Worth importing this '82 D as a project?

[kieran]

Would appreciate any thoughts on importing this project back into the UK to restore. Worth the $7500 they're asking? Frame looks a bit ropy but I can't get an accurate idea from the pictures and I'm no expert. Guidance welcome

http://spacecoast.craigslist.org/cto/4508428611.html

[Chris P]

I don't think you can go wrong at that price…may need a body off restoration though. if it was in the UK i'd buy it.

[Chris Williams]

Not many restoration projects about at the moment, i'm surprised the frame has so much rust from a dry state, understand the interior being sun damaged but the front frame looks quiet bad. But at that price perhaps a canditate for a S/Steel chassis?
Chris

[kieran]

Thanks guys, interesting. Standard frames are about ~£2,200 right? I haven't heard of the stainless steel frames? I knew they put them on early cars but is anyone producing them now? Or is it a custom job?

Thanks again for your advice.

K

[TheOriginalMrP]

kieran Wrote:I haven't heard of the stainless steel frames? I knew they put them on early cars but is anyone producing them now?

Is this true? Not heard that one before.

Is it me or does there seem to be a demand for deloreans at the moment?

The car in the advert is probably not as bad as it looks... After all by the time the seats and gearshift gaiter are refurbished, the inside is half about. Don't know what that dash mat is covering though!,

[kieran]

Not sure where I first read that but found reference to it here: http://www.pjgrady.co.uk/genericcontent ... is_made_of

[TheOriginalMrP]

You learn something new every day!

[kieran]

Thanks for all you advice guys, I've sent the seller a bunch of questions to get some more background info and see if he/she would be willing to liaise with a shipping company. I'm tempted with this one, I must say.

[Chris Williams]

Quote:Is it me or does there seem to be a demand for deloreans at the moment?

Huge demand yes, my phone has never been as busy, club numbers are up massively as well. Emails are going back and forth constantly from prospective owners, demand as they say outstripping supply. There is another large magazine article coming out this month that Ollie down in Bristol has done so this will fuel more interest as well.
I'm sure someone in Ireland is producing S/Steel frames Dave Howarth knows more about this.
Chris

[kieran]

Chris Williams Wrote:demand as they say outstripping supply.

It certainly seems to be a different game to when I first started looking, perhaps I should have prioritised a DeLorean over house renovations after all

[Chris Williams]

The more I look at the car the more I dont think it's to bad, yes I would suggest that the chassis is probably shot and worst case needs a new one or major work. But at that money if the panels are straight then it may not be a bad buy so long as you reaady for the worse.
Chris

[MikeWard]

Multiple comments from users on this site suggesting the car has flood damage:
http://bringatrailer.com/2014/06/09/198 ... n-project/

[Chris Williams]

And looking at this thread: viewtopic.php?f=8&t=4745&start=30
It appears Chris Parnham is selling his right hand drive car vin#522

[TheOriginalMrP]

Chris Williams Wrote:I'm sure someone in Ireland is producing S/Steel frames Dave Howarth knows more about this

Now this is seriously interesting.

As soon as they are properly produced, it's a definite for me regardless of price. If I'm ever going to have the body off, it will be to replace the frame with a stainless one. Stripping down and the whole process of stripping and galvanizing / powder coating seems a long winded job. And there are so many negatives.

I dare say there is a bit of collateral in the existing frame too as someone will buy it as a core to do a restoration.

More info on this as soon as you get it Chris!

Ben

[kieran]

Chris Williams Wrote:The more I look at the car the more I dont think it's to bad.

Yeah, I'm thinking the same thing. The level of corrosion on the frame does concern me for a warm state like Florida but I guess it is very humid there and perhaps it hasn't spent all its' life in FL. Will make a decision when I've exchanged some emails with the current owner.