[DML] Re: test drive-is this 'normal' for deloreans?!?!

["Dave Swingle" <swingle_dmc@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

The harsh ride is pretty normal for 25-year-old Girling shocks. That's 
why there is so much activity with aftermarket suspensions. 

The clutch often gets hard with age, at best it needs to be taken apart 
and lubed at the fork pivot and T/O bearing, but once you get that far 
it's best to replace the whole assembly. Brakes (IMO) on a DeLorean are 
stiffer (more feel!) than a regular car, but extreme stiffness is 
probably a sign of a failing brake booster or other hydraulic problems. 

The steering at parking speed will seem stiff if you are used to 
overboosted American cars, but once it's rolling it should not be 
objectionable. 

As for acceleration - it's no Corvette, but even a stock 5-speed should 
get out of it's own way. That depends on what you are used to. 

Most of the other stuff you mention is replaceable. You didn't mention 
frame condition, that's probably the biggest issue. Everything else is 
parts. 

As you are seeing, odometer mileage on a DeLorean (or any other 25-year-
old car for that matter) is probably the LEAST reliable indicator of 
condition. A 1000-mile car stored for 25 years in a wet barn is often a 
much worse car than a 50,000 mile recent daily driver. This one sounds 
like a project car (if it's at the right price and fits your personal 
skill level). 

Dave S

--- In dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, "johntaylorny" <johntaylorny@...> wrote:
>
> Last week I test drove a Delorean for the first time. It was a 1982 
> model with 18k miles on it. I've always liked the look for Deloreans 
> and for me it was a treat. But what an aweful ride! No power 
steering, 
> break and clutch were as hard as cement to push down.  Very rough 
> idle. No pick up.  It wouldn't have been so bad if it wasn't for the 
> stiffness of the brake and clutch.  After a 30 minute ride my legs 
> were actually soar and cramped.
> 
> Is this normal, as in how the cars ride?
> 
> Also, can the interiors (door leather, buttons, gauge cluster, etc) 
be 
> replaced with new material? Even with low miles this car really 
showed 
> its age.  The interior was worn, things broken, stiff, loose, etc.
>






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