New Member Introduction and Questions

[tony32408]

Hi all –

I wanted to introduce myself. My name is Antonio. I live in Westchester, NY. I am new to this website and forum. I have never really been a “car guy.” I don’t even own a car...I take the train to work. However, for as long as I can remember (probably from the first time I watched BTTF) when someone would ask me, “what kind of car do you want,” I would quickly and without hesitation say, “a Delorean.” For years, though, that was the end of the conversation. I was in school, had no money, and no credit. Thus, I went about my Delorean-less life year after year.

Now, I’m 33-years-old, have a job, and have saved up money. I feel like it’s now or never. So, I would like to buy a Delorean six months from now (how many times have you heard that?). I have my reasons for waiting six months. I won’t get into all those now, but I will have access to a bit more money at that time.

A few other things about me: I know how to check the oil in a car, add gas when required, and change a tire. That is all. I really have no desire to
work on a car either. I figure I will leave that to the professionals. I realize that this will make repairs quite a bit more expensive, but I accept that responsibility.

Budget: I would like to spend enough that I get a Delorean that never breaks down or requires any maintenance of any kind for the rest of my life (Joking). I am looking for a car that is in good shape, that I can drive on the weekends, and take on trips.

Now for the questions: How much should I spend? Should I bring someone to do an inspection on the car before buying it? Where would I find this person? Would you guys be able to provide feedback based on the photographs? What are the best websites to look for the car? Did most of you buy your car outright or with financing? Are there any good places in New York to take the car for maintenance?

I look forward to being part of this great Community!

[Ron]

:welcome:

The answers to a lot of your questions are HERE (http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?371-Please-read-before-posting-“I-want-a-cheap-DeLorean”-or-“Project-Car-Wanted”-threads).

As far a feedback on photographs, let's just say you came to the right place! :deviltail:

[jawn101]

Welcome! Ron sent you a great link, read it and you can't go wrong. Remember to accept that these are finicky cars with personalities as unique as the people who own them. Every car is different. They really are a blast to work on, so if you were ever going to try and learn this would be a great car to do it on. They are complicated enough that you'll learn about some modern systems, but basic/"first generation" enough to be something you can get your head around. Parts are plentiful, and let's face it - these cars were made by hand in the first place, so there's very little that a human can't fix by hand as well.

You're barely 2 hours from PJ Grady, one of the most respected in the business. But you'll pay for that privilege and might learn quickly to try and tackle the little things yourself first when it comes to repairs. But they will be an invaluable resource for parts, knowledge, major service, and hell - probably a good place to start shopping for your car.

[Nicholas R]

You're barely 2 hours from PJ Grady, one of the most respected in the business. But you'll pay for that privilege and might learn quickly to try and tackle the little things yourself first when it comes to repairs. But they will be an invaluable resource for parts, knowledge, major service, and hell - probably a good place to start shopping for your car.

+1

The first thing I would do is take a trip to PJ Grady and take a nice tour of their facility. If you're going to own a DeLorean and have repairs and maintenance done professionally, Grady is definitely your best bet. I'm sure they can also give you a VERY good idea of what to expect, as well as help you locate your car!

[stevedmc]

+1

The first thing I would do is take a trip to PJ Grady and take a nice tour of their facility. If you're going to own a DeLorean and have repairs and maintenance done professionally, Grady is definitely your best bet. I'm sure they can also give you a VERY good idea of what to expect, as well as help you locate your car!

I was going to say PJ Grady but it looks like someone beat me to it. Grady is a person you can trust and has been servicing these cars from day one. If you are planning to have someone do all of the work for you, and you want a turn key car, in my opinion he would be the only person to deal with as long as you are reasonably close to him.

I almost bought an eBay car once, and Rob Grady was kind enough to tell me the vehicles history (it had been in a collision) free of charge. If you can afford it, buy a car from him.

[tony32408]

Thanks guys. I am going to take a trip up to PJ Grady in the next week or two, take the tour, and ask a million and one questions. I see that so many of the cars on sale now on different websites are closer to 30K than 20K. Have the prices went up? Should I be looking to spend around 30K for a good daily driver? (not that I'm going to drive it everyday, but it would be nice that it starts on a daily basis)

[David T]

You should come to DMA events (the nearest club) and look at the cars up close and ask a million questions. As helpful as PJ Grady will be he can't spend as much time with you as you will need. There are also owners a lot closer to you than Rob. I am in NJ near the TZ bridge for instance. There are at least 6 owners within 20 minutes of me. You can still find a driver for $15K but you wouldn't know the difference between a POS and a garage queen. You have a lot to learn. Everyone on this forum is here to help.
David Teitelbaum






Thanks guys. I am going to take a trip up to PJ Grady in the next week or two, take the tour, and ask a million and one questions. I see that so many of the cars on sale now on different websites are closer to 30K than 20K. Have the prices went up? Should I be looking to spend around 30K for a good daily driver? (not that I'm going to drive it everyday, but it would be nice that it starts on a daily basis)

[uhhair]

You should come to DMA events (the nearest club) and look at the cars up close and ask a million questions. As helpful as PJ Grady will be he can't spend as much time with you as you will need. There are also owners a lot closer to you than Rob. I am in NJ near the TZ bridge for instance. There are at least 6 owners within 20 minutes of me. You can still find a driver for $15K but you wouldn't know the difference between a POS and a garage queen. You have a lot to learn. Everyone on this forum is here to help.
David Teitelbaum

Yeah, what he said! Seriously though, the only way you're going to learn about Deloreans is through people like Grady and through other Delorean owners. There is no way Grady can instill everything you'll need to know to make an educated purchase in one visit. Your best bet is to also talk to other Delorean owners, check out some events so you can view the cars up close and in person, and browse the forums pretty regularly, as a lot of insightful knowledge is posted here on a daily basis as well.

You're very lucky though, the NY/NJ area has some of the most knowledgable and helpful owners that you'll find anywhere. Good luck with the search.

[Evildeli]

I grew up in Westchester. Back in high school I used to pretend my car was a D and take some of those back roads at over 88 mph.

[ccurzio]

I grew up in Westchester. Back in high school I used to pretend my car was a D and take some of those back roads at over 88 mph.

I got my first ticket doing this, although I wasn't pretending I was in a DeLorean. I just wanted to see what 88 felt like.

As soon as I hit 88 I was done, so I stopped and turned around to head back home. Didn't notice the cop behind me until halfway through my U-Turn. After he stopped me he asked me if I was trying to get away from him. Clocked me at 84.

[ecbow]

Hello all,

My name is Eric and I live in Littleton am I just got the D back from the mechanic today. They did a great job but I just ran out of money so I brought her back to the house. I just got her to pass emission at the southwest station in case anyone saw me driving around today. Wow I knew it would create some attention but wow. It is like you are driving a space-shuttle down the street. Everyone is rubber necking out their cars, I find it quite amusing:) I got a whole list of things I still need to do but at-least she is running and passed emissions so I can get permanent plates; (odatime)I could not resist. Looking forward to driving it again and meeting up with some other members that might be able to point me in the right direction with parts and problems.

Thanks

[ccurzio]

Hello all,

My name is Eric and I live in Littleton am I just got the D back from the mechanic today. They did a great job but I just ran out of money so I brought her back to the house. I just got her to pass emission at the southwest station in case anyone saw me driving around today. Wow I knew it would create some attention but wow. It is like you are driving a space-shuttle down the street. Everyone is rubber necking out their cars, I find it quite amusing:) I got a whole list of things I still need to do but at-least she is running and passed emissions so I can get permanent plates; (odatime)I could not resist. Looking forward to driving it again and meeting up with some other members that might be able to point me in the right direction with parts and problems.

Thanks

Welcome.

What's left to do on your car?

[ecbow]

Here is the list I have compiled from the mechanic and personal knowledge;
-Hood release cable replacement
-Head liners
-Replace all relays (felt wires after first drive they were very hot)
-replace side maker lights
-Alignment
-Gas tank sender unit
-Speed cable
-Radio
-Power antenna no
-coolant lines
-much much more

Eric

[ccurzio]

Ah okay, doesn't look to be anything massively difficult. Much of that you'll be able to do on your own with no problem. (Except for the speedo cable if the upper one is shot or if you have a single cable bypassing the lambda counter. Getting behind the binnacle can be a pain. The headliners apparently aren't fun either.)

As for your fuel sender, I would recommend the new sender-pump combo from DMCMW (http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?2082-New-fuel-tank-sender-module!) even if nothing is wrong with your pump.

[ecbow]

Have you actually purchased and installed one of these units. They seem to be pretty expensive at $400. Also you now the best place to look for replacement relays? Last question is why can't I get that stainless to shine? I have tried stainless cleaner but I think i must be using the wrong type, or the wrong method. When i get done cleaning her she just looks like she has a fog layer on her.

[82DMC12]

Have you actually purchased and installed one of these units. They seem to be pretty expensive at $400. Also you now the best place to look for replacement relays? Last question is why can't I get that stainless to shine? I have tried stainless cleaner but I think i must be using the wrong type, or the wrong method. When i get done cleaning her she just looks like she has a fog layer on her.

http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?p=54121

Cheers!
Andy

[ccurzio]

Have you actually purchased and installed one of these units. They seem to be pretty expensive at $400.

Not yet, but I'm going to. Keep in mind that this unit replaces both your fuel pump AND sender with a single unit using modern technology. Small price to pay for long-term reliability of both devices.


Also you now the best place to look for replacement relays?

Is your only reason for replacing relays that they get hot? 30 year-old technology draws a good bit of current and high current generates heat. The relays are pretty much expected to get really hot. Unless your stuff is breaking, the only relay I would recommend you replace is your RPM relay with Dave's solid-state update (http://mysite.verizon.net/vze109dmk/). It's a lot more reliable and uses modern, solid-state components.


Last question is why can't I get that stainless to shine? I have tried stainless cleaner but I think i must be using the wrong type, or the wrong method. When i get done cleaning her she just looks like she has a fog layer on her.

Grained stainless isn't meant to "shine" in the same sense as say, chrome. I wouldn't use anything more complicated than standard soap to clean your car's body. Liquid Tide and a good cloth followed by a thorough rinse works wonders.

[dvonk]

...why can't I get that stainless to shine? I have tried stainless cleaner but I think i must be using the wrong type, or the wrong method. When i get done cleaning her she just looks like she has a fog layer on her.

here are a couple of threads that may interest you:

How to get your stainless to shine (http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?3500-How-to-get-your-stainless-to-shine)

Washing the DeLorean (http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?192-Washing-the-DeLorean)

:smile:

[ecbow]

The best part about owning a D is this great support site and all the members. I have gotten personal emails and help from everyone. Thanks for your responses and I will replace that one relay.
When I was driving it home I smelled burning plastic like smell so that is why I thought to replace all the relays. I just have a fear of a fire stating in it and the doors not being able to open. Cough, Cough my own free cremation service:( Although if you have to go it might as well be in a Delorean:)
Eric

[ccurzio]

Getting hot is one thing. Burning plastic is quite another.

Check all electrical connections everywhere, especially the fuse panel.

[Ron]

...I would recommend you replace is your RPM relay with Dave's solid-state update (http://mysite.verizon.net/vze109dmk/). It's a lot more reliable and uses modern, solid-state components.
+1

Check the fuse and relay terminals...They are particularly bad about being loose and "corroded" (and melting the fuse box).

[jawn101]

Agreed, a burning plastic smell is more than likely a melting fuse box... check fuse #7!

[ecbow]

Thanks I posted another issue I have with my marker light any help is greatly appreciated.
http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?1498-Side-marker-lamp-broke-in-socket-now-what/page3&highlight=marker+light
Eric