New to Forum and question about a car I'm looking to get

[Egos13]

Hello all,

I was directed here from a member of the RPF. I am in the process of getting a 81 Delorean but I am kinda lost on what to look for when going to get the car. As of now I know the AC doesn't work and the seller said it needs to be charged. I am going to just assume it has a leak. What should I be looking for as way of problems or deal breakers when looking at the car.

I thank you for the help.

[davidc89]

Rusty frame

[81dmc]

Make sure the doors close without issue.

[DaraSue]

http://deloreanguide.com/

You might want to order one of these books, it's got pretty good reviews and the blog had a lot of info, too. (I'm in the same boat and ordered one for myself.)

[DL4567]

Hello all,

I was directed here from a member of the RPF. I am in the process of getting a 81 Delorean but I am kinda lost on what to look for when going to get the car. As of now I know the AC doesn't work and the seller said it needs to be charged. I am going to just assume it has a leak. What should I be looking for as way of problems or deal breakers when looking at the car.

I thank you for the help.

Hi Egos, I recognize your screen name from the MAG thread on the RPF. I'm the same name over there as here. Welcome to the other obsession of BTTF fans!

[Egos13]

thanks for the advice here are some photos that the guy sent me. noticed a crack/rust under the frame not sure if this a problem check out the pics guys let me know what you think. 44771447724477344774447754477644777447784477944780

[dmcnc]

I would get the car on a lift and inspect the frame a bit closer. The Guide referenced above is a great resource for getting a good idea on what you're getting into.


thanks for the advice here are some photos that the guy sent me. noticed a crack/rust under the frame not sure if this a problem check out the pics guys let me know what you think. 44771447724477344774447754477644777447784477944780

[dn010]

The closing plate looks a bit rusty, maybe a leaking clutch or brake cylinder? The condition of the control arms are enough to make me wonder what rest of the frame looks like, not to mention the bubbled epoxy in those pictures....

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

[MML]

Hello all,

I was directed here from a member of the RPF. I am in the process of getting a 81 Delorean but I am kinda lost on what to look for when going to get the car. As of now I know the AC doesn't work and the seller said it needs to be charged. I am going to just assume it has a leak. What should I be looking for as way of problems or deal breakers when looking at the car.

I thank you for the help.

Hey, good to see you got signed up! That was me on the RPF.

Guys, are there any owners in the Chicago area that might be able to help inspect the car?

[fnzen]

looks like a driven DeLorean
How many miles not that it means anything
does it run
how many owners
what does the interior look like
whats the price range
what if anything has been changed/maintained

Most important how mechanical are you or will it go to a mechanic, these are old cars and need maintenance, most is easy DIY but if you cant do that then thats what supports the Company

[mr_maxime]

Hey, good to see you got signed up! That was me on the RPF.

Guys, are there any owners in the Chicago area that might be able to help inspect the car?

DMCMW comes to mind

[OverlandMan]

Fuel lines look original; If you decide to purchase this car, plan on replacing those soon. It's not a big expense. Just another line on the spreadsheet.

[Ikeaboy1]

The AC is potentially a pretty big job by itself. The 35 year old lines almost certainly leak, and the r-12 refrigerant these cars came with isn't cheap and isn't readily available. You could re-fit the car with lines meant for r-143a refrigerant and a new compressor, but it's a job that'll cost you some dollars and hours. Additionally, the orifice tube on the evaporator is fragile and prone to break when changing the lines. If it does break and has to be replaced, the interior of the car has to be 90% disassembled to get to it. Seats, console, instrument cluster, kneepads, glovebox, dash.

If you plan on a re-fit, I'd start with this kit. $720 for lines and a new compressor through DPI.
http://www.deloreanindustries.com/a-c-line-kit-complete-w-compressor/

[ccurzio]

A big one is how long the car has been sitting unused. The longer it's been since being started, the more problems the fuel system can develop.

If you find a car that's been sitting for a really long time, for the love of God and all that is holy, do not let ANYONE try to start it.