Detailing a DeLorean

[BlackedoutLT3]

Well I have a guy that might want me to detail a few of his exotic cars. A Murcielago, GTR and his DeLorean. One question I had is if anyone has had any experience with detailing a DeLorean. I know that the body is all Stainless Steal. So trying to figure out what would be the best way to detail this thing. Let me know if you have any thoughts.

[chrys7]

U may want to jump on the delorean forums.

 

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[PrinceValium]

"You made a time machine...out of a DeLorean????

[PacificNWBuckeye]

"You made a time machine...out of a DeLorean????

 

 

The way I see it, if you're gonna build a time machine into a car, why not do it with some style?

[THE Mook]

You can't use a machine, I hear it makes the flux capacitor exceed 1.21 Jigawatts!

 

[Team Adam's]

Cool! Always wanted a shot at a delorean.

 

Metal polish will be the product of choice, and you work only with the grain of the finish in straight lines, both for application and removal.

 

As far as protection, my bet is Quick Sealant would be the best option.

 

Is there any major problems with the car or just wants cleanup?

[BlackedoutLT3]

I figured I would get some of those reactions lol. But no I just think he wants it cleaned. Its not in bad shape or anything. He just likes to have his cars detailed. They have a company around my area that does it right now but after talking to him at Cars and Coffee in my area saw the Lambo and told him it looked really bad for a detail shop that did it. Had Tire splatter all down the side of the lambo. So gave him my card and he told me what cars he has and wants done. So hoping that he will call..

[XQIZT]

Its bare stainless steel...no clear coat other than the nose and tail caps. Have fun and take pictures!!

[MAYBEN]

:worth:

[DaytonaJae]

I say spray some clear coat on there and then buff it like normal LOL

[Marylander]

I second the suggestion to check Delorean forums... I know there are special techniques to remove minor sratches from the stainless steel on those cars, and I'd be very leery of putting any kind of glaze/wax on it before doing some research.

 

Back in a former life I worked at an ice cream restaurant in Pennyslvania dairy country. We used a product called sheila-shine (sp?) to clean all the stainless countertops, ice boxes, coffee makers, etc. That stuff was amazing. We used to joke that if any of us owned a Delorean we'd have to smuggle the stuff out and try it on the car.

[bigaudiofanatic]

Let me know what you find out, a friend of mine wants me to detail their air stream!

[chrys7]

Agreed. Not disagreeing with Dylan but you really want to check with other Delorean owners...better to be safe than sorry.

 

I second the suggestion to check Delorean forums... I know there are special techniques to remove minor sratches from the stainless steel on those cars, and I'd be very leery of putting any kind of glaze/wax on it before doing some research.

 

Back in a former life I worked at an ice cream restaurant in Pennyslvania dairy country. We used a product called sheila-shine (sp?) to clean all the stainless countertops, ice boxes, coffee makers, etc. That stuff was amazing. We used to joke that if any of us owned a Delorean we'd have to smuggle the stuff out and try it on the car.

[PrinceValium]

Found this on a search:

 

DeLorean FAQ

 

Care & Feeding - Stainless Steel Body Maintenance

 

No special care is needed in keeping the body looking beautiful. It is maintained about the same way you clean your stainless kitchen sink. Minor scratches and scuff marks are readily removed with a "Scotchbrite" pad by rubbing with the original grain of the panels. The only precaution is to minimize any rubbing across the grain of the panels as this may scuff them. The best advice to keep the stainless steel in good condition is to keep your DeLorean clean and avoid using metal abrasives when rubbing out scuff marks. The owners manual advises "Wash panels with warm water and low suds detergent. Stains of tar or grease may be removed with gasoline or white mineral spirits." How many auto manufacturers recommend using paint thinner to remove stubborn stains from the body? Larger/deeper scratches and severe abuse require the use of the original texturing jigs to get the grain correct. These are not difficult to come by and there are numerous service centers (especially the larger original dealerships) that have this expertise.

 

The panels come easily off the car and are therefore easy to work with in the event of a dent. Minor dents can be readily removed by those skilled in working with stainless steel, but catastrophic crashes require panel replacement. Those skilled in working with stainless steel tell me that dents can often be removed with nothing but the proper application of heat.

 

The stainless steel panels are not indestructible and some seemingly harmless acts may result in severe damage to the finish. Contrary to popular belief, SOS pads or steel wool damages the stainless steel. Steel wool leaves small metal particles (from the steel wool) embedded in the grain of the stainless steel which rusts -- giving the impression that the stainless steel is rusting. Also metal abrasives (SOS pads) act as reducing agents, chemically reacting with the outer oxidation layer of the stainless panels and destroying some of their stainless properties. Iron compounds in general react with the steel -- bleeding on your car or leaving a slice of bologne on your hood may cause persistent blemishes that are difficult or impossible to remove. Although very resistant to nitric acid, SS304 is not very resistant to phosphoric and some other acids.

 

 

I advise against the bold area...bologne is expensive! LOL:lol:

[GaryW]

I figured I would get some of those reactions lol. But no I just think he wants it cleaned. Its not in bad shape or anything. He just likes to have his cars detailed. They have a company around my area that does it right now but after talking to him at Cars and Coffee in my area saw the Lambo and told him it looked really bad for a detail shop that did it. Had Tire splatter all down the side of the lambo. So gave him my card and he told me what cars he has and wants done. So hoping that he will call..

 

Good Luck on getting that account.. That would be sweet. If it comes out anything like that Tahoe, Whoaaaa Mom-Ma.

 

Hook us up with some photos if you do it.