Safety

[Bitsyncmaster]

I had posted a comment about making changes to make the car safer (reduce chance of accident). But further thought:

1) Install the wide angle side mirrors.
2) Install the high mounted third brake light
3) Use LEDs for all the brake lights.
4) Get the front side running flashing with turn signal lights.
5) Get the rear side running flashing with turn signal lights
6) Use LEDs on your flashing side running lights.

I have done everything except getting the rear side running lights flashing. Never thought about getting the rears done because most cars don't do it, but it may buy you that warning if your passing a car in your blind spot.

[DrJeff]

How about...

- auto-dimming mirror (I've fitted this but car is mid-refit and it isn't tested yet)
- rear-view camera
- proximity detectors
- map light

(major work...)
- power steering

(and for the future...)
- blind spot detection
- adaptive headlights (link to steering)

[Bitsyncmaster]

How about...

- auto-dimming mirror (I've fitted this but car is mid-refit and it isn't tested yet)
- rear-view camera
- proximity detectors
- map light

(major work...)
- power steering

(and for the future...)
- blind spot detection
- adaptive headlights (link to steering)

Cool ideas. I have an auto-dimming mirror somewhere but would fear the added weight might damage the windshield.

[Jonathan]

Neat idea Dave.

Your list is primarily changes to help you "avoid" an accident by way of letting you see other cars better, or letting other drivers see you better.

How about changes to the car to make "it" safer?

I was thinking of course some like:

- Front end recall kit (including stiffing brackets and castle nuts and cotter pins)
- Deice shield and throttle spool clips kit

I recall Dave T quite a while ago said you never want to voluntarily hammer the brakes taking a corner. I countered with "yay, but what happens when you have to do that?" Is there anything that can be done to the car (or your driving tendancies) to help this back end flying around bit?

- Keep proper air pressure in the tires, not to mention good tread depth and condition

Does anything to do with lowering the car help performance or the car's ability to stay in a straight line or on level ground in an emergency?

Swapping out the original plastic coolant bottle with a metal one could be seen as a safety upgrade (if you believe in that sort of thing).

Or perhaps some interior safety advice like not keeping heavy loose things in the cabin that could fly around in an emergency and konk you in the head (fire extinguisher or flux capacitor for example).

Of the talk we all see with TAB's, either a visual check or change-out could be put on the safety list.

Are there any other ways the cars themselves are prone to failure, and leading to an accident? I think TAB failures come to mind first. Any others? Was it Owen that had one of the lower control arms snap on him? Could something there be improved or checked regularily? What about fires? And advice with fuel lines or fuse/relay area components? Actually, come to think of it, I don't often hear of too many cars where the car was the cause of the accident and not the driver or another driver. That's probably a good thing.

[Bitsyncmaster]

I'll have to agree that having good TABs is about the most important. I guess you could classify a lot of things to add to safety. A cell phone jammer is one that comes to mind. I was thinking of upgrades that one could consider making.

[DMCVegas]

A cell phone jammer is one that comes to mind.

That is honestly one of the worst things you could do. A phone call distracting enough for a driver. Making them then fight with their phone trying to either figure out what happened or even redialing is no longer a distraction but would have them focus their entire attention on their mobile device by abandoning the road completely. A moment of smugness could cost someone else their life. That includes you.

[Nicholas R]

How about...
(major work...)
- power steering


DMC Europe now sells a kit for this, though I dont see how it makes the car any safer.
http://www.delorean.eu/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=168053&cPath=&osCsid=a125e064cb3938df6319c2aa420ddfd4
http://www.delorean.eu/catalog/images/IMG_1270.JPG?osCsid=a125e064cb3938df6319c2aa420ddf d4

[DrJeff]

DMC Europe now sells a kit for this, though I dont see how it makes the car any safer.

Safer in the sense that you have greater control of the car, particularly at the moment you're changing from first to second, or maneuvering in reverse in a busy parking lot. I think needing to have two hands on the wheel or not being able turn your body fully to get the best view does increase the likelihood of an undesirable outcome.

[Bitsyncmaster]

How about an ABS braking system? I just don't see anyone offering this as a kit since it would invite so many law suits.

[john 05141]

I have almost all the safetips from dave at his fist post.
Just one remark, the side lights in my case are regular bulps as LED does not seem to be as visible. Or am I wrong here?
I have the powersteering, I do not think it is any safety issue, just more comfortable.
The side lights are not legal in Belgium. So for its yearly inspection I have to cover them in black tape.

A rear view camera is good tough, it is already hard to see what is behind the car. I am considering that.

Jan

[Bitsyncmaster]

My side lights are my own LED design but someday I want to make them brighter. At night they are fine and probably equal to the incandescent bulbs but with LED improvements as time goes on keeps me tinkering.

[Starglider]

How about a limited-slip differential, e.g. the Quaife torque-biasing unit the Martin G (delorean.co.uk) recommends? Theoretically less likely to skid and more likely to retain control when applying power through a corner.

[Dangermouse]

For the majority of owners, applying <100whp to 235 section rear wheels seems like a waste of an LSD. We can't afford any more transmission losses. :D

I think good brakes, good tires and lighting are definitely the 1, 2 and 3 issues for me in the safety Dept.

[Elvis]

What headlights do you guys use ?
Still the original 35W candles ?



BTW - I'd love to have an ABS-OFF switch in my daily driver.
Braking on snow is almost impossible with ABS.

[David T]

All of these suggestions have merit. My theory is to start with a well maintained car with everything operating properly in the first place. Then you add a driver that is well qualified and experienced. Like good tires and check the pressure often. Everything else will only improve it incrementally from there. Don't forget good taillight boards that work reliably. As for braking hard, it is not a good idea to lock up the brakes once you are deep into the turn. You should have been trail-braking during entry. Statistics suggest ABS does not improve safety. The third bake light is definitely a good upgrade.
David Teitelbaum

[dmc6960]

BTW - I'd love to have an ABS-OFF switch in my daily driver.
Braking on snow is almost impossible with ABS.

Usually pulling the fuse for the ABS will have that affect. It typically is on its own circuit.

I agree, braking on snow with ABS is much less desirable, for more advanced drivers.

[Elvis]

For more advanced drivers ? It doesn't brake at all !!!
How will a beginner react here ? Say a quick prayer before the crash ? LOL
I'm wondering why there aren't more accidents.


Pulling ABS fuse on this car doesn't really help, then the continuous beeping kills my nerves
and some other things might not wanna work, too.
The newer the cars, the harder they get to manipulate uhm I mean adapt to my personal
taste.

At least the belt switch was easy to disconnect.
But I got afraid after some drops of water in the main ECU destroyed a thru hole connection
of the CAN-Bus on the PCB and the airbag and roll bar were addressed every minute with a beep
beep. They contain explosive charges !!!!


But - a MUST HAVE for the Delorean are the convex mirrors ! No kidding at all !

[DrJeff]

But - a MUST HAVE for the Delorean are the convex mirrors ! No kidding at all !

Would you happen to have a link or spec for the convex mirrors? I'm going to be doing some mirror work and this would be a good time... Now heated convex mirrors would be perfect.

[DrJeff]

Found them... DMCH

[JIMJAM]

Maybe its all in my head but after putting on the ss DELOREAN letters on the rear bumper I have less tailgaters. I think alot of the " what the hell is that" crowd now can read its a DELOREAN.

Agree with anything to aid with visibilty,convex mirrors ect a must. 3rd brake light mandatory.

Handling. The front tower bar imo made a difference but making even a bigger difference was adding weight to the front. I carry msc things like a small low profile plastic tool box,a small jack and other things. The front end feels firmer,less floaty. Besides having these items are a good idea so its not just dead weight.

But most of all is just good old time behind the wheel in various situations and not just the sunday country cruise. Also you gotta get the car up on stands,get a light and crawl under the thing once in a while.

And I almost forgot......... CLEAN YOUR GROUNDS :worship:

[Nicholas R]

http://i.imgur.com/jPLLT.jpg

I really cannot stand it. Thats why my solution is to get the brightest F*$%ing LED's possible for the brakelights so it is plainly clear when I am braking.

[JIMJAM]

Looks better than the rear end totalled out by someone driving a huge suv while yapping on their phone. Remeber how most of the sheep out there think. If it aint bigger than them, Fk em!

One day you will be at a standtill and hear those tires screeching and all you can do is tighten up and wait for the hit. Been there done that.

[SS Spoiler]

When I had my rear bumper off I got the idea of putting lights behind the Delorean letters. J.C.Whitney has red neon tubes 18" long. I carved out a slot in the foam, set the tubes in place and tied them into the defrost switch [I never use it]
so I can turn them on at will. Using my saber saw I carefully cut out the letter shapes from the bumper. Then I siliconed some old red exit plastic to the inside back of the bumper. I also saved the centers of the A, O and E letters and glued them to the out side of the red plastic. It really shines nice!
I would put some photos up but I don't know how. Maybe somebody has taken some shots and can post. I was at Chicago, Lexington and Gettysburg DCS,s Only one with a Stainless Steel spoiler on back with brake lights in it and red flags.

2691.......Paul Cerny

[stevedmc]

I really cannot stand it. Thats why my solution is to get the brightest F*$%ing LED's possible for the brakelights so it is plainly clear when I am braking.

http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/318628_266945596684031_1835904022_n.jpg

[Nicholas R]

Looks better than the rear end totalled out by someone driving a huge suv while yapping on their phone. Remeber how most of the sheep out there think. If it aint bigger than them, Fk em!

One day you will be at a standtill and hear those tires screeching and all you can do is tighten up and wait for the hit. Been there done that.

If I'm at a standstill and hear tires screaching, I dont think a light is going to help me. I still believe you will be far more successful at getting people's attention with comically bright LED's than a third light on the louvres.



When I had my rear bumper off I got the idea of putting lights behind the Delorean letters. J.C.Whitney has red neon tubes 18" long. I carved out a slot in the foam, set the tubes in place and tied them into the defrost switch [I never use it]
so I can turn them on at will. Using my saber saw I carefully cut out the letter shapes from the bumper. Then I siliconed some old red exit plastic to the inside back of the bumper. I also saved the centers of the A, O and E letters and glued them to the out side of the red plastic. It really shines nice!
I would put some photos up but I don't know how. Maybe somebody has taken some shots and can post. I was at Chicago, Lexington and Gettysburg DCS,s Only one with a Stainless Steel spoiler on back with brake lights in it and red flags.

2691.......Paul Cerny

http://i.imgur.com/9Iqc6.jpg
Is this you?

Also I remember that spoiler, it was huge. How heavy is that thing? Is it bolted to the fiber glass?

[JIMJAM]

Well if you are ready to shoot someone who has a third brake light then a guy who has a neon D E L O R E A N hacked bumper,ricer exhaust and a spoiler really ought to have ready to slaughter a village.

Or maybe not?

[Nicholas R]

Well if you are ready to shoot someone who has a third brake light then a guy who has a neon D E L O R E A N hacked bumper,ricer exhaust and a spoiler really ought to have ready to slaughter a village.

Or maybe not?

http://media.giantbomb.com/uploads/4/44953/2307890-anchorman-well-that-escalated-quickly_super.jpg

Calm down man. Did I personally offend you or something? I have no qualm's with what other people do to their car. How could I possibly justify that? I ripped my original engine out; I'm about as non stock as they come. I'm merely stating that I do not like the look of the third brake light on the louvres. The Big Lebowski meme was simply a joke; it's an internet thing. Here's 118 pages with 1642 Big Lebowski memes for you to get mad at: http://www.quickmeme.com/Big-Lebowski/?upcoming

Also, where did you gather that I did not like lighted DeLorean bumper? I actually think it's pretty cool. Also I said nothing aboug hacked bumpers and "ricer" parts. That's just uncool.

And I'm still curious about the spoiler. I'm considering a spoiler myself and looking to gather info. I'm not thinking of something so large; probably just a lip spoiler similar to the one on the D-Lotus, but I still need to figure out how to mount it.

[JIMJAM]

Its all good.

I was driving my fathers new Delorean in 1982 and bought my own 5 or so years ago. I must of ran up thousands of post on the old and original Dmctalk. Probably 99% of em were pleas for help and complaining. I have not posted in a long time till this morning some pmed me for some info. Since I was logged in and felt like typing I figured what the hell. I see a reply with of a big picture with a guy with a gun so I bit hahhaha. This why I dont post often cuz I come across as being a azzhole or everyone else is a azzhole. Can I say asshole?
So what I am trying to say till my meds kick in I am a little rough around the edges. I do feel a little like a dickhead though. I thought that pic of the modded Delorean was one of those internet stock photos someone found and not from the actual owner. I am not a purist but admit external customization just make me a little ill. I often laughed that if I could lift the body off and put it on a modern chassis I would do it in a heartbeat. Just do not muck stick and bolt crap to it.
So to that poster, sorry man but not my thing but march to your own drummer and spend your dough the way you want. And to you, its all good. You seem like a cool guy and with your post count been around enough to know this aint no fight.
I plan to try and visit more often and maybe attend some meets. Ok, Ive derailed the hell out of this thread enuff so back to uummmmm, oh yeah safety. Which in a Delorean is like a lesson in boating aboard the Titanic.

[SS Spoiler]

Yes that is my car. The "spoiler" weighs 37 lbs and is bolted to a subframe under the louvers. The louver was badly cracked and I didn't think I had anything to lose. This was done way before any louver rib reinforcement was available. Putting 48" of brake lights in the edge adds greatly to safety. The two red flags was an early attempt of CB antennas. The flags don't last long on trips [on my fifth set] but it makes it easy to find your car in parking lots and group photos. Thanks for posting photos Nick.

[Victor]

Safer in the sense that you have greater control of the car, particularly at the moment you're changing from first to second, or maneuvering in reverse in a busy parking lot. I think needing to have two hands on the wheel or not being able turn your body fully to get the best view does increase the likelihood of an undesirable outcome.

As far as good driving is concern, power-steering would not matter. Also the D being one of the few car out there not having power-steering_I can personnally appreciate that, a lot. It is one of the most desirable feature that most of the "real driver" would want of their car. It's really get you to feel the road and you really can not have this kind of direct bond with the road with car these days... though I will gladly love to have a smaller turn radius on the D.

[Nicholas R]

As far as good driving is concern, power-steering would not matter. Also the D being one of the few car out there not having power-steering_I can personnally appreciate that, a lot. It is one of the most desirable feature that most of the "real driver" would want of their car. It's really get you to feel the road and you really can not have this kind of direct bond with the road with car these days... though I will gladly love to have a smaller turn radius on the D.

Amen to that. That is an upgrade I would get behind.

Also I agree about the power steering. The only time I ever even notice the lack of power steering is if I'm sitting still and trying to do a "dry turn" of the wheel. That is certainly difficult; but as soon as the car starts rolling even a little bit, the turning opens up pretty nicely. It's not nearly as bad as some powersteering-less cars. My dad's 60 vette doesn't have power steering and to cope has a steering wheel that seems like it's about 2 feet in diameter, just so that you have enough mechanical advantage to create the torque necessary to turn the wheels, lol.

Has anyone mentioned proper headlight adjustment? Is there a write up for that anywhere? I know mine are all over the place and need adjustment.

Going along with that, I'll say proper wheel alignment. I know I've driven DeLoreans that were both way toed out and way toed in and the car is all over the place.

[Starglider]

Yes that is my car.

I like your exhaust tips, haven't seen that design anywhere before.

Regarding power steering, the DMC Europe version is electric and ramps down from 100% assist at 0mph to zero assist at 30mph+, so supposedly it doesn't compromise steering feel. I will give it a try when I visit next year.

[dmc6960]

Your all probably out of luck on the turning radius deal. Many cars are already at their extreme with the tires rubbing the roll bar at full lock. If you wanted to gain any more, you'd have to redesign the roll bar, in addition to the steering rack.

[Victor]

I like your exhaust tips, haven't seen that design anywhere before.

Regarding power steering, the DMC Europe version is electric and ramps down from 100% assist at 0mph to zero assist at 30mph+, so supposedly it doesn't compromise steering feel. I will give it a try when I visit next year.

wow,that muffler tip: Its design remind me of the tips from the Maserati Boomerang, a car also design by Giugiaro. Extremely wedge shape but with a roof window.


Of all the power steering _ the electric one are supposed to be the ''precisiest'' one of all. I had a used 1991 MR2 once, and the steering was electric, and felt quite precise. However, on stand still, the car would emit a little electric humming sound when you turn the steering wheel, just for a brief 3 sec.
The turning radius was spectacular! It turn even more on the left side (as when you make a u-turn) I do not know if that was standard or just faulty but it really could turn on a dime.

[Bitsyncmaster]

Just completed my rear side light blinkers. Now I also have an 8 way flasher (emergency flasher):hihi:

[DMC5180]

Just completed my rear side light blinkers. Now I also have an 8 way flasher (emergency flasher):hihi:

Don't forget Parade Mode.

[Bitsyncmaster]

Don't forget Parade Mode.

Now you got me thinking. That would be a pretty cool turn signal to have the double flash mode. So a new blinker unit would take care of that.

[dustybarn]

+1 on the turning radius. For such a small car it has the turning radius of the USS New Jersey.

My Smart car has electric power steering and it's very unobtrusive (though why an 1800-lb rear-engined car needs it at all is another question).

[Rich]

+1 on the turning radius. For such a small car it has the turning radius of the USS New Jersey.

Yup, the large turning radius was one of the shortcomings of the car that was never addressed.

For that turning radius we can thank Lotus Engineering. Looking at the chassis design that fed into the DMC-12's it's odd that the Esprit S1/S2 of that time 15791 had a better turning radius (~37ft) while using the near-identical wheelbase and front suspension design vs the DMC-12 down to using the anti-roll bar serve also as the locating link, said component presumably posing the design limitation in terms of max. front wheel angle on the Esprit as well. The front tires of the non-Turbo Esprits were 195/70-14's, so it's not due to the D having wider tires that hit the anti-roll bar sooner.

Even if the mystery of this Esprit-DMC difference is solved there isn't much chance for a mod to improve the radius. No biggie.

[refugeefromcalif]

+1 on the turning radius. For such a small car it has the turning radius of the USS New Jersey.

+2
My Grand Caravan has a tighter turning radius then my D?

I've also got to start working on the side blinker mod for my car.

George

[vwdmc16]

I had a used 1991 MR2 once, and the steering was electric, and felt quite precise. However, on stand still, the car would emit a little electric humming sound when you turn the steering wheel, just for a brief 3 sec..

I looked this up, I had never hear about electric steering in a car back then, It seems its still conventionally hydraulic but uses a strong 12v motor to pump the fluid instead of the engine

[David T]

Electric assisted power steering is getting more and more popular. On the hybreds they have to use it because the motor gets turned off a lot, especially when moving slow. The A/C is also run by an electric motor so you still have cooling. The throttle is now fully FBW (Fly By Wire) and you can expect over time more and more of the controls will no longer be directly controlled, your inputs will be filtered through a computer and then outputted to servos to control the car safer than you can. Some things make no sense adding to an older car like air bags or ABS. IMHO the third brake light is the best thing you can do. It is not lit till you brake and no one can confuse tailights with brake lights. It gets your attention and that is important with everyone playing with their cellphones while they drive. The small convex mirrors are also helpful once you get used to them. For those of you that are really safety conscious, I recommend a regular check of tire pressures and light bulbs. The best insurance is a well maintained car. One of the most dangerous situations can be getting stuck on the side of the road especially at night. Someone can follow you right off the shoulder and right up your a--.
David Teitelbaum

[dustybarn]

Even if the mystery of this Esprit-DMC difference is solved there isn't much chance for a mod to improve the radius. No biggie.

I wonder if it would be possible to build a multipart swaybar, with the trailing links made as separate parts attached to a straight center torsion bar. The trailing links could be made very stiff to better locate the LCA fore-and-aft, and could potentially be made with a bend to avoid the tire and tighten the turning radius. Then the center torsion bar or tube could be made to any desired stiffness.

I'm thinking of the torsion bar suspension I used to see on sprint cars, with separate aluminum arms splined onto the torsion springs.

[Exolis]

Living in Michigan, I can easily do away with Direct bond with the road. I'm sure it's great in places like Florida where Pot holes are unknown to drivers.

Also, the ABS idea is nice, but would need considerable amount of modification done and engineering. I personally would love to see someone drive a car made within the past 7 years(at least), disconnect the fuse to ABS and see how well it does without it. Chances are, not good at all. Cars today have very accurate and very fast reacting ABS system and they have integrated other systems such as traction control in a system now refereed to VDC (vehicle dynamic control). Disabling this also means causing functional issues with Airbags, the Meter, and other important systems.

Typical collision avoidance systems would be a great help too. There is a group effort by a lot of OEMs for a Collision Avoidance system being networked wireless in the Ann Arbor area, about 2,500 vehicles are participating in the study. But it does require installation of an OEM avoidance system amongst other things to use that.

[David T]

On many cars you don't have to pull fuses, they have a switch that will disable the ABS and the traction control. I agree some will drive badly without it on. My new Yukon has collision avoidance, there is a warning icon in the side view mirror when someone is in your blind spot. I can see the day when cars will talk to each other and warn each other.
David Teitelbaum

[TTait]

I have played with several aftermarket rear view mirrors, autodim, compass, back up mirror, temp display etc. You have to build a mounting tab with 4 -5 square inches of surface area and then use the VHB (red) 3M tape. That tab has a standard metal windshield mounting tab glued and screwed to it - never any hint of damage to the windshield, even with 120 degree days.

I have convex side mirrors, and very highly recommend them.

I'm running a back up camera on one of my D's unobtrusive and works well - a nice add - but its paired with a rear view mirror/monitor that is sub par - not bright enough for use in bright daylight. Also tied in is an inductive back up sensor that detects items within about 30" of the rear bumper - works well enough. All of the above is tied into the back up circuit, obviously, but I am also using an aux. (unmarked defrost) switch in the center console where I can turn the camera on while driving if desired - fun mod to show guests in the car, but it turns out to have little practical purpose. Yes I am using a diode to prevent energizing the back up lights if I flip it on from the switch.

My brake light LEDs are not as bright as the old incandescent ones (I'm sure there are better ones today - these are circa 2008. I opted to install them in the inboard brake light locations left and right, and keep the incandescents in the outboard locations. The LEDS bang on super fast and the incandescents warm up and come on 20 or 30 milliseconds later. I consider that the best of both worlds - fast, and bright.

The front brace bar is a nice add though purists claim its a placebo and technically does nothing.

I'm also running aftermarket horns - louder than stock and they seem to hold up better - even with them rear facing my oem horns were petering out after a few years even with mostly dry driving and good connections.

I'm also running aftermarket seatbelts - not the same receiver, but they work very well.

Finally - one no one has mentioned - Bluetooth integrated into the stereo.. I can take and make calls easily without breaking the law, or the car.

Tom