1981 Delorean for Sale. (NEEDS WORK)

[WAFFLES]

Before I start this post I would like to say sorry to administrators for this being my first post and not having the 20 posts required. Hopefully you do not delete this post as I am not exactly new to this website but that I just now made an account and didn't think it would be good for me to go around and post 20 random things just to make a thread, forgive me.

Now to the Delorean.

MODEL: 1981
MAKE: DELOREAN
MILES: 5,475.8
GEARBOX: MANUAL
INTERIOR: BLACK LEATHER

Let me introduce myself first. My name is Josh, I am 21 years old and live Saint Albans, WV, right outside of Charleston. (where the car is located). My dad owned the car my whole life and he gave it to me this year. It has been sitting in a garage for 10+ years at least. Everything is original on the car. Below is a list of things the car needs in order for it to run or pass inspection.
-tires
-brakes
-key
-fuel pump
-lights
The last time it was driven was back in 03-04 the car was rejected for inspection for tires,brake,lights. The fuel pump was going bad and we lost the key since it has sit in the garage for so long.
I'm sure the car need more work like the engine looked over and all of the above before you even try and start it, the reason I havent fixed it up myself is because im not qualified for the type of work it needs or have the time nor money. Other than that it has little things like the handles to get in the car are broken on both sides, sorry guys that was my fault when I was young, yes it is both of them. All I can say was when it was cold and the door was locked they would break easy.
Also one of the windows wont roll up.
Below I will list pictures AS IT SITS TODAY, yes the pictures were taken today. Sorry the garage it is in doesn't have lights so I had to use my flash on my phone.

ALSO: There may have been some things I've missed or may have not, and I have the title and pictures of the VIN number but this is the first time I've sold a car and I'm not really sure if I should post those pictures. But if you're interested you can ask questions below or email me at [email protected] or [email protected]

ASKING PRICE: $22,000

39523395243952539526395273952839529395303953139532 39533395343953539536395373953839539395403954139542 39543395443954539546

[sdg3205]

Hi Josh,

Welcome. We're very public with VINs here, and you'd be encouraged to post it, but it is your call. Most of us have our VINs on display.

Best of luck with the sale. There is someone here looking for an Oct build car - hence the importance of the VIN plate picture.

[WAFFLES]

Hi Josh,

Welcome. We're very public with VINs here, and you'd be encouraged to post it, but it is your call. Most of us have our VINs on display.

Best of luck with the sale. There is someone here looking for an Oct build car - hence the importance of the VIN plate picture.

Thanks man, I tried to edit the post but there might be a time limit for it, so I'll just post the photos here in hopes someone will see them lol. Sadly mine September. :/3954739548

[88KPH]

Your Dad had it from new?
Keep it dude, coolest car and family history, never be another.

[WAFFLES]

Your Dad had it from new?
Keep it dude, coolest car and family history, never be another.

Well before my dad had it, his dad owned it. I've thought about it but its time to let it go to actually see someone do something with it.

[Lou and "Boo"]

Just my two cents but:

Keep it in the family! That's so cool that it went from your grandfather to your father to you. Refurbish it so you can pass it on to your boy (When that time comes).

It is the most iconic car after all. Keep it original and keep it an heirloom. That's awesome !

[Dangermouse]

Welcome Josh,

You would probably benefit from getting a few pictures of the frame posted. As you are familiar with this site, you will know how important its integrity is.

[Jonathan]

Hi Josh,

Good luck with your car, the sale, or whatever you choose to do with it.

Wanted to mention something quickly on you not having a/the key.

It looks like your door lock cylinders have the black centre and would indicate the car is still a "one key" system car. Meaning, the door and ignition (and cubby hole lock behind the driver's seat) are all the same key. The car's changed over to a "two-key system" later in production, around VIN 4187, where the ignition would be one key and the doors would be another.

That's a good thing if you lose the key, sort of, because you only have one to replace.

What you might be able to do to get that key made again, is find the key code for the car. This is often written in black magic marker, right on the stainless, and (often) located on the driver's door. You will need to gently pop off the headliner on the driver's door (the one directly over your head when sitting in the driver's seat with the door closed) and look for the code.

It will be a 4-digit code. I would not post that code or photo here, not immediately anyway, but instead contact DMC in Houston (perhaps contact James Espey directly) and they can make you a brand new key, from that code, laser cut on a new blank. Or a couple of them.

I suspect this would help you a lot in selling the car to someone, maybe not to try and "see if she starts" as that's not a good idea if it has sat for so long, but it is valuable at least during transportation to be able to lock the vehicle.

Up to you, just wanted to mention that is an option for you.

[Nicholas R]

Wanted to mention something quickly on you not having a/the key.

It looks like your door lock cylinders have the black centre and would indicate the car is still a "one key" system car. Meaning, the door and ignition (and cubby hole lock behind the driver's seat) are all the same key. The car's changed over to a "two-key system" later in production, around VIN 4187, where the ignition would be one key and the doors would be another.

That's a good thing if you lose the key, sort of, because you only have one to replace.

This is backward. The early style (what he has as indicated by the larger black door lock cylinders) is the "two key" (different key for the doors and ignition). The cars were later switched to a "one key" system where the same key opened the doors and operated the ignition. The cubby hole and locking gas cap (on the cars that had it) are operated by the ignition system on all cars, regardless of which key system they had.

2 key system = early cars
1 key system = later cars

If I recall correctly, there are only something like 25 different door key codes for the 2 key system. DMCH even has a list that says what code most of the early cars had. If you're missing the door key, you should give them a call and find out if they've got your door key on file. Theyve got a bucket of keys that they can likely sell you one from. Otherwise, they can help you get a key cut. The code is also often written in black marker under one of the headliner panels.

[Andrew]

Whatever you do, don't drill out the ignition lock cylinder! (Like the P.O. of my Delorean did!) Exact originals are NLA. As the previous poster wrote, check under the headliner for the key code.

[DavidProehl]

2 key system = early cars
1 key system = later cars.

Sorry I'm off topic, but somehow I didn't realize the early cars were the 2 key ones. I have an Oct build, and have a 2 key system with the late style door locks. I didn't realize that was unusual. I still have the correct keycode sticker under the steering wheel which I think came from the factory. So either there were still a few 2 key systems still being done in Oct, or my was converted by a previous owner. Learn something new every day!

[Mark D]

The code is also often written in black marker under one of the headliner panels.

The missing key also caught my attention and I was going to mention the key code on the headliner but you beat me to it.

To expand on that info, the key code is usually hidden below the headliner on the driver's side. You can pull the headliner panel down by hand, just be careful when removing it as the backing board is fiberboard and the clips that retain it to the door will sometimes pull through the board. You can buy plastic trim panel removal tools to make removal easier, or just use a butter knife to help pry the fir tree clips out without damaging the headliner board.

This document should help you in finding the key code for your early VIN car... Should be in the format WR5XXX. If it's not on either of the doors it could be on a sticker on the bottom side of the steering column canopy. DMC Houston may have the correct key code for your VIN on file also

http://www.delorean.net/pdf/keycodes.pdf

DMCH will cut you new keys for a reasonable price and shipping is usually pretty fast. I had a few spares made last year and it took less than a week from the time I placed the call to the keys showing up at my door.

Once you get the keys I'd put the car in neutral, push it out of the garage, give it a thorough cleaning/detailing and take some better photos . It will be much easier to represent the car's actual condition and make the sale if it's cleaned up and you can get some good photos out in the daylight.

[Jonathan]

This is backward. The early style (what he has as indicated by the larger black door lock cylinders) is the "two key" (different key for the doors and ignition). The cars were later switched to a "one key" system where the same key opened the doors and operated the ignition. The cubby hole and locking gas cap (on the cars that had it) are operated by the ignition system on all cars, regardless of which key system they had.

2 key system = early cars
1 key system = later cars

If I recall correctly, there are only something like 25 different door key codes for the 2 key system. DMCH even has a list that says what code most of the early cars had. If you're missing the door key, you should give them a call and find out if they've got your door key on file. Theyve got a bucket of keys that they can likely sell you one from. Otherwise, they can help you get a key cut. The code is also often written in black marker under one of the headliner panels.

My mistake. I thought it was the other way around.

I thought I had heard a story of how the factory changed to a two-key system to give themselves an easier time to get cars finished. It was something along the lines of how if a car had door trouble, they would just replace the doors with complete new assemblies and keep the line moving. The one-key system wouldn't allow this though since those doors had to match the ignition. Changing to a two-key system gave them the freedom to swap doors out in pairs without the fear of a car having an ignition key that wouldn't open the doors, or vice versa. I guess I didn't hear that right though. My bad.

[RamblinDMC]

Hi Josh,

I'd encourage you to keep it as well. Although its your car, its up to you on where it ends up. The DeLorean is surprisingly easy to get parts for and definitely not the hardest car in the world to work on yourself. I'll be turning 21 later this year and I bought my car, 2203, a July 81 build, last March. It had been sitting for 20 years in a garage and was in a similar condition as yours. It is now 99% roadworthy, I just have a few tiny things to take care of. I knew absolutely nothing about repairing DeLoreans before purchasing it, this forum was incredibly helpful, and there's many other resources out there as well. You'll become an expert rather quickly. :) Even while a full time student at Georgia Tech and engineer for GM, I've managed to get a weekend here and there to work on my car. (Along with help from my family while I'm away) It went from barn find condition to almost show quality in less than a year. My first drive in it was exhilarating and frightening at the same time, but I managed to draw crowds when we stopped for dinner and to fill up the gas tank. It was even recently filmed in a commercial for the Georgia Secretary of State's Office.
Again it's up to you man. Either way I'm sure it'll be in good hands.

[Rich_NYS]

Your Dad had it from new?
Keep it dude, coolest car and family history, never be another.


Keep it in the family! That's so cool that it went from your grandfather to your father to you.



Hi Josh,

I'd encourage you to keep it as well.

+1

Add me to the list of those who hopes Josh changes his mind and keeps his car.


Josh,

If you don't mind my .02, I encourage you to put the sale on standby. Stay here on the forum a while and become acquainted with nearby owner if possible. I'm sure I speak for a lot of others here who would love to have the car their father & grandfather owned. One day (doesn't have to be soon,) you will drive this car and and be very glad you didn't sell it.


Best of luck, whatever you decide!

-Rich

[Alan]

+1

Add me to the list of those who hopes Josh changes his mind and keeps his car.


Josh,

If you don't mind my .02, I encourage you to put the sale on standby. Stay here on the forum a while and become acquainted with nearby owner if possible. I'm sure I speak for a lot of others here who would love to have the car their father & grandfather owned. One day (doesn't have to be soon,) you will drive this car and and be very glad you didn't sell it.


Best of luck, whatever you decide!

-Rich

+1

I was going to come down squarely on the side of selling... only because Josh seemed to feel it was the right decision for himself. He knows his situation better than any of us. Rich, very nicely and concisely, summed up the feelings throughout the thread, though.

It would be cool to be able to keep a car that's been in the family so long. As owners, we'd all love that history to be ours.

Just be sure selling is really right for you. If it is, good luck with the sale. But, if you reflect on it for a bit maybe you'll decide you can and want to keep it. Just be sure before you do something to can't undo

[WAFFLES]

Just my two cents but:

Keep it in the family! That's so cool that it went from your grandfather to your father to you. Refurbish it so you can pass it on to your boy (When that time comes).

It is the most iconic car after all. Keep it original and keep it an heirloom. That's awesome !


The missing key also caught my attention and I was going to mention the key code on the headliner but you beat me to it.

To expand on that info, the key code is usually hidden below the headliner on the driver's side. You can pull the headliner panel down by hand, just be careful when removing it as the backing board is fiberboard and the clips that retain it to the door will sometimes pull through the board. You can buy plastic trim panel removal tools to make removal easier, or just use a butter knife to help pry the fir tree clips out without damaging the headliner board.

This document should help you in finding the key code for your early VIN car... Should be in the format WR5XXX. If it's not on either of the doors it could be on a sticker on the bottom side of the steering column canopy. DMC Houston may have the correct key code for your VIN on file also

http://www.delorean.net/pdf/keycodes.pdf

DMCH will cut you new keys for a reasonable price and shipping is usually pretty fast. I had a few spares made last year and it took less than a week from the time I placed the call to the keys showing up at my door.

Once you get the keys I'd put the car in neutral, push it out of the garage, give it a thorough cleaning/detailing and take some better photos . It will be much easier to represent the car's actual condition and make the sale if it's cleaned up and you can get some good photos out in the daylight.


Hi Josh,

I'd encourage you to keep it as well. Although its your car, its up to you on where it ends up. The DeLorean is surprisingly easy to get parts for and definitely not the hardest car in the world to work on yourself. I'll be turning 21 later this year and I bought my car, 2203, a July 81 build, last March. It had been sitting for 20 years in a garage and was in a similar condition as yours. It is now 99% roadworthy, I just have a few tiny things to take care of. I knew absolutely nothing about repairing DeLoreans before purchasing it, this forum was incredibly helpful, and there's many other resources out there as well. You'll become an expert rather quickly. :) Even while a full time student at Georgia Tech and engineer for GM, I've managed to get a weekend here and there to work on my car. (Along with help from my family while I'm away) It went from barn find condition to almost show quality in less than a year. My first drive in it was exhilarating and frightening at the same time, but I managed to draw crowds when we stopped for dinner and to fill up the gas tank. It was even recently filmed in a commercial for the Georgia Secretary of State's Office.
Again it's up to you man. Either way I'm sure it'll be in good hands.


+1

Add me to the list of those who hopes Josh changes his mind and keeps his car.


Josh,

If you don't mind my .02, I encourage you to put the sale on standby. Stay here on the forum a while and become acquainted with nearby owner if possible. I'm sure I speak for a lot of others here who would love to have the car their father & grandfather owned. One day (doesn't have to be soon,) you will drive this car and and be very glad you didn't sell it.


Best of luck, whatever you decide!

-Rich


+1

I was going to come down squarely on the side of selling... only because Josh seemed to feel it was the right decision for himself. He knows his situation better than any of us. Rich, very nicely and concisely, summed up the feelings throughout the thread, though.

It would be cool to be able to keep a car that's been in the family so long. As owners, we'd all love that history to be ours.

Just be sure selling is really right for you. If it is, good luck with the sale. But, if you reflect on it for a bit maybe you'll decide you can and want to keep it. Just be sure before you do something to can't undo


I just want to thank all of you guys, the support is overwhelming. I've gotten a few emails about the car and later in the week I hope to be able to take pictures of the frame. You guys are making me think about not selling it, but like Alan said only I know my situation best. I'm not going to sell it for cheap as I would probably think back later and regret it. But if someone does come at me at the right price with cash in knowing they are going to fix it up and restore it as the car should be I would be happy. Again I would like to thank all of you guys in this community for the awesome support. It's a pleasure reading all the positive posts on this thread and im doing my best to reply back. If any of you guys have any questions about the car feel free to ask. I would love to be able to take it out of the garage and wash it up but with the circumstances as of right now it isn't really an option. Again thank all of you guys for the support. - Josh (Car Owner)

[WAFFLES]

I would just like to announce that I have talked to a person who is interested in the car and has put down a deposit for the car and is planning on purchasing the car later this week. I would also like to thank all of you guys for the support. -Josh

[Chris Burns]

I hope it's someone from my neck of the woods!!

[WAFFLES]

I hope it's someone from my neck of the woods!!

To be honest he does live in Flordia, I'm not going to say which city he lives in but I looked it up and he does live about 300 miles from Fernandina Beach. Crazy huh?

[Domi]

Are you sure, you won't regret it in the future?

[skill]

If money wasn't so tight, it be here next to my automatic. A steal if you ask me.

"Maybe someday we could become friends. Friends who ride majestic, translucent steeds, shooting flaming arrows across the bridge of Hemdale"


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gswys_xPec0

[Mary]

Call me at 406-445-2248 or e-mail @ [email protected]

[Chris Burns]

Did this car ever sell?

[cpistocco]

I would just like to announce that I have talked to a person who is interested in the car and has put down a deposit for the car and is planning on purchasing the car later this week. I would also like to thank all of you guys for the support. -Josh

Hang on to his name, tel, address, and vin number..... Tell him you want first shot if he ever decides to sell it. Believe me....when you are older, you will want that car back. :)