1981s

["techceo" <dan@xxxx>]

All,

I'm hoping someone can offer some good advice to a long-time DL fan, 
but without much experience actually working with/on the cars.

I've found a 1981 (August VIN) in San Francisco that has particular 
quirks I've been concerned about. It's going for $14,000.

I have several related questions I'm hoping some of you might be kind 
enough to advice on :)

1 -- Blue Book does not include De Loreans, let alone vehicles from 
before 1984. So how do you go about determining the value of a De 
Lorean? I suppose you can use the fact that a brand new DMC-
refurbished model will go for ~$30k as a benchmark, but what kind of 
guidelines can I follow to assess whether or not this one is worth 
$14k?

2 -- It needs a new windshield (the current one is cracked), that's 
easy enough. It has starter problems... I'm thinking it might be the 
viper alarm system in the car (I read that somewhere), but even more 
worried it could be a larger mechnical or electrical problem, 
particularly since the door ajar and seatbelt lights don't always go 
out either. (Though the door one might be caused by a loose part in 
the frame where the door connects with the car. Any suggestions?

3 -- Are there mechanics in the SF Bay Area that will actually work 
on a DL (and are competent enough to do so), or will I end up having 
to haul down to Garden Grove and visit the delorean center down there 
whenever I need repairs?

4 -- The one I'm looking at is an automatic...I've heard the 1981 
autos. had some major problems. Is this true?

5 -- WHy is the sky blue? :) Sorry for all the questions--I'm not 
entirely sure of what I'm doing (in case it wasn't obvious!), and am 
hoping a few of you can offer some advice.


Thank you kindly...hopefully soon I'll be able to offer some advice 
in return to the list :)

Cheers,
Dan