The fine art of exiting a Delorean

[Jacko]

:chairfall: I have always had a small problem exiting 4915 ... and no, I don't wear a skirt.

The emergency brake doesn't work so the lever is always down. To get out I have to do a certain amount of sliding across the lower door seal as well as the clips that keep them in place. Therein lies the problem. The clips are sharp and they can cause a painful exit. Anyone else have this problem? I've thought about making a plexiglass piece that would conform to the shape of the sill and would be easily removed. :wave2:

I may try to do that when Josh turns her loose. He told me he's shooting for the first week in March. That'll be an eight month refurbishment and I'm expecting her to glow.

[sdg3205]

i put all my weight on the bolster and pull down on the corner of the windshield. Then I kick the LFF once i'm out. Hahah.

Actually yes, I do have the problem with the trim. I just suck it up and push it back on. I also hold the weather stripping for balance on the way out.

I dont drive it much so I just deal with the DeLoreanisms as part of the fun. I can see it bothering people who use them as daily drivers though.

[Jonathan]

When I tell friends or people at car shows how to get in or out of the car for the first time, it is always the same advice:

To get in, back in with your butt, sit down, then swing in your legs.

To get out, swing your legs out first, and then stand up from that sitting position.

Granted it is pretty low, so depending on the person, you might need to push yourself up (maybe pushing your hand on the VIN plate area?) Since I don't need to konk my head any more than I already have, I tend to walk away from the car hunched over for the first few steps to get out from under the door. This can sort of make getting out easier as you don't try to get fully standing all at once.

This coming from an owner who has replaced the bolster and turn stalk assembly due to the poor entry techniques of previous fans/drivers.

[Nicholas R]

The inner door seals that replaced my originals with didn't use the clips so I removed them. Never had an issue; the weather stripping itself always stays in place. I bought the stuff directly from Ken Koncelik a few years ago so I'm not sure where to get it but I'm sure others are the same. Even still, with the weather stripping on, why are the clips exposed? Even when I had my original seals that had the clips, the rubber still covered the clips. Making a temporary shield to get in and out of the car with seems like treating a symptom rather than just fixing the problem all together.

[Jacko]

The inner door seals that replaced my originals with didn't use the clips so I removed them. Never had an issue; the weather stripping itself always stays in place. I bought the stuff directly from Ken Koncelik a few years ago so I'm not sure where to get it but I'm sure others are the same. Even still, with the weather stripping on, why are the clips exposed? Even when I had my original seals that had the clips, the rubber still covered the clips. Making a temporary shield to get in and out of the car with seems like treating a symptom rather than just fixing the problem all together.If I was a spry young man I'm sure I'd exit the D with more grace. Alas it's not to be. I expose the clips after hundreds of times dragging my sorry ass across the sill. One thing I hate is for someone to come to my door to 'help' me get out. As most owners, I have a technique for getting in the car and another to get out. I have to agree that making a temporary shield doesn't makes sense ... probably why I haven't done it.:wave2:

[dustybarn]

To get out, I swing my left leg over the sill and plant my left foot on the ground. Then I sort of roll to the left while simultaneously standing up, pivoting on my left foot, and swinging my right leg over. I end up standing, facing towards the back of the car. It's a bit hard to describe but it's easy on the back.

I put the car on like I would any other extremely low car - I put my right leg into the foot well and lower my butt into the seat, leaving my left foot on the ground, then swing my left leg in.

Edit: Heh. I also walk hunched-over to avoid the door. It's almost like the way they used to approach the helicopters on MASH, hunched-over to make SURE to avoid the rotor blades.

[Jonathan]

To get out, I swing my left leg over the sill and plant my left foot on the ground. Then I sort of roll to the left while simultaneously standing up, pivoting on my left foot, and swinging my right leg over. I end up standing, facing towards the back of the car. It's a bit hard to describe but it's easy on the back.

I put the car on like I would any other extremely low car - I put my right leg into the foot well and lower my butt into the seat, leaving my left foot on the ground, then swing my left leg in.

Edit: Heh. I also walk hunched-over to avoid the door. It's almost like the way they used to approach the helicopters on MASH, hunched-over to make SURE to avoid the rotor blades.

Haha, I know what you mean. You could almost do a fake out barrel roll out of the car, get up like nothing happened, and then just explain how you were avoiding sniper fire, lol.

[awildermode]

Three words: Bruno Valet Plus :mallet:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xDHFVwQSXk

[ccurzio]

Haha, I know what you mean. You could almost do a fake out barrel roll out of the car, get up like nothing happened, and then just explain how you were avoiding sniper fire, lol.

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

[protodelorean]

Three words: Bruno Valet Plus :mallet:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xDHFVwQSXk

Granted, a sports car can be a challenge, but is it insensitive of me to think: if a person can't get into or out of a car like a minivan on their own, MAYBE THEY ARE NO LONGER FIT TO DRIVE.????? (I'm not talking about wheel chairs/folks with hand controls. Their upper body strength and reaction times could very well be better than my own.)

[Spittybug]

This thread amuses me! My wife hates it when I suggest going out to a nice event in the Delorean. There's nothing better than a restaurant, wedding or other event where there is valet service and you show up in a Delorean. They wet themselves and usually park you right up front to "show it off". Unfortunately for a lady in a dress, it is very difficult to demurely enter or exit the car! It's usually the Infiniti that gets to chauffeur us to such events as a result.
:mecry:

[Cory W]

Granted, a sports car can be a challenge, but is it insensitive of me to think: if a person can't get into or out of a car like a minivan on their own, MAYBE THEY ARE NO LONGER FIT TO DRIVE.????? (I'm not talking about wheel chairs/folks with hand controls. Their upper body strength and reaction times could very well be better than my own.)

Not exactly insensitive, just not thinking of all possible reasons for having one of these is all. Any of our situations could change in a heartbeat due to a simple misstep, or circumstances beyond our control. If we're lucky, we get to walk away. Sometimes, we don't come away intact.

A bad back that makes with the twisting motion it takes to get in and out of a vehicle difficult and/or painful does not automatically make you unfit to drive. There are also people in wheelchairs who use these devices in lieu of getting big ass vans (accompanying people stow their wheelchairs for them)

I'd rather share the road with someone who needs one of these to get in and out but are attentive on the road than any "physically sound" person who is constantly doing anything BUT focusing on driving while barreling down the road.

One of these would NOT help you get in or out of a DeLorean, though...it would take up too much space, and you'd hit your head on the open door before the seat would clear.

Oh, and since they're featured in the video, Bruno makes kick ass mobility products.....there's an aggressive rise custom curved stair lift in my parents house now, and it is whisper quiet and more solid than granite.


16451

[refugeefromcalif]

I Love the replies to this thread that I've read so far.

I'm 51, and do the "drop my butt" in the seat, then swing my legs in thing to sit down in the car.
Getting out I have to make sure that my pants legs doesn't catch on the parking brake handle.

My mother is 77 and has an easier time getting in and out of my D then my Grand Caravan when I take her to family gatherings.?
(She's a Big woman And uses a cane now).

George

[Michael]

Maybe one could ratchet up the tension in the doors to offer an "assist"..just attach a lanyard to the door and to a belt loop, then rise effortlessly with the door into a full upright position.

Didn't BTTF already address this issue and offer a solution?
http://img180.imageshack.us/img180/6014/bttfpropcollection012yd4.jpg

[DMC81]

Standing at 6'3" I use a homemade human sling shot contraption made of rubber bands and coat hangers to launch myself in to the car. The bad part is my smart phone is low on juice and I still haven't figured out how to get back out.

[sdg3205]

My wife lifts me in and out while I eat Big Macs.

[dustybarn]

Granted, a sports car can be a challenge, but is it insensitive of me to think: if a person can't get into or out of a car like a minivan on their own, MAYBE THEY ARE NO LONGER FIT TO DRIVE.????? (I'm not talking about wheel chairs/folks with hand controls. Their upper body strength and reaction times could very well be better than my own.)

The late Charley Hexom was one such person. He was paralyzed in a motorcycle accident, but nevertheless became a superb road-race driver. His cars were equipped with hand controls and a vacuum clutch servo (SCCA doesn't allow automatic transmissions).

[Dangermouse]

Am I the only person who uses the armrest on the center console to help get in? I don't like plunking my weight down on the seat from a height, but then again I am no longer "high school skinny" :)

[dustybarn]

Am I the only person who uses the armrest on the center console to help get in? I don't like plunking my weight down on the seat from a height, but then again I am no longer "high school skinny" :)

Nope, you are not the only one. I usually put my left hand on the console and lower myself in.

[Dangermouse]

Your left hand?

[Jonathan]

Unfortunately for a lady in a dress, it is very difficult to demurely enter or exit the car!

Let me tell you a little story...

Got my car in October 2007. 2 days later I take it to the mechanic to get the safety done. 9 months after that I got it back.

Apparently it had drawn a few crowds some of the time it was there in the lot. The day I picked it up to drive it home a young lady from nearby had dropped by hoping to get a picture in it (for her boyfriend if I recall... oh well). I was like sure, opened the driver door and she sat in the seat in her little skirt with her legs hanging out. Wow. What I would give to have taken that picture with my camera instead of hers. Quite the view. Here I am thinking this car can't be for real... until 5+ years have gone by and it has never happened again. *sigh*

[Jacko]

Granted, a sports car can be a challenge, but is it insensitive of me to think: if a person can't get into or out of a car like a minivan on their own, MAYBE THEY ARE NO LONGER FIT TO DRIVE.????? I certainly would hate it if 'they' wouldn't let me drive because I have a little trouble getting in/out my Delorean which has a 3" ground clearance. I've had the idea of a seat that could be raised and lowered using air or hydraulic pressure. One could use a scissor apparatus to move the seat ... like some jacks. You'd have to remove the steering wheel ... that would be the excuse you were looking for to get an aftermarket quick release racing steering wheel ... oh, the possibilities!:smile:

[Shep]

My daily driver is a coupe with less than 6" ground clearance, so getting in and out of low cars is natural for me. What I do for my daily driver I also do for my DeLorean.

Probably overly detailed, but here's what I do to get in:
1) Open door and walk up to about 3"-6" from the door sill
2) Right foot goes roughly 6"-12" forward of the front of driver's seat, 45* angle
3) Pivot on feet so hind end starts facing seat
4) Brace yourself on the steering wheel while you lower yourself onto the seat
5) Once on the seat, put your left foot in and close the door

Then to get out, I do this:
1) Open door and swivel body to the left
2) Put left foot outside the door sill, right foot in front of the center of the seat
3) Pushing off with your right foot, lift yourself up with your left foot, bracing yourself against the steering wheel if necessary
4) Once you're mostly up, put your right foot on the ground

At this point I stand upright and simply walk away. I'm 5' 8", and my door seems to have a clearance of 5' 8", so I have no need to lean over. It grazes the top of my head on occasion, but it doesn't really bother me. On a side note, I only brace myself on the steering wheel on my DeLorean, and don't need to do that for my daily driver. I guess I sit a little lower and need the extra leverage or something.

[DL4567]

Hadn't seen this mentioned yet....

It's the simplest thing for getting out. Put your left palm on the VIN plate ledge. Helps tremendously!

[Lenny]

Hadn't seen this mentioned yet....

It's the simplest thing for getting out. Put your left palm on the VIN plate ledge. Helps tremendously!

Exactly! when I bought my D at DMCFL I got a class on how to, enter and exit, turn on the headlights, open the hood/trunk, check the oil, and a couple of other things.

He mentioned the hand on VIN plate and I use it all the time.

For my wife, She doesn't wear a dress that often. Either way
1. Park in the lot or pull up to the curb to drop her off.
2. Turn off the car
3. Wife removes Bose QC15 noise canceling headphones (this is not a joke). I have headers and she doesn't like the noise :deedledee:
4. Checks hair because of headphones
5. Open the doors
6. I walk to the passenger side
7. Stand in front of her so nobody looks up her dress (on those rare occasion where she wears one) Although when we pull up at the curb of the restaurant, movie, or wherever nobody is looking at her they are looking at the D.
8. Offer my hand and gently pull up assisting her exit.
9. Place hand over her head to make sure my hand is crushed against the door not messing up her hair in the process.
10. Close her door and then get back in closing my door and heading to the parking lot while all the valets pout:sad30: because I wouldn't let them park it.
11. Drive at least 1 mile away to park in the farthest reaches of the parking lot under a light and no cars around.
12. Spend 30 minutes walking back to try and find my wife who was embarrassed at all the attention she got (again she doesn't realize they attention was not for her but the car) when I dropped her off and who now has gotten bored and found some place to shop.
13. Lastly head to wherever we are going.

If you're not married you won't understand!

[jawn101]

Exactly! when I bought my D at DMCFL I got a class on how to, enter and exit, turn on the headlights, open the hood/trunk, check the oil, and a couple of other things.

He mentioned the hand on VIN plate and I use it all the time.

For my wife, She doesn't wear a dress that often. Either way
1. Park in the lot or pull up to the curb to drop her off.
2. Turn off the car
3. Wife removes Bose QC15 noise canceling headphones (this is not a joke). I have headers and she doesn't like the noise :deedledee:
4. Checks hair because of headphones
5. Open the doors
6. I walk to the passenger side
7. Stand in front of her so nobody looks up her dress (on those rare occasion where she wears one) Although when we pull up at the curb of the restaurant, movie, or wherever nobody is looking at her they are looking at the D.
8. Offer my hand and gently pull up assisting her exit.
9. Place hand over her head to make sure my hand is crushed against the door not messing up her hair in the process.
10. Close her door and then get back in closing my door and heading to the parking lot while all the valets pout:sad30: because I wouldn't let them park it.
11. Drive at least 1 mile away to park in the farthest reaches of the parking lot under a light and no cars around.
12. Spend 30 minutes walking back to try and find my wife who was embarrassed at all the attention she got (again she doesn't realize they attention was not for her but the car) when I dropped her off and who now has gotten bored and found some place to shop.
13. Lastly head to wherever we are going.

If you're not married you won't understand!

Priceless. SO much of this rings true... other than the noise cancelling headphones, that's a new one :)

[thirdmanj]

Priceless. SO much of this rings true... other than the noise cancelling headphones, that's a new one :)

Yeah, the use of noise canceling headphones... I can think of a few "colorful metaphors" for that behavior. But hey, whatever works right?

[Kerichbe]

Just having open heart surgery 3 weeks ago, I was pleasantly surprised to find getting in and out of the D has not gotten any harder, Backup, drop can onto seat, swivel legs in. To get out reverse the process. The crappy part is now trying to reach up and close the door :-( hopefully it will get better by time the snow is gone!

[Dangermouse]

Just having open heart surgery 3 weeks ago, I was pleasantly surprised to find getting in and out of the D has not gotten any harder, Backup, drop can onto seat, swivel legs in. To get out reverse the process. The crappy part is now trying to reach up and close the door :-( hopefully it will get better by time the snow is gone!

Hey, sorry to hear about the surgery. How you make a speedy recovery

[DMC5180]

I'm 6'0"

Entry: I stand beside the rear of the door opening hunched over turned 45 Degrees inward looking down into the seat bottom. I place my right hand on the inside shoulder of the seat back. The place left hand on either the top steering wheel or top corner of the A-Pillar/Indoor seal. In One motion I lift my right leg in and slide it under the wheel while lowering my self into the seat. Then swing left leg in and do some fine adjustments.

Exiting: Is almost the same but in reverse. I swing left leg out w/knee bent 90 degrees or less. I lean forward and left, inline with my left leg. At the same time, I reach back to the inside shoulder of the seat back and push myself up and out while pulling my right leg from under the steering column. It all seems very fluid and natural w/ exception of being hunched over for the open door. I rarely leverage myself in or out with the VIN plate sill, but it all depends what trying to do. (Like ATM machines that are built to be ergonomically correct if your in a SUV or Pick-Up.) for those I usually have to slide up onto the sill just reach the card slot in damn things. In those situations I will leverage against the VIN tag sill.

The Delorean is pretty benign compared to a Lotus Elise which has a very high door sill you have boost yourself up and over to crawl out of.

[Jonathan]

The Delorean is pretty benign compared to a Lotus Elise which has a very high door sill you have boost yourself up and over to crawl out of.

16486

At a British Car Show this past summer, this Lotus' owner let me (try to) sit in his car. Lets just say at 6'3" I will not be getting the 80s Lotus I loved as a kid. Oh man was I one big cramp trying to get in and out without breaking anything. Not nearly enough room. I think he had an aftermarket contraption right where my right knee needed to go, but still, it was tight. Another owner mentioned the possibility of putting a slimmer, low profile seat in it instead, but wasn't sure if that would give me the extra room I needed. Oh well, might save me some mid-life crisis money some day in the future anyway by not getting this car.

Although a friend out West let me sit in his Lotus Evora (I think was the model) and it fit really nice actually. Maybe in their newer models they are giving the taller drivers a bit more space? Looked like a lot of fun from the view out of the cockpit.

[Ryan S.]

too bad. they didn't have one for D.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=nYZ7lAk-BdQ

[Jacko]

too bad. they didn't have one for D.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=nYZ7lAk-BdQThis sure is a good thread I started ain't it?:neener::neener::neener:.... a flashlight would come in handy here ...

[Rich W]

Let me tell you a little story...

Got my car in October 2007. 2 days later I take it to the mechanic to get the safety done. 9 months after that I got it back.

Apparently it had drawn a few crowds some of the time it was there in the lot. The day I picked it up to drive it home a young lady from nearby had dropped by hoping to get a picture in it (for her boyfriend if I recall... oh well). I was like sure, opened the driver door and she sat in the seat in her little skirt with her legs hanging out. Wow. What I would give to have taken that picture with my camera instead of hers. Quite the view. Here I am thinking this car can't be for real... until 5+ years have gone by and it has never happened again. *sigh*

Something like this ...

16515

Or this ...

16516