[DML] Re: DeLorean Frames

["content22207" <brobertson@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Even better would have been to use sheet metal galvanized at the mill.

A higher carbon content wouldn't have hurt either, especially since
the frame is welded rather than stamped.

Bill Robertson
#5939

>--- In dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, "David Teitelbaum" <jtrealty@...> wrote:
>
> The sheet metal frames are NOT JZD's first choice. He was pushing for
> the EPRM body. It was essentially a fiberglass unibody. Because of
> crash safety, cost, Lotus's experience with the metal backbone frame,
> and production time frame requirements they decided on the sheet metal
> frame. The concession to longevity (which JZD wanted as part of his
> ethical sports car) was to epoxy coat the frame. It did hold up for a
> long time. Much longer than most other cars of the period but it was
> not meant to last forever. Unfortunetly (for us anyway) it is NOT a
> long term (20 years +) solution. Eventually the epoxy gets brittle,
> cracks, and allows moisture to get between it and the metal. The
> better choice would have been to hot-dip galvanize the frame. Even
> that has it's drawbacks. It adds weight and can distort the frame. The
> choice of the frame was one of the worst compromises IMHO on the whole
> Delorean project. It made the car heavier than originally intended and
> hurt the performance badly. Making a car that would last for 20 years
> was not a priority item. Getting them into production at the right
> price-point became the overriding priority.
> David Teitelbaum
> vin 10757




To address comments privately to the moderating team, please address:
moderators@xxxxxxxxxxx

For more info on the list, tech articles, cars for sale see www.dmcnews.com

To search the archives or view files, log in at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dmcnews 
Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
    http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dmcnews/

<*> Your email settings:
    Individual Email | Traditional

<*> To change settings online go to:
    http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dmcnews/join
    (Yahoo! ID required)

<*> To change settings via email:
    mailto:dmcnews-digest@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx 
    mailto:dmcnews-fullfeatured@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
    dmcnews-unsubscribe@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
    http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/