Who can be trusted to work on a Delorean?

[Scootdive]

I'm a relatively new Delorean owner and I'm trying to decide who I should let work on my car. Unfortunately, I live no where near anyone that you would consider a Delorean expert. Being 30 years old, and having a reputation for being somewhat temperamental, Deloreans need regular preventative mantaniance. Worse, they may eventually need repairs. Paying $1000 round trip to ship my car to a place like DPI or DMC for minor repairs or mantaniance is obviously not cost effective.
What level of knowledge does a mechanic at a car shop have? Are they capable of working on these cars?

[sdg3205]

Proceed with caution.

Old school Volvo shops should be excellent. A lot of modern shops and techs hit a wall when they can't find the OBD ll port.

How far are you from the closest Delorean vendor?

[Michael]

I have found that with DeLoreans (and pretty much any application) that it's not the knowledge of the tech as much as it is his attitude towards his job. I am lucky to know several techs that are not only good friends of mine but are also both skilled AND have a desire to do excellent work.

[Jonathan]

Adding to what Michael mentioned, I would suggest finding a mechanic you trust first, and then figuring out what the knowledge is around DeLoreans specifically.

It is just a car for the most part. Four ____ing wheels and a seat to quote another classic 80s movie. You find a guy that is honest and will work with you on figuring out the trickier, DeLorean specific stuff and you're all set.

But yes, bonus if you perhaps start by asking around for a Volvo or Import guy. Someone with experience working on Bosch systems or K-jet is more likely found than a guy skilled at fixing stainless or adjusting torsion bars. Those kinds of things aren't usually the show stoppers on our cars anyways.

Oh, and find a vendor you like and develop a relationship with them that you are both comfortable with. Whatever that might mean to you specifically.

[dmruschell]

Knowing where you are might help, since many of us have found local shop that will work on the cars or are willing to help out other owners.

[Michael]

Make sure it's an OLD Volvo guy. The technology has changed so much that just being Volvo certified don't mean jack unless this guy has been working on them since the 70s. Most techs will look at you like you asked for a light saber if you mention dwell meter.

[sdg3205]

Most techs will look at you like you asked for a light saber if you mention dwell meter.

vpyy9.jpg

[Michael]

vpyy9.jpg

Best MEME ever!!!!

[David T]

Best MEME ever!!!!

A lot depends on just what needs to be done. If it is just PM work, filters, fluids, and such, just about anyone can do it. For the more specialized work like adjusting the doors, fixing the stainless, that kind of thing, you should only have a Delorean vendor do it. The vendors sell parts to independent shops all over, maybe they can recommend a nearby shop that they have dealt with for the easy stuff. The best solution is for you and a friend to get your hands dirty and try to do some of the easy stuff yourself. You don't need a lot of special tools and there is plenty of advice and encouragement here.

[Michael]

I am adopting a rule. Never take technical advice from someone who after 5 years still can't figure out the difference between the "reply to thread" button and the "reply with quote" button