While the engine has nothing in common, the suspension and brakes will be familiar to them. More importantly, they will be used to picky owners and odd cars and if they are still in business, then they are probably quite good.

[dustybarn]

Also old British sports cars. While the engine has nothing in common, the suspension and brakes will be familiar to them. More importantly, they will be used to picky owners and odd cars and if they are still in business, then they are probably quite good.

Yep. I cut my mechanic-ing teeth on Triumphs, TVRs, and Lotuses, and when I first crawled under a Delorean, it felt like home.