DeLorean in big rig fire [Archive] - DMCTalk Forum

BigBenb84

08-25-2011, 12:18 AM

You assume its not salvageable?

Totalled? probably. Although its not hard to total a D, especially a painted one. Looks like the glass all broke and interior bits are trashed, but most of the exterior looks intact. Looks like the rear wasn't touched. The louvers are so good it doesn't even look like there was much heat back there. Oh and a new door and whatever panels we can't see on the left.

Took screen shots from the video...
4450 4451 4452

Chris Burns

08-25-2011, 12:18 AM

Poor Delorean! I hope everyone made it out of the wreck okay.

Kenny_Z

08-25-2011, 12:23 AM

Is that Delorean actually fire damaged? From the video it looks like the windows are busted but the burnt bits seem to be pieces of the durango that was above it. In the video and the photos the D's body lines don't appear to be warped.

TheDutchTexan

08-25-2011, 01:59 AM

In the first picture it actually looks like the roof of the D is all caved in. Seriously FUBAR. I hope the owner will be compensated. But first and foremost I hope the people injured in the crash are ok.

DMC3165

08-25-2011, 06:57 AM

I have to say as a DeLorean owner and a Truck driver, this video breaks my heart on so many different levels.
:bawling:

sean

08-25-2011, 07:47 AM

Wow, that really sucks!

Canon20DFan

08-25-2011, 10:05 AM

The owner has GOT to be on DMCTalk - I've seen photos of that Delorean on here before, I think...

Farrar

08-25-2011, 01:57 PM

I sure hope it was not this one (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/DeLorean-Low-mileage-bright-red-Delorean-/130566618866?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item1e66607ef2)...

Farrar

Dracula

08-25-2011, 02:23 PM

I sure hope it was not this one (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/DeLorean-Low-mileage-bright-red-Delorean-/130566618866?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item1e66607ef2)...

Farrar

I doubt it would be. After all, that car's still presently listed for sale in Wisconsin. Why would it be on a trailer out in California?

TheDutchTexan

08-25-2011, 02:24 PM

Nope, check the plate. Unless the owner replated the car prior to transport.

Dangermouse

08-25-2011, 02:25 PM

I sure hope it was not this one (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/DeLorean-Low-mileage-bright-red-Delorean-/130566618866?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item1e66607ef2)...

Farrar

Nope, read the ad and the CO doesn't mention it being involved in a multicar pile-up and reduced to a pile of charred ashes on the interstate. Course that could be in the fine print

That, and the tags don't match :)

Rhsxo

08-25-2011, 04:40 PM

According to the California Smog Test History website the person resides in Soquel which is very close to Santa Cruz. So it's someone in the bay area here in California. Anyone have any ideas?

4474

Nicholas R

08-25-2011, 06:37 PM

Nope, check the plate. Unless the owner replated the car prior to transport.

Not to mention the one on ebay has a Black Bumper.

I was actually wondering if it was this one:
http://photos.grenexmedia.com/Events/DeloreanCarShow2010/DCS-2010-Saturday-Car-Show/20100619131042ABA2447/927160395_qvnwg-L.jpg
http://photos.grenexmedia.com/Events/DeloreanCarShow2010/DCS-2010-Thursday/20100617211340ABA1591/917036605_pBTZH-L.jpg
(Photo from the last DCS)

EDIT: Though it looks like the one in the fire had black molding and Louvres.

Chris Burns

08-25-2011, 06:41 PM

Not to mention the one on ebay has a Black Bumper.

I was actually wondering if it was this one:
http://photos.grenexmedia.com/Events/DeloreanCarShow2010/DCS-2010-Saturday-Car-Show/20100619131042ABA2447/927160395_qvnwg-L.jpg
http://photos.grenexmedia.com/Events/DeloreanCarShow2010/DCS-2010-Thursday/20100617211340ABA1591/917036605_pBTZH-L.jpg
(Photo from the last DCS)

EDIT: Though it looks like the one in the fire had black molding and Louvres.

That one lives in South Fl.

Jonathan

08-26-2011, 06:54 AM

The owner has GOT to be on DMCTalk - I've seen photos of that Delorean on here before, I think...

Hmmm... Looks like a job for one of our "D-tectives".

Dangermouse

08-26-2011, 07:53 AM

lol, I see what you did there :shhh:

content22207

08-26-2011, 08:48 PM

I have to say as a DeLorean owner and a Truck driver, this video breaks my heart on so many different levels.
:bawling:

If one of your front tires blows out, floor the accelerator. Seems counter intuitive, but it works. You need that extra power to offset the vehicle's sudden desire to veer off towards the blowout (more forward motion to offset the new sideways motion). If you step on the brake not only will you decrease your ability to steer, but your forward motion will decrease relative to the sideways motion (sideways motion will become more prominent). Once you're running on the rim, sideways force will be negligible and you can bring the truck to a controlled stop.

Bill Robertson
#5939

DeLorean00

08-26-2011, 11:31 PM

OH NO! I was just told about this thread.

Here is the history of this car. I was going to buy it on Monday, but I got busy and missed the auction.

It was at a dealer only auto auction put on by Carmax in Rocklin California. This was one of the nicest paint DMC I have ever seen. It was really amazing. The car sold for $8,900. It ran perfect and looked even better. Here were the before photos.

May it RIP.
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q218/rubyredretard/289841_1494035728626_1766060162_765678_3158778_o.j pg
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q218/rubyredretard/289052_1494035408618_1766060162_765677_7589792_o.j pg
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q218/rubyredretard/286736_1494035888630_1766060162_765679_8234217_o.j pg

DMC3165

08-26-2011, 11:50 PM

If one of your front tires blows out, floor the accelerator. Seems counter intuitive, but it works. You need that extra power to offset the vehicle's sudden desire to veer off towards the blowout (more forward motion to offset the new sideways motion). If you step on the brake not only will you decrease your ability to steer, but your forward motion will decrease relative to the sideways motion (sideways motion will become more prominent). Once you're running on the rim, sideways force will be negligible and you can bring the truck to a controlled stop.

Bill Robertson
#5939

Absolutely correct! There are 2 such instances I know of firsthand where both drivers made the opposite descions. One was driving a tractor trailer loaded with Groceries at around 80,000# and another was driving a tanker loaded with hot liquid asphalt also near 80K. Both blowouts happened at highway speed. The driver with the groceries was smart enough to hit the throttle and held on with borth hands to steer the truck safely off the road. The tanker driver wasn't so lucky. He panicked and hit the brake. That whipped the truck right off the road. Luckily he didn't hit anyone else but the truck crashed through the guardrail and went down a small embankment. Also being a "slop load" tanker, once the load shifted it was impossible to control. Luckily the driver survived but the wreck was so bad the tanker looked like a twisty bread pretzel after it was over. It's hard to know how you'll react in a crisis, but if you panic you're screwed.

dvonk

08-27-2011, 01:05 AM

DeLorean00

08-27-2011, 01:19 AM

:frown: for the record, what was its VIN?

I am sorry. I do not have that info.

Dangermouse

08-27-2011, 11:09 AM

So this was a car that someone had taken to Carmax and sold them for their appraisal price?

Was the car on it's way to it's new owner or was it an inter-Carmax transfer?

DeLorean00

08-27-2011, 09:36 PM

So this was a car that someone had taken to Carmax and sold them for their appraisal price?

Was the car on it's way to it's new owner or was it an inter-Carmax transfer?

I would have to assume it was sold for apprised price or traded in.

It was sold, and the dealer that bought it was getting it delivered to his lot. I do not know the purchasing dealer.

Domi

08-28-2011, 07:57 AM

Let's hope it can be fixed?
Looks like the fire doesn't hit too much...

Soundkillr

08-28-2011, 10:19 AM

Let's hope it can be fixed?
Looks like the fire doesn't hit too much...

Dude, that car is done. Interior is almost gutted. Let alone panel damage. The only thing that looks ok, is the 1/4s back. Insurance will write it off, and it will be bought for a parts yard.

content22207

08-28-2011, 10:27 AM

One of the earlier screen captured cleaned up:
4571
Is the main door window glass missing, or is that an optical illusion?

I will make my own captures after church.

Bill Robertson
#5939

Soundkillr

08-28-2011, 10:29 AM

One of the earlier screen captured cleaned up:
4571
Is the main door window glass missing, or is that an optical illusion?

I will make my own captures after church.

Bill Robertson
#5939

I have not looked at screen capture on a decent monitor, but yes, looks like heat shattered the outer window. Also looks like the pillars are sinking...

content22207

08-28-2011, 05:28 PM

I did the best I could. The original video clip doesn't give you much to work with:
4579

4580

4581

Bill Robertson
#5939

Ryan King

08-28-2011, 06:31 PM

I often use the 99 freeway...this accident happened not too far from here. Maybe I can do a bit more research and find the car.

Mark D

08-28-2011, 06:38 PM

Here's a high res screen cap:

4583

dvonk

08-29-2011, 12:30 AM

:mecry:

DeLorean03

08-29-2011, 02:09 AM

Here's a high res screen cap:

4583

Bwhahahahahahahhahahaha - awesome (:

DeLorean00

08-29-2011, 11:25 PM

Sadly this topic has caused me a great deal of depression. I have even lost a little sleep over it. Had I made that auction this would be a completely different story. I was pissed when I heard how cheap it sold for, now I am deeply saddened by its destruction.

Dangermouse

08-30-2011, 12:02 PM

That’s the second DeLorean sold at Carmax in the last few months.

In May I was alerted to one that was appraised and then sold to a Carmax here in Atlanta. Turned out to be 06055 that subsequently turned up at a dealer in Birmingham AL (intact and un-toasted).

Supposedly the PO had listed it on craigslist for $20k, but got no offers, which is surprising. I think Carmax appraised it at $11500 iirc, and the dealer has it listed for $21k. But if you need cash, you need cash.

Rhsxo

09-26-2011, 03:52 PM

I have an update to this discussion. My wife's former co worker is friends with the owner of the tow truck company in town that towed all of the cars off of the big rig after the fire. Here is what the DeLorean looked like after it was all said and done:

5538

DMC3165

09-26-2011, 04:24 PM

5999 left and counting

DeLorean00

09-26-2011, 08:02 PM

Done.

dvonk

09-27-2011, 12:27 AM

there goes another gas flap hood... :disapprove:

Mark D

09-28-2011, 09:02 AM

Very sad to see...

Hopefully the useable parts that are left will help bring another car back to life somewhere.

DMCMW Dave

09-28-2011, 12:02 PM

Hopefully the useable parts that are left will help bring another car back to life somewhere.

I don't see many. . . .:frown: Maybe a frame and some way low running gear.

Chris Burns

11-18-2011, 12:27 AM

It's for sale now at $8,900

http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/delorean/dmc_12/1327564.html

dvonk

11-18-2011, 01:21 AM

Here is the history of this car. I was going to buy it on Monday, but I got busy and missed the auction.

It was at a dealer only auto auction put on by Carmax in Rocklin California. This was one of the nicest paint DMC I have ever seen. It was really amazing. The car sold for $8,900. It ran perfect and looked even better.

interesting how they are now trying to sell the bombed-out carcass for $8,950... :banghead:

Ryan King

11-18-2011, 01:47 AM

interesting how they are now trying to sell the bombed-out carcass for $8,950... :banghead:

But think about it..there is still plenty to be used. The car could be revived quite easily, at least from the photos.

The engine is still intact, outside looks fine, needs to be rebrushed and such. One could even go as far as to repaint it. But its not *that* bad. I think it could be brought back to life with a few thousand.

Karin

11-18-2011, 02:54 AM

A 1968 DeLorean? :hmm:

Okay...

I know the description says 1981.

dvonk

11-18-2011, 07:39 AM

But think about it..there is still plenty to be used. The car could be revived quite easily, at least from the photos.

The engine is still intact, outside looks fine, needs to be rebrushed and such. One could even go as far as to repaint it. But its not *that* bad. I think it could be brought back to life with a few thousand.

i agree completely; it is definitely worth saving, and wouldnt be exorbitantly costly...

however, my gripe is that they are selling it for more after it is burned to a crisp than the selling price before the fire. :facepalm:

nofear365

11-18-2011, 08:04 AM

I'd be worried about wiring damage, smoke damage from the fire itself, and water damage from the rescue effort.

The front fasia is shot, the hood is warped, the front left fender (YIKES) is toast, looks like the driver side door needs attention...

Missing almost all of it's glass on top of that. And that's just what we can see.

Dangermouse

11-18-2011, 08:11 AM

The optimist would say that the fire has done a lot of the paint removal for you. :tongue_stick:

It'll take much more than a blending pad to get that dent out of the LFF. Hood doesn't look to "hot" either, excuse the pun.

http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=6915&d=1321621838

Either they Armor-All-d the seats before listing (which is a bit "lipstick-on-a-pig' in this case), or there was so much Armor-All on the seats, dash, etc, that I can't help wondering if it was the most flammable part of the car.

Soundkillr

11-18-2011, 09:08 AM

No this car is not worth what they are asking. Water and smoke damage aside, the pontoon is badly damaged, the panels are warped, and brush as much as you want you will never get rid of the heat discoloring. If it had a good frame you could sell that pretty easily i would imagine. There is probably very little, if anything in the interior you could or would want to re use. At that point you are looking at pretty big money to get that car going again. Not that it couldnt be done, but you are dumping big money on a salvage title, and would never net a return.

Jeff K

11-18-2011, 02:16 PM

I would not take this care for free. Good luck with 8900

Dangermouse

11-18-2011, 03:11 PM

If the PO felt he didn't get a fair price, he's sitting at home now going

"Karma, bwahwahaha":lol:

dvonk

11-18-2011, 07:07 PM

on the plus side, you get some new tires since the old ones melted off! :lol:

DMCVegas

11-18-2011, 11:00 PM

I'd go $2,500, MAYBE $3K if I could inspect it first and verify that it doesn't need as much repair as it appears in the photos. Not only are those "Save the DeLoreans!" prices, but once restored it would have a helluva story to go with it for a very unique portfolio of the car's history.

Definitely worth it.

Rhsxo

11-19-2011, 02:39 AM

I cannot believe that this car is for sale for so much. He paid less for it prior to the fire!

Citizen

11-19-2011, 08:30 AM

Thread bump.

Still trying to find the VIN of this car. I can't beleive it's still unknown. This car needs to be added to both the painted list, and the wrecked list.

Anyone?

...

dvonk

11-23-2011, 10:40 AM

Either they Armor-All-d the seats before listing (which is a bit "lipstick-on-a-pig' in this case), or there was so much Armor-All on the seats, dash, etc, that I can't help wondering if it was the most flammable part of the car.

i was just thinking; could this be residue from fire-extinguishing foam that got sprayed on the vehicle?

its just a thought... i dont claim to be knowledgeable about fire-fighting technology, but maybe someone else here is.

krado94

11-24-2011, 09:32 PM

Here is the dealer this is selling it. http://www.beverlyhillscarclub.com/1981-dmc-delorean--c-608.htm

I like how they list it as a minor fire!!! What is a major fire?? There's lots of pics on here, but still no vin.

Ron

11-25-2011, 12:34 AM

i was just thinking; could this be residue from fire-extinguishing foam that got sprayed on the vehicle?

its just a thought... i dont claim to be knowledgeable about fire-fighting technology, but maybe someone else here is.Could very well be FFFP (Film Forming Fluoro-Protein). It has an organic protein base typically comprised of hydrolyzed waste materials (eg. chicken feathers, so odor and clean up are usually an issue.) AFFF's (Aqueous Film Forming Foams) are biodegradable synthetic base, obviously easier to clean up. (Some will wipe/rinse off with water and the rest will mostly evaporate afterwards...but that sounds like a lot, if that is what it was...)

dvonk

11-25-2011, 12:37 AM

hm, sounds gross. this car just keeps getting better...

dmc4087

11-25-2011, 12:00 PM

DMCMW Dave

11-25-2011, 01:15 PM

This would be an excellent car for someone with a junk frame but good body/tub to get for a franken-delorean restoration. But not at this price. . . .

sean

11-25-2011, 06:01 PM

This would be an excellent car for someone with a junk frame but good body/tub to get for a franken-delorean restoration. But not at this price. . . .

That would be me (http://dmctalk.org/album.php?albumid=1) and yeah that price isn't anywhere near right.

StainlessBullet

11-26-2011, 01:25 AM

This would be an excellent car for someone with a junk frame but good body/tub to get for a franken-delorean restoration. But not at this price. . . .

Didn’t we just have a conversation about this exact type of situation? Too bad on the price though.

DMCVegas

11-26-2011, 08:37 AM

Theres no way that could be saved for a few thousand.

Depends upon what you consider "saved" of course. The hardest part about restoring this car isn't going to be an actual repair, but getting rid of the smoke damage inside. I.e. the smell. The price is definitely way too high, but I'd REALLY love to own this car. I'd film and photograph the car from all possible angles to document the damage to the interior. Then I'd repair/swap the underbody, and redo the entire interior.

I would not however modify/repair the outside of the car, save for dent repairs and a new fascia. I'd leave the burn damage as is. What I'd do then is airbrush fire damage onto the new front fascia, replace all of the glass & lenses, and paint the wheels on the left side to look fire damaged as well. As for the interior, I'd restore the passenger side to stock Black interior, but would modify the Driver's side to perhaps Red and/or some other contrasting, or violent colors to accentuate the fire damage.

Thus Two-Face would be born. No other DeLorean would look like it.

MTDMC

11-27-2011, 11:11 AM

I emailed the seller and asked for the VIN number.

It's VIN 1909.

dvonk

12-31-2011, 11:21 PM

well, they listed "Ol' Crispy" on ebay classifieds (http://losangeles.ebayclassifieds.com/classic-cars/beverly-hills/1981-dmc-delorean/?ad=15724991) back on 12/16. theyve dropped the price by 2k to $6,950.

for posterity:
1981 DMC DeLorean - $6,950 (Beverly Hills)

* Details for 1981 DMC DeLorean
* Address:Beverly Hills, CA 90210 (map)
* Date Posted:12/16/11

Description: "1981 DMC DeLorean 1981 DMC DeLorean, same California owner for many years, had cabin fire, lot of car for the money, no damage to the motor. For $6,950, If you have any additional questions Please call or email with any questions! We also welcome all international buyers. We can help with shipping quotes and arrangements."