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Hi There and Buying Tips - Printable Version

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Hi There and Buying Tips - Malvern Michael - 29 May 2014

I have just joined this forum as I am thinking of buying an DeLorean so thought this is the place to get some buying tips.

My budget is £20/25k

As most are lhd I wondered if there are any good specialists that can convert to rhd if not I can live with lhd.

What are the main issues to look out for?

Thanks
Michael


Re: Hi There and Buying Tips - Chris Williams - 29 May 2014

Hi
Budget is good for that you should get a reasonable car, though demand seems to outstrip supply. Keep an eye on the forum and all classic car sales websites, but most are sold through the club forum or magazine so it is well worth joining the owners club for that.
The only real specialist is Chris @ P.J Grady.co.uk he has converted many a DeLorean to RHD, however I don't know at what cost as it is a fairly involved job. Others have converted them themselves and it can be done.
For that budget you should get a good UK car so most issues would be sorted, if it runs OK then clearly the body panels should have no damage and the next most important thing would be the chassis, these can rot so you need to check this out carefully, but again as most cars are known to the club someone would be able to help you out on this.
Have you thought about perhaps importing from the US? You would get a very good car for less money, there are specialist over in the US who can check the car for you and importing one is not as scary as it sounds!
Chris


Re: Hi There and Buying Tips - TheOriginalMrP - 29 May 2014

Hi Michael, and welcome.

That's a good healthy budget for a good car, but they are in short supply in the UK at the moment, and cars dont stay for sale long.

I'm not too far from you in South Wales and there are a few people more local to you with cars to keep you informed on any tech information.

Pass on RHD converting. I bought LHD and I've never had a problem. In fact I wouldn't want a RHD Delorean anyway. Part of the novelty is being different.

Good luck with your search..

Ben


Re: Hi There and Buying Tips - Starglider - 29 May 2014

RHD conversion of an existing car is about 5K. It can be done cheaper but steering and brakes are safety critical so I wouldn't recommend it. I think Chris N has enough spare parts to do another Wooler Hodec pattern RHD scratch build, I would guess cost would be around 35K.


Re: Hi There and Buying Tips - Stuart Rees - 30 May 2014

Hi, Welcome to the Club. I wouldn't waste money converting to RHD, IMO it takes away the originality of the car plus I think there is better visibility in a LHD especially at roundabouts the A pillar isn't in your way as much, a quick look over your right shoulder when changing lanes on the motorway and all is good. You'll get used to being on the left in no time.
Nice healthy budget there, to find a good one.
Stu


Re: Hi There and Buying Tips - Malvern Michael - 31 May 2014

Thanks for the advise

There is a lot to learn on the DeLorean but that makes it part of the fun.


Re: Hi There and Buying Tips - Guinney1971 - 03 Jun 2014

hiya, welcome to the Club Smile

if you want to see a variety of cars, come along to our main Club event in
Dorset this month (details in Events section).

As others have said, you have a healthy and realistic budget, so I'm sure you'll
be 'living the dream' soon Smile