Newly "Living The Dream"

[AugustneverEnds]

Hello to all and I'm proud to say I have finally pulled the trigger and purchased a DeLorean. It's a 1982 MY/December '81 build, automatic with a grey interior. It's a high mileage car (90K) but I have wanted one for 15 years and the price was good and I felt the car was in reasonably good condition. Any advice/ suggestions are greatly apperciated. If anyone is in the Syracuse, NY area and wants to see the car, just let me know! Thanks all - Nick A.

[Delorean Industries]

Congrats on your purchase Nick! Let us know if we can help with anything. Can you post pictures on the forum?

[stevedmc]

It's a high mileage car (90K)

90k is high mileage?

Oh, btw, welcome to the cult/family.

[Ron]

:welcome:


(odd question, but are you sure that is your VIN? Re: the 4)

[AugustneverEnds]

:welcome:


(odd question, but are you sure that is your VIN? Re: the 4)

ARGG!! Silly mistake, thanks for pointing that out, fixed now. Thank you everyone, I will post some (not that good) pics. I made the buy last week, got the title on Friday, picking up new license plates on Thursday and will pick the car up from the PO on Monday. The only pics I have were taken in the PO's garage after we reached our agreement.12381123821238312384

[AugustneverEnds]

Congrats on your purchase Nick! Let us know if we can help with anything. Can you post pictures on the forum?

Thank you sir. Actually I will take you up on that offer right away. The car will need exhaust manifold gaskets ASAP. I've replaced the exhaust and manifolds on my 1988 BMW but obviously not on a DeLorean. From everything I have read the studs are a real bear to access and remove without breaking. Any thoughts you might offer on this would be a major help :)

[Chris Burns]

Very nice Delorean you have there!

Welcome to the "No Rust" gang!! :Headspin:

[dvonk]

congratulations, and welcome to the forum, Nick! :wave:

[Blackie]

Congrats on the purchase!

To help get the manifold nuts off the studs, use Loctite Freeze and Release. This stuff is gold. I didn't break one stud when I put my Spec 1 on. Just start spraying them daily a week before you tackle the job!

[john 05141]

Cannot help you with that kind of info, but welcome to the forum. That delorean looks very nice, you'll have a lot of fun with it.

John.

[Morpheus]

Congrats on the purchase, welcome to your new obsession. :bigclap:

[Delorean Industries]

Thank you sir. Actually I will take you up on that offer right away. The car will need exhaust manifold gaskets ASAP. I've replaced the exhaust and manifolds on my 1988 BMW but obviously not on a DeLorean. From everything I have read the studs are a real bear to access and remove without breaking. Any thoughts you might offer on this would be a major help :)

Email me at [email protected] and I can send you over our pdf walk through and required parts list. talk to you soon.

[Delorean Industries]

Here is a link as well to the PDF on here. http://www.deloreanindustries.com/newsletters/dpi-newsletter%283-9-12%29.pdf

[David T]

Typically one of the first things to do is to change all of the fluids and filters unless you KNOW it was done recently. Get all of your paperwork (Title, Registration, plates, inspection, insurance) in order. Wash the car and then have fun. To do the exhaust work nothing beats an acetylene torch. Heat makes it all come apart without breaking.
David Teitelbaum

[AugustneverEnds]

Hey thanks for all the good tips! This is by far the most helpful forum I have seen. I started reading about Loctite Release and Freeze and definently want to give it a try. I'm picking up the plates tomorrow but no car until Monday, the seller is out of town until Sunday... oh well I've been waiting since I was ten years old so I can wait a few more days! Good day to everyone

[Jonathan]

Congrats on your purchase Nick and finally getting to Live the Dream!

Is that a back-up camera just to the left of the rear license plate?

Looking forward to hearing more about your car. When you get it, take some time out to really do a once over inspection of everything. Like you said, you've waited since you were 10, so a few more days can't hurt. Like others have said, wash it, inspect it, and ensure it's safe to drive (through your check out or from the mechanic when it gets safetied). Post pictures as you like and we can help look things over with you. Engine bay shots, fuse and relay area pictures, interior dash photos, and perhaps some of the underside of the front of the car. Now is a good time to check everything, from brakes, to lights, to the horns, windows, mirrors, radio, HVAC controls, cooling fans, etc. You've come to the right place for help :)

[AugustneverEnds]

Thanks Jonathan!

You are very observant. The car does have a back-up camera installed in the dash. I have seen the car on three separate occasions and it seems quite solid. I believe I am buying from the second owner, the DeLorean has been with him for the past ten years. He is a DeLorean enthusiast and has kept up with the car's maitenance needs. There are no fluid or vacuum leaks, frame rust, accidents, neglected maitenance and the electrical system is in working order. Also the seller is including a treasure trove of spare parts and DeLorean World magazines he has collected. I think because the car was driven frequently it is not suffering from any major problems. The main reasons he is selling is the poor man is being laid off from his job in September and he owns several other vintage cars. He gave me a really good price, mainly because it needs the exhaust manifold gaskets and the air conditioning is not working. I also think he was pleased that another DMC enthusiast was going to have the car now.

My first order of business will be changing all the car's fluids per your suggestion. Then I will have a closer look at the manifold gaskets and see what else might need cleaning, painting etc... I'm sure I will be asking many questions on this forum in the weeks to come, I've only been here for a few days but already I feel like I have some new friends :)

[Jonathan]

Great Nick, sounds like you have a nice car on your hands. If I were to go back 5 years, the only thing I would change when it came to my searching priorities would be to look for a car that was driven a lot rather than what the odometer said. I think you are right, that a car that is driven for a couple hours every weekend for the last 5+ years is likely in far better shape than a car with "mystery history" but has a low odometer reading.

I apologize to the others on the forum here if I sound like a broken record, but I'd like to again reference this thread as I consider it one of the more helpful ones on the forum here:

http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?40-All-Wiring-Schematics

It has many great schematics for the electrical system and if you scroll all the way down to post 6, Sean once upon a time made this diagram showing the fuse and relay area. It is good to hear your car is working well, so there might not be much to correct, but perhaps take a few minutes with this drawing in front of you and just double check all the fuses in your car are the correct size and everything else seems to jive. Once you do do some of your check outs, if you find for example that some random light doesn't come on, you can always reference back to this thread to see how it is wired and perhaps figure out where the problem is. Could be just an LED plugged in the opposite/wrong way, but could be some other creative PO wiring job.

Have fun! And if you can, take a friend or family member with you when you get to do your first drive to take pictures of you, as I bet you'll be pretty amazed how big the grin is on your face :)

[1batt4u]

Welcome!!!!

When you get the car post pictures!!! Interior, engine!!

[Domi]

Welcome to the forum and congratulation on your purchase :)
Have fun with your car :thumbup2:

[AugustneverEnds]

Again thanks everyone!

Not much to report but one update: I received the insurance ID card from Hagerty's today :hihi: I don't remember being so worked up over a piece of paper before... Next stop, DMV for license plates.

[David T]

To fix the A/C will most likely require the replacement of the 3 hoses and the dryer/accumulator. Get the car drivable and see what else you need to fix. Your first order should include a set of manuals if you do not have them and at least 2 oil filters, one for now and another for next time. You may also need the drain plug adapter. In the meantime you can keep yourself busy cleaning the car inside and out.
David Teitelbaum

[stevedmc]

To fix the A/C will most likely require the replacement of the 3 hoses and the dryer/accumulator. Get the car drivable and see what else you need to fix. Your first order should include a set of manuals if you do not have them and at least 2 oil filters, one for now and another for next time. You may also need the drain plug adapter. In the meantime you can keep yourself busy cleaning the car inside and out.
David Teitelbaum

What if his hoses aren't leaking?

[Shep]

What if his hoses aren't leaking?Obviously troubleshooting is a given. If it ain't broke, don't fix it, but that doesn't mean it isn't the "most likely" scenario.

Definitely get your air conditioning fixed now. Yes, summer is just ending and it isn't really all that hot anymore (in New York anyways), but it's always better to get it in tip-top shape in the colder months so it doesn't break midway through summer. If something breaks in July, you'll have to wait until you get it fixed unless you're willing to drive with the tiny window providing less hot air than Glenn Beck. Plus you'll be able to see if the system is leaking anywhere by noting how long it retains the pressure, and 9 months until next summer is plenty enough to notice even slow, gradual leaks.

Welcome to the club by the way! It's always good to see fresh faces around here :thumbup:

[David T]

If he still has his original hoses, if they aren't leaking now they soon will be. I once did a car where the owner insisted we try to use his original hoses because he was sure they did not leak. He was right, I got it going and they didn't leak! Unfortunately in less than a week one of the hoses blew out from the use and pressure! Original hoses are too old to use and be reliable. They were not meant to last 30 years!
David Teitelbaum

[AugustneverEnds]

@ EMDF: Thanks for the greetings, I am happy to have found this forum :)

@Mr. Teitelbaum: Thank you for your guidance. The A/C hoses are the only ones the seller doesn't have a receipt for so replacing them makes perfect sense. Per your advice, a friend and I will focus on the dryer/accumulator and see what we are dealing with. I also figured the compressor would need new oil. I will try to post some more pictures tomorrow night or the next day. Cheers

[SamHill]

@ EMDF: Thanks for the greetings, I am happy to have found this forum :)

@Mr. Teitelbaum: Thank you for your guidance. The A/C hoses are the only ones the seller doesn't have a receipt for so replacing them makes perfect sense. Per your advice, a friend and I will focus on the dryer/accumulator and see what we are dealing with. I also figured the compressor would need new oil. I will try to post some more pictures tomorrow night or the next day. Cheers

Replace them all at the same time. Get a hose kit from a vendor and then go to a store and get a bunch of new stainless steel hose clamps while you are at it. Using a grinder to cut off the old clamps is really very quick and easy. Clean both ends of the pipe with a wire brush before you put on the new hose. If you don't replace them all front to back the weakest one will blow, and you do not want to overheat a D engine.

[DeLorean03]

When you start replacing things, I would highly recommend a can of penetrant spray - especially anywhere you're changing things out and there's already rest present all over the bolts. Like when we did the valley of death restoration (VOD) on my car in 2004, we would soak bolts for a day or more to give the penetrant time to work.

Believe me, you'll thank yourself for it.

Welcome to the fun :).

[David T]

I think SamHill is confusing the A/C hoses with the cooling system hoses, but he is correct, if they are original too, they should also be replaced. When replacing the A/C hoses you should check the oil in the compressor. On the Sunden website it shows how to make a dipstick to check the compressor. If the system is dirty or the oil looks dark or is acidic you should remove as much as you can from the compressor and refill with fresh. If the system is atmospheric you should replace the dryer/accumulator. You must use care with the fittings, aluminum pipe can be damaged very easily.
David Teitelbaum

[SamHill]

I think SamHill is confusing the A/C hoses with the cooling system hoses, but he is correct, if they are original too, they should also be replaced. When replacing the A/C hoses you should check the oil in the compressor. On the Sunden website it shows how to make a dipstick to check the compressor. If the system is dirty or the oil looks dark or is acidic you should remove as much as you can from the compressor and refill with fresh. If the system is atmospheric you should replace the dryer/accumulator. You must use care with the fittings, aluminum pipe can be damaged very easily.
David Teitelbaum

Yeah, it was just a on the general subject of hoses thing. I get that they aren't interlocked although I suppose if the fins in the condensing coil were clogged that would affect the temperature of water going through the radiator and thus make the engine run hotter and increase the chances of a burst cooling hose... In any case, 30 year old hose has gotta go.

[AugustneverEnds]

Apologies for taking so long to post new pics! Sorry everyone. I picked up the car Monday night and changed the oil/filter, coolant and transmission fluid. I have been driving around every night since. What a blast!! On thursday night traffic was almost brought to a stop in Armory Square because so many people were taking pictures of the DeLorean!!

126481264912650126511265212653

Now that I've had some fun comes the work. Need to replace the exhaust manifold gaskets. I just received the new ones from SpecialTAuto. I also bought a new angle drive. Since I've been driving so much I haven't taken a lot of really good pics so bear with me.

[Dangermouse]

Great job.

I'm not sure what's going on in that first pic. I assume that is you in the orange rugby top with the PO, but what you are holding and what everyone is laughing at is oddly funny.

[Domi]

Great pictures, enjoy the car now :thumbup:

[AugustneverEnds]

The first pic didn't come out how I wished it had. I was trying to get a pic of the PO handing the keys over but my camera person was a bit off on their timing and I look like a total goof. Oh well...

[Chris Burns]

Good choice my man!

You will have fun with your Delorean.:race:

[Tillsy]

The first pic didn't come out how I wished it had. I was trying to get a pic of the PO handing the keys over but my camera person was a bit off on their timing and I look like a total goof. Oh well...

Nevermind, though the unfortunate timing does make your right hand look like it is about to do something a little private :)

[AugustneverEnds]

More pics from recent outings: 13327133281332913330133311333213333

[AugustneverEnds]

I liked the way the stainless looked under fluorescent lights:1333413335133371333813339133401334113342133 43133441334513346

[AugustneverEnds]

So updates: Replaced theromostat and suspect looking coolant reservoir cap. Bled system for air.

Replaced almost all of the relays.

Installed new mode switch for HVAC controls.

Took four days but managed to replace the exhaust manifold gaskets without snapping any studs or inflicting injury upon myself :headbang:

Replaced headlights. Drivers side hardware was very rusty so needed to drill out screws and replace.

After market Alpine headunit stayed on intermittently, reconnected a few loose wires and reconnected the Aiwa DVD/CD player on the parcel shelf, works fine. Back up camera also functioning now.

Auto transmission felt rough for a few days after I got the car from the PO but a cleaning of the filter and driving the car seemed to cure this.

In the four weeks I've had the car I have put 600 miles on it and haven't had any unexpected surprises. Since the summer here is over I plan to replace the A/C evaporator and update the system while the car is sitting for the winter. Also plan on replacing the brake rotors soon as the steering wheel has a very slight vibration under braking and the brakes squeak occasionally.

All in all, the past four weeks have been a blast!

[Jacko]

I'll join the others in welcoming you to the forum. I notice your D is lowered more than it would be with lowering springs from a vendor. Do you know how it was lowered? IMHO both front and rear look just right. Congratulations on your purchase.:wave2:

[Domi]

Great pictures of your car, thanks for sharing them :)

[AugustneverEnds]

@ Jacko: Thank you for you greetings. Getting down to business, the car has PJ Grady's lowering springs and the 2nd owner cut those another two inches down. The gent I bought the car from has the original springs and at first I was going to put those in but happily the ride is fine with the ultra low set up. (Except when you hit an Upstate New York pothole :dead:) I think it does look just right.

@ Domi: Pas de quoi! :) Its a treat to be able to talk to some many other DeLorean enthusiasts

[CEOofawesome]

I love that shinny effect Deloreans allways create. To bad I don't have one, or even a car. Or even a license! Guess I shall just wait to achieve Living the Dream. I am sure that you will love that thing to your death! I would!😄

[CEOofawesome]

Was that a joke, or just me being stupid. Cause I thought Deloreans were stainless steel, so no rust. I'm lost...😐

[1batt4u]

I really love the height of the car looks Great!! I was going to ask which vendor springs/suspension it has, but someone alsready asked that question!

I purchased PJ Gradys front lowering springs! I haven't installed them yet! I'm gonna work on suspension later on!

[AugustneverEnds]

@ CEOofawesome

Welcome to the forum! You are getting interested in DeLoreans at the perfect time: when you are young enough to start saving money and learning about cars. I didn't really begin seriously thinking of owning a DeLorean until this past year, only a few years after landing a good paying job and learning to do a lot of auto repair and maitenance work. If I have any advice it would be get your hands dirty, don't be afraid and ask lots of questions of people who know about cars. Before you know it you will be in a position to own your dream car. :) (And yes I do plan to keep the car for the rest of my life)

[CEOofawesome]

Good for me I guess!

[Jeff K]

Congrats on the purchase!

To help get the manifold nuts off the studs, use Loctite Freeze and Release. This stuff is gold. I didn't break one stud when I put my Spec 1 on. Just start spraying them daily a week before you tackle the job!

Goo tip - thanks, I'm about to do mine.