restoring questions

[npdelo]

I have just recently bought a black delorean :) it runs as is but need further work to be complete. I have a list of parts that are still needed for the restoration. As of right now the major things are: ac, coolant replacement and slippy clutch. But while replacing some these parts I want to upgrade as well what do you think I should do next?

[Bitsyncmaster]

You will need to get that clutch fixed first. Are you doing the work yourself? What are the symptoms? If you need a new clutch plate you may as well check the roll pin, Nut and put in new clutch line (if still black plastic).

[sdg3205]

Don't do anything with the A/C yet - unless you live somewhere really hot. It's not uncommon to find tiny leaks in the heater core, which is of course stashed in the same box as some of the A/C components behind the dash.

Do your cooling system work first (well, at least before the A/C work anyway). Once you're done, put a pressure tester on the system and ensure it holds about 15lbs of pressure for at least half an hour. If you have a slow leak but can't find it anywhere, it could be in the heater core.

Having said that, the whole cooling system should be updated - new rad (if you've got the original plastic one), cooling hoses, otterstat, water pump, belts and header tank.

A lot if us have done this job as it's one of the most important ones to complete, so ask lots of questions!

[npdelo]

Thanks so much I should be fine because I only live 5 miles from the delorean center in CA

[David T]

Best advice would be to try driving the car at least a little to start making up a list of work. If the clutch is real bad obviously that must be dealt with quickly. If you are going to do a "rolling restoration" you concentrate on the most important stuff that affects reliability and safety. While you are doing the clutch you also open and inspect the transmission (for the roll pins) and if necessary replace the clutch master, slave, and line. As for the coolant, if it still has the original pump you should do a Master Kit on the cooling system replacing the radiator, header bottle, EVERY hose, seal, and gasket. The belts, idler bearings, and thermostat. While you are "in there" you also do a Master tune-up replacing the spark plugs, wires, cap, rotor, air filter, fuel filter, adjust valves, and O2 sensor. A lot of this depends on if and when any of this stuff has been done. You should consider flushing and bleeding the brakes too.
David Teitelbaum

[Farrar]

the whole cooling system should be updated - new rad (if you've got the original plastic one), cooling hoses, otterstat, water pump, belts and header tank.

I would add radiator fans to the list if they are still OEM units.

Welcome to DeLorean ownership! :D

Farrar

[tiger38117]

I would add radiator fans to the list if they are still OEM units.

Welcome to DeLorean ownership! :D

Farrar

A lot of people say this, but I run OEM fans in 1905 and have no problems. I believe it is a contributor factor to how cool my car runs on a 100 degree day and the fact that I can get 34 degree air out of my A/C. Those pupies move the air.

[Farrar]

A lot of people say this, but I run OEM fans in 1905 and have no problems.

So do I, but my car has been driven regularly so I trust them more than fans which have been sitting unused for a long time. Regardless, I plan on replacing them with fans which pull less current and push more air. Fortunately, fan technology has moved ahead in the last thirty years.

Farrar

[npdelo]

Did I mention that it's black :) I have alot of people telling me it looks like a Ferrari fro behind lol. I also was wondering the best way to go about a touch-up on the paint job

[sdg3205]

Did I mention that it's black :) I have alot of people telling me it looks like a Ferrari fro behind lol. I also was wondering the best way to go about a touch-up on the paint job

We need some pictures! LOTS of them.

[dvonk]

We need some pictures! LOTS of them.

+1, lets see the black beauty! :biggrin:

[npdelo]

Well she is still at DMC CA.Good thing I only live about 5 mins away :)

[Rich]

Read this posting for reviving a dormant fuel system:

http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?637

Also be aware there is a fine How-To collection for reference here, where that fuel system link came from:
http://dmctalk.org/forumdisplay.php?4 (http://dmctalk.org/forumdisplay.php?4-How-To-Guides)

Looks as if you might need it from time to time. Have fun with the project!

[dmcpom]

with regard to the new low current draw fans and newer ones flowing more air i have new fans davis craig ones in my car high flow/volume but they dont pull nearly as much air as the genuine ones and if the old fans had fitted with good ol dap three core rad that leaks i would of used them still :-)