The TesLorean

[DMCMW Dave]

When I got the rear fascia off of 6313, it looks like I might have the frame of 6311. If you're out there 6311, I've got your frame. I've got to think that this was something that happened at the factory. Perhaps the 6313 frame was pulled from the line for a fix and 6311 stood in to keep things flowing, or 6311 was written by mistake on the rear frame? The VIN number under the headliner on the driver's door is consistent with the VIN tags, i.e. 6313.

The frame VIN almost never matches the body VIN. Seems that it wasn't particularly important to the production folks back in Ireland. In fact, most of them seem farther off than yours.

[Lwanmtr]

Yep...the number on my frame doesnt match either...hehe.

Cant wait to see more.....

[durech]

I scrapped together this listing from multiple postings on this forum (thanks to all the contributors!). I've already got most of the 'disconnect' items done, but I wanted to get a checklist together to be sure I didn't miss anything.

I'll be doing the lift on a MaxJax 2 post lift, probably doing the separation at an upcoming Tech Day - so I can attract some extra eyes. Frame will be set down on wheel dollies (just to make moving it around the garage a little more flexible), and the body will go onto some mover dollies connected with a temporary frame (to make it movable - and not stuck on the lift). Once separated the engine and transmission are coming out, and ready for positioning the Tesla motor and measuring for mounts and axles.

Body Frame Separation

- Disconnect
- - Front
- - - Bracing
- - - - Front radiator shroud
- - - AC
- - - - Evaporator Lines @ passenger wheel well
- - - Coolant
- - - - Heater Core lines @ front firewall
- - - Control
- - - - Steering linkage @ firewall
- - - - Speedo cable at Angle Drive
- - - - Brake lines @ master cylinder
- - - Electrical
- - - - Radiator Fan lines @ front frame
- - - - Horn lines @ front frame
- - - - Fuel level sender wiring @ sender
- - - - fuel pump wiring @ fuel pump
- - - - Front lighting wiring/ground junction area @ front crumple tubes
- - - Fuel
- - - - Fuel filler hose @ fuel tank
- - - Hydraulics
- - - - Clutch line @ master clutch cylinder
- - - - Brake lines @ master cylinder
- - Cabin
- - - Shift boot and shifter @ console/shifter area
- - - Mode switch vacuum lines @ engine bay / driver's pontoon ?
- - Engine Bay
- - - Control
- - - - Throttle cable @ spool
- - - Electrical
- - - - Engine wiring @ connector box
- - - - O2 sensor @ sensor
- - - - Alternator Power @ alternator
- - - - Starter Power @ starter
- - - - Automatic Transmission computer lines (if applicable)
- - - - Battery ground cable @ passenger lower control arm AND @ rear frame
- - - - Frame/body grounds @ rear quarter stainless panels
- - - Emissions
- - - - Carbon Canister lines @ drivers pontoon
- - - Air
- - - - Air duct to filter box @ passenger's pontoon
- - Rear
- - - Control
- - - - Emergency Brakes @ each brake caliper / rear hub
- - Rear Fascia
- - - Engine cover release cable @ release
- - - Rear tail lights (for access)
- - - Fascia wiring assembly @ inside rear fascia
- - - Bolts along bottom of fascia
- - - Rear fascia assembly (whole)
- Bolts Removed
- - 2 bolts in the trunk bolting to shock towers
- - 2 bolts inside near center console bolting sideways into the frame
- - 2 bolts near the transmission/engine connection bolting the frame the body to the frame
- - 2 seat belt bolts @ inner side of seat
- - 2 in rear pontoons @ pontoon inside, after rear fascia removed
- - 2 above the rear shock towers (under shock tower brace)

I look forward to another Tech Day at your house. The last one was awesome.

[Nicholas R]

The frame VIN almost never matches the body VIN. Seems that it wasn't particularly important to the production folks back in Ireland. In fact, most of them seem farther off than yours.

Dave, in your experience, have you seen many (or any) where the frame actually does match the VIN?

[DrJeff]

I have successfully decoded the LIN (Local Interconnect Network) controller that sends messages from the Tesla steering wheel (actually a Mercedes Benz column) to the micro-controllers in the steering column. This means that the buttons, scroll wheels, and horn on the Tesla wheel can be used, given that I can fit the wheel to the DeLorean, including the placement of the clock spring.

The Tesla and DeLorean steering wheels are about the same depth (front to back). The Tesla wheel has a 21mm-66 spline connection to the steering column. I believe the DeLorean is 9/16in-36 spline.

Has anyone tried (safely) fitting a non-momo wheel to the DeLorean column? and/or fitted a clock spring?

Jeff

[vwdmc16]

I really doubt anyone has put a clockspring in a DeLorean, what are you doing with the air bag? Making it non functional?

[DrJeff]

I really doubt anyone has put a clockspring in a DeLorean, what are you doing with the air bag? Making it non functional?

Airbag was rendered "non-functional" by the previous owner of the Tesla.

Fitting a clock spring looks like it will require a re-engineering of the steering column stalks and shroud. I'm working on adapting the Tesla control stalks (well 2 out of 3 - don't need the autopilot one) for use. If I can pull it off, I can accommodate the clock spring. Wilder options include wireless powering and Bluetooth for data transfer.

Jeff

[Timeless]

I'm excited to see this come to fruition! Good luck with the project

[DrJeff]

Fun time lapse video of the body frame separation.

I'll be updating the checklist with some more details and alternatives found during separation...

new checklist items...
- rear side marker lights had to be pulled back into the rear fascia
- reverse switch connector at firewall or on transmission
- rear fascia held on by fender washers (look like post production or late production adds), get to inside of pontoon through vacuum canister door and through air intake opening.
- removing the battery and feeding the positive battery lead and grommet out of the battery box proved easier that starter/alt connections.

Jeff

[Lwanmtr]

Neat video...makes it look easy...hehe