Frame needed or measurements

[SupercoolBill]

My wife and I just bought a 1982 and unfortunately the frame is rotted (not rusted) pretty bad.
We were planning on trying pull the body off the frame and have the frame rebuilt or copied by someone. Well,...the other night I discovered that a previous owner made their own front frame section complete with nasty Frankenstein welds and plating.
Now I am thinking this frame cannot be used. The only exception would be if I had all the measurements for a correct frame. Then I could have a new frame made or repair the one I have properly.
Anyone have all the measurements? CAD drawing? Is there anywhere to get a good frame for less than $8,500.00?
Are the $8,500 frames even available anymore? It says on the website "Not available"

I am in Maine (if that matters)https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211107/db712723a6e4b006bfe43066229b47de.jpg6729167292

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[82DMC12]

My wife and I just bought a 1982 and unfortunately the frame is rotted (not rusted) pretty bad.
We were planning on trying pull the body off the frame and have the frame rebuilt or copied by someone. Well,...the other night I discovered that a previous owner made their own front frame section complete with nasty Frankenstein welds and plating.
Now I am thinking this frame cannot be used. The only exception would be if I had all the measurements for a correct frame. Then I could have a new frame made or repair the one I have properly.
Anyone have all the measurements? CAD drawing? Is there anywhere to get a good frame for less than $8,500.00?
Are the $8,500 frames even available anymore? It says on the website "Not available"

I am in Maine (if that matters)https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211107/db712723a6e4b006bfe43066229b47de.jpg6729167292

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Almost anything can be repaired if you take the frame off and find a good welder. The only time it gets iffy is if there is a section that has to do with suspension attachment which might make alignment impossible. Fortunately the frames don't usually rot away in those locations except I've seen a lot of crumbly stuff near where the rear upper link attaches. You can get a completely "new" frame from the UK however freight will probably put it up over $8,500. I looked into it a year ago and it was going to cost about $2,300 to get it to Kansas City including collection from the seller, customs, duties, etc etc and delivered to my company's dock. Keep your eyes open, you might find a much better frame somewhere that doesn't need as much work as yours if you want to work on it while keeping your car on the ground otherwise. Rumor has it DeLorean Industries might have a bunch of take-off frames since they sell and build up so many stainless steel frames. Maybe work a deal with Josh?

[SupercoolBill]

Almost anything can be repaired if you take the frame off and find a good welder. The only time it gets iffy is if there is a section that has to do with suspension attachment which might make alignment impossible. Fortunately the frames don't usually rot away in those locations except I've seen a lot of crumbly stuff near where the rear upper link attaches. You can get a completely "new" frame from the UK however freight will probably put it up over $8,500. I looked into it a year ago and it was going to cost about $2,300 to get it to Kansas City including collection from the seller, customs, duties, etc etc and delivered to my company's dock. Keep your eyes open, you might find a much better frame somewhere that doesn't need as much work as yours if you want to work on it while keeping your car on the ground otherwise. Rumor has it DeLorean Industries might have a bunch of take-off frames since they sell and build up so many stainless steel frames. Maybe work a deal with Josh?Thanks for your reply.
Yeah $8500+ all that for shipping is too rich for my blood. Like I said,..if someone hadn't tried to "fix" my frame then I would feel better about repairing it or replicating it.

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[larryk]

The DMC Workshop Manual has a section at the back with all the critical dimensions of the frame.

https://dmc.ccssinc.com/pdf/DMC_Workshop_Manual.pdf



My wife and I just bought a 1982 and unfortunately the frame is rotted (not rusted) pretty bad.
We were planning on trying pull the body off the frame and have the frame rebuilt or copied by someone. Well,...the other night I discovered that a previous owner made their own front frame section complete with nasty Frankenstein welds and plating.
Now I am thinking this frame cannot be used. The only exception would be if I had all the measurements for a correct frame. Then I could have a new frame made or repair the one I have properly.
Anyone have all the measurements? CAD drawing? Is there anywhere to get a good frame for less than $8,500.00?
Are the $8,500 frames even available anymore? It says on the website "Not available"

I am in Maine (if that matters)https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211107/db712723a6e4b006bfe43066229b47de.jpg6729167292

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[82DMC12]

Thanks for your reply.
Yeah $8500+ all that for shipping is too rich for my blood. Like I said,..if someone hadn't tried to "fix" my frame then I would feel better about repairing it or replicating it.

Sent from my SM-G970U using TapatalkThe frame in the UK is actually $7,500 but you're responsible for collecting it and shipping it to the US. Maybe being in Maine you can get a better price than I could in Kansas City? My shipping manager used our logistics partner to come up with that option for me. Thankfully I managed to find a frame only an hour away that was already totally restored and upgraded with SS plates under the jacking points. Haven't installed it yet though. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211107/ce26a6e080b8332ab02ad14bbe621365.jpg

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[SupercoolBill]

The DMC Workshop Manual has a section at the back with all the critical dimensions of the frame.

https://dmc.ccssinc.com/pdf/DMC_Workshop_Manual.pdfThanks
Lots of great information there.

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[SupercoolBill]

The frame in the UK is actually $7,500 but you're responsible for collecting it and shipping it to the US. Maybe being in Maine you can get a better price than I could in Kansas City? My shipping manager used our logistics partner to come up with that option for me. Thankfully I managed to find a frame only an hour away that was already totally restored and upgraded with SS plates under the jacking points. Haven't installed it yet though. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211107/ce26a6e080b8332ab02ad14bbe621365.jpg

Sent from my Pixel 3a using TapatalkWant to sell it? Haha!

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[82DMC12]

Want to sell it? Haha!

Sent from my SM-G970U using TapatalkEverything is for sale! Can't believe I found one so close to home. Keep your eyes open, you'll find a solution. Well, as long as you are in this for the long haul. I've had my D for about 21 years. Based on Facebook posts, it seems you have the space and time to do a frame off. I'd go for it. We're here to give you moral support!

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[Rich]

Is there anywhere to get a good frame for less than $8,500.00?


A. Those 2nd and 3rd photos you attached in the links show some serious frame rot in and around the rear cradle.
B. If you want set a search for a frame then try posting it in this section (http://dmctalk.org/forumdisplay.php?11-DeLorean-Parts) of this forum - be sure to tell us whether you need a manual- or automatic-type frame.

And welcome to the world of DeLorean ownership.

[andyo]

Just to give you an idea of what i went through, as i was in your shoes about a year and a half ago. I couldn't afford a new frame either. I called around a bit, if a vendor had a frame, it needed work or was too much. I ended up taking my cars body off the frame, stripped it down and brought it to a fabricator. quote to repair was... a lot. SO being the DIY kind of person i am, and since i was lucky enough to have a friend who had an awesome welding set up, i fixed it myself. I had a lot of rot in the front crossmember, front crumple section, and a little around in the rear cross member. I cut out bad and welded in good steel, then coated those areas in POR15. It turned out pretty great i think. As said previously, i didn't have any issues in the suspension areas. I was also able to salvage a lot of the front crumple section and just added to it. I consider it good enough until i can spring for that SS frame of my dreams. You may get lucky and find one at the price you can afford, but I really think that if you want to control the cost, you'll have to fix the one you have. I would say that if you have mechanical ability and aren't afraid to try and fix the one you have, you can probably do it.

That said, you have nothing to loose by trying as far as i can tell. You have to separate the car to change frames anyway, so might as well get going on that and see how bad your frame really is.

[SupercoolBill]

Just to give you an idea of what i went through, as i was in your shoes about a year and a half ago. I couldn't afford a new frame either. I called around a bit, if a vendor had a frame, it needed work or was too much. I ended up taking my cars body off the frame, stripped it down and brought it to a fabricator. quote to repair was... a lot. SO being the DIY kind of person i am, and since i was lucky enough to have a friend who had an awesome welding set up, i fixed it myself. I had a lot of rot in the front crossmember, front crumple section, and a little around in the rear cross member. I cut out bad and welded in good steel, then coated those areas in POR15. It turned out pretty great i think. As said previously, i didn't have any issues in the suspension areas. I was also able to salvage a lot of the front crumple section and just added to it. I consider it good enough until i can spring for that SS frame of my dreams. You may get lucky and find one at the price you can afford, but I really think that if you want to control the cost, you'll have to fix the one you have. I would say that if you have mechanical ability and aren't afraid to try and fix the one you have, you can probably do it.

That said, you have nothing to loose by trying as far as i can tell. You have to separate the car to change frames anyway, so might as well get going on that and see how bad your frame really is.Thanks Andyo. The Lord may have shined his face on me. I have a lead on a frame that is in pretty good shape and within my budget. I'll have to drive 18 hours to get it but I'll make it happen.

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[MrChocky]

This might not help Will, but note that DGo do a front frame extension only for $1300 (plus shipping from UK!), which might be a cheaper option in many cases. I'm not sure of the work involved, but maybe you can even get away without doing
a full frame off.

https://www.deloreango.com/us/front-frame-extension.html

[82DMC12]

This might not help Will, but note that DGo do a front frame extension only for $1300 (plus shipping from UK!), which might be a cheaper option in many cases. I'm not sure of the work involved, but maybe you can even get away without doing
a full frame off.

https://www.deloreango.com/us/front-frame-extension.htmlI talked to Rob Grady a few months ago and he still had one or two of Ken Koncelik's remade front frame extensions as well.

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[andyo]

Thanks Andyo. The Lord may have shined his face on me. I have a lead on a frame that is in pretty good shape and within my budget. I'll have to drive 18 hours to get it but I'll make it happen.

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Awesome, hope it works out!

[SupercoolBill]

Yes, yes the good Lord did shine his light on me. A non-rusted out DeLorean frame 6 miles from my house. So excited!!!
Now it does need work. It is starting to rust and is bent in a few places. So it needs some work. Anyone got a junk frame that they can torch off the right strut tower off from and mail it to me?67336

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[SupercoolBill]

This the damaged strut tower.
I am wondering if the guy damaged it while snow plowing.6733767338

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[Dickey]

I cut mine off a while back to accommodate some adjustments I needed. They are in rough shape but I think the one you need is decent enough to either be reinforced or at least used as a template for building one from scratch. You're welcomed to one or both for whatever the cost of shipping from South Carolina is if you think you can use it.

67403

67404

67405

67406

[SupercoolBill]

I cut mine off a while back to accommodate some adjustments I needed. They are in rough shape but I think the one you need is decent enough to either be reinforced or at least used as a template for building one from scratch. You're welcomed to one or both for whatever the cost of shipping from South Carolina is if you think you can use it.

67403

67404

67405

67406Yeah I may take you up on that offer. Is it pretty rusty? Looks like maybe it is. When you removed it did you just grind the welds off to remove it?
So are you building your own suspension on your car?

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[Dickey]

They are very rusty. I removed them with a cut off wheel. I never intended to use them on a car and only kept them on the shelf in case I wanted to create a jig for the other one which still retains the Dunmurry shenanigans in spite of the miata spindles.

[SupercoolBill]

Ok next question.
When I am measuring the damaged frame that I got to check for trueness am I measuring to the edge of the holes in the frame or center to center on those holes??

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[DrJeff]

What about the Shroud of Dunmurry

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5gDdnCg8zG/
67434

[SupercoolBill]

What about the Shroud of Dunmurry

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5gDdnCg8zG/
67434Interesting....any better pics or is this it?

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[DrJeff]

Interesting....any better pics or is this it?

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I have a 49 MB jpg version (24093 x 9954 pixels). Send your email (by DM) and I can share the Dropbox link.

Jeff

[DrJeff]

I have a 49 MB jpg version (24093 x 9954 pixels). Send your email (by DM) and I can share the Dropbox link.

Jeff

Sample (zoomed in on just a segment). This is the area of the trailing arm attachment location.

I can't attach the whole file (too large probably)

67456

[SupercoolBill]

Sample (zoomed in on just a segment). This is the area of the trailing arm attachment location.

I can't attach the whole file (too large probably)

67456Thanks Jeff but pretty much useless other than wall art because there are not dimensions shown.

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[DrJeff]

Thanks Jeff but pretty much useless other than wall art because there are not dimensions shown.

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Here's the link in case anyone is interested - Frame drawing in DropBox (https://www.dropbox.com/sh/sn43ul7ziykb6qd/AABTqu6KoJkQCWwUUafWLOJMa?dl=0)
If it doesn't work for you let me know.

To test the "uselessness" of the drawing, I took two baseline measurements off the rear of the actual frame, then measured the pixels for these same dimensions shown on the drawings (using GIMP). I then calculated the 'scale' of the diagram (in the X and Y dimensions). I then read off the pixels for a distance across the front of the frame, then calculated the measurement. When I checked the distance for that same measurement off the actual car - it was off by only 1/16th inch compared to the calculated value. That's probably a smaller error rate than you'd get by people physically measuring the frame - given the potential for measurement error and variances in the dimensions from car to car.

I measured 0.013214 inches per pixel, or 75.677 pixels per inch - your mileage may vary :)

DrJeff

[Rhye]

A couple of chassis-related drawings here, a lot of them with dimensions:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1E3zlKxvqz30belIeJnSHLJV2OdW0zdGy/view?usp=sharing (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1E3zlKxvqz30belIeJnSHLJV2OdW0zdGy/view?usp=sharing)

Some of the drawings are stamped "for discussion only" so those are most likely not valid.

[SupercoolBill]

A couple of chassis-related drawings here, a lot of them with dimensions:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1E3zlKxvqz30belIeJnSHLJV2OdW0zdGy/view?usp=sharing (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1E3zlKxvqz30belIeJnSHLJV2OdW0zdGy/view?usp=sharing)

Some of the drawings are stamped "for discussion only" so those are most likely not valid.My phone won't let me download for some reason. I can go to the page but I can't see the pics (shows thumbnails with file names) if I try to download it says "Failed to download"
Not sure what to do to fix this.

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[SupercoolBill]

A couple of chassis-related drawings here, a lot of them with dimensions:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1E3zlKxvqz30belIeJnSHLJV2OdW0zdGy/view?usp=sharing (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1E3zlKxvqz30belIeJnSHLJV2OdW0zdGy/view?usp=sharing)

Some of the drawings are stamped "for discussion only" so those are most likely not valid.I may try again when I get to my office and can use my PC.


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[Rhye]

My phone won't let me download for some reason. I can go to the page but I can't see the pics (shows thumbnails with file names) if I try to download it says "Failed to download"
Not sure what to do to fix this.


I've extracted everything to a shared directory, hope it helps:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1XO47YUfR0KnhnUexj2F7eqdvF5GMsf7j

[SupercoolBill]

I've extracted everything to a shared directory, hope it helps:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1XO47YUfR0KnhnUexj2F7eqdvF5GMsf7jAwesome thanks!!

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