My 1981 Delorean

[chico688 3]

So, I decided to show my car in this topic, mainly because it has set not running for the last two years, and I finally got it Drivable on Sunday. It is a 1981 model with the grooves and gas flap, If I recall it was manufactured in august 81, It is a 5 speed manual with a grey interior. The pic of the "poor man's" bttf replica interior was done by me in high school, made out of junk I scrounged that I either had laying around or was trashed just because I was bored and there is pretty much nothing to do in my hometown In north carolina. As you can see, the interior unfortunately is a little weathered from just sitting, compared to the old "replica" pic where the interior looks rather nice. It also has under 20,000 original miles confirmed by Carfax and service records.

The awesome grey haired dude with the mario mustache is my dad

and the junky bttf parts made from crap laying around

I can take some more pics and upload later, but it is night here though and the car is stored across the street so it will have to be later.

Anyways thanks for looking.

- Brandon (chico688)

[RobertBlox 112]

That DeLorean alone is what I would like to call:

"The definition of a perfect DeLorean"

The grey interior, the stainless exterior, the hood grooves and gas flap... Yep, sound good to me.

I also see that you are working on some BTTF parts inside. The Plutonium gauges look a little off, so try to get some measurements of one (if you haven't already) before continuing with it.

Also, you may want to consider giving it a nice wash.

The wheels especially look a little dirty in these pictures.

Great car!

[chico688 3]

Well those bttf "props" are looooong gone that picture is from the early days of having the car, like I said they were just junk props I made from mess laying around, the wheels are dirty due to brake dust... well the whole car needs a wash bad, its all covered in dust lol. Those plutonium gauges If I recall were actually just cardboard cut outs in layers I made for this picture, the gauges were hand drawn, the cardboard was sprayed silver, I had no extra money and was bored basically and it was used in a halloween festival for kids (kids do not know its card board unless they touch it, and if they did I would stuff them in the mr. fusion to generate the 1.21 gigawatts of discipline to another persons child

[hscitpe 6]

...the hood grooves and gas flap...

Except that the Time Machine didn't have a gas flap.

[chico688 3]

I know......sad times but new hoods are too expensive plus I would hate to raise the hood everytime I fill it up

[Mike 214]

Nice one Brandon, what work did you have to do to get the car running again? I would guess a clean out of the fuel tank at a minimum? What's the VIN on your car btw? (guessing between the 02533 - 03200 range based it having a gas flap hood and an August '81 build date?)

It also has under 20,000 original miles confirmed by Carfax and service records.

That's only accurate though if the angle drive is working correctly as many a DeLorean owner can attest. Mine is nearly at 21,500, but in reality it's done closer to 26,000 due to the angle drive being broken for around 8 months.

I can take some more pics and upload later...

Yes please do, would be interested to see more.

I know......sad times but new hoods are too expensive plus I would hate to raise the hood everytime I fill it up

They new ones are only $1000, but, they don't have the grooves, they are completely flat. If a second hand gas flap or grooved hood comes up for sale, they usually command a bit of a premium. PJ Grady I think had a stash of the grooved hood's a little while back, whether or not they still have any though is anyones guess.

It's not a big problem raising the hood to fill it, it's never bothered me anyway...

[chico688 3]

Thanks Mike, I had to clean out the fuel tank, had already changed the pump and filter, new plugs and wires (including the plug going between the distributor cap and the coil) and adjust the throttle cable. It is Vin 3000, and About the angle drives VERY TRUE forgot to mention that, we had that worked on as a matter of fact, but I didn't drive it more than enough to get it to the shop Because I am sure not working with the angle drive, that's a little too far beyond what I want to deal with and not really sure how they are set up on a delorean, I got a reproduction one that is supposedly better built then the originals that chewed up. But yes, that was a repair that was done before the car was parked for so long.. so if that was the only time it was broken then it may be 5-10 miles off..... but... its a delorean so if you look at it that way I suppose you are right, might as well be 1000+ miles off for all any one "really" knows lol . I also found the initials "sd" written on a part near the throttle body. I heard it was pretty common for DMC factory workers to sign different parts and what not. IF I recall there was some other little things I've seen like that behind panels/carpet etc... but do not remember what at the moment, I have gotten to where I do not pay it much mind really. I will be in and out of town for the rest of the week... mabye by the weekend I can get some more pictures up. I do not plan on converting it to a bttf delorean anytime soon at least... so the hood isnt an issue really, And to be completely honest if I did convert it I probably still would leave the hood as is.

OH and by the way.. If any one has any specific picture request of the car let me know... I will do my best

[~Leaf~ 111]

seats look leather if you want them to look how they did back in the day get some grey shoe polish and fix them up same with the door panels

Edited September 25, 2012 by ~Leaf~

[TheCoolest2 0]

Congratulations Brandon Nice job

[chico688 3]

thanks man, lul

[Mike 214]

I thought I would revive this topic, and show my 1981 DeLorean DMC-12, which I bought from the original owner in October 2010 with 15,511 miles on the clock.

It is a few months younger than Brandon’s, VIN# 4708 manufactured in October 1981, it has a grooved hood but no gas flap, and is also a 5-speed manual with grey interior.

Here it is the day I picked it up from Southampton docks, dropped it off at PJ Grady's, and looking like it has just attempted re-entry.

It spent a month or so at PJ Grady's (DeLorean specialist), having the best part of an entire new fuel system fitted, along with replacing the brake lines, upgraded electronics, a flush of all fluids, and a new set of tyres.

Since then I've done other misc jobs done to to improve it, and have put a little under 10,000 miles on it. It's definitely not the unreliable car that it is made out to be. Providing you actually drive them, you'll have no issues other than general maintenance (which you would have with any car).

A few recent pic's taken a couple of week's ago:

We also have another member who recently bought a DeLorean. If that member wants to speak up, he is more than welcome to.

[Dave27 1]

Looking good Mike, cars not bad either

Have you uprated the car at all? Any engine mods or is it faster than everyone makes out?

[BTTFModMachine 260]

As Doc says about deloreans, "...do it with some style!"

Edited November 8, 2012 by BTTFModMachine

[Mike 214]

Have you uprated the car at all? Any engine mods or is it faster than everyone makes out?

Non standard items:

Lower front springs - DMC Europe (put's the car back to the ride height it was originally designed to be at)

Stainless braided fuel lines - DMC Europe

Stainless braided brake lines - DMC Europe

After market stereo

After market speakers (Infinity Kappa 32.9CF for the front, and Infinity Kappa 52.9I for the rear as recommended by the folks on DMC Talk)

Cold air intake (as shown here: http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3341459/1981...-dmc-12/page-4)

Outside of those the car is completely original, the engine is more than powerful enough to keep pace with traffic both on the road...

...and on the track with other classic's of a similar vintage

Future updates planned:

A/C compressor/pump - DMC Europe

Stainless steel exhaust - DeLorean Club UK

Silicone hose kit - DMC Europe

3 core radiator - DMC Europe

Silicone vacuum hoses - eBay

Front and rear wheel bearings - DMC Europe

Upper ball joints - DMC Europe

Lower ball joints - DeLorean Club UK

Refurbish steering rack - DeLorean Club UK

Outer door seals - DeLorean Club UK

Spax shock absorbers - DeLorean Club UK

Rear springs - DMC Europe

Refurbish brake calipers

Refurbish wheels

Strengthen/Replace lower control arms

Convert side marker and rear taillights to LED bulbs

Dave M's relay updates - dmctalk

Maintenance items:

Ignition coil

Spark plugs

Silicone HT ignition leads

Distributor cap

Rotor arm

And probably more that I can't think of right now.

[Dave27 1]

Coolies I better start saving but I think the misses' would rather a house :/

[littlewyan 1]

Very nicely done Mike and Brandon

[uokka 117]

I'm jealous. Very beautiful pictures of a shiny, brand new looking DeLorean.

Brandon, You have to hire Mike for taking pics of your car before uploading new ones if you want that desktop wallpaper quality.

[chico688 3]

Thanks guys, Yes I wish I could get mike to come over here and take the pics but I am not sure he would be up for coming to the states, unless I paid for his ticket, but I do not believe he would like North Carolina too much lol, at least compared to where he lives. Mike, your car is beautiful. The clutch slave cylinder just went out on mine but its in the shop being replaced . Speaking of that I need to check up on it. That is why I really havent posted any pics. btw, Mike.... they allow you to get liscence plates like that for the uk? hmm intersesting, I suppose they would have to have them in that situation for imported cars, correct me If I am wrong, but aren't the standard plates usually narrow and wide? Too bad it is too difficult to import cars to the U.S. our cars have rigorous safety/emissions tests that have to meet their standards. IF I could I would import one of these, just because they are so cheap.... ugly.... but cheeeeeaaaap.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tata_Nano

but I hear they have a nasty "fiero" habit of catching on fire

they go for about 2,500 us dollars NEW....very slow. I think I would opt for a motorcycle, I like them better then small death traps that look like a pair of 5.00 walmart shoes, at least motorcycles are usually attractive death traps... well not always

[Mike 214]

Thanks, Brandon.

If the slave has gone, I would suggest having both the master and slave cylinders replaced at the same time, as it is likely the master will also fail soon.

Do you mean the Yellow plate or the California style one? The California plate (although displaying my registration number) is for show use only, it is not legal to drive the car on that plate.

The yellow plate is the legal one. Regarding the size, as it is an import and was not originally designed to accommodate the standard UK sized license plate, it is bound by a different set of rules.

Some owners will take the license plate bezel off the car and fit something more akin to a standard UK sized license plate, although in my opinion, it spoils to look of the car.

You can also buy a European style license plate surround, but I don't think it look's right when compared to stock.

[Mike 214]

Some of my other misc parts:

A Dayton 2×442 drum switch and a 3-way battery cleaner from pep-boys used to make the TFC Drive Circuit Switch, mostly complete, I just need to make the clear cover for it.

I also have the two black dash boxes (no pic's of those though), currently sitting in their unfinished aluminium state - just need painting up with some flat black paint..

Krups type 223A coffee grinder - beat's me what this thing is used for

[♠Grim♂ Reaper 1666◙ 17]

i think i would have blue neon lights placed round the coils that light up when you start going over 80mph, (only if you turn the time circuits on). see how many people you can fool into thinking that you can time travel, and i believe the different sized licence plate would be legal simply because taxi drivers will generally have a similar size to fit on the taxi plate thing.

[BTTFModMachine 260]

Where would you go over 80 mph? The autobahn?

[♠Grim♂ Reaper 1666◙ 17]

the speedlimit in britain has a roughly 10% allowance on your speed so on the motorway even though it says 70 mph, you can go near 80mph, or you just go on a track day.

[BTTFModMachine 260]

Who knew? I didn't.

[Dave27 1]

Isn't that coffee maker for the... um.. Mr something, can't put my finger on it??? The "standard" speed on the M4 motorway is usually about 90mph. Just don't confuse the standard speed with that every other bugger goes as the "legal" speed is 70mph.