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View Full Version : DeLorean Roadster Convertible - Sketch to Stainless (photos)



Rich W
07-05-2011, 02:55 PM
As with many DeLorean owners and enthusiasts, I saw my first Concept image
of a DeLorean Convertible back in the Winter of 1987, as a drawing on the cover
of DeLorean World. The sketches were done by a Chicago area cover artist
Theodore C. Alexander, Jr. for Dick Shipman of the DOA and DeLorean World.

After seeing this idea, I had sketched several of my own versions over the next
few years (especially while I was supposed to be taking "notes" in College), but
the next time I was inspired to make another sketch was after meeting JZD in
person, at DCS 2000, at the same time I sketched the DeLorean Limousine.

After starting on the DeLorean Limo frame in 2001, there was an Open House at
DMC Houston where I saw another DeLorean Convertible sketch that was "found"
at the warehouse in Columbus, which was raffled off later at that event. I did
not win the raffle for this item, but I did take a photo of the framed sketch.

After acquiring a few fire damaged DeLoreans in 2001 and 2002, including a donor
car with roof damage, it was time to try to make the D Convertible into a reality.

My D Convertible is still a Work-In-Progress, and of course, it remains a Roadster
until an actual convertible hard top or retracting soft top is fully installed.

Then, a few years ago, I came across an original DMCL Concept image, and now I
am re-imagining my D Convertible closer to the original DMC commissioned concept.

A few of the inspirational drawings, sketches and photos attached below.

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Later,
Rich W.

Rich W
07-06-2011, 01:52 PM
The DeLorean Convertible project fabrication work started in Spring of 2002.

Having a couple sets of burned rear quarter panels (mostly burned at C-pillars),
I cut and trimmed down one set, to identify the "lines" needed for the rear deck
fiberglass fabrication work. Once the lines were identified and marked out, the
rear deck fiberglass fabrication work began. Eric Weber did this fiberglass work.

Attaching a few photos of the first generation fiberglass fabrication work done
in advance of the DCS 2002 event in Memphis. (the raw, unpainted fiberglass)

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Later,
Rich W.

PlutonimicX
07-06-2011, 01:57 PM
Thanks Rich! I've been waiting for a more in depth look/explanation at this particular project!

Rich W
07-07-2011, 01:05 PM
Before getting too far into the build and progress photos, I thought I would
include a few more variation sketches, photo renderings, CGI, etc.

One is a "fan sketch" of what the Convertible may look like with the original
single point, front swivel door hinge assembly that I had initially designed.

One is a photo rendering (by Marty Maier) who had been working on his own
DeLorean Convertible project up until last year, when I bought his project.
In some areas, Marty did not get as far as I did, but in other areas, such as
a completely redone and reinforced frame, he was way ahead of my work.

I have not decided if I will make two identical Convertibles, two different
variations, or re-use Marty's project car parts to build another unique project.
Also note that Marty based his photo concept on his own Turbo DeLorean
with his custom wheels, but I do already have a similar set of custom wheels.

And, of course, the GTA version, which probably has gotten more exposure in
the Gaming World than my actual car has in the "real" automotive world.

However, I hope that will all change later this year, when I hope to re-debut
my DeLorean Roadster, looking a lot closer to the original DMCL Concept car.

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Later,
Rich W.

Rich W
07-07-2011, 02:20 PM
Found a couple photos of my BBS gold weave wheels (in as-purchased condition).

I still have the old caps that came with the wheels, but they were "glued-on"
when I received them, and I decided to go with a more factory look finish.

I am not much a fan of gold painted wheels, so I am not sure if I will go with a
gold, silver or black center section (for display purposes). I have a silver set too.

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Later,
Rich W.

Rich W
07-08-2011, 03:08 PM
I thought I would post a couple of photos that were taken 8 years apart
and both photos are taken at a similar angle, on the same side of the car.

The first photo is my DeLorean Convertible Roadster Concept at DCS 2002
in the main parking lot of the Heartbreak Hotel in Memphis, TN.

The second photo is my DeLorean Convertible Roadster last year in 2010,
after Chris Nicholson completed the stainless repairs on the passenger side.

The wheels shown in the second photo are early 80's 5-spoke design wheels
in the stock 14" and 15" sizes, similar to the 5-spoke wheels in the concept
sketch photo (red background) found in the Kapac (Columbus) warehouse.
These were also the original wheels that were on Screaming Yellow D.

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Later,
Rich W.

Rich W
07-12-2011, 01:20 PM
In early Spring 2011, I decided to begin the re-design of the rear deck area
to more closely match the DeLorean Convertible Concept that was sketched
for the original DeLorean Motor Company back in October of 1981.

As with any work based on concept sketch, there were plently of decisions
that had to be made to make the concept functional and in at least a few
cases, changes needed to be made to make the concept a reality.

So, as I display some of the progress photos, I will explain most of the reasons
for the changes...some subtle, some practical and some due to the current,
stock layout of a production DeLorean, such as engine placement height, etc.

The Rear Deck v2.0 currently in progress will not be identical to the sketch
primarily due to the engine placement height, and I do not plan to lower the
engine, trans. and suspension, just to make the rear deck look identical.

With this in mind, here are a couple photos from earlier this Spring, with the
original convertible rear deck styling pieces removed, with the base car being
prepped for the first of the new rear deck pieces to be fabricated.

Also note the Recaro Driver Seat in the car in the second photo. Although I
have original early 80's Recaro Seats with mesh headrests, I may decide to
use these mid 80's Recaro Seats, with built-in headrest speakers.

Recaros with headrest speakers seem like a good upgrade for a Convertible.

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More progress photos to follow.

Later,
Rich W.

Rich W
08-03-2011, 02:05 PM
As with most of the rest of the U.S., the Chicago area has been having
a very hot Summer this year, which is not great weather when you need
to work with fiberglass resin, so the Rear Deck progress has been slow.

However, I did take a couple quick iPhone photos this week of the new
rear deck and it is really starting to take shape. As mentioned before,
it will not be an exact match to the concept sketch, but pretty close.

Attaching a couple photos of the current level of rear deck progress.

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Next are the additions of the NACA Air Ducts in the rear deck lid and
the custom fabrication of the rear wing (based on a production wing)
with the wing ends modified (with winglets) to match the concept.

Later,
Rich W.

Ryan King
08-05-2011, 04:13 AM
Rich,

I am at a loss for words as to how damn good you are doing on this project. It is so cool. I hope to one day see the convertible. I really love that you decided to go with the original car sketch, I can slowly see this thing coming to life from the photos! I am truly amazed with your work. I applaud you, sir. :aniclap:

Quick Question, are you planning on doing the DMC in the seat as show in the concept drawing? Also, will there actually BE a top for the car? Will it fold under the rear fiberglass wing or will it perhaps be a detachable top much like the older Corvettes?

Keep up the excellent work. I will continue to follow your progress.

-Ryan

Farrar
08-05-2011, 12:52 PM
What he said.

Plus -- I hope to see a presentation on this car at DCS in Orlando, even if it's not finished yet. Would be great to see photos and get the story in person. :)

Farrar

Rich W
08-05-2011, 09:58 PM
Thanks Ryan and Farrar.

Yes, the seats will have the DMC logo in the centers
of the seats...cloth centers with sim. leather around
the edges (leather not great if/when it gets wet).

Not sure if it will be on the set of seats with the mesh
headrests (as in the sketch) or the mid 80's Recaros
with the speakers in the headrests (maybe both?).

Yes, I plan on having the Roadster and the Limousine
at DCS 2012 (I have enclosed trailers for both) and I
hope to have the Roadster mostly complete by then.

I plan to have a presentation on both of these vehicles
at DCS 2012 (maybe one Thursday and one Friday?)
and I will have plenty of progress photos to display.

If I have time, I will plan to bring Power Point driven
photo progress displays on my laptop with me to the
DMCH Open House, if anyone wants to see them then.

I dropped off a donor rear wing at the fiberglass shop
today, so I may have some progress photos, with wing,
in the next week or so, mild weather permitting.

Later,
Rich W.

Rich W
08-10-2011, 12:30 PM
Adding a couple photos of the donor wing in the pre-setup (mock-up), prior to
making the re-shaping, actual placement, and without the extended stands.

Current wing ends will be removed and new winglets will be added in the shape
seen on the C&C, Inc. Concept Sketch, hopefully within the next few days.

Today's weather is great for fiberglass fabrication, with temps in the low 70's
and only 45% humidity. Hoping for significant wing progress by next week.

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Later,
Rich W.

Farrar
08-10-2011, 02:23 PM
Rich,

Will there be a little "ram air" intake where I see the hump in the fiberglass there over the engine compartment behind the seat? I can picture it there in my mind, but I don't recall anything in the sketches. Just wondering what your plan was for that little raised area there -- looks like a perfect spot -- or "slot"? -- for such.

Wing looks great!

Farrar

Rich W
08-10-2011, 03:32 PM
Farrar,

The "bump" in the deck lid is being made to appear similar to the C&C sketch,
most easily seen in the middle image of the three images in the sketch.

Although I am not considering a "ram air" modification to this bump in the deck
lid (primarily since there will most likely be significant turbulence in this area),
I am considering opening the sides and rear sections of the bump, to have better
ventilation of the engine compartment while the car is at idle or at low speeds.

The openings on the sides and/or rear of the bump will most likely have some
SS mesh in the openings, painted either to match the deck or painted flat black.
I have been very happy with the results of using a SS mesh section on the engine
cover of the Grand National powered DeLorean, to dissipate the extra turbo heat.

The two NACA Air Ducts should allow airflow into the engine compartment when
the car is at speed, either with the top down (or off) or with a top in place.
I have not yet decided whether to use NACA Air Ducts with single or dual outlets,
but I will have a better idea once I have the molds made for each of the styles.

Later,
Rich W.

Ryan King
08-14-2011, 04:08 AM
Rich -

Is the convertible sticking with an original DeLorean PRV? Or were you planning on going a different route?

Rich W
08-14-2011, 05:58 AM
Hi Ryan,

The Convertible will have PRV power, although it may
not stay with a stock PRV when I do the frame repairs.

I have a unique hybrid 3.0L PRV purchased last year
from Marty Maier and that may find it's way in there.

Later,
Rich W.

Rich W
11-07-2011, 02:05 PM
Adding a couple photos of the custom rear wing progress, taken last week.

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This rear wing was fabricated completely from scratch, when I determined
the donor wing required too much re-working to try to get it close to the
original design in the Cars and Concepts sketch. Still finializing a few of
the details (lowering it 3/4" more, etc.), but it is getting close to complete.

Winglets on the ends is the next part of the project on the list "To Do".

Later,
Rich W.

Rich W
11-30-2011, 01:55 PM
The functional NACA Air Ducts have been added to the rear deck lid,
with the ducts installed just in front of the leading edge of the wing.

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The revised rear deck lid (with custom rear wing) is nearing the end
of its fabrication phase. Planned completion before mid-December.

During the rear deck fabrication phase, the bottom of the interior
underbody section was re-inforced with a heavy carbon fiber cloth
lamination, to stiffen the underbody, for use without a roof section.
Not much to "see", but I will take some future photos, for reference.

Note: Hard to "see" dark carbon fiber cloth, on a black underbody.

Later,
Rich W.

Rich W
12-13-2011, 01:32 PM
Adding a few photos of the "initial lay-up" of the Carbon Fiber added
to the passenger area of the underbody on the Roadster Convertible.

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The Carbon Fiber was added to strengthen the underbody both from
the side sills and the center tunnel, as well as a little of the floor too.

As mentioned previously, it is hard to see black on black, but the initial
lay-up photos have less resin applied (at the time) and easier to see.

Later,
Rich W.

SIMid
12-13-2011, 08:54 PM
Can't wait to see all this finished and running! :)

Farrar
12-13-2011, 11:34 PM
Hi, Rich.

What thickness of carbon fibre cloth are you using and how many layers? Do you believe this will make the interior quieter as a side-effect?

Thanks,
Farrar

Rich W
12-14-2011, 01:35 PM
Hi Farrar,

I will need to check my latest receipt (pretty sure it is listed on there),
but if not, I can check with the fabrication shop, to verify.

I know it is a fairly heavy cloth vs. most carbon fiber, and with all B.S.
aside, both the shop and myself decided to go with this particular cloth
since it was "left over" stock from another job (and thus cost way less)
and as with my other projects, this will be a little over-built for the use.

Most of the areas have a single layer added and there are areas of the
floor that do not have an additional carbon fiber layer, so I doubt there
will be sigificant sound dampening other than the fact that there are
now smaller floor areas, in sections, without added reinforcement layers.

While I think a standard DeLorean could benefit from extra fiberglass on
the entire "thin" floor area, this project is a Roadster which will spend
most of its drive time with the top down (or hardtop off), so trapped
sound in the passenger compartment will not be too much of an issue.

Thanks,
Rich W.

DMCTek
12-24-2011, 01:17 AM
Hey Rich,
Always nice to see you making progress on your customs! This is one of your creations I have yet to see in person. DCS 2012 or bust!

Rich W
01-03-2012, 01:14 PM
Hi Mike,

Sorry for the delayed reply. My uncle passed away over the holidays
after two years with Stage 4 cancer, so I took a little break from the
forum, to spend a little more time with the family.

With things getting a little more back to normal this week, I plan to
bring the Roadster by the DMCMW shop sometime soon, with weather
permitting, to have you and/or Dave do some fuel system work.

So, you should be able to get a preview well before DCS 2012 and well
before I get the new rear deck and rear wing finished...even before any
primer and paint. Just try not to get any greasy finger prints on it (lol).

Later,
Rich W.

Note: May add one or more photos, later this week.

Farrar
01-04-2012, 03:21 PM
My condolences to you and your family, Rich. I hope he went well.

Farrar

Rich W
01-06-2012, 05:50 PM
Thanks Farrar. Time does seem to make things easier to handle.

Since it hit 55 degrees in Chicago today (very rare on January 6th)
I thought I should try to at least post a new photo of the Roadster.

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This was right after I pulled it out of the fiberglass fabrication shop
and put it on one of my single place flat-bed open trailers. Dusty!!

Need to drop it off at the paint shop soon, to get the fabrication
work "cleaned up", primed and painted, hopefully before Spring.

Later,
Rich W.

DMCTek
01-06-2012, 09:59 PM
Hi Rich,
Sorry to hear about your Uncle.
Just give us a call when you'd like to come in.

Rich W
07-26-2012, 03:20 PM
Well, most certainly a lot has happened in the past six months, and in that time, the DeLorean Roadster project has been idle.

However, with the last triple digit temp hopefully behind me, for a while (102 degrees yesterday), I hope to re-start work on
the DeLorean Roadster soon. It may actually get some attention, before the cooler Fall weather sets in, in a few months.

Although I am not sure where I will focus the re-start, I thought I would post a few more Rear Deck Lid and Rear Wing photos,
since I came across them while searching through my photo archives for an upcoming article with South West News Service.

The first photo is the Rear Deck Lid, with NACA Ducts and newly fabricated custom Rear Wing attached, with no winglets.
The second photo is the Rear Deck Lid, with NACA Ducts and newly fabricated custom Rear Wing attached, with winglets.

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Again, the design of the Rear Deck and the Rear Wing are based on the Cars and Concepts, DeLorean Convertible sketch.
Although I do not anticipate creating a near identical match to the sketch, it will be the closest representation to date.

Any additional progress between now and the Woodward Dream Cruise will be based on the weather temps and spare time,
otherwise, the next wave of progress may not be until after Labor Day and the British Car Union show (and two weddings).

Later,
Rich W.

SIMid
07-29-2012, 06:55 PM
Looking good rich! :)

Rich W
11-27-2012, 01:33 PM
Think Warm !!

With the coldest evening of the season last night (18 degrees), I thought I would post a quick note about the DeLorean Roadster
progress this past weekend. With the cold, I did not get a chance to shuffle my cars and get the Roadster outside for photos yet,
but I will give that a try this upcoming weekend (expected to be 50 degrees), but there is also a chance of rain, so we shall see.
Still a long way to go, but things are coming together and I will hopefully have my custom hinges fully functional before next Spring.

The dual-function, custom hinge design is almost finalized and I should have the full scale mock-up ready after the first of the year.

Again, I will try to get some new progress photos posted within the next week or so.

Later,
Rich W.

Ryan King
01-08-2013, 01:23 AM
I demand an update. :sad30:

Rich W
01-08-2013, 12:35 PM
I demand an update. :sad30:

Ahh, a request from a "King". With today being the birthday of another King (Elvis),
I will see if I can fill the request with some details and more photos soon.

This is the second Winter in a row that we are anticipating a significant Winter Thaw
in the Chicago area (50 degrees by this weekend) in early January is pretty darn rare,
so if there is not too much rain (as expected) with these warm temps, I will try to get
some updated photos of the recent progress on the D Roadster from late Fall 2012.

Thanks,
Rich W.

Rich W
01-14-2013, 12:45 PM
I demand an update. :sad30:

Sorry, this will not be an extensive, detailed update, but I am including a couple photos taken this Saturday afternoon.

Unfortunately, plenty of non-DeLorean related activities and over 500 miles of driving on Saturday (starting at 5am) left
very little time to try to shuffle cars, to get some better photos, before a Saturday evening ice storm passed through the
area where I have most of my DeLoreans stored. I wanted to head back home before the ice storm, so a more detailed
update will need to wait until my next significant free time, project work opportunity (maybe next month?).

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Chris N. was able to "improve" nearly all of the damaged panels used on the DeLorean Convertible Roadster this past Fall,
including a quick flash-brush of the inside of the doors (the exposed edges, when opened) where the previous fire damage
areas really looked bad. The dent removal on the exteriors of both doors was completed and both were re-brushed as well.
The bonnet will still need some attention on a later trip or I will swap it out with one of my already repaired grooved hoods.

The next big task is to complete the custom door hinge installation, which will be done first on a full-size "mock up" of the
Roadster, using the other "roof delete" underbody that I acquired from Marty Maier a few years ago. I have other repaired
panels (including cut-down, burn doors) that will be used during this test-fit stage of the project and once all the fit/finish
issues are worked out on the test mule, the custom hinges will be transferred to the project car and installed accordingly.

Later,
Rich W.

LordFly
04-23-2013, 09:08 PM
Hey Rich, this is a pretty cool project. I'm always looking for updates. I'm curious about the doors, are they going to do the single front hinge like in the early drawing? Are they already functional, or just latched in place? Keep up the awesome work!

Rich W
04-23-2013, 10:25 PM
Hey Rich, this is a pretty cool project. I'm always looking for updates. I'm curious about the doors, are they going to do the single front hinge like in the early drawing? Are they already functional, or just latched in place? Keep up the awesome work!

Thanks Devon. Recent progress has been delayed with the recent flooding in the Chicagoland area, but I can
comment on the hinge type. Yes, it will be single front hinge, per door, but the hinge type will be dual function
in that the custom hinge allows the door to open either as a "normal" door hinge or open "up" Lamborghini style.

I hope to have some photos of the hinge and door mock-up to post soon, maybe as soon as next month.
Free time and weather will be the deciding factors in the timing of the progress this Spring and Summer.

Rich W
06-17-2013, 01:20 PM
For those waiting patiently (and for those waiting not so patiently...you know who you are...Ryan), I finally have an update, with a few photos.

Lots of progress on the D Convertible Roadster project in the past week and a few folks got to see it in person last Friday before the DMC MW
Open House event this past Saturday. My goal was to get the exterior about 88% complete before Nick Sutton saw the car in person. (done!)
Note: Nick was doing an interview with JLP Movies, next to Micah's Black Lotus, in the background of the D Roadster and D Limo photo.

After re-evaluating the slightly flattened driver side rear quarter panel that was salvaged from the roll-over DeLorean (Crash & Burn Story car),
it was decided to use another donor quarter panel that was included in the Marty Maier convertible project car package I purchased in 2010,
since it had already been cut down for a similar use. The roll-over panel will still be used on the "door hinge test buck" for door fit/swing tests.

The hail damaged bonnet was fully repaired and refinished, and all the other panels were gone over again, out in the sunlight, and blended to
look consistent throughout the re-finishing. New (used) fascias were re-fitted to the car, along with a few new parts, like the new rock screen.
Not enough time to re-fit all the rub strips, but most of them are on ... at least on the passenger side of the vehicle.

As for the interior, I did get about 88% of it in place as well, along with a "driver" Recaro seat with the mesh headrest (like the concept sketch)
and a "passenger" Recaro seat with the speakers built-in to the headrests (circa mid-1980's version of the Recaro seats, available in the 80's).
Most of the rest of the interior is stock or stock appearing, as in the original Cars and Concepts sketch, which was drawn in October 1981.

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Hopefully, more updates and photos in the not-too-distant future.

Thanks.
Rich W.

Rich W
06-18-2013, 01:05 PM
A fan of the D Convertible Roadster project asked me to post (and re-post) some photos of the custom door pillar caps.
(a few of these photos were posted back on the .com forum and I guess that I forgot to re-post them to the .org forum)

Attaching a couple photos of the A-pillar and B-pillar caps, right after they were welded in place, and the edges ground.

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Note: Above photos were taken before the Driver Door A-pillar was repaired (see dents) and before the new rear deck.

I will try to take new photos of the A-pillar and B-pillar caps soon, in their "finished" condition, and then post them soon.

Rich W
06-19-2013, 01:45 PM
It has come to my attention there may be some misconceptions about the donor car used for the DeLorean Convertible Roadster.
As with many of my projects, a photo with brief caption (or question) does not always correctly convey the spirit of my projects.

Since this project began about 11 years ago, with its initial debut at DCS 2002, the project has changed focus over the last few years.

The initial project was based on the sketches on the cover and in DeLorean World Magazine, Winter 1987 and a sketch I had seen
briefly at the DMCH Open House in 2001. The version of the DeLorean Convertible Roadster was based on these sketches in 2002.

The donor car that was used for the DeLorean Convertible Roadster project was an extensively damaged car, from top to bottom,
destined to be parted out. The frame was bad (it still is, but a repaired frame is in the wings waiting), the roof was damaged both
inside and out, on the door side (structurally in several spots...door strut mounts damaged due to door struts that were too long)
and on the louver side (towed backwards, louver hinges pulled out of fiberglass, louvers broken, rear window broken, etc.). Louver
caused damage to the roofs of the doors, the T-panel and the mounting points of the louver struts on the tops of the rear quarters.
Hail damage throughout, on most panels (especially the hood) and some corrosion on the tops of the fenders and parts of the hood.

Although many of the panels looked pretty bad, all of the panels were repaired, with some of them used on my other projects. The
doors and rear quarter panels that were "cut down" for use on the DeLorean Convertible Roadster came from Fire Damaged cars,
where the tops of the doors and rear quarters had been warped and "blued" by intense heat and could not be repaired for re-use
on a stock or painted DeLorean. For those who do not believe fire damaged panels were used, you can look more closely in person.
I had made an attempt to use a non-fire damaged rear quarter from a roll-over DeLorean (Crash & Burn project car from 2004), but
it had been significantly "flattened" to the point where it would not hold the curve, so a previous burn panel was returned to duty.

The last of the hail damage was removed from the hood just last week and all the panels re-aligned for the replacement fascias,
which were also re-aligned last week. Once the frame is swapped, the car will be lowered slightly, to acheive the proper stance.

The current re-fresh of the DeLorean Convertible Roadster is being based on the Cars & Concepts, Inc. sketch that had been drawn
in October 1981, for DeLorean Motor Company, as one of the many concepts and ideas that were being explored in late 1981. This
drawing was only recently identified in some original DeLorean Motor Company records after JZD passed away in 2005. Although I
do not recall exactly when I first saw these sketches for the first time, I know I did not photograph them for reference until 2008.

This project is my interpretation of the Convertible Concept Drawings that DeLorean Motor Company commissioned back in late 1981
and when I get access to these DeLorean Motor Company records again some day, I hope to identify the code name for this project.

Until then, this project will be known as the DeLorean Convertible Roadster. (Right or Wrong)

Dangermouse
06-19-2013, 02:19 PM
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This is the favorite DeLorean picture I have seen recently. Really like the look of the car in it. Seems very natural.

Jimmyvonviggle
06-19-2013, 09:14 PM
Rich, I really like how you bring these cars that were destined to be parted out, and give them new life. Very impressive.

Mark D
06-20-2013, 07:29 PM
Getting some bad press unfortunately...

https://www.facebook.com/timemachinerestoration/posts/499147656824559


Comment added by Rich W. below:

Been through this before, with almost every project, plus the Discovery Channel shows.

Interesting choice of words in the meme. One could answer with the following:

Some men put out the fire and make the car into a Roadster.

Some men look at a damaged car and only see the Parts.

Some men make a comment before knowing the whole story.

Thankfully, most FaceBook folks have short attention spans.

This too shall pass.

Farrar
06-20-2013, 07:41 PM
I wouldn't worry about "bad press" from people who think the only "real" DeLorean is the one from Back to the Future.

I say keep on keepin' on, Rich!

Dangermouse
06-20-2013, 08:19 PM
I think Rich will be able to cope ;)

thirdmanj
06-20-2013, 08:51 PM
Wasn't it a crap DeLorean that Rich saved from almost certain destruction?

Dangermouse
06-20-2013, 09:13 PM
Yes.

Even if it was a pristine car, some might say that creating a unique convertible roadster following the designs laid out by the original company is a much more worthy achievement than yet another BTTF replica.

(No offense intended towards BTTF car owners)

thirdmanj
06-20-2013, 09:55 PM
Yes.

Even if it was a pristine car, some might say that creating a unique convertible roadster following the designs laid out by the original company is a much more worthy achievement than yet another BTTF replica.

(No offense intended towards BTTF car owners)

That I didn't know! Keeeewl!

dvonk
06-20-2013, 09:57 PM
Even if it was a pristine car, some might say that creating a unique convertible roadster following the designs laid out by the original company is a much more worthy achievement than yet another BTTF replica.

im gonna go ahead and give this a '+1.'

Gary Weaver II
06-20-2013, 10:50 PM
+1 for Rich. There are literally DOZENS of BTTF conversions out there (good, bad, or otherwise). There is only ONE DMC Roadster.

That's true originality and it should be celebrated.

Ryan King
06-20-2013, 11:51 PM
Are these the rims from the concept drawing?
19983

Mark D
06-20-2013, 11:56 PM
Getting some bad press unfortunately...

https://www.facebook.com/timemachinerestoration/posts/499147656824559


Comment added by Rich W. below:

Been through this before, with almost every project, plus the Discovery Channel shows.

Interesting choice of words in the meme. One could answer with the following:

Some men put out the fire and make the car into a Roadster.

Some men look at a damaged car and only see the Parts.

Some men make a comment before knowing the whole story.

Thankfully, most FaceBook folks have short attention spans.

This too shall pass.

The "some men just want to watch the world burn" meme originated from The Dark Knight:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efHCdKb5UWc

Rich W
06-21-2013, 12:15 AM
The "some men just want to watch the world burn" meme originated from The Dark Knight:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efHCdKb5UWc

Although I am familiar with the origin of this meme,
I was referencing the irony of using the term "burn"
with a project that used parts from two burned cars.

Just for the record, I do not plan to burn down the jungle.

Ryan King
06-21-2013, 12:40 AM
Although I am familiar with the origin of this meme,
I was referencing the irony of using the term "burn"
with a project that used parts from two burned cars.

Just for the record, I do not plan to burn down the jungle.

Rich, did you see the rims I posted?

-Ryan

Rich W
06-21-2013, 06:47 AM
Rich, did you see the rims I posted?

-Ryan

Hi Ryan,

Yes, I did see the photo (kind of) on my iPhone. I was hoping to get a better look
at the photo on my work computer, but that will not happen until next Monday.

It does appear the rims are very similar to the ones I have, posted on Page 1 of
this thread (IIRC), but the center caps look a little out of place for a good match,
similar to the way my gold mesh BBS style wheels looked when I got them too.
I could not see the rear wheel too well on the iPhone, but the set looks very similar.

Thanks,
Rich W.

Rich W
08-01-2013, 04:15 PM
In preparation for a Special Guest viewing the DeLorean Roadster this weekend, I decided to re-install a set of stock DeLorean wheels last weekend.

Unfortunately, it rained last weekend too, so I did not take any outdoor photos, but one indoor photo that I took (below) turned out pretty well.

20917

If all goes as planned (no rain, etc.), I will post more details and photos sometime next week, regarding this weekend's event.

Later,
Rich W.

Rich W
08-05-2013, 01:12 PM
Sunday, August 4, 2013 -- 10:04am

Rich W. meets with Glenn W. Abbott, the design artist responsible for drawing the Cars & Concepts, DeLorean Convertible sketch.

21006

21007

Glenn worked for Cars & Concepts, Inc. between 1977 and 1983, and during that time, Glenn worked closely with the mechanical
and design engineers at C&C, developing design concepts for many makes and models, including T-Top and Convertible versions
of several GM cars, the Fox-based Ford Mustang Convertible and a few Chrysler Convertibles. After C&C, Glenn went to AMC and
stayed with the company as it was purchased by Chrysler, and he has remained at Chrysler, weathering mutliple management
changes and the multiple "re-births" of Chrysler. 30 years later, Glenn is still with Chrysler and he stopped by my place during his
annual August vacation, which includes a stop at the Bonneville Salt Flats for Speed Week and the Pebble Beach Concours.
While Glenn only worked briefly with DeLoreans, he is a true gear-head, pulling up to my place in a New Silver Hemi car.

More details to follow.

Ryan King
08-05-2013, 02:40 PM
Sunday, August 4, 2013 -- 10:04am

Rich W. meets with Glenn W. Abbott, the design artist responsible for drawing the Cars & Concepts, DeLorean Convertible sketch.

21006

21007

Glenn worked for Cars & Concepts, Inc. between 1977 and 1983, and during that time, Glenn worked closely with the mechanical
and design engineers at C&C, developing design concepts for many makes and models, including T-Top and Convertible versions
of several GM cars, the Fox-based Ford Mustang Convertible and a few Chrysler Convertibles. After C&C, Glenn went to AMC and
stayed with the company as it was purchased by Chrysler, and he has remained at Chrysler, weathering mutliple management
changes and the multiple "re-births" of Chrysler. 30 years later, Glenn is still with Chrysler and he stopped by my place during his
annual August vacation, which includes a stop at the Bonneville Salt Flats for Speed Week and the Pebble Beach Concours.
While Glenn only worked briefly with DeLoreans, he is a true gear-head, pulling up to my place in a New Silver Hemi car.

More details to follow.


Awesome!!!! Was he able to give more insight in regards to the sketches?

Rich W
08-08-2013, 06:00 PM
21078

Glenn W. Abbott, Automotive Design Artist (now Senior Designer at Chrysler LLC)

Glenn worked for Cars & Concepts, Inc. between 1977 and 1983, and during that time, Glenn worked closely with the mechanical
and design engineers at C&C, developing design concepts for many makes and models, including T-Tops and Convertible versions
of several GM cars, the Fox-based Ford Mustang Convertible and a few Chrysler Convertibles. During his tenure at C&C, concepts
such as the Buick Grand National were developed in-house and went on to become the few American Muscle Cars of the 1980's.

Glenn recalls working on several DeLorean project sketches, although the actual total number escapes him, since his job was to
generate 1 to 2 concept sketches per day (or 5 to 10 per week) and unfortunately, Glenn never kept any drafts or sketches.
Glenn did keep in contact with Dave Draper, C&C's VP of Product Development (and later C&C President) and after a call to Dave,
there was still no conclusive number of DMC sketches and proposals, so we will have to wait and see if more surface in the future.

The wheels shown in the DeLorean Convertible sketch were based on a French wheel design that C&C used quite frequently, since
C&C had on-going business dealings with the French wheel manufacturer, so the basis of their use was more practical than artistic.
The rear deck, rear wing and the convertible top base plate (top boot) were to be manufactured in fiberglass and painted to match
the rear fascia, however, there were also thoughts of painting the entire car Silver, so all the parts would match throughout.
Glenn did not recall if this version of DeLorean Convertible sketch was meant to be completely painted or not, since an on-going
C&C project at the time was to find or develop a cost effective and high quality method of painting stainless steel panels.

The primary DeLorean project that C&C was tasked with (along with a few other competing specialty design shops), was to find or
develop a cost effective and high quality method of painting stainless steel panels, that DMC dealers could provide to customers.
As the story goes, there were many potential DeLorean customers who were "put off" by the bare stainless panels, but otherwise
loved the cars, so some DMC dealers were asking for a "factory authorized" method of painting a DeLorean. C&C went around and
around with many paint companies and chemical companies, trying to develop a dealer solution, but this project was abandonned
after the DMC factory was shut down for the first time, in early 1982. The puzzle of painting stainless was left unsolved.

Beyond concept cars and specialty aftermarket packages, Glenn wanted to work on production vehicles, for an actual car company.
In 1983, Glenn went to AMC and then stayed with the company, as it was purchased by Chrysler, then Daimler, weathering mutliple
management changes, bankruptcy, Chapter 11 and multiple "re-births" of the company. 30 years later, Glenn is still with Chrysler.
Glenn is currently designing Interiors for Chrysler vehicles, with his latest emphasis and focus on Seat Designs.

Rich W
09-16-2013, 04:25 PM
I had part of my collection displayed outside this weekend, for a few photo shoots during a few interviews,
so I thought it was a good time to take a few photos as well, to update a few of the threads on DMCTalk.

This was a great opportunity to finally take an outdoor photo of the DeLorean Roadster since I had done a
little more work on it, just prior to Glenn Abbott's visit in early August. Of couse, it was raining on/off too.

21970

Ryan King
10-18-2014, 02:16 AM
I had part of my collection displayed outside this weekend, for a few photo shoots during a few interviews,
so I thought it was a good time to take a few photos as well, to update a few of the threads on DMCTalk.

This was a great opportunity to finally take an outdoor photo of the DeLorean Roadster since I had done a
little more work on it, just prior to Glenn Abbott's visit in early August. Of couse, it was raining on/off too.

21970

Been awhile, any updates?

Rich W
10-18-2014, 06:50 PM
Been awhile, any updates?

Additional (final?) door hinge work (fit, modify, test, re-test) being done on the "test mule" underbody
that I acquired with the Marty Maier convertible car project, purchased from Marty a few years ago.

I am hoping to finalize all the fabricated hinge mounts, so the install procedure can be transferred
to the current Roadster v2.0 project car, either later this Fall or early Winter, weather permitting.

Unfortunately, I have been side-lined by a severe sprained foot and major project deadlines at work,
so I am hobbling around on crutches at work this weekend (and probably through the end of Oct.).

Maybe some progress photos to post by next month, if all goes well.