Saving 1169: Live The Nightmare

[ArtisanFX]

It's time I begin detailing my journey, now being about a month into ownership.
My personal story is not unlike most here...childhood dream, ect...I'm a 40-something male who's reached financial solvency to make this type of purchase a reality and to "Live the Dream". I had no idea such a vast community existed with the wealth of knowledge and parts available. My naivety is one fault of mine that has brought me to this critical point: had I known what I know now, my purchase would of been drastically different and although we own a car commonly associated with being a time machine, I cannot go back and change things and I have reached a personal and financial "point of no return" in which I am thankfully not alone yet woefully overwhelmed and find myself oscillating between feelings of buyer's remorse and an energized resolve to restore this Vin one bolt at a time.
I'd like to make very clear that at no point will my intention be to badmouth or in any way misrepresent or dramatize any person or company that has been involved with my acquisition. I will lay out the details as accurately as I can and document my journey as I forge ahead.
This will not be easy...I am therefore fortunate to be a part of a tremendous community of dedicated and knowledgeable fellow owners.
This will not be a short journey...I am therefore grateful for my patience and resolve.
This will not be cheap...I am therefore fortunate to have the means and resources to make it happen, even if the time frame is fluid and contingent on my financial management.
My name is Jimmy and I am (what I believe to understand) the third owner of Vin 1169, 1981 Automatic black interior.
Please be cordial and patient as I struggle with understanding and learning but with those faults I am gifted in many creative arenas. I will do my best to articulate myself and to understand more technical feedback and I value and appreciate any and all advice and suggestions...
I will be organizing my photo archive and updating this thread with total documentation on the entire timeline of ownership.
Thank you for reading!

[BladeBronson]

You could also sell the car immediately and use the help of this community to help you find the right one. I wish I’d done that with my first DeLorean instead of keeping it for 5 years and trying to make it reliable.

[ArtisanFX]

You could also sell the car immediately and use the help of this community to help you find the right one. I wish I’d done that with my first DeLorean instead of keeping it for 5 years and trying to make it reliable.

This is not feasible at this point. I have surpassed a personal point of no return in regards to upgrades invested and I sacrificed quite a bit to get the loan to purchase.
I know it would be easier for others to sell as quickly as purchased but I think I can make something out of her

[Riley88]

Make a list of issues and where you are located. People would come help. A list of issues will help people, help YOU!

[Helirich]

I await the pics. Are you saying you want to do a complete frame off restoration? Or the comment “one bolt at a time” is just fix things as needed? This may only be my opinion, but I think these cars are valuable drivers, not concours show cars. So if you fix things as needed and do it right, you probably won’t lose money. If you make everything perfect, you probably lose.

Anyways good luck

[MrChocky]

This is a document I made recently and might be a good starting point:

https://peternaulls.medium.com/delorean-dirty-dozen-1270b4c3d041

[ArtisanFX]

This is a document I made recently and might be a good starting point:

https://peternaulls.medium.com/delorean-dirty-dozen-1270b4c3d041

This is an excellent resource and I'm happy to report I've already begun addressing a number of these critical issues!
I've been sick the past few days so haven't been up to gather my thoughts and photos to post meaningful follow-ups to my introduction. Things will be layed out thoroughly shortly and I look forward to hearing feedback.

[JBaker4981]

This is a bit of a personal plug but first, I must say welcome to the community, obsession, and money pit. Jokes on you!

Now... my plug: Check out my website's download section. Apparently it's helped a lot of people over the last couple of years and there is an invaluable amount of documentation and guides there.
TN-DMC.com/Downloads (https://tn-dmc.com/downloads)

It goes without saying that Talk, Today, and the various Facebook groups are a great resource in addition to our vendors around the world.

[ArtisanFX]

This is a bit of a personal plug but first, I must say welcome to the community, obsession, and money pit. Jokes on you!

Now... my plug: Check out my website's download section. Apparently it's helped a lot of people over the last couple of years and there is an invaluable amount of documentation and guides there.
TN-DMC.com/Downloads (https://tn-dmc.com/downloads)

It goes without saying that Talk, Today, and the various Facebook groups are a great resource in addition to our vendors around the world.

Good stuff!! This'll be invaluable.

[Iznodmad]

Don’t take it back to where you bought it. It is part of the business plan to have you bring it back, year after year, for $10K annual visits to address existing issues and the new ones that come along too. Don’t fall further into the retail trap. Make a good effort to learn the strengths and weaknesses of the different parts that are available. Just like the quality of each car available, there are differing levels of parts support and quality as well. There is a lot to learn and digest after such a rocky start for you. Sorry you had to endure that. Good luck and can’t wait to hear more.

[ArtisanFX]

Don’t take it back to where you bought it. It is part of the business plan to have you bring it back, year after year, for $10K annual visits to address existing issues and the new ones that come along too. Don’t fall further into the retail trap. Make a good effort to learn the strengths and weaknesses of the different parts that are available. Just like the quality of each car available, there are differing levels of parts support and quality as well. There is a lot to learn and digest after such a rocky start for you. Sorry you had to endure that. Good luck and can’t wait to hear more.

I appreciate this reply. Makes sense. Often times the ones selling the cure are the ones who sold the virus. That's not a dig at anyone but a valid take on life and business in general.

[ArtisanFX]

Much to my surprise, my vehicle has become quite the topic of discussion and argument. Simply by bringing the vehicle to my first owners event has, by no will or action of my own, spawned a barrage of commentary throughout the community and not all of it good.
I'm going to lay down some very clear boundaries and intentions here so that MY point of view cannot be open to interpretation. I fully accept the fact that mob mentality and the court of public opinion exists in every group paradigm. I'm a member of other hobby related forums and it exists everywhere. That being said, I personally have a zero tolerance policy for comments that are aimed to shame, discourage or otherwise perpetuate drama.
If you're following this thread hungry for drama, please kindly help me and look elsewhere.
If you're following this thread because you want to share in my journey and offer real help and suggestions, I cordially invite you to follow along and have fun!
Before I begin, I would like to establish some baselines for how this'll go down:

1) I am a logical thinker first and an emotional thinker second. My thoughts and reactions to things are typically based on a logical approach rather that responding emotionally, however I embrace the fact that a person's feelings and emotions are an automatic reflex that must be addressed. You'll find that I'll be sure to acknowledge how something has made me feel and that those feelings are NOT an absolute or a judgment on a person, place or thing but an honest reveal of what's happening in my mind.

2) I will present photos and a timeline of events to the best of my recollection. If any information posted is legitimately erroneous or incorrectly recalled, I'll be the first to admit it and remove the information.

3) None of what I write will be intended to slander or libel any individual or business. If you choose to make judgment on people or businesses based on my experience, please keep my name out of it as I expressly do NOT authorize anyone to speak for me. I take no responsibility for words spoken or written about me by someone else.

4) I have absolute intention to restore and update critical areas on the car to get her to a reliable and safe driver that also looks great too. Further suggestions to sell the car will be summarily ignored. If anyone feels compelled to dramatize the condition or these updates on Facebook groups, please know that THIS thread contains my thoughts and feelings and anything else is interpretation I cannot control.

Guys, things are not as bad as it's been painted to be and I'll do my best to stay positive and vigilant as I move forward saving 1169!
Let the shit show begin...

[ArtisanFX]

CHAPTER ONE: THE CALL

I was weeks away from putting my reservation deposit down on a brand new Tesla Model 3. It was going to be a gorgeous, modern every day driver that made sense for me to buy...yet the closer date of deposit loomed, the more uneasy I began to feel.
Prices on the Model 3 had risen to luxury car levels that forced me to reconsider the purchase...not because of affordability, but because if I were going to spend that kind of money on a car...why not spend it on THE car....the ONLY car that's ever mattered and ever will matter. I've put it off far too long. If I bought the Tesla, I'd be damning myself to denying the dream for yet another unknown number of years and at the rate my dark, lush Italian hair is turning silver, my time to make the dream acquisition while I still retained my youth and health was quickly diminishing.
I called the one person who's always given me good advice - my mother.
I told her how uneasy I felt moving forward with the Tesla and that I felt I was giving up on the dream. She replied (in "That's God telling you not to get the Tesla!". That's all I needed to hear.
I sent a message to a friend who's owned two DeLoreans to ask for advice on what to do. He replied with a laundry list of discouraging reasons why NOT to buy one...but finished it off by saying I'll never be more in love.
His description of the DeLorean being "the neediest girlfriend I'll ever have" is both accurate and hilarious.
He informed me, much to my surprise, that DeLorean dealerships exist and that he would put me in contact with one he's dealt with.
Let me be clear that at this point I had zero idea that a vast DeLorean community existed, had no idea that parts, services and dealerships were a thing. In less than ten minutes I was on the phone with Mike from DMC Midwest.
I was careful to temper my enthusiasm as I conveyed my naivety and desire for the vehicle. My price range was conveyed by my friend prior to my phone call with Mike and I was told a vehicle had just recently arrived that was in my budget.
Mike was happy to help and gave me a good vibe over the phone, putting me at an ease regarding this dream I've never felt before. I felt safe discussing the possibility of purchasing from an official dealership.
The car was described as a "runner" with a good frame and "some rust" on the roof box. I didn't know what the hell a roof box even was, but was assured it wasn't an issue requiring immediate attention.
All in all, the conversation with Mike was pleasant and left me feeling confident and excited, though I wasn't completely sold until after the phone call when Mike sent photos of the car. What wasn't discussed on the phone was that a previous owner had updated the center console with a modernized custom look...it turned out to be THE selling point for me because it's kind of like a Tesla...but it's a DeLorean! I was sold...but tremendously overwhelmed with feelings of "do it now" for fear of someone nabbing the car before me.
I worked quickly to secure the loan needed through a classic car lender and thankfully my credit score and income were up to snuff. I was approved quickly and I expressed my intention to purchase to Mike expediently for fear of missing the opportunity. I had no idea how often purchase opportunities arose, so I felt compelled to jump on it.
Below are the pictures Mike sent me after our phone call. I knew she was mine when I saw that sexy center console with the iPad radio. It's exactly what I was looking for in ways I never dreamed of.
Like a horny schmuck judging a Tinder girl based on a few photos, I was ready to give the D to the DeLorean and things happened so fast and I was so woefully inexperienced, I had zero thoughts of slowing down and taking even a minute to consider.
For better or worse I made what many, if not most would describe as a massive mistake but I felt safe buying from a legitimate source and not any old Joe's used car lot.
She was gonna be mine and nothing was stopping that, not even logical intervention.

[Mark D]

Great thread so far! Don't let the drama and BS from facebook or anywhere else get you down. It sounds like you're on a mission, so do what makes you happy. It's your car after all.

Looking forward to Chapter 2 :)

[MrChocky]

That center console is something else.

DMCTalk has never been the greatest for uploading pictures, it likes to make thumbnails which are not ideal. It may be that "DeLorean Technical Help" or "DeLorean Restoration Projects" on Facebook are better for this.
Anyway, wherever, we should start with an extensive set of photos - certainly of items in the engine bay, and underneath as much as you can get - the front and rear suspension areas are important of course, and
anywhere else you think there might be an issue. You've already looked at my list, so you know some of the key areas of concern already.

[ArtisanFX]

That center console is something else.

DMCTalk has never been the greatest for uploading pictures, it likes to make thumbnails which are not ideal. It may be that "DeLorean Technical Help" or "DeLorean Restoration Projects" on Facebook are better for this.
Anyway, wherever, we should start with an extensive set of photos - certainly of items in the engine bay, and underneath as much as you can get - the front and rear suspension areas are important of course, and
anywhere else you think there might be an issue. You've already looked at my list, so you know some of the key areas of concern already.

I have extensive photos of everything. Those will be uploaded soon, still compiling my plan of attack.

[Mark D]

For uploading and posting full size photos within a thread it's a bit of a process.

If you click on your user ID, it'll take you to your profile where you can click on your albums.

For example, here are mine.
https://dmctalk.org/album.php?u=269

After uploading a photo to one of your albums, you can copy/paste a direct link to it into the thread using the "BB Code". You copy the link provided in the album and paste it into the reply box in the thread.

https://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=68543&d=1654191040

So the photo will appear in the thread full size like this:

https://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=30656&d=1410232884

Instead of a thumbnail when using the "Insert Image" button within the reply window:
68544

[mhanch]

That's a nice looking car. Don't let anyone bring you down. make it yours and enjoy.

[louielouie2000]

I was weeks away from putting my reservation deposit down on a brand new Tesla Model 3. It was going to be a gorgeous, modern every day driver that made sense for me to buy...yet the closer date of deposit loomed, the more uneasy I began to feel.
Prices on the Model 3 had risen to luxury car levels that forced me to reconsider the purchase...not because of affordability, but because if I were going to spend that kind of money on a car...why not spend it on THE car....the ONLY car that's ever mattered and ever will matter. I've put it off far too long. If I bought the Tesla, I'd be damning myself to denying the dream for yet another unknown number of years and at the rate my dark, lush Italian hair is turning silver, my time to make the dream acquisition while I still retained my youth and health was quickly diminishing.
I called the one person who's always given me good advice - my mother.
I told her how uneasy I felt moving forward with the Tesla and that I felt I was giving up on the dream. She replied (in "That's God telling you not to get the Tesla!". That's all I needed to hear.
I sent a message to a friend who's owned two DeLoreans to ask for advice on what to do. He replied with a laundry list of discouraging reasons why NOT to buy one...but finished it off by saying I'll never be more in love.
His description of the DeLorean being "the neediest girlfriend I'll ever have" is both accurate and hilarious.

How funny, I'm taking the exact opposite path as you; I'm going to be putting my DeLorean on the market soon in order to buy a Model 3. DeLoreans will always be my biggest passion... but I've realized the amount the car is worth doesn't equate to the amount I enjoy owning it.

Regarding the issues your car has; unless the car was grossly misrepresented, try not to get too stuck on them. Every DeLorean I've owned has been serviced by a vendor and came with stacks of receipts; and each car has had issues surface after I've taken delivery. The reality is these cars had problems when brand new, and were pretty unconventional and cutting edge (in some aspects) at that time. It's hard to believe these cars are now approaching a half century old. That cutting edge technology like mechanical fuel injection hasn't aged so well on some of our cars. Most of this boils down to lack of use/neglect; when these cars start to be driven the storage/neglect issues start surfacing rapidly. To compound things, you also own an early VIN. Having owned a June '81, October '81, and December '81 I can personally tell you without a doubt the later cars were assembled better and with better components. The dozens of assembly and component changes really did add up to better cars. Yes, service history and condition trump build date... but if I had to chose between two cars in equal condition with different build dates, the later car would win hands down.

When reviving a DeLorean keep in mind the old adage: "How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time." With my current car I have approached this in a very disciplined way; I set up a monthly budget maximum for DeLorean parts/repairs and just chip away at items as my budget allows. When my budget maxes out for the month I dig in to projects that don't cost money. For instance, a while back I took a dental tool to my shift knob; somebody had put white paint in the shift pattern and it looked like crap. Just doing that made a tremendous difference in my interior. Same with respraying my license plate bezel and windshield trim. Every little thing adds up over time. Just stay disciplined and focused on a long-term plan. I know it can seem overwhelming and insurmountable at times, trust me. In the end it's just a car. You've already accomplished the hardest part: just getting one in your garage in the first place!

[bueller]

Agreed on the above sentiments. There is no perfect DeLorean and with a 40 year old car you will often run into issues. However, you can get it where it needs to be. I've had mine for 5+ years now and there are times I'm ready to send it to the crusher but I always get over it. I've learned an unbelievable amount about cars in general as I've worked through various challenges with the help of the community (and Google). Overall I wouldn't change it. Plus when you factor in the smile factor you simply can't beat it. Stick with it and know that there are many here who will help. Congrats on the new toy and enjoy the ride!!

[Josh]

I think it is important to understand that a used 41 year old car is not going to be perfect.
I recall you did a fairly sizable road trip immediately after purchasing the car without issue, that is pretty damn good in my opinion.

[Helirich]

I can’t believe no one mentioned your writing style. I love it, ha ha. The console is cool. It gives me ideas to modify mine. (Again) Please keep us up to date on your endeavors.

[Michael]

I can’t believe no one mentioned your writing style.

I noticed that. Very well written and thought out posts. Sorry you are in a tight spot and your experience has been soured. On the bright side, you got a whole army here willing to help. I may have missed it but where are located?