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.

[sdg3205]

Most techs will look at you like you asked for a light saber if you mention dwell meter.

38534

[Michael]

38534

Best MEME ever!!!! :hihi2:

[David T]

Best MEME ever!!!! :hihi2:

A lot depends on just what needs to be done. If it is just PM work, filters, fluids, and such, just about anyone can do it. For the more specialized work like adjusting the doors, fixing the stainless, that kind of thing, you should only have a Delorean vendor do it. The vendors sell parts to independent shops all over, maybe they can recommend a nearby shop that they have dealt with for the easy stuff. The best solution is for you and a friend to get your hands dirty and try to do some of the easy stuff yourself. You don't need a lot of special tools and there is plenty of advice and encouragement here.

[Michael]

I am adopting a rule. Never take technical advice from someone who after 5 years still can't figure out the difference between the "reply to thread" button and the "reply with quote" button

[DMCMW Dave]

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.

That's good advice.

I've heard many stories out Volvo shops saying "hell no", and even picked up a car or two from "Volvo" shops after they screwed it up or gave up on the car. At this point they may not have any more expertise than anyone else. Volvo hasn't used K-Jet in 30 years.

What you will find is that some shops may be adventurous and competent, most are not adventurous (i.e. don't want to risk screwing up something they can't fix, or will take more time than they can bill for) or are just incompetent.

Depending on your issues, another worry is that most shops of any sort have never seen or tried to bring back to life a car that has been parked for 20+ years and they have no idea how much damage that can do to a car.

[DMCMW Dave]

I am adopting a rule. Never take technical advice from someone who after 5 years still can't figure out the difference between the "reply to thread" button and the "reply with quote" button

How about people where the signature graphic is bigger than the post?

[Michael]

How about people where the signature graphic is bigger than the post?

Looks like I am going to have to start writing "DMCVegas" length posts. :tongue2:

It will be gone soon enough...only have around 60 more filters to sell to break even.

[opethmike]

I am adopting a rule. Never take technical advice from someone who after 5 years still can't figure out the difference between the "reply to thread" button and the "reply with quote" button

But he's a guru! Sure, a self-appointed guru, but a guru!

[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.

[PJ Grady Inc.]

How about people where the signature graphic is bigger than the post?

Nice little zinger there Dave. You should show your sense of humor more often.
Rob

[PJ Grady Inc.]

But he's a guru! Sure, a self-appointed guru, but a guru!

And I thought he was referring to me!

[David T]

I am adopting a rule. Never take technical advice from someone who after 5 years still can't figure out the difference between the "reply to thread" button and the "reply with quote" button

For whatever reason the only "reply" button that appears for me is the "reply to quote" button. I do not always delete the quote. I freely admit I am not the best when it comes to the Internet and am not even a a good typist. I see no connection between that and my knowledge and experience fixing Deloreans. As for ANY advice given, especially on the internet, you must consider it carefully and decide if it is safe, practical, and useful. You should also consider it's source. In the end it is up to the reader what advice to follow.

[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.

[Dangermouse]

For whatever reason the only "reply" button that appears for me is the "reply to quote" button. I do not always delete the quote. I freely admit I am not the best when it comes to the Internet and am not even a a good typist. I see no connection between that and my knowledge and experience fixing Deloreans. As for ANY advice given, especially on the internet, you must consider it carefully and decide if it is safe, practical, and useful. You should also consider it's source. In the end it is up to the reader what advice to follow.

David, agreed. mastery of the internet and mastery of DeLoreans are not linked. If this was a computer programming forum, I could see the connection. :)

by the way, the "Reply to Thread" button is over on the left side


<<<<<<<<

[sdg3205]

Unless I missed it, you still haven't specified where you live. At any rate, sometimes you DO have to visit a reputable vendor, at least it is recommended. For example, the windshield on the Delorean requires special installation considerations. In my case, when I needed it replaced or my R-12 filled, I made a 12 hr round trip from Vancouver Canada to Seattle WA to get the work done. No one in Canada touches r-12.

Sometimes you gotta do it.

[DMCVegas]

Looks like I am going to have to start writing "DMCVegas" length posts. :tongue2:

It will be gone soon enough...only have around 60 more filters to sell to break even.


I AM THE ONE WHO POSTS!

http://i.qkme.me/3qrlu5.jpg

Seriously though, take your car to an old school Volvo mechanic that knows K-Jetronic, and post your location to see if anyone near by can tell you where one is at.

[opethmike]

For whatever reason the only "reply" button that appears for me is the "reply to quote" button. I do not always delete the quote. I freely admit I am not the best when it comes to the Internet and am not even a a good typist. I see no connection between that and my knowledge and experience fixing Deloreans. As for ANY advice given, especially on the internet, you must consider it carefully and decide if it is safe, practical, and useful. You should also consider it's source. In the end it is up to the reader what advice to follow.

So you're not a keyboard guru then? I'm surprised; 'cause you usually do a lot of guru-ing.

[sdg3205]

So you're not a keyboard guru then? I'm surprised; 'cause you usually do a lot of guru-ing.

38558

[PJ Grady Inc.]

So you're not a keyboard guru then? I'm surprised; 'cause you usually do a lot of guru-ing.

To guru or not to guru? Is this a question?
Rob

[DMCVegas]

For whatever reason the only "reply" button that appears for me is the "reply to quote" button. I do not always delete the quote. I freely admit I am not the best when it comes to the Internet and am not even a a good typist. I see no connection between that and my knowledge and experience fixing Deloreans. As for ANY advice given, especially on the internet, you must consider it carefully and decide if it is safe, practical, and useful. You should also consider it's source. In the end it is up to the reader what advice to follow.

If you're just looking to reply to the entire thread itself, there should be a large blue button in the lower left hand corner at the bottom of the list of posts. You just need to scroll all the way down to the bottom of the page itself to find it.

All joking aside though, sometimes the layouts on pages can look different across platforms, or various websites. Even I have run into situations like that myself where someone coded a website one way, and I can't figure out which pane to scroll down on because I'm using a completely different browser/OS than what the author who coded the site did. And don't get me started on layouts…

Point being, it's great to geek out and whatnot, like over in the MEME FIGHT! thread where some of us get to banter back and forth with some of that caustic humor and whatnot using graphics, and even some inside jokes. But still, let's also be welcoming with the technical questions even about the web site too. Remember, there are still probably thousands of other DeLorean owners out there that are either barley lurking, nor not even online at all. We occasionally run into the in the wild. So in case one of them comes along, let's still be welcoming on the computing side of things here so we don't chase anyone off before they even come in.

Just my 2 tokens...

[opethmike]

That's an unusually abridged post for you, Robert. Are you feeling okay?

[DMCVegas]

That's an unusually abridged post for you, Robert. Are you feeling okay?

http://cdn.meme.am/instances/64403240.jpg

[16949]

I'm a relatively new Delorean owner and I'm trying to decide who I should let work on my car

Trust no one.
:8ball: :umm:

Plan, Research, Watch YouTube videos, disseminate, read, question. Borrow tools. Ask for help. DIY.
Gotta learn somewhere.

Unless everyone tells you not to DIY. Then don't DIY.

Otherwise, odds are good that someone else (professional or not) can not fix it just as well as you can, just for more money. You can do it cheaper, gentler, and can probably figure it out.

Unless you don't want to DIY, and just want to pay someone.
Then bribe someone here to help.

[opethmike]

Agreed. I learned how to DIY on my DMC. They're simple cars, and not difficult to work on.

[mr_maxime]

most likely not chain stores. While approaching shops, I'd go in assuming they know nothing. Never trusted mechanics to work on my accord ever since I was told to do a bunch of stuff that didnt need to be done, and I trust them even less with my delorean.

honestly, Id look for reviews online for local shops and see what they specialize in. That's what I did when I was trying to find someone do to my front brake pads. The shop had good reviews. They were worried about parts availability at first, but I had them with me. Turns out the mechanic had done delorean brakes before, so I was in luck. The owner even asked if it had the original PRV in it. They also specialized in older british sports cars. I ended up kind of lucking out, but then I wouldnt have found it if I hadnt looked for a place with good reviews.

Another good plan is to look into the local clubs and use their experience for help. It's probably best to start learning how to work on it yourself than trying to find a good shop.

[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.

[mluder]

I'll chime in...
I also learned how to fix my car on my car with no previous experience.

About a year after I bought it I took most of the major engine components off - did not remove any internals - so I could clean the valley and paint everything I could reach, replaced all the vacuum lines, etc. I had a vacuum leak and my clutch slave was dripping so I figured if I'm going to do it then make it count. My car was off the road for nearly 3 months during this time and I hated every minute I couldn't drive it. This forum, the vendors, the Pacific Northwest DeLorean Club, and nearby owners were invaluable resources. When I got it all back together it started on the first try... much to my own surprise.

I'll add two footnotes... I was already rather good with my hands - I'm a maker at heart and like to build things, etc. Number B - I still have major stuff like clutch replacement and body work done by the shop in Seattle. I don't have as far a drive as Dave Graham but it's not in my back yard either. Fortunately it is within AAA towing distance so when I can't drive, I ship it.

So... it comes down to your time and eagerness to learn... Doesn't help to be mechanically inclined either. Also, make friends with the vendors, clubs, and any owners in the area.

Cheers
Steven

[Dangermouse]

... Doesn't help to be mechanically inclined either.

:8ball: say what again ??

[uhhair]

I feel like a lot of Delorean owners like to respond to a new owner's question of "where can I find a mechanic to work on my car" with the answer "no one, do it yourself, ya dingus!"

This doesn't help if the individual truly doesn't want to work on their car.


So to answer the question, a lot of people have hit it on the head. If you're lucky enough to find an old Volvo mechanic who is familiar with K-Jet, that's probably the best solution. Another solution is to go to an exotic or classic car mechanic. It's going to be pricier no doubt, but I find that the mechanics at those type of shops are much more familiar with "unique" cars and setups, and since that's more of their bread and butter, the Delorean is no different to them than some other unique exotic car. They'll take the time to research the issues, the car, etc. But you're going to pay for that too.

The third option is to do a mixture of solution 1 or 2, and then this. For basic stuff, a competent mechanic you can trust is fine. The brakes, suspension, cooling, AC, etc aren't that complex or unique to our cars. You can trust a competent mechanic to change your oil, brake pads, etc. So let them do that.

If you run into issues with the fuel system, the stainless, or something of that nature, and there literally is no DMC mechanic that's reasonable to get your car to, find said exotic shop, explain the issue as best you can, and prepare to bend over and be rammed by the exorbitant price you'll probably have to pay. If you keep the car in good mechanical shape with regular maintenance, this shouldn't even be a yearly occurrence. At least I hope not...

[kings1527]

:8ball: say what again ??

Thinking he meant to say "doesn't hurt".

But same here, though. No previous car experience. Just basic stuff from owning jet skis. The DeLorean would be the ultimate father/son restoration project where dad doesn't have a huge mechanical background. Easy car and basic tools but the learning that comes along with working on the car is tremendous.

Intake manifold on and off, new water pump, total AC rebuild, new interior, new sound system, and more...all done with my virgin hands. It's just a matter of getting in there and taking a crack at it. And the resources here are tremendous. If you're having a problem with something on the car, I'll bet for sure that you're not the first to have encountered that problem and someone's got an answer for you.

[Iznodmad]

Early on in my ownership, I attempted to use some "local"
places to do some work on my car. Nine times out of ten, it was not done correctly. I've had the best luck joining forces with other local owners to do "tech sessions". This is limited by what can be done in one day and with basic tools in the driveway though. If you can time that just right, sometimes a vendor may attend and help out! Ultimately, it is just easier in the long run for the work to be done correctly the first time and to the level you desire by your personal favorite DeLorean vendor. The more you try to get away cheap, the more it bites you.

[Jonathan]

Thinking he meant to say "doesn't hurt".

But same here, though. No previous car experience. Just basic stuff from owning jet skis. The DeLorean would be the ultimate father/son restoration project where dad doesn't have a huge mechanical background. Easy car and basic tools but the learning that comes along with working on the car is tremendous.

Intake manifold on and off, new water pump, total AC rebuild, new interior, new sound system, and more...all done with my virgin hands. It's just a matter of getting in there and taking a crack at it. And the resources here are tremendous. If you're having a problem with something on the car, I'll bet for sure that you're not the first to have encountered that problem and someone's got an answer for you.

I think Mr. Graham could tell you a little about that idea.

[mr_maxime]

I feel like a lot of Delorean owners like to respond to a new owner's question of "where can I find a mechanic to work on my car" with the answer "no one, do it yourself, ya dingus!"

This doesn't help if the individual truly doesn't want to work on their car.

A lot of people asked where he was located. Cant really give better advice without knowing, otherwise it's like asking "where can I find good food?"

[kings1527]

I think Mr. Graham could tell you a little about that idea.

Sounds like it either went "really good" or "really bad" without any inbetween.....

[mluder]

:8ball: say what again ??

oops...

[Jonathan]

Sounds like it either went "really good" or "really bad" without any inbetween.....

Not sure if we're talking about the same thing... I just meant Dave restored one of the cars he has done with his Dad and could tell you what the experience was like.

[Rich_NYS]

Plan, Research, Watch YouTube videos, disseminate, read, question. Borrow tools. Ask for help. DIY.
Gotta learn somewhere.

Unless everyone tells you not to DIY. Then don't DIY.

Otherwise, odds are good that someone else (professional or not) can not fix it just as well as you can, just for more money. You can do it cheaper, gentler, and can probably figure it out.

Unless you don't want to DIY, and just want to pay someone.
Then bribe someone here to help.

+1

So far, the only job I hired out was the exhaust manifold gaskets on my first DeLorean. I'm glad I did, because most of the studs snapped.

It's a fun & easy car to work on, but if you have more money than time, it can make sense to pay to get the job done (as with most things in life.)

[Jonathan]

+1

So far, the only job I hired out was the exhaust manifold gaskets on my first DeLorean. I'm glad I did, because most of the studs snapped.

It's a fun & easy car to work on, but if you have more money than time, it can make sense to pay to get the job done (as with most things in life.)

Agree with Rich on this. And ditto on my exhaust manifold gaskets... including the part about studs snapping.

The fun and easy part I may not agree with completely. Depends on where you are in life. Not just financially. If everything else in life is going pretty good, then you aren't likely to get really frustrated by a rusty bolt that won't come out or some other aspect of the job that just isn't going as planned. If other areas in life are wearing you down, then even the littlest thing gone wrong on the car can leave you fuming.

Like you said, just like most things in life. Facebook, family get togethers, work, neighbours, etc. The angry guy at the intersection or coffee shop isn't mad as hell because of one red light or a coffee order that didn't get made quite right. It's all the other stuff going on that wore him down.

Working on these cars can be therapeutic or it can also be a nightmare. Sometimes the best choice is to let someone else handle it. Some guys can afford to do that. Some guys can't. Some guys would want to do that. Other guys would not. The key is to know which one of those guys you are before you get started.

HAPPINESS = REALITY - EXPECTATIONS

The reality with these cars isn't what most people think it is, so the best way to ensure that your happiness with the car doesn't have a negative sign in front is to lower your expectations, one way or another.

[Morpheus]

Very well said, Jonathan.

[Dangermouse]

I feel like a lot of Delorean owners like to respond to a new owner's question of "where can I find a mechanic to work on my car" with the answer "no one, do it yourself, ya dingus!"
This doesn't help if the individual truly doesn't want to work on their car.


I was thinking about this some more, and perhaps it's not that the owner doesn't want to work on his car, more that they are overawed by it, thinking that it is some sort of Ferrari type complexity and expensive disaster awaits if something goes wrong. Perhaps even voiding that all important warranty :biggrin:

But, as we know, it isn't that difficult, particularly with the great help available here, and other places.


Having said that, I wouldn't take it to a certain Valvoline place for it's oil change.

http://jalopnik.com/lazy-idiots-at-lube-shop-cut-hole-in-audi-s4s-aero-pan-1748394648?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+jalopnik%2Ffull+%28Jalopnik%2 9

[Andrew]

Following my purchase of 4194 in the late 1990's, I had a European specialty shop in the Chicago suburbs work on the fuel system. They got the car running for a reasonable price. I took the car to them because I didn't have knowledge of K-jet or any diagnostic tools and I didn't want to start throwing parts at it. Ultimately I needed to replace the entire system from the pump to the injectors, so I could have just done the parts replacement myself. Had DMCMW been around in 1998 I would have taken 4194 to them, or I would have carbed it from day 1. Oh well, hindsight is 20/20.

If a vendor or DMC specialist is not available in your area, there are non-DMC techs who know how to work on K-Jet, but as others have pointed out, those techs are getting fewer and further between. The owner of the shop that got 4194 running retired and sold the business to one of his employees a few years later. The shop subsequently went out of business around 2003.

Aside from the fuel system and DeLorean specific parts such as stainless work and torsion bars, a DeLorean isn't too complex for a experienced mechanic to service. Furthermore, the fuel system of a DeLorean can be permanently fixed with about $1,000.00 worth of parts and less than a day of installation time.

After 17 years of Delorean ownership and 20 years of working on cars there isn't a project that I won't do on any of my cars.