Found a car--looking for advice :)

[Mike F]

Hello all-

Lifetime DeLorean lover, longtime lurker, first time poster! I have always said that one day I would become an owner (hence my aptly chosen screenname!), just never really had the opportunity arise. As luck would have it, however, a D has come for sale fairly local to me. I looked at it this afternoon, and was hoping I could pose my findings to the group and see if it is worth pursuing. Unfortunately I do not have any pictures to post, and I know that may make it difficult to make any recommendations. I'll try to the best of my ability to be thorough. Here goes:

The good:
It is an August '81 build, 5-speed, black interior. It has 45k miles. All of the stainess is in good shape, no dents/dings to speak of other than a small blemish on the t-panel to the right of the driver door that, according to the owner, happened when the torsion bar was adjusted. I crawled under the car in back and there was no frame rust that I was able to see, and no leaks of any kind coming from the motor. The engine bay apppeared to be clean with no visible leaks. The owner has had the car since '90, and produced receipts from DMCH, D1, and others listing several thousand spent in updates and maintenance (SS coolant bottle, relays, brake lines, etc. - what seemed to be the standard stuff). The car ran smoothly, shifted smoothly, and seemed to have plenty of power. New tires put on recently. The interior is in good shape; no cracks in dash/binnacle whatsoever, and the seats are tear-free (they are a bit dry and could use a good conditioning however). Windows work. Power mirrors work. No accidents.

The bad:
A/C is out. He said it worked up until 5 or so years ago. He was told it needed to be charged before a real troubleshoot could be done, but due to the limited amount he drives the car he just never bothered with it. Heater works fine. It has a hesitation when hot starting which he was told was the fuel accumulator, however again the lack of driving the car never warranted the fix. It has some idle surge when cold starting, but once warmed up a bit it settles right in and runs smoothly. Doors droop. Radio is not original (and to be honest I don't know if it even works...I didn't turn it on...not really a concern for me though). Clock does not work. The gauge cluster exhibits intermittent light outages. Scratches on a few of the panels, but nothing deep or major.

The owner was very transparent about the problems with the car and made a point to point each one of them out. He seemed very meticulous and took time to go over each panel and point out even the tinest blemish (I am a complete freak when it comes to keeping my cars clean and knowing where every scratch is, and even I didn't notice some of the things he pointed out). He said the biggest issue is that it doesn't get driven enough, which is a large motivator behind why he is selling (among other things I won't get into here). He recently spent a pile of money replacing the injectors and cleaning the fuel system due to it sitting too long (~2 years). He now only puts a gallon of gas in it at a time, simply to be able to run it for a bit and put it back in the garage. He obviously loves the car and is clearly upset over having to let it go. He said he really wants to make sure that it goes to someone who will appreciate it and know what they are getting; he is clearly looking for this car to go to another D enthusiast. As a matter of fact he told me that he has had a few people who he has "passed" on due to the wrong type of things being said. I know this sounds bad, but hearing him say it the way that he did really spoke to the level of devotion he has to the car and the desire for it to go to the right person. He said he was very happy when I asked some very DeLorean specific questions in my initial email. Anyway, long story short (I guess it's too late for that...) the car seems to have it in all the right places, with the problems being seemingly simple (?) to fix.

He is asking $14,000.

Thoughts?

[SS Spoiler]

What are you waiting for?

[Mike F]

Forgot to mention in my original post that the fascias could use a repaint as well.

[Silverbullet]

What is the VIN? Does it have the gas flap?

So you have a few thousand in fix ups to do... sounds like a great deal to me....pull the trigger :rock_on:

[Bitsyncmaster]

It sounds like a good deal even at his asking price. Has it been stored inside? Check the front end frame just in case.

[WelmoedJ]

Not a bad price for what you described.

Surging is a common thing on a D, usually due too a bit rich mixture, nothing you can't overcome.

A mere Gallon of juice in the tank seems a bit short for a run - if it was empty before refill - (burden on the pump).

If the A/C system has been empty for 5 years, you will need to replace seals (O-rings) and accumulator at least.
Do that before testing and refilling.
The system doesn't have to be tested with refrigerant, a refill with nitrogen and keeping it this way 24-hour will show if pressure is held.

Doors need new gas struts, you can do that yourself.

Dash lights intermittent working usually is bad contacts, probably ground (first thing to check) either the dash ground or the connectors.

Anyway no reason to shy off the sale.

[Michael]

A running driving DeLorean for 14k? No visible problems? Uhh yeah you need to jump on that if that's your price range. Most 14k cars are not nearly as nice as this one sounds.

[DMC5180]

What State is the Car in? From the Service Info I'd guess South West. (D-1) Most of what you described is relatively minor in the overall picture. Speaking of which, if can get some photos to post that would be good.

I just ran across one on Autotrader (for sale) in Central Wisconsin (used car lot) the Asking price was $28,500 <9K mi. a bit too much unless the Condition and Recent Service history proved otherwise.

[Mike F]

Thank for the responses! To answer some of the quesitons posted: It is currently in FL, VIN 2861. It does have the gas flap. I will see about getting a view of underneath the front end. In the whirlwind of questions and discussion between us yesterday I neglected to crawl underneath the front.

[Chris Burns]

What part of Fl is it in? I'm near Jacksonville. Sounds like a winner to me!:rock_on:

[LEVY]

Thank for the responses! To answer some of the quesitons posted: It is currently in FL, VIN 2861. It does have the gas flap. I will see about getting a view of underneath the front end. In the whirlwind of questions and discussion between us yesterday I neglected to crawl underneath the front.


If you have the money and the vehicle is as good as described, buy it before you provide any more info. or someone else will buy it.


LEVY

[cdrusn]

I'm jealous. I would have it in my garage all ready taking care of the minor things you mentioned. There will probably be many more after you've had a chance to really get to know the car but for this price it is a steal. Don't worry about the a/c, you can do most of the work yourself. Get a r134 conversion connector kit ($10) a can of r134 with refrigerant oil at walmart comes with hose and gauge ($24) and see if it comes on.

[mluder]

Yep... That car fro $14,000 is a no brainer.

Jump on it before someone else does.

Cheers.
Steve

[Shep]

All of the stainess is in good shape, no dents/dings to speak of other than a small blemish on the t-panel to the right of the driver door that, according to the owner, happened when the torsion bar was adjusted.
[...]
Doors droop.I strongly suspect these two are related. Sometimes owners will try adjusting the torsion bar thinking that the strut is fine, and when the door still won't stay up, they end up tweaking things a bit until they notice. Definitely fixable, and I'm sure there's at least a few threads on here addressing the subject. 99% of droopy doors can be fixed by replacing the strut. Simple and very inexpensive all things considered.


He is asking $14,000.

Thoughts?If it's in your budget, by all means go for it! I paid $18,500 for mine, and it didn't run (well, barely ran -- it smoked, then died when letting off the gas). It definitely can't hurt to do a visual inspection of the frame to check for rust issues, but considering how forthcoming he's been with the rest of the process, I'm sure he would tell you if he was aware of it. Still, $14,000 plus a frame repair is still way cheaper than most DeLoreans on the market in that kind of condition.

Take that D home before someone here snatches it up themselves. :tongue: And welcome to the club! :wave2:

[OverlandMan]

Thank for the responses! To answer some of the quesitons posted: It is currently in FL, VIN 2861. It does have the gas flap. I will see about getting a view of underneath the front end. In the whirlwind of questions and discussion between us yesterday I neglected to crawl underneath the front.

I assume you've run a carfax, if not then I'd recommend doing it for peace of mind if nothing else. Based off what you described it sounds like a very reasonable deal. If you're in the position to do it, do it.

[pezzonovante88]

From what you said, it sounds like a good deal. If you want a car that needs a bit of work here and there but generally operates well and has had the updates/servicing you mentioned, $14k is pretty darn decent. Go for it!

[LEVY]

I don't believe a Carfax report will help much. A couple of years ago I ran reports on over 200 Deloreans, all of them came out a lot better than other cars of that age. If a Delorean was involved in a major accident, it would be quite easy to tell, odometer roll back is not a problem either.

LEVY




I assume you've run a carfax, if not then I'd recommend doing it for peace of mind if nothing else. Based off what you described it sounds like a very reasonable deal. If you're in the position to do it, do it.

[Shep]

I don't believe a Carfax report will help much. A couple of years ago I ran reports on over 200 Deloreans, all of them came out a lot better than other cars of that age. If a Delorean was involved in a major accident, it would be quite easy to tellI was thinking the same thing. The only thing that'll tell you is what you already know: whether or not it's been in an accident, what the title status is, and how regular the service has been. Problem is, self-service doesn't show up on a Carfax, so this may actually make you think worse of the DeLorean than what is actually the case. I personally would skip the Carfax, especially considering how forthcoming the seller has been.


odometer roll back is not a problem either.Roll back, no, broken angle drive, yes. Still nothing to worry about considering how common it is -- most DeLoreans at some point will have this issue when stock. (Someone was bound to say it ;) )

[LEVY]

I was thinking the same thing. The only thing that'll tell you is what you already know: whether or not it's been in an accident, what the title status is, and how regular the service has been. Problem is, self-service doesn't show up on a Carfax, so this may actually make you think worse of the DeLorean than what is actually the case. I personally would skip the Carfax, especially considering how forthcoming the seller has been.

Roll back, no, broken angle drive, yes. Still nothing to worry about considering how common it is -- most DeLoreans at some point will have this issue when stock. (Someone was bound to say it ;) )


Delorean odometers are not reliable, that is the reason you should not worry for roll back, you should not trust the odometer.

LEVY

[OverlandMan]

I don't believe a Carfax report will help much. A couple of years ago I ran reports on over 200 Deloreans, all of them came out a lot better than other cars of that age. If a Delorean was involved in a major accident, it would be quite easy to tell, odometer roll back is not a problem either.

LEVY

Was thinking more about things like how many owners, last time registered (if not already registered), geographic locations, emissions, etc. I find all that interesting and useful on a specialty car like a DeLorean. Plus you can use all that information to fact-check the PO's story.

[David T]

From your initial description of the car it sounds like the typical, little used car with the known problems. If it is everything you say it is the price sounds very fair. Now the bad news. Figure on spending at least $2K in parts, probably more. If the tires are over 7 years old and the battery 5 they should be replaced. Flush the brake and clutch fluid and if the systems are corroded they will have to be rebuilt. The A/C needs new hoses, seals, and dryer/accumulator. New struts. Go over the motor and replace old rubber seals and tune it up to get it to run right. If it still has the original water pump and plastic radiator you will be doing a cooling system rebuild. See what else the seller can "through in" to the deal and have him show you the Title so you can see if it is "clean". Since you say the car is in FL you can call DMCFL with the vin and maybe they can tell you what they did on the car.
David Teitelbaum

[Mike F]

Thanks again for all the support! I am always impressed by the level of camaraderie and knowledge on this forum. I really look forward to being a part of it! Regarding the carfax, I do have one but as discussed it doesn't really show much. What details it does have agree with what I have been told about the car by the current owner. I spoke with him late this afternoon to get some follow-up information. If things move forward as I currently envision, she will have a new home soon! I will keep everyone posted. Again, thank you for all the advice and information. The prospect of finally realizing a dream that I have carried with me my entire life is a bit surreal, and knowing that if it comes to pass that I will be able to become a part of such a wonderful group of people is icing on the cake.

[Dangermouse]

And then you'll have to change your forum username :)



Looks like DeLorean Nirvana - a decent, running car, with a few things needing fixed that will keep you busy, but not prevent you from enjoying her.

Of course, all the above advice is without the benefit of photos.

[Mike F]

Got some photos from underneath the front end this morning from the owner. They are a bit "zoomed in" but do show a few different spots. A bit dirty, but no real red flags that I can see. Looks like it was treated/coated at some point in its history with an aftermarket coating.

14846148451484414847

[LEVY]

Not the best pictures but,so far so good.

Expect some frame repairs.

LEVY


Got some photos from underneath the front end this morning from the owner. They are a bit "zoomed in" but do show a few different spots. A bit dirty, but no real red flags that I can see. Looks like it was treated/coated at some point in its history with an aftermarket coating.

[Mike F]

Not the best pictures but,so far so good.

Expect some frame repairs.

LEVY

Based on what you see, what sort of frame repairs would you think? Treating, sealing sort of stuff or "metalwork" level repairs?

[DMC5180]

Got some photos from underneath the front end this morning from the owner. They are a bit "zoomed in" but do show a few different spots. A bit dirty, but no real red flags that I can see. Looks like it was treated/coated at some point in its history with an aftermarket coating.

14846148451484414847

Nothing to be to concerned about in those photos. The minor Edge rust is fairly typical, but should be cleaned and recoated with POR-15 at some point. It looks like the steering rack boot is torn/leaking at the outer end. Again not a big deal either. It looks like it would be the perfect Driver. Not so nice you don't want too drive it. Not so bad that you would be afraid too drive it. Can't wait to see more photos.

GOOD LUCK

[Mike F]

Sorry to bring this thread back from the dead, but I thought I'd give it some closure. :smile: After much thought and deliberation, I decided to pull the trigger. So, last Wednesday I became the proud new owner of 2861! :partyhat: Sorry I didn't put this up sooner, but it has been a busy weekend. I knew going in that there were some issues with the car, so I didn't feel comfortable taking it on the 100 mile trip home without first resolving some of those issues. As circumstance would have it, the location of the car was about 30 or so miles from family that we were visiting for Thanksgiving. I figured that trip would be no problem, so I drove it there (made it with no problem!). I spent the weekend going over the car and tracing down the cause of some of the glitches, and I plan to head back over there this weekend and get to work on it.

One thing I did NOT expect to run into was a problem with the ignition key. It had been a bit sticky going in on occasion as I was working on the car, but it always went in eventually. After I took the car out on the "last drive" of the night however, I took the key out and haven't been able to get it back in since. The "ball bearing" at the front of the cylinder seems to be stuck and will not allow the key to go in. I learned that the key is supposed to only go in if the steering wheel is locked, but in the short time I have had the car I have never actually had the steering wheel lock. I tried lubricating it to no avail. I have a locksmith coming out to look at it tomorrow just to see if it is something that could be corrected/cleaned/etc. without damaging or modifying it. I understand that the steering wheel lock assemblies are no longer available, so hopefully it can be fixed. I spoke to James at DMCH this afternoon about it (who was EXTREMELY friendly and helpful, by the way!) and he said that I could send it in for service if I am unable to free it up, so at least there is a solution if all else fails. Kind of a bummer for such an obscure thing to happen after owning the car for less than 24 hours that prevents me from even driving it!

Otherwise, I am loving it! I look forward to the challenges (and fun!) ahead, and am so glad to finally be an owner!

PS- I guess I need to change my screenname... :wink:

[LEVY]

Congratulations and welcome to the forum.

LEVY

[Shep]

After much thought and deliberation, I decided to pull the trigger. So, last Wednesday I became the proud new owner of 2861!
[...]
PS- I guess I need to change my screenname... :wink:Congratulations, and welcome to the cult :biggrin:

...ure. Culture. Er, um... Yeah, let's go with that :tongue:


PS- I guess I need to change my screenname... :wink:Just so you know, there's a thread for that here (http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?3254-User-Name-Change-REQUESTS). The admins have changed some usernames already for similar reasons :thumbup:

[Chris Burns]

Congrats on your new purchase and get ready for a lot of attention from onlookers. :D

[Kenny_Z]

Congrats on getting a Delorean. Also congrats on having your first Delorean frustration. Red waited a month after purchase before putting herself off the road for an extended period. Hopefully the lock smith can help and you'll be back on the road soon.

[Michael]

Your lock can be easily fixed. There is a small pin in the outside of the ignition tumbler that has backed out. All you need to do is align the holes on the casing and the tumbler assembley and reset the pin with a small punch and hammer or pliers. Uh can pull the black plastic steering column cover(4 screws) and access the switch. If it does it again you may put a small dab of jb weld on it to keep.it from backing out again.

[Rich]

....I learned that the key is supposed to only go in if the steering wheel is locked, but in the short time I have had the car I have never actually had the steering wheel lock. I tried lubricating.....

Congrats on getting your D and Living the Dream. That's great.

Looks as if you have some options (post #33 above this one and the offer from DMCH) to solve your first problem.

This message is only to ask whether you are sure you heard right about the "normal" key behavior - only going in if the steering wheel is locked? Ours has always worked the same as any other ignition key in any car. The key goes in all the time regardless of the steering wheel position or lock status.

Best of luck getting the ignition switch straightened out. The short-term goal can be to get it to work in any fashion but the real goal should be to get it to work normally. The same as in your other car.

[Kerichbe]

My Car, 5090 has the same issue with the ignition lock. Key will only work when the steering is locked. I consider it a theft deterrent :hihi2:

[Dangermouse]

Sounds like you already have a lengthy to-do list:

1. Change Screen name
2. Post photos of car
3. Consider adding location to profile
4. Fix Lock
5. Consider adding first name to signature to help make the place more friendly
6. Fix next problem
7. Go here:
http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?1354-Introductions!
8. Post photos of car
9. Go here and update
http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?1594-VIN-Chronology
10. Fix next problem
11. Wonder why you bought this POS in the first place
12. Drive car for the first time
13. Understand exactly why you bought this POS in the first place
14. Post photos of car
15. Enjoy and have fun


Congrats on your new baby

[Morpheus]

^ Everything Dermot said.

Welcome to the forum! What part of FL are you in?

[thirdmanj]

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/12/11/27/ydaqa9a7.jpg

[Mike F]

Thanks for the warm welcome, everyone! I got some good news today regarding the lock. The locksmith came out to take a look at it and said it should be no problem to repair it and get everything back in proper working order. So, that's one hurdle down (well, I guess it's not technically down until he comes back to fix it!). I know I owe everyone some pictures, but I didn't get a chance to take any good ones last weekend. My plan is to head back over and work on the car this weekend (assuming all of my parts come in). I will take a ton of pics then and get them right up!

[Doogie]

I got 3589 about 2 years ago in a non-running (25 garage kept sleep) state and this forum has been invaluable for me. Welcome to the club! Remember, it'll take 20 minutes to fill the gas tank EVERY time you go to get gas! Plan accordingly! If you are late for a date you want to fill up plenty early!

[ccurzio]

Remember, it'll take 20 minutes to fill the gas tank EVERY time you go to get gas! Plan accordingly! If you are late for a date you want to fill up plenty early!

The hell? Do you fill your tank with a turkey baster?

[jawn101]

The hell? Do you fill your tank with a turkey baster?

I think he means because we can't stop at a gas station without drawing a crowd :)

[Kenny_Z]

The hell? Do you fill your tank with a turkey baster?

Wait...you don't fill your tank that way?