RE: [DML] More thoughts on rust

["DMC Joe" <dmcjoe@xxxxxxx>]

Mike,

I would like to add one comment to your completely accurate description of
DeLorean frame rusting characteristics. 

You said: 
       "This is a nice idea, but........."

In defense of the design engineers the concept of the epoxy coated frame was
actually very good. What the designers did not know or consider is that the
epoxy used at that time shrinks and becomes brittle as it ages. When the
epoxy is new it is softer and more flexible making it much more resistant to
cracking and chipping. Therefore the problem is more age related than design
related.

DMC Joe

-----Original Message-----
From: mike.griese@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:mike.griese@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] 
Sent: Sunday, January 09, 2005 12:38 PM
To: dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Re: [DML] More thoughts on rust



Mike - there is a difference in the DeLorean frame compared to other cars.
The DeLorean frame is epoxy-coated mild steel.  This means that the steel
itself has no anti-corrosive properties in it's molecular structure, like
stainless steel does.  Other manufacturers use several different coatings to
protect their sheet metal from corrosion that DeLorean omitted.  All of the
corrosion protection is supposed to be provided by the epoxy coating.  This
is a nice idea, but in practice, it just didn't work all that well.  The
problem is that the epoxy can become damaged through frame flexure, stone
chips, curb scuffs, etc.  Once there is an opening, moisture can collect
between the coating and the mild steel frame.  This means rust - and lots of
it.  You won't be able to see it until the epoxy flakes off.  


--
Mike


-------------- Original message from "smileksr" <michaelbarth@xxxxxxxxxxx>:
-------------- 


> 
> 
> 
> I am the guy who has aroused several responses by stating that I have 
> "no fear" by driving my car in the winter.
> 
> About a dozen responses came in, all of which centered on rust. 
> 
> My question is this: Is the Delorean more prone to rust than any other 
> car? Is the frame made of a different kind of steel or something that 
> rusts more quickly?
> 
> If so, then I will change my winter driving habits. But if not, then 
> why are people so concerned about their Delorean rusting, more than 
> their "winter car" that they subject to the salty conditions?
> It's not like we are driving a $100K car here, folks. The Delorean is 
> not irreplaceable. Mine was the same price as a new honda. I guess my 
> thinking is, I will treat it the same and enjoy it year- round. I 
> don't know...I can see both sides of the argument, because there are 
> only so many of them (Deloreans, that is), and there will always be 
> hondas.
> 
> But if the Delorean frame is somehow more prone to rust, then I'm 
> definitely concerned about my winter driving habits.
> 
> Let me know...Mike #6528 (I think?)
> 

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]












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