Evaluation help. What should I be paying?

[delox]

Found a delorean out my way, need help with the value. Because these are so low production, I'm having a hard time figuring out what I should be offering.

I've attached all the images I have of the car. The seller say's its a 1981, but the hood has the emblem and I can't make out a gas cap, which I believe indicates a late 82 or 83. It has a 5.0 ford engine in it. Carbureted, so I assume out of a mid 80's mustang. Also says it's a 5 spd manual, and from what I've found, most people just adapt engines to the stock transaxles.

I'm assuming its not in running shape, and needs wiring and interior work from what I can see / what I've been told. I also am not certain the owner has the tail section, but have yet to confirm.

http://images.craigslist.org/3Ka3Ia3He5I65G95Kccbre6753f7fc18516e9.jpg
http://img838.imageshack.us/img838/4510/3eb3m73p85ic5f35h6cbrfc.jpg
http://img831.imageshack.us/img831/4338/3g83f23o25ia5ne5macbr93.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img33/584/getattachment1wxc.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img832/6717/getattachment2yg.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img845/9679/getattachment3s.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img842/9504/getattachmenthc.jpg


Any insight is much appreciated! I hope this works out and I can join the community!
-Rich

[thirdmanj]

It depends on what your plans are for her. But just judging off your info, and her state from the pics, I wouldn't offer anything more than 5k and that's more than fair for a car that doesn't run, and has been modified in who knows what ways.

[kings1527]

Honestly, this one is scary. Unless you can get it for an awesome price, I'd steer clear of it. It's probably not the first winter it's sat out there and I seriously doubt the fluids were properly drained. I'm not liking the fact that it doesn't have the PRV in it, either. There's a TON of work that it'll need to go through, virtually an entire rebuild. And there are some interior parts missing that can't be ordered anymore; you'll have to find a parts car to get them.

You're looking at putting a lot of cash into it, probably $10-$15k at least. You might as well spend that money on a good, running car.

I'd offer him $4k and pay no more than $4,500 if you're looking for a serious project car.

Alex
6575

[LEVY]

Found a delorean out my way, need help with the value. Because these are so low production, I'm having a hard time figuring out what I should be offering.

I've attached all the images I have of the car. The seller say's its a 1981, but the hood has the emblem and I can't make out a gas cap, which I believe indicates a late 82 or 83. It has a 5.0 ford engine in it. Carbureted, so I assume out of a mid 80's mustang. Also says it's a 5 spd manual, and from what I've found, most people just adapt engines to the stock transaxles.

I'm assuming its not in running shape, and needs wiring and interior work from what I can see / what I've been told. I also am not certain the owner has the tail section, but have yet to confirm.



Any insight is much appreciated! I hope this works out and I can join the community!
-Rich

Offer him $3000.00 USD cash, I know he will take it.

He is asking $4900.00 but he also stated that he need to get it out ASAP and will take less.

You will need a lot of money to fix it but if you don't have that money, you can always sell it in parts and make some money (hope not)

If you really want that car, go ahead and buy it, once is public, someone else will buy it before you.

Don't give more info if you really want it, if you don't, then let some one else from this forum to buy it.


LEVY

[Delorean Industries]

Offer him $3000.00 USD cash, I know he will take it.

He is asking $4900.00 but he also stated that he need to get it out ASAP and will take less.

You will need a lot of money to fix it but if you don't have that money, you can always sell it in parts and make some money (hope not)

If you really want that car, go ahead and buy it, once is public, someone else will buy it before you.

Don't give more info if you really want it, if you don't, then let some one else from this forum to buy it.


LEVY

That is a 1000.00 dollar car tops. I would be pushing it paying a grand for that. It obviously has been neglected and bastardized extensively.

[Dangermouse]

I've attached all the images I have of the car. The seller say's its a 1981, but the hood has the emblem and I can't make out a gas cap, which I believe indicates a late 82 or 83.
Any insight is much appreciated! I hope this works out and I can join the community!
-Rich

That part at least is easy. Find the VIN plate (on the drivers door jamb, if the door opens, or on the front edge of the dash - through the windscreen) and post it here. If the last 5 digits are <07200 then it is an 81.

We would appreciate knowing which car this is for the archives, anyway.

$3k would be tops. there is no way you can see the frame, and it is doubtful to be in great condition. Check that the drivers door torsion bar is there, or add another grand to your resto bill.

[LEVY]

That is a 1000.00 dollar car tops. I would be pushing it paying a grand for that. It obviously has been neglected and bastardized extensively.

Bet you can get more than $1000.00 in parts.

Of course, if he is going to pay for everything, then it will be very expensive to restore. For someone handy, $3000.00 is not bad, I would buy it but it is too far away from me, if it was around the corner, I would fight that price and buy it.

LEVY

[delox]

Thanks for the input. I had a feeling I was lovestruck by the idea of seeing one locally, and wanted a reality check. I am very handy, can fab and have done extensive frame modifications, engine builds/swaps and resto's before. I'd likely be lifting the body off the frame and cleaning it up extensively. I have no intention of restoring it to its former glory (stock resto), I feel this one is not worth it.

I would likely be yanking that old 5.0 and coming up with something unique to drop in her. Lets look at this as a rolling chassis.

I do not see any body damage, and I would redo the interior my own way.

I always want another project, so if I can get the car for under $3000 I think I'd be happy.

[Michael]

That's a parts car, value it as such. If however you are planning a engine swap, this would be the car to use.

[thirdmanj]

Damn, I'm a generous mother.

Of us all, Josh is most certainly the authority, with the others hitting the 3 marks and high 4s, split the difference and try for 2 or 2500. But the man says 1g.

[Kenny_Z]

If you do get her make sure you stick around and show us everything you're doing. Sounds like you're wanting to go in an interesting direction with her.

[delox]

I'll go low with the offer. If the guy really wants it gone, I think I'm the correct buyer.

I need to do some more research on what I can manage to use as a powerplant. If I pick her up, you'll all be involved with the project, I assure you! I tend to overdocument :woot:

[LEVY]

Thanks for the input. I had a feeling I was lovestruck by the idea of seeing one locally, and wanted a reality check. I am very handy, can fab and have done extensive frame modifications, engine builds/swaps and resto's before. I'd likely be lifting the body off the frame and cleaning it up extensively. I have no intention of restoring it to its former glory (stock resto), I feel this one is not worth it.

I would likely be yanking that old 5.0 and coming up with something unique to drop in her. Lets look at this as a rolling chassis.

I do not see any body damage, and I would redo the interior my own way.

I always want another project, so if I can get the car for under $3000 I think I'd be happy.

Good luck!

When I saw the ad for $4900.00 or less, I was thinking on buying it, it is too far away from me.

Let me know if you buy it. Mean time, let me give you a little advise:

When moving this vehicle, be careful no to damage any parts, specially:



Front left fender, no longer available and very, very expensive to buy an used one.
Windshield, original no longer available.
Torsion bars if still good, specially the driver side no longer available (NOS).
If you like the side stripes, be carefull, no longer available(NOS)
Every other piece of SS is expensive but not that hard to get.
Hood easy to damage, so be careful, when cleaning, do not apply to much pressure to avoid the X mark.

Ask seller for extra parts, he migh have some.

LEVY

[LEVY]

I'll go low with the offer. If the guy really wants it gone, I think I'm the correct buyer.

I need to do some more research on what I can manage to use as a powerplant. If I pick her up, you'll all be involved with the project, I assure you! I tend to overdocument :woot:

I do have a complete Volvo engine in case you need it, I may also have the botom part of a Delorean engine.

You may also need a transmission in case the original was also replaced. Transmission is not that hard to get.

LEVY

[delox]

I appreciate the welcoming and quick responses, makes this seem like a good community. Glad to hear the transmissions are attainable, as that was one of my (many) concerns.

Thanks for the advice too. I'm eager to get in touch with the seller again and learn a bit more.

As for the engine. I have thoughts ranging from a turbo 4 cyl from a VW (diesel or 1.8/2.0 gasser), a nissan RB or VG turbo 6cyl engine, another american small v8, etc... Rest assured, I'm not a big front talker. I've done wankier farther fetched setups in the past. I promise it'll still be a respectable DMC on the outside too.

[Jimmyvonviggle]

I think Chris had this car on his DeLorean list the other day. That car is toast. As bad as it looks it will be even worse once you get it home and have an actual chance to look at it. Most would probably buy it as a parts car, but I hate when that is done unless it is a wrecked car. I think you will have to honest with the guy and say to him that while it is a D, it will need a ton of work and that the market is soft and so,on. It is close to Xmas and cash in hand goes far now. I agree that 2500 max is the price if you don't want to part it out.

[thirdmanj]

The diesel would be interesting to see. But if you're looking to try and go back to the--... original, you might wait to see what Josh is comming out with. At this point, modding and already neglected mod could spell disaster.

Edit: Jimmy is right. If you can get it for 2500, you'll at least get your money back parting it out. Hate to say it, but it might just be the best thing for it. One will die, so that others may live. That kinda thing.

[delox]

Interesting responses indeed.

I'm trying to tame my excitement that there is finally a delorean in my area. I'll get in touch with the seller ASAP and clear up some questions I have.

[thirdmanj]

Interesting responses indeed.

I'm trying to tame my excitement that there is finally a delorean in my area. I'll get in touch with the seller ASAP and clear up some questions I have.

It's not a Delorean. It's a POS, stainless steel lawn ornament that vaguely resembles a DeLorean. ;)

[mluder]

That is a 1000.00 dollar car tops. I would be pushing it paying a grand for that. It obviously has been neglected and bastardized extensively.

I have to agree with Josh. You guys are too generous. I was thinking $1500 to $2000 tops.
You could easily be looking at $15,000 to restore it to running condition and that would be just to be able to drive it around.
If you've got a lot of time and money affer $1000 and buy it for $1500.

Cheers.
Steve

[thirdmanj]

Yeah yeah, ok Steve. It's easy to play "Price is Right" after the experts already weighed in!!

:lol:

[Doogie]

It might be the angle of the picture, but it looks like that 5.0 is sticking about 4 inches past the rear end! (Look at the A/C Clutch in relation to the quarter panel end). I bet a beer this is what killed the project. The rear member won't bolt on because the water pump is in it's way. Couldn't cut it off and would have to hack up the rear facia to make it fit. But then they found out the belts would be sticking through the license plate. I can only imagine the look they had on their faces when they were swilling some brews and that "Oh Shit" moment hit them. A couple of weeks of tinkering with ideas, only to have the project die, and now it's for sale.

I think Nick had to move his trans forward a few inches to get the LS1 to fit? Those extra 2 cyclinders take up space, and their isn't enough room where the muffler sits to make it happen.

Parts car. $1000 to $2000 (tops) and then either get an engine from Josh @ DPI or get creative. I drive a VW Beatle TDi (4 Cyclinder), seriously doubt you want that lack of power in the back. Unless you have a V6 in mind? That would be interesting.

Doogie

[delox]

Thanks for the catch doogie, ill be adding that to my already scrutinizing phone call question list.

As for the engine, the diesels have power potential while still being efficient, and are cheap to maintain. That's all still a pipe dream in relative terms. If V8s have a hard time fitting, a larger 4 would too I guess. Hmm, can't wait to start researching more

[David T]

As scary as this thing is there may be some bright spots. Inquire as to where the original (engine) parts are. They may be nearby and usable. Ask to see the Title. Inspect the frame (if possible). Depending on the answers you may be able to pay more or negotiate to pay less. Cash always helps if you can wave a wad in front of him to entice him to deal. Unless you are up for a very large project this is a parts car. If it had the original drivetrain and a good Title it could be worth as much as $5,000. That assumes the frame is not completely rotten. At this point figuring on buying it and continuing a motor and transmission transplant is VERY ambitious. It will take a LOT just to get it going with stock parts. Who knows what else and how much was altered, and probably not very well. If you bought it for $5K with a good Title and parted it out you could still sell the bones to DMCH for their "New Build" program and maybe come out ahead. Don't forget all of the labor involved in what it takes to part it out. Towing, storage, etc. If you decide to pass on it keep the Forum informed, I am sure someone else will jump on it.
David Teitelbaum

[LEVY]

............. Depending on the answers you may be able to pay more or negotiate to pay less. Cash always helps if you can wave a wad in front of him to entice him to deal. Unless you are up for a very large project this is a parts car. If it had the original drivetrain and a good Title it could be worth as much as $5,000. That assumes the frame is not completely rotten.
David Teitelbaum

For some very weird reasons, David keep telling buyers to offer more, don't listen.

I already suggested to ask the seller for any extra parts he might have, that should be part of the deal, don't volunteer and offer extra money.

I also suggested to show cash but not $5000.00, again, don't listen to him.

Hope you don't get scared by some of the replies, to me, $3000.00 is a fair price, if you can get it for less, even better, just try to buy an used left front fender and a driver side original torsion bar.

You can get an used engine and transmission for aprox $3000.00, no big deal if you can get the car cheap.

LEVY

[Nicholas R]

It might be the angle of the picture, but it looks like that 5.0 is sticking about 4 inches past the rear end! (Look at the A/C Clutch in relation to the quarter panel end). I bet a beer this is what killed the project. The rear member won't bolt on because the water pump is in it's way. Couldn't cut it off and would have to hack up the rear facia to make it fit. But then they found out the belts would be sticking through the license plate. I can only imagine the look they had on their faces when they were swilling some brews and that "Oh Shit" moment hit them. A couple of weeks of tinkering with ideas, only to have the project die, and now it's for sale.

I think Nick had to move his trans forward a few inches to get the LS1 to fit? Those extra 2 cyclinders take up space, and their isn't enough room where the muffler sits to make it happen.

Doogie

I was going to say the same thing Doug. That thing looks like it's sticking out the back end. Space is definitely an issue with a V8 and I dont believe the 5.0 is packaged as tightly as the LS1 (it's the damn pulleys that get you). And yes my transmission is pushed forward in the car. For reference, mine is ~2" forward, and the 2JZ Supra Engine DeLorean is ~4" forward.

Is there any info on if it ever ran with the 5.0 or if it is a project that halted before completion?

Man I would be really scared getting into that thing. Having no knowledge of how that thing is put together or wired. I guess being carbureted it's more straight forward than a more modern engine but still.

Good luck, and keep us updated!!!

[Ron]

Just a thought FWIW - You could take advantage of the existing 5.0 swap over -- 3.8 and 4.2 Fords should drop in...with LOTS of HP toys out there from the Mustang world.

[cdrusn]

Obviously to restore it to original condition would be more than it is worth even if he gave it to you. But, considering the engines FORD has available you could really have a nice starting project. A 4.6L Mustang GT engine would make it a real easy and high H.P. project. I would go $4,000 on it but only if you have the means and ability to stick another $5,000 in it to get it running with you engine of choice and then $5,000 more to get the body and interior into shape.

[Ron]

How much shorter is a 4.6 than a 5.0???

Curious- I thought the 4.6 pattern was like a 5.4? All three the same or ??

[Delorean02378]

As scary as this thing is there may be some bright spots. Inquire as to where the original (engine) parts are. They may be nearby and usable. Ask to see the Title. Inspect the frame (if possible). Depending on the answers you may be able to pay more or negotiate to pay less. Cash always helps if you can wave a wad in front of him to entice him to deal. Unless you are up for a very large project this is a parts car. If it had the original drivetrain and a good Title it could be worth as much as $5,000. That assumes the frame is not completely rotten. At this point figuring on buying it and continuing a motor and transmission transplant is VERY ambitious. It will take a LOT just to get it going with stock parts. Who knows what else and how much was altered, and probably not very well. If you bought it for $5K with a good Title and parted it out you could still sell the bones to DMCH for their "New Build" program and maybe come out ahead. Don't forget all of the labor involved in what it takes to part it out. Towing, storage, etc. If you decide to pass on it keep the Forum informed, I am sure someone else will jump on it.
David Teitelbaum

David is correct - the parts alone are worth $5,000. Not sure where this $1,000 stuff is coming from but that's ridiculous. The torsion bars (both) alone are worth $1,000. If the stainless is in good condition here are some conservative estimates: LFF - $1,600, RFF with no hole - $600, LRQ - $500, RRQ $500, Hood $500, Doors $500 each, Wiring Harness for entire car - $300 - $400, Windshield with no cracks - $300 - $400, Gear shift knob - $100, Brake Calipers - $100 - $200, Wheels $500, Pontoon & Frame if frame is crap - $500 - $800, instrument cluster $100, gas tank $100, gas tank closing plate $150 and on and on and on......

Kirk

[uhhair]

I really think we're not paying enough attention to what the buyer is interested in using the car for in assessing it's value. This car has been sitting outside, on the ground, in the NE where it rains/snows frequently, for what looks like forever. I highly doubt the frame is salvagable, which means this car is no longer a rolling chasis for you, it's completely worthless in terms of dropping a new engine + parts in the car and making it drivable without also replacing the frame, maybe parts of the fiberglass, and definitely basically everything else on the car. There are plenty of non-running Deloreans out there that are in in the sub $10k range that have decent or repairable frames, but have been neglected or sat for years and no longer run. They might be better bets.

I could be wrong, and a frame inspection will obviously put that issue to rest, but if you intention is to use the car to actually build a drivable car around, this may not suit your needs.

As far as a pure value of the car is concerned in terms of parts, obviously not having the original engine (and maybe tranny) hurts that, but if all the panels are present and in decent shape (pictures appear to portray this), then the car is definitely not worthless. However, you're really going to have to inspect all the other parts you think are valuable on the car to see if A. They're present and B. If they work/function or are in decent enough cosmetic shape to sell.

I'd jump on this quick though if you want to flip it and make some cash. Bring truck + trailer and cash with you, inspect the car, make a cash offer, and tow it away. A Delorean that cheap won't last long, as there are plenty of experienced owners who know the parts value of the car and will be doing the same thing we are, but actually have the money to show up, inspect, and take it away. The guy doesn't seem to be asking an unreasonable price to start with, which means negotiations will be quick and it'll be gone any day now.

[Morpheus]

If you decide to part it out, I would be very interested in the L&R side trim panels.

[LEVY]

That is a 1000.00 dollar car tops. I would be pushing it paying a grand for that. It obviously has been neglected and bastardized extensively.

If someone with a concours car wanted to buy a original driver side torsion bar, how much will that be?


LEVY

[thirdmanj]

Here's an idea: Buy it, dismantle it to part it out. You'll learn a lot about DeLoreans, and in the process build up some funds to purchase a project DeLorean that's in better shape. Food for thought.

[LEVY]

Here's an idea: Buy it, dismantle it to part it out. You'll learn a lot about DeLoreans, and in the process build up some funds to purchase a project DeLorean that's in better shape. Food for thought.

That is a good idea!

And at the same time he will help others!

LEVY

[Nicholas R]

David is correct - the parts alone are worth $5,000. Not sure where this $1,000 stuff is coming from but that's ridiculous. The torsion bars (both) alone are worth $1,000. If the stainless is in good condition here are some conservative estimates: LFF - $1,600, RFF with no hole - $600, LRQ - $500, RRQ $500, Hood $500, Doors $500 each, Wiring Harness for entire car - $300 - $400, Windshield with no cracks - $300 - $400, Gear shift knob - $100, Brake Calipers - $100 - $200, Wheels $500, Pontoon & Frame if frame is crap - $500 - $800, instrument cluster $100, gas tank $100, gas tank closing plate $150 and on and on and on......

Kirk

This may all be true but your time and convenience also has a value. The parts may be worth $5000 but how much is the time worth that you spend hauling, storing, dismantling, listing, selling, shipping, these parts?

Also I dont think a used windshield is worth $400; honestly I dont think it has any value. Would you really buy a used 30 year old windshield? I know I wouldn't. Also I'm sure given the engine situation, the wiring harness is trashed.

Also it's one thing for an owner that is very familiar with DeLoreans to buy a car to part it out; but for someone brand new, I think that's a little much.

[SamHill]

This may all be true but your time and convenience also has a value. The parts may be worth $5000 but how much is the time worth that you spend hauling, storing, dismantling, listing, selling, shipping, these parts?

Also I dont think a used windshield is worth $400; honestly I dont think it has any value. Would you really buy a used 30 year old windshield? I know I wouldn't. Also I'm sure given the engine situation, the wiring harness is trashed.

Also it's one thing for an owner that is very familiar with DeLoreans to buy a car to part it out; but for someone brand new, I think that's a little much.

Disagree. Except for the torsion bars, I don't see any additional degree of difficulty in junking a Delorean from any other car. The opportunity cost of your "time" is negligable especially if you were only going to be watching reruns of "My Favorite Martian" during that same time. If you were a CEO, you wouldn't be buying a junker D anyway. Storage should be free... one has to assume he has a crappy backyard garage to take on a resto or parts car.

Agree that a used windshield is only good as a personal spare.

[LEVY]

Also I dont think a used windshield is worth $400; honestly I dont think it has any value. Would you really buy a used 30 year old windshield? I know I wouldn't.

I disagree on this one, a person with a concours car will pay premium for original parts, including the no longer available windshield (NOS, that is!).

LEVY

[sdg3205]

I would totally buy a used windshield if it was in good shape. I wish I had the option when I replaced mine 3 years ago.

[Jimmyvonviggle]

I think this guy wants a D to have one to drive, not to get into the auto parts business. Try to think back to when you wanted a D and didn't quite have the funds yet. The temptation to pull the trigger even when you know the car is probably beyond what you should buy is overwhelming.

It's only after you own a D you start to really think about hoarding parts.

[thirdmanj]

I think this guy wants a D to have one to drive, not to get into the auto parts business. Try to think back to when you wanted a D and didn't quite have the funds yet. The temptation to pull the trigger even when you know the car is probably beyond what you should buy is overwhelming.

It's only after you own a D you start to really think about hoarding parts.

Who said anything about hoarding? I suggested that he purchase it as a tool for his Delorean education so to speak. Learn a lot, help others, and pad a (better) Delorean fund account. So long as he's open with his information and posts good pictures, he'll get unbiased feedback from the group here, so that he won't be taken advantage of for his parts. This really would be an exciting and educational venture.

[delox]

Oh I have the bank. I could grab a mint condition delorean if I wanted. I don't want that though. This (or something similar) is likely the only way I'd ever actually get one. If the body is on good shape, the frame is repairable (at worst), and the NLA parts are not damaged, I'll get an engine in this thing at have it running no problem. I'm a tinkerer and a customizer. Stock restorations are not for me, neither is shying away from a stranded orphan.

I read page for page a few complete teardowns and resto's of these things before I even considered it. I really see nothing with these cars that even begins to look any more difficult or out of the ordinary from any other (within reason).

No contact back from the seller. I'll show up with a truck, trailer, and cash. I wont be paying more than its worth, and I feel I have a good bearing on how to gauge the value when I see it in front on me.

thanks all.

[OverlandMan]

Oh I have the bank. I could grab a mint condition delorean if I wanted. I don't want that though.

Man if that's the case I would find a better car.

This car will likely burn out even the most enthusiastic of DeLorean fans. I see a parts car, not a economical driver.

[Nicholas R]

Oh I have the bank. I could grab a mint condition delorean if I wanted. I don't want that though. This (or something similar) is likely the only way I'd ever actually get one. If the body is on good shape, the frame is repairable (at worst), and the NLA parts are not damaged, I'll get an engine in this thing at have it running no problem. I'm a tinkerer and a customizer. Stock restorations are not for me, neither is shying away from a stranded orphan.

I read page for page a few complete teardowns and resto's of these things before I even considered it. I really see nothing with these cars that even begins to look any more difficult or out of the ordinary from any other (within reason).

No contact back from the seller. I'll show up with a truck, trailer, and cash. I wont be paying more than its worth, and I feel I have a good bearing on how to gauge the value when I see it in front on me.

thanks all.

If you're a tinkerer and not into the stock restoration, then actually I think this could be for you. I'd love to see some more customized DeLoreans (primarily custom engine swaps). This is the perfect chance. I dont think a PRV could be in this cars future. It'll either be parted out, or engine swapped. Personally I'm WAY in favor of the latter. If you're up to the task then do it!!! And stay on the forum giving updtes! If you have any questions about engine swaps I can give you some pointers. Also you can check out my blog. I documented my entire LS1 engine swap project here: http://ls1delorean.blogspot.com

I hope something awesome comes out of this car :D :thumbup:

[delox]

PRV was never even close to considered in my head. There's a list of a dozen engines that would go into this thing before I'd consider that.

As far as being an economical driver...? who buys a delorean with that in mind? I'll never need to rely on this car, and if economical was a concern of mine, I would have stopped long ago before my daily driver was at the 600whp level, or my winter truck was a foot taller than its supposed to be.

[OverlandMan]

As far as being an economical driver...? who buys a delorean with that in mind? I'll never need to rely on this car, and if economical was a concern of mine, I would have stopped long ago before my daily driver was at the 600whp level, or my winter truck was a foot taller than its supposed to be.

Economical driver = makes fiscal sense to get this car back to running & driving condition versus what the rest of us with DeLoreans budget and spend.

Isn't the title of this thread Evaluation help. What should I be paying? I'm just putting in my 2 cents because you asked and apparently "got bank".

[LEVY]

Since he has the money and still have not secured the car, for those who may be more interested, here it is:

http://burlington.craigslist.org/cto/3438646316.html

I hate when some one ask for advise and then someone else get it.


LEVY

[Nicholas R]

Economical driver = makes fiscal sense to get this car back to running & driving condition versus what the rest of us with DeLoreans budget and spend.

Isn't the title of this thread Evaluation help. What should I be paying? I'm just putting in my 2 cents because you asked and apparently "got bank".

I think what he means is that no one buys a DeLorean in the hopes of it being cost effective. We all know that these cars can be money pits. The purpose of the thread was to find out how much the car is worth right now, and what he should offer; not how much it would take to restore or part out.

[Jimmyvonviggle]

Who said anything about hoarding? I suggested that he purchase it as a tool for his Delorean education so to speak. Learn a lot, help others, and pad a (better) Delorean fund account. So long as he's open with his information and posts good pictures, he'll get unbiased feedback from the group here, so that he won't be taken advantage of for his parts. This really would be an exciting and educational venture.

James I know it's the web so it's hard to detect the tone, but I was joking about the hoarding and meant it in a funny way.

[DMCMW Dave]

It is worth whatever a willing buyer will pay a willing seller at that point in time.

What I would pay, for example, knowing what I'd have to pay to get it here, and what I would have to do with it once it was here, is much different from someone local to the car with a different purpose.

[delox]

Since he has the money and still have not secured the car, for those who may be more interested, here it is:

http://burlington.craigslist.org/cto/3438646316.html

I hate when some one ask for advise and then someone else get it.


LEVY

Well, I would have it by now had the seller answered the phone or returned the voicemails. I'm assuming he's busy till the weekend and didn't feel it was necessary to inundate him with communications. There's not much more I can do until I have a chance to speak with him...

[David T]

From this thread you can see that some parts that one owner may have no interest in at all (a good used windscreen) may actually have a lot of value to someone else. Of course that is assuming you can remove it without damaging it! Parting out a car is no small undertaking but many do it and make money at it if you buy right and are careful removing the parts and have some patience to get a fair price. Don't forget the cost of disposal, there will be a lot of stuff that you just won't sell and have to throw away. The first order of business is just getting the car home. You do not want to spend a lot of money calling a tow truck! You need a trailer and a way to get it dragged on. Gotta figure the tires are flat, they won't turn anyway and the frame is so rotten there is nowhere good to attach a winch to! And when you do get it home you have to be careful about all of the spiders, snakes, mice etc that call the car home and once in your garage will infest your house. Just throwing a motor at this car will not get it running. You will, at the least, have to rebuild the brake system, fuel system, and the cooling system too. Tires, battery, struts, and a whole lot more. You will find the cheap part of all of this was buying the car in the first place!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
David Teitelbaum

[Kenny_Z]

I really see nothing with these cars that even begins to look any more difficult or out of the ordinary from any other (within reason).

That's something I get asked all the time. "It must be hard to work on" or "do you have to take it to a special shop?" I tell them that it's a car. It may look more awesome than every other car out there but under that stainless skin she's just a car.

Good luck with the D, Delox. Make sure to get us lots of pictures. I hope you turn her into another unique Delorean.

[vwdmc16]

The car still has the stock trans, you can see the stock clutch slave cylinder on the left of the picture. This car would be a great candidate for my race car build idea, too far away though....



http://imageshack.us/a/img845/9679/getattachment3s.jpg

[Nicholas R]

The car still has the stock trans, you can see the stock clutch slave cylinder on the left of the picture. This car would be a great candidate for my race car build idea, too far away though....


Actually i'm going to disagree with you. If nothing else, at least the bellhousing has been significantly modified. The mounting point for the slave cylinder (the fork it sits in) is very different than a normal transmission. There is also pretty clearly an adapter plate between the engine and whatever transmission that actually is.

EDIT:
http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/5953/changebrightness.jpg

After looking more closely at it, I'm going to say it's definitely not a normal DeLorean transmission. The mounting point for the slave cylinder is totally custom, and that fork is definitely not DeLorean. I suppose it's still possible that the actual transmission is the same but if so, the bellhousing has definitely been hacked up. Also there is definitely an adapter plate.

Perhaps, they ran into the problem of the slave hitting the adapter plate, so they decided to raise the cyilider up in the air and use a different fork. I ran into this problem on my swap. My adapter plate had to have a hole cut into it to accommodate the slave cylinder AND the slave cylinder had to be cut down a bit. Luckily the slave has a lot of extra steel on the one end it didn't make a difference.

You can kind of see the slave tucked into the spot on the plate here:
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NLsXYvohHSM/T5q5PdLlZbI/AAAAAAAAAtE/eTTNboWpUks/s1600/IMG_1692.jpg

Here's the cutting down of the slave cylinder. I had several bad cylinders to cut up to determine how much I could safely cut it down. I also did the math, no worries ;)
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O6_QhuYiwq4/T1UR3c3liAI/AAAAAAAAAhg/6qLlXI2l87w/s1600/IMG_1209+%5B1600x1200%5D.jpg

[thirdmanj]

That's something I get asked all the time. "It must be hard to work on" or "do you have to take it to a special shop?" I tell them that it's a car. It may look more awesome than every other car out there but under that stainless skin she's just a car.

Good luck with the D, Delox. Make sure to get us lots of pictures. I hope you turn her into another unique Delorean.

Not really man. What I'm saying is, besides just looking unique, there are many little things that set DeLoreans apart and present challenges. Her overall construction is odd and different from any other car, the door construction presents challenges, she's structurally different than just about any other car out there. In some ways she's pretty basic, but be honest, it's not just her looks that set her apart.

[Nicholas R]

Not really man. What I'm saying is, besides just looking unique, there are many little things that set DeLoreans apart and present challenges. Her overall construction is odd and different from any other car, the door construction presents challenges, she's structurally different than just about any other car out there. In some ways she's pretty basic, but be honest, it's not just her looks that set her apart.

I agree, the DeLorean certainly has quite a few unique bits. The Continuous Injection System for one is something that few will be familiar with unless they've had a porsche or audi with a similar system. That being said, every car has SOME unique bits; especially more rare/specialty cars.

[delox]

Guy finally answered after a week of calling. It's been sold. :tantrum:

[Jimmyvonviggle]

The question is which one of us scooped it up and for what price?

[Dangermouse]

My money is on Josh.

[Henrik]

...Find the VIN plate (on the drivers door jamb, if the door opens, or on the front edge of the dash - through the windscreen) and post it here. ... We would appreciate knowing which car this is for the archives, anyway.

Did we ever find out what the VIN was?

[Dangermouse]

Don't think so