De Lorean EuroTec

I've created this thread and I will update as I progress. All pics will be uploaded to a Flickr page or two, here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/willisit/ ... 082404337/

4566 arrived in November last year. She popped up and, about 2 years too early for me, I decided to have her anyway. I've plans to do work on the garage and driveway before I can start in earnest (space being a problem with the partition wall in the way).

When the car was sold to me, I knew she wasn't running. I also knew she was sun damaged and had a smashed windscreen. None of that was a worry, and it certainly hasn't changed in the past few weeks.
What did change was that she had more damage when she arrived; a snapped aerial, the front driver's side tyre won't hold air and the rears were both damaged beyond repair (one, completely off the rim).

Recently, I cleared her out, vacuumed the interior and made some initial investigations so I'd know where to start spending money, and where I could get dirty for good reason.

A friend (who's father has recently finished building a GT40 replica) lent me some wheel trolleys. Since she wouldn't even roll due to the tyres (or her own power) this will make it easier to move her about. So I jacked the car up and fitted those. The rear wheel also came off and the spare went on.

You can just make one out here:
4566_21_12_14_029 by willisit, on Flickr

Next up I thought, given the spare had gone on, that I'd have a look see under the hood:
4566_21_12_14_027 by willisit, on Flickr

As you can see, the inspection panels are already off (I merely moved them). So, history would suggest that the car wasn't running and someone took it upon themselves to investigate.

Can you see the obvious, missing part?
4566_21_12_14_028 by willisit, on Flickr

Interestingly, so far, that's the only thing not with the car. Since I had planned on replacing the pump and sender anyway... well, I'll be cleaning the tank out next I guess!

I started removing tat:
4566_21_12_14_006 by willisit, on Flickr

And inspected the engine bay. Helpfully there are some recent parts there - but lots to investigate before I ever even consider trying the start her up.

4566_21_12_14_011 by willisit, on Flickr

Also, the frame is tidy too. I've checked underneath and the brake servo hasn't leaked, so that's a bonus too. All grey and dirty, but grey:
4566_21_12_14_016 by willisit, on Flickr

Next up will be tank removal and cleaning. Then new pumps, gas struts and tyres (with refurbished wheels) so she can sit on her own four. After that, I'm 75% sure I want the frame off before I spend more feverishly.

More as I work!

Hi Dan

Nice to see you, thanks for uploading pictures

Looks a nice project !

Great stuff Dan. What do you think she'll take to get running?

Odd. my last reply didn't appear.. how strange.

Okay, so I'll do it again!

I need to sort fueling out, clearly. A new tank, pump etc (and wiring) will be needed. In the meantime I'll be swapping the battery terminals for UK ones and cranking the engine (the fluids look clean, at least) but I have bigger plans, longer term. I don't foresee her being road worthy this year.

An unusual first step, I grant you. But before yee judge, there are a few reasons behind the crazy.

Firstly, the car's original tyres were shot. Only one held air. Two were exposing their underwear (steel) and were generally old. I didn't want to buy new tyres and mount them to old, corroding rims. So I went the hog.

Secondly, she has to be rolling for some building work (garage doors). Easier on new rubber!

Lastly, part of the restoration is frame work. Again, easier if she rolls...

The Wheel Specialists (other wheel refurbishment companies are available) did the work here. They did my Monaro wheels a few years back. Well recommended (no affiliation).

Refurb wheels by willisit, on Flickr
Refurb wheels by willisit, on Flickr
Refurb wheels by willisit, on Flickr
Refurb wheels by willisit, on Flickr
Refurb wheels by willisit, on Flickr

I must say they look fantastic. Also, matching tyres (yeah, not great but the least of my worries for some time ahead)!

I'm curious as to why the wheel company didn't use the dot marks on the tyre, being specialists and all that.

Mind you, saying that, the wheels look better than new !

Excellent

Interesting point, but not one I care much about given the situation. She'll be lucky if she does any miles on those - but they were literally the only tyres I could find that had matching front/rear.

Shiny though, right?

"Bling" is an understatement

Yay! It reminds me when I picked up my wheels from the powder coating!!! Almost best day ever:)

That looks great Dan, if you can get the rest of the car looking anywhere near that....