Alternate shops on Long Island?

[MacStainless]

Pretty much what the title says. I'm on Long Island and looking for a Delorean-friendly place to get work done on my car. I know the answer most people will give of Sayville, but I'm looking for alternatives. If anyone has any recommendations, I'd appreciate it. Thanks!

[David T]

There have been individuals on the Island who would do work on Deloreans but I haven't heard of any of them doing any for a long time. Your choice is to use PJ Grady or do your own work or find a shop that would work on your Delorean but not have any experience with them. Most owners envy Delorean owners who happen to be close to PJ Grady. He has a very good reputation with very few complaints.

[MacStainless]

Thanks for the info, but unfortunately he's not an option for the work I'm looking to get done. Hence why I'm looking for alternatives.

[jackb]

It might help if you specify the type of work you want to do. There are lots of other owners on LI; maybe you coukd meet at a tech session?

[MacStainless]

It might help if you specify the type of work you want to do. There are lots of other owners on LI; maybe you coukd meet at a tech session?

Sure. The main things I need are: Brakes, new tires, fix a coolant leak, get the air conditioning working. Those are my top priorities. However, I don't think everything could be handled at a tech session. Further, I don't have a driveway or garage (or tools or full knowledge) to do this work myself.

[dmcman73]

Sure. The main things I need are: Brakes, new tires, fix a coolant leak, get the air conditioning working. Those are my top priorities. However, I don't think everything could be handled at a tech session. Further, I don't have a driveway or garage (or tools or full knowledge) to do this work myself.

These are all basic services that PJ Grady could perform with their eyes closed. Is there a reason you believe that they are not an option?

Either way, everything you listed could be performed by any repair shop, they really are not "Delorean specific" like adjusting and aligning the doors, for example. You could also find a Volvo shop to service the car as well.

[DaraSue]

I assume cost is the reason you don't want to take it to Grady's? Something to consider is that a lot of local shops might be staffed by young dudes who weren't even born when these cars were made and are more used to plugging in an OBD scanner on a Honda Accord than troubleshooting problems in a semi-exotic car.

I live in an area where the nearest DeLorean specialists are 700+ miles away and I'd never done more than change a light bulb before I bought this car. I started doing more of my own work because I got tired of being charged an arm and a leg by local shops who screwed up the job about 75% of the time. Harbor Freight tools are affordable and if you make friends in the community maybe someone will have a garage or parking spot you can use to do your work.

If you're determined to find a shop, try signing up for the DeLorean Owners Directory and reaching out to people in your area to see if they have any recommendations: http://www.citizenkidd.com/dod/pages/dod.aspx

Even if you have a shop do the work now, it's still a good idea to meet up with local owners, attend tech sessions and learn as much as you can from online resources. The more you know about how your car works (whether it's a DeLorean or your daily driver), the less likely you are to be ripped off by a shop.

[MacStainless]

I'll try to reply to both posts here:


These are all basic services that PJ Grady could perform with their eyes closed. Is there a reason you believe that they are not an option?

While I have a call into Rob to follow up on a prior conversation, it looks to be that he is not taking on new work at this time.



I assume cost is the reason you don't want to take it to Grady's?

Same as above.

Further, I've had my car a long time (16 years now) and was heavily involved in the DMA for many years, but I stepped back many years ago and am just starting to dip my foot back into things. While I'm no stranger to the community, I also don't have any connections to anyone who is local enough to get together to try to do work. The DMA is HEAVILY focused on NJ owners, so that doesn't work for me. Additionally, the fact that I don't have a garage where I live (the one I rent is 30 min away and no repair work is permitted) nor a driveway, makes repairs difficult. I can't get into a job and then leave it for the next day or week or whatever. So I have some limited choices on how to get work done to my car. While something as simple as new tires can be done at any shop, I am honestly at a loss on how to go about getting the other things done when I find myself on my own.

[dmcman73]

I'll try to reply to both posts here:



While I have a call into Rob to follow up on a prior conversation, it looks to be that he is not taking on new work at this time.




Same as above.

Further, I've had my car a long time (16 years now) and was heavily involved in the DMA for many years, but I stepped back many years ago and am just starting to dip my foot back into things. While I'm no stranger to the community, I also don't have any connections to anyone who is local enough to get together to try to do work. The DMA is HEAVILY focused on NJ owners, so that doesn't work for me. Additionally, the fact that I don't have a garage where I live (the one I rent is 30 min away and no repair work is permitted) nor a driveway, makes repairs difficult. I can't get into a job and then leave it for the next day or week or whatever. So I have some limited choices on how to get work done to my car. While something as simple as new tires can be done at any shop, I am honestly at a loss on how to go about getting the other things done when I find myself on my own.

I live on Long Island and i do my own services, but, I at least have a gated driveway I can do the repairs in. If I had room, I'd say to bring it by and we could work on it together, but I am already deep into a restoration on my own car.

Depending on where you are located, there is a service station that I bring my daily cars to when I don't have the time to repair them myself. They are very honest, in fact, when I brought my wife's wrangler in for an oil leak, the owner turned me away and told me that he could fix it, but, I can get it fixed for free from Jeep.

The service station is located in Massapequa and it's called J&K Service Station (516) 293-0363. They are at 1050 N Broadway Massapequa, NY. For the type of repairs you need, they should be able to handle it.

[MacStainless]

I live on Long Island and i do my own services, but, I at least have a gated driveway I can do the repairs in. If I had room, I'd say to bring it by and we could work on it together, but I am already deep into a restoration on my own car.

Depending on where you are located, there is a service station that I bring my daily cars to when I don't have the time to repair them myself. They are very honest, in fact, when I brought my wife's wrangler in for an oil leak, the owner turned me away and told me that he could fix it, but, I can get it fixed for free from Jeep.

The service station is located in Massapequa and it's called J&K Service Station (516) 293-0363. They are at 1050 N Broadway Massapequa, NY. For the type of repairs you need, they should be able to handle it.

Thanks for the info! Also nice to know there's another local somewhat near me. I'm over in Coram, but willing to get my car worked on anywhere reasonably-distanced from me. My biggest issue ATM is the car dumped all its coolant on Sunday and there's definitely a leak. I've got towing via JC Taylor to any shop I want within 50mi so it's only a matter of locating a place to take the damn car so it can get made road-worthy again.

Appreciate the recommendation. Does the shop have any experience working on a D or is my situation one where I don't really need to worry about a place that does classic car work? Generally I take my daily to Firestone since they're very reputable, but they can't use any 3rd party parts and I don't know if they'll be able to do anything at all. Hell, I can't even get them to put tires on it because it has to be from them & they don't carry Hankook.

[dmcman73]

Thanks for the info! Also nice to know there's another local somewhat near me. I'm over in Coram, but willing to get my car worked on anywhere reasonably-distanced from me. My biggest issue ATM is the car dumped all its coolant on Sunday and there's definitely a leak. I've got towing via JC Taylor to any shop I want within 50mi so it's only a matter of locating a place to take the damn car so it can get made road-worthy again.

Appreciate the recommendation. Does the shop have any experience working on a D or is my situation one where I don't really need to worry about a place that does classic car work? Generally I take my daily to Firestone since they're very reputable, but they can't use any 3rd party parts and I don't know if they'll be able to do anything at all. Hell, I can't even get them to put tires on it because it has to be from them & they don't carry Hankook.

I'm not sure if they've worked on a D before, but again, the engine work and brake work you need isn't really "Delorean specific". I would call them and see if they would be willing to work on it. Make sure you let them know that the engine is the same engine that could be found in a Volvo 760.

Where was the antifreeze leaking from? Water pump? Radiator? Overflow tank? You're biggest obstacle will be parts replacement as it may take a few days to get parts in from one of the vendors.

[MacStainless]

I'm not sure if they've worked on a D before, but again, the engine work and brake work you need isn't really "Delorean specific". I would call them and see if they would be willing to work on it. Make sure you let them know that the engine is the same engine that could be found in a Volvo 760.

Where was the antifreeze leaking from? Water pump? Radiator? Overflow tank? You're biggest obstacle will be parts replacement as it may take a few days to get parts in from one of the vendors.

Great to know about the work and engine cross-reference.

As far as the antifreeze goes, it was difficult to tell. I had 1/3 bottle of Prestone on me when it happened, so once the car cooled I poured it in and noticed there was a small drip coming from under the car. However, the engine bay when I first got the car home had antifreeze splattered all toward the front side of the bay. Offhand, it's hard to tell. I could try to give the bottle a look to see if there's any signs of cracking. It's the original bottle, so I just placed a DeloreanGo order for a SS bottle & cap. I don't know if it makes a difference, but when this happened, there was a plume of steam that came out the back of the car and that's when the temp gauge started creeping. To me, that indicates some instant failure in the cooling system. If you have anything specific for me to check that doesn't require a lift or more than basic tools, I'm happy to see what the situation may be.

[MacStainless]

Just a quick follow-up that I was able to make contact with a local place (Joe's Mobil Service) that has DMC experience, was recommended to me by my neighbor, and is only a few minutes away. He's willing to take a look at the car next week. His biggest sticking point is the lack of local parts availability, "the issue is I get a car on the lift and then can't finish the job because I can't get parts." I let him know I'd gladly help him procure parts in advance, plus I also let him know that the coolant leak shouldn't be Delorean-specific. So we'll see what happens. Fingers crossed.

[dmcman73]

Just a quick follow-up that I was able to make contact with a local place (Joe's Mobil Service) that has DMC experience, was recommended to me by my neighbor, and is only a few minutes away. He's willing to take a look at the car next week. His biggest sticking point is the lack of local parts availability, "the issue is I get a car on the lift and then can't finish the job because I can't get parts." I let him know I'd gladly help him procure parts in advance, plus I also let him know that the coolant leak shouldn't be Delorean-specific. So we'll see what happens. Fingers crossed.

The only major thing Delorean specific for the coolant system would be the water pump. You could always purchase one as a spare and if you're willing to convert to a bolt on pump, the pumps are cheap. Pump: https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=11672377&cc=1288256&jsn=1451 and the bolt on pulley: https://www.deloreango.com/us/aluminium-bolt-on-water-pump-pulley.html

Most of the hoses straight, mechanics would have spools of it, there are only a few molded hoses.

Radiators, you can get one made at a local custom radiator shop.

[MacStainless]

The only major thing Delorean specific for the coolant system would be the water pump. You could always purchase one as a spare and if you're willing to convert to a bolt on pump, the pumps are cheap. Pump: https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=11672377&cc=1288256&jsn=1451 and the bolt on pulley: https://www.deloreango.com/us/aluminium-bolt-on-water-pump-pulley.html

Most of the hoses straight, mechanics would have spools of it, there are only a few molded hoses.

Radiators, you can get one made at a local custom radiator shop.

I'll keep those links handy. If I have to order again from DGo, I will, but I want to see what the mechanic says first. Unless there's some basic troubleshooting I can do on my own.

On a related note, is there a reference on the bolt sizes for replacing the header bottle? I ordered the SS one from DGo and would like to swap it out this weekend if it arrives tomorrow (based on my shipping speed I chose). I found this walkthrough on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzutpumHwiI ) but they don't give any of the bolt sizes. I have no idea where to find this in the workshop manual PDF I have. Happen to know where I could find this?

[SoCloseButYet...]

Join our Long Island club and we will do our best to help you with whatever you need.

Louis

[dmcman73]

I'll keep those links handy. If I have to order again from DGo, I will, but I want to see what the mechanic says first. Unless there's some basic troubleshooting I can do on my own.

On a related note, is there a reference on the bolt sizes for replacing the header bottle? I ordered the SS one from DGo and would like to swap it out this weekend if it arrives tomorrow (based on my shipping speed I chose). I found this walkthrough on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzutpumHwiI ) but they don't give any of the bolt sizes. I have no idea where to find this in the workshop manual PDF I have. Happen to know where I could find this?

Looks like it's about an inch and a half: https://store.delorean.com/sp10016-bolt-m6.html, you have to subtract the size of the bolt head as measurements of bolts start from the base of the bolt head to the tip.

[MacStainless]

Join our Long Island club and we will do our best to help you with whatever you need.

Louis

Sure! Give me the info and I'd be happy to check it out. What's the website and/or contact info?

[MacStainless]

Looks like it's about an inch and a half: https://store.delorean.com/sp10016-bolt-m6.html, you have to subtract the size of the bolt head as measurements of bolts start from the base of the bolt head to the tip.

Those bolts aren't metric?

[dmcman73]

Those bolts aren't metric?

It is, it's an M6 bolt, just covert the length to metric.

[Josh]

Its interesting that they put them on a ruler, but dont measure the bolt properly (underhead length) or in the correct unit. I suppose it helps sell more bolts.

[MacStainless]

Its interesting that they put them on a ruler, but dont measure the bolt properly (underhead length) or in the correct unit. I suppose it helps sell more bolts.

Agreed. Like, just tell me the size so I don't have to futz with sockets for 5-min looking for the correct one. Stupid.

[SoCloseButYet...]

Sure! Give me the info and I'd be happy to check it out. What's the website and/or contact info?

I believe our president Tom texted you yesterday or today when I told him about this post.
Hopefully we will meet up soon :)

[MacStainless]

I believe our president Tom texted you yesterday or today when I told him about this post.
Hopefully we will meet up soon :)

Sorry, I don't have any texts from anyone. But I wouldn't expect you to since I never gave anyone my phone number? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[Rich_NYS]

Sure! Give me the info and I'd be happy to check it out. What's the website and/or contact info?


I believe our president Tom texted you yesterday or today when I told him about this post.
Hopefully we will meet up soon :)


You'll be in great shape if you connect with those guys....top notch.

Hopefully later this season I'll be down with the Northern NY group for a visit, maybe see you then.

[tommyrich]

Sorry, I don't have any texts from anyone. But I wouldn't expect you to since I never gave anyone my phone number? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

It was a PM. :)

[NJP548]

You'll be in great shape if you connect with those guys....top notch.

Hopefully later this season I'll be down with the Northern NY group for a visit, maybe see you then.

You are going to be on Long Island for a visit? When/where?

-Nick

[MacStainless]

It was a PM. :)

Ha! I see it now. Thanks for clarifying.

[MacStainless]

You are going to be on Long Island for a visit? When/where?

-Nick

Ha!!! I **KNOW** you. Why am I not surprised you bought a Delorean again, Nick? I knew you’d be back. 😉

-Aaron

[Rich_NYS]

You are going to be on Long Island for a visit? When/where?

-NickLater in the driving season, hopefully taking a field trip with our crew. I'll keep you posted!

Sent from my LGL164VL using Tapatalk

[NJP548]

Ha!!! I **KNOW** you. Why am I not surprised you bought a Delorean again, Nick? I knew you’d be back. 😉

-Aaron

Crocco?

[NJP548]

Later in the driving season, hopefully taking a field trip with our crew. I'll keep you posted!

Sent from my LGL164VL using Tapatalk

Ok sounds good.

My trip to Lake George will be July 19 - 23. Odds are I'm not taking the DeLorean for that trip.

Thanks.

-Nick

[MacStainless]

Crocco?

Si senior.

[NJP548]

Si senior.

Good to hear from you.

Tiffany and I had tried getting a hold of you several times over the years.

Send me a PM on here and we can catch up.

Thanks.

-Nick