New Owner: The Greatest Adventure of #6895’s 1100 mile journey

[megamanex]

Hey all!
My first post here! I’ve just purchased Vin 6895 and will be flying to Seattle to pick her up and begin the drive down to Los Angeles on Friday the 10th!

I’ll try to keep this post updated as I begin the journey down and hopefully make it without incident to LA.

Here are my questions for you all, the brain trust, about the car and what things I should potentially bring with me on the plane to help mitigate any odd situations that may arise.

I currently have a replacement AC and alternator belt on hand coming along. What else should I bring along?

The status of the Vehicle as of now:

-6700 miles on odometer
-1981 manual transmission

Work done at time of purchase:
- new Aluminum radiator and low draw cooling fans
- new coolant hoses
- new stainless overflow coolant tank
- new brake pads on all 4 wheels
- fuel tank cleaned with new filter installed
- new cap, rotator, distributor, and spark plugs
- new stainless steel clutch line

Things I’ve been told are ‘off’
- air conditioning works but doesn’t blow air out of the center vents. Door vents and floor vents work.
- engine cover doesn’t latch


My overall question is this...should I attempt the 1100 mile drive in the car or just rent and tow the car the whole way down?

I’ve been driving stick for 20 years and am comfortable with 80’s transmissions.

I’m inclined to try and do the drive and not tow her the whole haul unless something goes awry?

What do you all think?

[mark w]

unlikely you can do all that in one day, imho.

[eight8toy]

Bring some simple tools and buy a fire extinguisher. Join the FB delorean groups like technical help and restoration so IF you break down you can post there and get pretty fast replies. If you have the extra time off of work planned ahead in case of a break down then sounds like a great road trip. I did Vancouver WA to San Diego buying a car like this and it was a great way to get acclimated to the vehicle! Have fun, take pics.

[megamanex]

Eight8toy, Thanks for the info! I’ll grab a fire extinguisher in the city when I pick it up.

I’m planning to take 2-3 days to drive the route and not try and push the car too hard to make a deadline. Assuming I’ll leave Saturday and arrive Monday end of day barring no issues.

I agree it’s a great way to learn the vehicle.

[Timeless]

Was the car sitting for an extended period of time? If so I would be more cautious of an 1100-mile trip vs. a car that is driven regularly.
With that, I bought a 67 Mercury years ago for 2K that was basically a barn queen but the owner had the mechanical side of things updated and it was driven a few times yearly. Quick inspection by me and fluid check and I drove it 100 miles home with no running issues.

Good luck with the trip and congrats!

[eight8toy]

Not sure if you've driven that route before but the 5 can be pretty barren in certain areas. You might consider going through Fresno via the 99 just so you're near bigger cities in the event of a break down. Have fun going up the grapevine with all 130 HP! Probably sit at Tejon Ranch for awhile to let the car cool down before tackling that mountain pass...

Also Oregon still has some gas station attendants who pump your gas so be sure to fill up before so you know how and can show them how it's done without spilling gas all over the place.

When I was in college at UW I'd drive Seattle to San Diego straight for like 20 hrs, not anymore!!

[Bitsyncmaster]

Center AC vents have a knob on the side of the vent to shut off air flow. Bet that is all that's wrong with the vents.

[Rich]

Go for it. More tips here, mostly safety-related and new-owner-related. Maybe the PO or the shop you used took care of some of them already.

1. If you didn't flush-fill the brake fluid when the brake pads went in then do that. You probably flushed the clutch fluid when you got the SS line installed.
2. See if both axle seals are tight, not leaking. If either one has leaked then top off the transaxle oil level with correct gear oil. Any decent shop can manage that. Leaking a few drops per day won't matter during the trip, you just don't want to start a long trip with the tranny low on oil.
3. Check tire pressures, including the spare. Be sure you have a working jack just in case. Plan to use a flatbed for emerg. towing - with car facing forward only should the need arise.
4. Bring a small set of assorted 10/15/20 amp blade-type fuses just in case. Become familiar with the fuse box location behind the pass. seat. A 12V test light probe is handy for troubleshooting and packs easily.
5. Have a shop check the ball joints and the TABs (trailing arm bolts).
6. Perform a walkaround lighting check. Know where the hazard switch is. Verify that all 4 turn signal lamps work, also all 4 brake lamps burn bright as well as tail/parking/headlamps hi-lo.
7. Lift both wiper arms and practice using the wiper control stalk, especially the delay feature. Make sure the blades aren't torn or brittle. The West Coast weather hasn't entirely settled down yet this season, as you probably know.

A common issue with the car at this age is hot starts after a fuel stop. If you have time to do a half-hour test run before setting out then drive in town for at least 20 min., park it and turn it off with engine cover down. Restart it in 5-10min. It should light right up or within perhaps 3-4 seconds cold or hot.

Also, the new cooling fans were tested, presumably, with the A/C off?

Having an unlatched engine cover isn't bad unless you hit some speed bumps too fast.

Congrats on your purchase and enjoy the new ride!

[megamanex]

eight8toy, Great advice. Thank you! I've modified my route to accommodate more populated areas using the 99.

Timeless, the car hasn't been sitting and seems to have been run consistently.

Bitsyncmaster, I'll check for that when I get the car. It'd be odd that the previous owner wouldn't know about it but perhaps its just one of those non specific things that aren't documented and overlooked.

[megamanex]

1. Unsure. I'll consult with the previous owner
2. Will also check that.
3. I'm aware of the towing forward which makes sense due to the louvers, but a good reminder nonetheless, thank you! I'll be checking tire pressure before leaving Seattle
4. I have a full fuse set for the fusebox set to come along with me on the plane as well as a test light!
5. Hopefully its good on that front,not sure I'll be able to make an appointment to check
6. 100% doing a lighting check, I've driven a few Deloreans before so I'm familiar with the lighting sequence (3 presses on the switch) and the hazard switch location but all good reminders, I've a whole checklist I'm compiling to remind me of things along these lines.
7. Wiper blades are a good call. Does anyone know the part number where I could pick up a entirely new set to take on my way?

Hot starts have always been my concern. Another Delorean I'd driven had hitching when it was started hot and I had to give it gas to keep the engine from dying. I'm hoping this one is clear but I'll know pretty quickly on the day.

New cooling fans were tested with the AC off from what I've been told.

I'm wondering if I should bring some zip ties with me to tie that cover down and just clip them should I need to get in there? Thoughts?

Thanks SO MUCH for the info, I'm hoping to be as prepared as I can and you all contributing wisdom is fantastic!



Go for it. More tips here, mostly safety-related and new-owner-related. Maybe the PO or the shop you used took care of some of them already.

1. If you didn't flush-fill the brake fluid when the brake pads went in then do that. You probably flushed the clutch fluid when you got the SS line installed.
2. See if both axle seals are tight, not leaking. If either one has leaked then top off the transaxle oil level with correct gear oil. Any decent shop can manage that. Leaking a few drops per day won't matter during the trip, you just don't want to start a long trip with the tranny low on oil.
3. Check tire pressures, including the spare. Be sure you have a working jack just in case. Plan to use a flatbed for emerg. towing - with car facing forward only should the need arise.
4. Bring a small set of assorted 10/15/20 amp blade-type fuses just in case. Become familiar with the fuse box location behind the pass. seat. A 12V test light probe is handy for troubleshooting and packs easily.
5. Have a shop check the ball joints and the TABs (trailing arm bolts).
6. Perform a walkaround lighting check. Know where the hazard switch is. Verify that all 4 turn signal lamps work, also all 4 brake lamps burn bright as well as tail/parking/headlamps hi-lo.
7. Lift both wiper arms and practice using the wiper control stalk, especially the delay feature. Make sure the blades aren't torn or brittle. The West Coast weather hasn't entirely settled down yet this season, as you probably know.

A common issue with the car at this age is hot starts after a fuel stop. If you have time to do a half-hour test run before setting out then drive in town for at least 20 min., park it and turn it off with engine cover down. Restart it in 5-10min. It should light right up or within perhaps 3-4 seconds cold or hot.

Also, the new cooling fans were tested, presumably, with the A/C off?

Having an unlatched engine cover isn't bad unless you hit some speed bumps too fast.

Congrats on your purchase and enjoy the new ride!

[Boxbot]

Welcome and congrats!


fuel tank cleaned with new filter installed

What about fuel pump and fuel hoses? The original pumps and rubber are long past their sell by date.


new stainless steel clutch line

Take a peek at the master clutch cylinder by the clutch pedal. See if it's leaking and if so, not a dangerous amount.


My overall question is this...should I attempt the 1100 mile drive in the car or just rent and tow the car the whole way down?

Every situation is different. It's hard to say in a vacuum. It sounds like you probably have the bare essentials to try it (working brake system, replaced coolant hoses, new fans, working turn signals and A/C). I went to pick my car up under the impression that it "needed nothing" and was "driven regularly," only to find that it needed a lot of things done (and re-done correctly). Good luck!

[JETS 81 DMC]

Towing insurance. Hopefully everything will go OK and won't need it. AAA or your car insurance company and check their limitations.

Congratulations and I hope it will be a great adventure bringing it home.

[David T]

The safest choice would be to trailer or have the car transported. Flying into a distant city, getting a car that you don't know the exact condition of, getting plates and insurance, driving it a long distance and unfamiliar with the car, the weather can get bad, any of these things can go wrong. If the tires are old they can blow, you could overheat, a lot of things can go wrong. Often the decision is not made logically, you do it on emotion and luck. If you do break down the tow will cost a lot more than if you had it transported in the first place. If you figure your plane fare, time, tolls, gas, and all of the other associated costs besides the obvious cost to fix the car. Overheating the motor and "popping" the cylinder heads can cost a LOT. I vote you tow or transport the car home where you can work on it and enjoy it safely and close to home. If you do choose to drive it, take a fire extinguisher, extra water, some hand tools, wire, tape, fuses, battery pack, AAA card, cell phone, a list of other Delorean owners on the way that could help. You can never carry enough spare parts and the ones you do take you won't need. A tire pressure gauge, a fuel can, a can of tire sealant. Don't trust the fuel gauge till you KNOW it is accurate, go by the trip odometer if the speedo works. Run a can of Techron through a full tank of gas. Make sure all of your lights work. A camera and maybe a good luck charm.

[Riley88]

fire extinguisher and check those fuel lines my man, seriously

[megamanex]

I've just heard back on a the fuel lines.
They're not the original lines from '81 but are newer and aren't steel braided (which I plan to change). The pump is new.

He's telling me the master clutch isn't leaking but i'll be taking a flashlight down there to check it out.

Fire extinguisher is a definite first get upon receiving the vehicle.

David T,
I'm going to give it a day or so driving around the city before committing to try the long haul drive. It ANYTHING seems off I'll be towing it the whole haul down facing forward and covered.

Jets 81,
Insurance is on the car for towing and breakdowns 100 percent!

[Rich]

7. Wiper blades are a good call. Does anyone know the part number where I could pick up a entirely new set to take on my way?

The original refills or blades were Bosch 40920. Looks like they're NLA.

Practice getting both wipers of off the hook on the wiper arm. No fun to fuss with in the rain if they are stuck.

Both wipers are 20in. size and mount on the hook connector as you will see. Napa, Autozone, any decent parts store will have something that fits.

[SS Spoiler]

I have 22 inch wipers...no problems

[megamanex]

I'm feeling MUCH better about the work done to the car and the ability to drive it after getting the full history on the car.
Looks like it was worked on in 11/2018 and had quite a bit done to it by Delorean Northwest.

Sorry this will be a long post...

Full (abbreviated) history below:
R&R OR ADJUST TORSION BAR OR RETAINING PLATE (EACH, REAR SCREEN FINISHER REMOVED))
R&R REAR SCREEN FINISHER/REPLACE UNICAPS
SHOP TIME - Perform in-situ clean out of CPR ports

MODE SWITCH REPAIR KIT
R&R A/C CONSOLE FACE PLATE
R&R MODE CONTROL SWITCH (A/C FACEPLATE REMOVED)
REBUILD A/C MODE CONTROL SWITCH

SWITCH, COOLING FAN THERMOSTAT
FUEL PUMP - AFTERMARKET
HOSE, FUEL PICK UP
HOSE, FUEL RETURN INSIDE TANK TO BAFFLE
SEAL, FUEL PUMP CVR
RING, FUEL PUMP
SCREEN, FUEL PUMP
LINE, FUEL RETURN
Fuel tank baffle assembly with wire hold-downs, support ring
CLAMP, HOSE


CLEAN OUT TANK IN CAR
R&R FUEL PUMP ACCESS COVER
R&R FUEL PUMP AND/OR INNER COVER SEAL AND/OR SUPPORT
R&R BAFFLE, PICKUP HOSE OR PICKUP SCREEN

CALIPER KIT, FR
CALIPER KIT, REAR
PISTON FRONT
PISTON REAR
PADS, F&R (CERAMIC
BRAKE FLUID
R&R FRONT CALIPER
OVERHAUL FRONT CALIPER
DETACH HANDBRAKE CALIPER
R&R REAR CALIPER
OVERHAUL REAR CALIPER
BLEED AND FLUSH BRAKE SYSTEM

High Performance fans from DPNW
HOSE KIT W/ RADIATOR
HEADER BOTTLE, ALL STAINLESS ASSY
COOLANT - PREMIX
CAP,COOLANT RESVR
INSTALL COMPLETE COOLANT HOSE KIT INCLUDING RADIATOR (COOLING SYSTEM BLEED & FAN THERMO SWITCH & SEAL, CHECK ELECTRIC COOL FAN OPERATION INCLUDED)
R&R PLASTIC COOLANT RESERVOIR, REPLACE WITH STAINLESS STEEL


STEERING BUSHING, STRG COL
REPLACE STEERING COLUMN BUSHING
R&R UPPER STEERING SHAFT JOINT

IGNITION WIRE SET - 8MM, BLACK
CAP, DISTRIBUTOR
ROTOR, DISTRIBUTOR
Spark Plugs - Set of 6
WASHER M8 COPPER
WASHER M12 COPPER
R&R wires, plugs, cap, and rotor

THROTTLE CABLE
R&R THROTTLE CABLE ASSY (INCLUDES CHECK FOR FULL THROTTLE OPENING)
R&R CENTER CONSOLE (FRONT PANEL AND COIN TRAY REMOVED)

Epoxy damage on frame at various points - front frame cradle, belly pan, rear frame cradle, trailing arms, front crumple tube inner surfaces
POR-15, Gray (4 ounce can)
Remove old damaged epoxy as required and then apply POR-15 to protect exposed steel. Includes chipping, grinding, sanding, and application of new coating.
Perform in-situ cleaning and repainting of the LCA's to the extent possible without removal

BOOT, LWR BALL JOINT/TIE ROD END
REPLACE TIE ROD END BOOT (EACH

OIL FILTER
LOF: LUBE OUTER SUSP'N JOINTS, CHANGE ENGINE OIL & FILTER, 4WAY SPRAY RUBBER SUSP'N BSH'GS; INSPECT BRAKE PADS, TIRE PRESSURES, ALL FLUID LEVELS, AND LIGHTS.

Front sway bar bushings rusty and delaminating. One threaded hole in frame partially stripped, other bushings stiff.
BUSHING,STAB STAR
BUSHING,STAB-BAR
Stud - zinc plated, M10
NUT, M10 NYLOC

MASTER CYLINDER, BRAKE
R&R BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER
BLEED AND FLUSH BRAKE SYSTEM

The below was completed last month.

SLAVE CYL, CLUTCH
STAINLESS STEEL CLUTCH LINE
R&R CLUTCH SLAVE CYLINDER
INSTALL FLEXIBLE STAINLESS STEEL CLUTCH HYDRAULIC LINE
FLUSH & BLEED HYDRAULIC CLUTCH SYSTEM

[Timeless]

Extensive list - I'd feel much better as well if that was my purchase. :)

[Domi]

Welcome here and congratulation on your purchase :)
Have a safe trip back and please keep us updated ;)

[megamanex]

Car made it to DMC Huntington intact!

1300 miles, one broken angle drive at about 300 miles out, one dead right rear taillight bulb!


Thanks all!

We took it into wine country on the way in Paso Robles. Has anyone else had a Delorean at a winery before???

[iflights]

Car made it to DMC Huntington intact!



Congratulations!

[Timeless]

Great news!

Damn angle drives! Are these ever going to not be an issue? Shannon has had incredible luck with his last replacement, and Josh had the key idea to utilize a GPS unit.

[jackb]

Car made it to DMC Huntington intact!

1300 miles, one broken angle drive at about 300 miles out, one dead right rear taillight bulb!


Thanks all!

We took it into wine country on the way in Paso Robles. Has anyone else had a Delorean at a winery before???

I used to live just south of Paso, in SLO. There are two owners (that I know of) in SLO. I know the owners of a winery and have brought my Delorean there.

[Chris 16409]

Who did the work in Washington? And what are you having DMC-CA work on?

[megamanex]

I used to live just south of Paso, in SLO. There are two owners (that I know of) in SLO. I know the owners of a winery and have brought my Delorean there.

Awesome!

It's cool to see the stainless among the vineyards.

[megamanex]

Who did the work in Washington? And what are you having DMC-CA work on?

All work was done by Delorean Northwest.

DMC-CA is checking it out now, but the following are key items:
- AC Vent Center Console isn't working..seems like the door is not actuating
- Driver's side seal is whistling air at above 40mph, the entire trip I endured a very loud seranade of street sounds if I didn't have the tollbooth window open.
- Valves are ticking so it most likely needs work there.
- Angle Drive Repair
- Changing water pump from original to a newer one even though cooling is intact and working
- Alternator is original and leaking so it needs a replacement
- Running stock fuel lines so thats the biggest ticket item to have replaced to braided stainless


Those are big ticket items for me on the car and it would be pretty much a safe daily driver. It is right now, if I'm honest, but I'm seriously worried about the fuel lines and the alternator more than anything else.

[Timeless]

Fuel lines and alternator would be my 2 biggest concerns as well - especially if there was a Ducellier unit in there.

[Josh]

I hate it when my alternator is leaky.

Joking aside, glad the trip went well.

[megamanex]

Final damages update after the grand Tour, DMC Cali is working on it now:

- New angle drive
- New water pump, air flow control unit
- stainless lines for the FQ valve
- new engine mounts
- Had an exhaust system leak that was ‘ticking’ so that’s being sealed
- new Fuel injection stainless lines
- new fuel accumulator kit (cracking lines)
- new fuel pump and sewer (the one that was added last year was coming out of the gasket and looked a bit hacked in which is scary as work was done at DMC Northwest.
- New tailight boards and alternator
- I still had the original relays so those are being changed
- new drivers side door seals
- the ac cabin fan assembly was also replaced which was the ac leak issue.

And that is where I stand, 6 grand later.

[TheStoot]

Wow that's a laundry list of things fixed and replaced, but from the likes of it pretty standard on these cars. How many miles did your car have when you got it? I'm debating on whether to do a similar trip as yours, mine going from Mississippi to Massachusetts, 1100 miles. The shop has a few things to still replace on it before I head down to get it and the mechanic wants to take it around their city a bit during the next week to make sure everything is working/running before he lets it out of the shop. I'm super excited to get it and def. wanna take it for the drive back. I'm figuring if I run into any issues I can rent a uhaul truck and auto trailer and tow it the rest of the way if it came down to that. I'm planning my trip for next friday so wish me luck.,