Who can be trusted to work on a Delorean?

[opethmike]

Agreed. I learned how to DIY on my DMC. They're simple cars, and not difficult to work on.

[mr_maxime]

most likely not chain stores. While approaching shops, I'd go in assuming they know nothing. Never trusted mechanics to work on my accord ever since I was told to do a bunch of stuff that didnt need to be done, and I trust them even less with my delorean.

honestly, Id look for reviews online for local shops and see what they specialize in. That's what I did when I was trying to find someone do to my front brake pads. The shop had good reviews. They were worried about parts availability at first, but I had them with me. Turns out the mechanic had done delorean brakes before, so I was in luck. The owner even asked if it had the original PRV in it. They also specialized in older british sports cars. I ended up kind of lucking out, but then I wouldnt have found it if I hadnt looked for a place with good reviews.

Another good plan is to look into the local clubs and use their experience for help. It's probably best to start learning how to work on it yourself than trying to find a good shop.

[dustybarn]

Also old British sports cars. While the engine has nothing in common, the suspension and brakes will be familiar to them. More importantly, they will be used to picky owners and odd cars and if they are still in business, then they are probably quite good.

Yep. I cut my mechanic-ing teeth on Triumphs, TVRs, and Lotuses, and when I first crawled under a Delorean, it felt like home.

[mluder]

I'll chime in...
I also learned how to fix my car on my car with no previous experience.

About a year after I bought it I took most of the major engine components off - did not remove any internals - so I could clean the valley and paint everything I could reach, replaced all the vacuum lines, etc. I had a vacuum leak and my clutch slave was dripping so I figured if I'm going to do it then make it count. My car was off the road for nearly 3 months during this time and I hated every minute I couldn't drive it. This forum, the vendors, the Pacific Northwest DeLorean Club, and nearby owners were invaluable resources. When I got it all back together it started on the first try... much to my own surprise.

I'll add two footnotes... I was already rather good with my hands - I'm a maker at heart and like to build things, etc. Number B - I still have major stuff like clutch replacement and body work done by the shop in Seattle. I don't have as far a drive as Dave Graham but it's not in my back yard either. Fortunately it is within AAA towing distance so when I can't drive, I ship it.

So... it comes down to your time and eagerness to learn... Doesn't help to be mechanically inclined either. Also, make friends with the vendors, clubs, and any owners in the area.

Cheers
Steven

[Dangermouse]

... Doesn't help to be mechanically inclined either.

say what again ??

[uhhair]

I feel like a lot of Delorean owners like to respond to a new owner's question of "where can I find a mechanic to work on my car" with the answer "no one, do it yourself, ya dingus!"

This doesn't help if the individual truly doesn't want to work on their car.


So to answer the question, a lot of people have hit it on the head. If you're lucky enough to find an old Volvo mechanic who is familiar with K-Jet, that's probably the best solution. Another solution is to go to an exotic or classic car mechanic. It's going to be pricier no doubt, but I find that the mechanics at those type of shops are much more familiar with "unique" cars and setups, and since that's more of their bread and butter, the Delorean is no different to them than some other unique exotic car. They'll take the time to research the issues, the car, etc. But you're going to pay for that too.

The third option is to do a mixture of solution 1 or 2, and then this. For basic stuff, a competent mechanic you can trust is fine. The brakes, suspension, cooling, AC, etc aren't that complex or unique to our cars. You can trust a competent mechanic to change your oil, brake pads, etc. So let them do that.

If you run into issues with the fuel system, the stainless, or something of that nature, and there literally is no DMC mechanic that's reasonable to get your car to, find said exotic shop, explain the issue as best you can, and prepare to bend over and be rammed by the exorbitant price you'll probably have to pay. If you keep the car in good mechanical shape with regular maintenance, this shouldn't even be a yearly occurrence. At least I hope not...

[kings1527]

say what again ??

Thinking he meant to say "doesn't hurt".

But same here, though. No previous car experience. Just basic stuff from owning jet skis. The DeLorean would be the ultimate father/son restoration project where dad doesn't have a huge mechanical background. Easy car and basic tools but the learning that comes along with working on the car is tremendous.

Intake manifold on and off, new water pump, total AC rebuild, new interior, new sound system, and more...all done with my virgin hands. It's just a matter of getting in there and taking a crack at it. And the resources here are tremendous. If you're having a problem with something on the car, I'll bet for sure that you're not the first to have encountered that problem and someone's got an answer for you.

[Iznodmad]

Early on in my ownership, I attempted to use some "local"
places to do some work on my car. Nine times out of ten, it was not done correctly. I've had the best luck joining forces with other local owners to do "tech sessions". This is limited by what can be done in one day and with basic tools in the driveway though. If you can time that just right, sometimes a vendor may attend and help out! Ultimately, it is just easier in the long run for the work to be done correctly the first time and to the level you desire by your personal favorite DeLorean vendor. The more you try to get away cheap, the more it bites you.

[Jonathan]

Thinking he meant to say "doesn't hurt".

But same here, though. No previous car experience. Just basic stuff from owning jet skis. The DeLorean would be the ultimate father/son restoration project where dad doesn't have a huge mechanical background. Easy car and basic tools but the learning that comes along with working on the car is tremendous.

Intake manifold on and off, new water pump, total AC rebuild, new interior, new sound system, and more...all done with my virgin hands. It's just a matter of getting in there and taking a crack at it. And the resources here are tremendous. If you're having a problem with something on the car, I'll bet for sure that you're not the first to have encountered that problem and someone's got an answer for you.

I think Mr. Graham could tell you a little about that idea.

[mr_maxime]

I feel like a lot of Delorean owners like to respond to a new owner's question of "where can I find a mechanic to work on my car" with the answer "no one, do it yourself, ya dingus!"

This doesn't help if the individual truly doesn't want to work on their car.

A lot of people asked where he was located. Cant really give better advice without knowing, otherwise it's like asking "where can I find good food?"