Changes/Modifications to your cars

[GDTDMC12]

Hi DOC members,

Having just recently purchased a project car in the USA to be shipped to the UK for refurbishment, back to near standard factory condition, I have been wondering what if any modifications and/or upgrades to the car should be made.

For example I've already understood that some owners swap out the door light bulbs for LED versions to save on battery drain. This sounds logical to me and something I'll probably do.

I would like to ask the community if there are other recommended upgrades/modifications that really should be incorporated into the refurbishment programme?

Your opinions are gratefully sought.

Cheers,

Gareth.

[Chris Williams]

TAB's (trailing arm bolts) fan over-ride switch/convex mirrors/others I cant remember at the moment but others will chirp in!
Plus a set of UK spec headlights and foglight modification to make it UK legal.
Edit, Most fit front lowering springs as well.
Chris

[Starglider]

Thing I have done :
Replace all bulbs except headlights with LEDs (+PWM dimmer for instrument panel LEDs + modern courtesy light dimmer)
Make the side markers work as turn indicator repeaters.
Upgrade the cooling fans to use less current / more airflow
Three row radiator: somewhat contraversial whether this really improves cooling
Lower (euro spec) front springs.
Reinforced front lower control arms : several options for this, 'boxing' the existing ones, reinforced replacements and stainless versions.
Single-piece gearbox input shaft.
Limited slip differential.
Rear anti-roll bar.
Stainless exhaust system with modern catalytic convertors
Electronic fuel injection
Power steering (speed-adaptive electric).
Stainless rear screen finisher piece, louvre center support, engine grills, front radiator grill and DeLorean bumper letters.
UK format number plate bezel.
Wings-a-loft remote popper for doors + alarm system.
Replace the warning buzzer with a more pleasant chimer.
Electroluminescent logos in the sills and headliners.
Back-up camera (+wireless backup camera for trailer) into LCD embedded in rear mirror.
8 x ultrasonic parking sensors
Relay for sidelights (avoid headlight switch melting)
Replace window + defrost switches with LED ones.
Replace all the internal speakers + fit 8 waterproof external speakers + subwoofer
Replace 85 MPH speedo with 140 MPH unit
Pop-up screen with sat-nav
Fibreglass front + rear fascia with integrated stainless spoiler and fog lights (Chris N did this
Replace wheel nuts with spline drive alloy nuts
New seat covers with 'Legend Industries' theme.
Electric demist for side mirrors.
Replace horn with modern units.

Thing I am planning to do :
Detachable tow hook (with 13-pin electrics)
Replace fuse block with one less likely to melt.
Replace brake calipers with something less susceptible to fade.
Connect up the sound module for the door opening to the external speakers.

[Starglider]

Also highly recommended : anti-leaf filter mesh in the cabin air intake!

[Stuart Rees]

Off the top of my head...

Legal mods - UK Headlights, Incorporate the fog light into the rear brake lights.

Safety - Uprated lower ball Joints from amsteer (Just did this to my car), Battery Isolator, SS braided Fuel lines & brake lines, SS Coolant tank.

Performance - Uprated Radiator & Cooling fans, SS freeflow Exhaust (but these aren't classed as factory original :wink: )

Also, uprated window regulators/motors (It's always nice when they work...)

[GDTDMC12]

Thanks everyone for your comments. This is really useful and will give me food for thought when considering what to have done when 16606 arrives in the UK.

Cheers.