Build the Back to the Future DeLorean - Issues 015-018

Build the Back to the Future DeLorean, Issues 015-018

Two shipments this month, the latest one arrives just in time for the holidays.  I also got the license plate and binder that they owed me from past shipments.  Both the plate and binder are not that impressive.

The license plate is the OUTATIME plate that you have seen, but it has printed registration stickers. Yep, not 'real' stickers.  It looks good in photos and from far away, but not great when you really take a look at it. Good enough to pass.

As the for binder...well, they used images of the Time Machine that are totally wrong. I will get into it more some other time, but I have talked to people in charge of this official artwork and obviously, they did not listen.  Anyway...we should get to the issues...the real issues...I mean, the build.

Issue 015 contents

Issue 015 - Rear Wheel

Finally, the last wheel.  We have done this three times so we know exactly what to expect. 

Assembled rear wheel mounted on frame assembly

Now that the fourth wheel is installed, we have a frame with wheels that kinda looks like what one would see in a DeLorean show room.  A nice presentable way to display the model, so far.

Issue 016 - Transmission

Issue 016 contents

I had the honour to work on this piece for a video shoot...but, that episode has yet to air.  Now, I get to build it again with the knowledge of some problem areas.

Pro tip:  It is suggested that some of the screw bosses be pre-tapped before final assembly.  The holes are a bit tight and the screws need a little encouragement to go in all the way.  A proper screwdriver is also very helpful.

This issues also introduces the new EP screw.

Issue 017 contents

Issue 017 - Engine

The next few issues will deal with the engine area.  I guess we kinda already started with the transmission.  The Oil Pan and front wall of the block are assembled directly onto the transmission.

Note that the instructions show DP screws used to assemble the front wall of the engine.  This is an error, they mean DM screws.  Your kit will (should) come with the correct DM screws.  Speaking of screws, new FP and JM screws make their debut in this issue.

Issue 018 contents

Issue 018 - Engine

This issue has you building the side walls and back wall of the engine block, along with the manifolds, and oil and fuel filters.

Pro tip:  This is another area where pre-tapping is recommended.

Your finished assembly of issues 016-018 should look like this:

Most of the engine block with transmission

Keep holding on to those inner drive shafts from the last shipment.  The parts you worked on this time are not ready to mount to the frame just yet, so you will have some floaters for now.  The parts from Issue 001, 002 and 004 (Rear Fascia, Left Front Fender, and Reactors) will not be used for a long time, possibly another year, so keep those in a safe place.

After four months and five shipments, this is the last issue of the year.  Folks in UK and other markets are somewhere in the 50's with their builds (they have yet to use the parts from 001, 002, 004).  Apparently, Eaglemoss has new subscriptions available in the US as past subscriptions were sold out.  If you missed the first subscription window, you can might be able to start in January.  Head to https://www.deloreanbuildup.com/form-4.php to start your subscription...if you want.

Now for the screw count, after 18 issues:  19-AP, 7-BP, 2-CP, 5-AM, 6-BM, 4-EM, 4-CM, 7-DM, 2-DP, 1-FM, 3-GM, 3-HM, 2-IM, 1-EP, 1-FP, 1-JM

to be continued...

Build the Back to the Future DeLorean - Issues 011-014

Build the Back to the Future DeLorean, Issues 011-014

The most recent shipment of Issues 011-014 came in a nice little box.  The box is perfect for storing the booklets until I get my binder...which they still 'owe' me.  Speaking of IOU's, I received another IOU, this time for the OUTATIME licence plate.  So, for those keeping count, that is two things they owe me.

Issue 011 contents

Issue 011 - Engine Support

I like this easy build.  This one is pretty straight forward, and introduces a new screw.

Assembled engine support

Depending on your luck, you may have an easy time with the screw bosses.  It might be a good idea to pre-tap the bosses.  Having a better screwdriver, with better leverage, is also a plus.

Once the engine support is assembled, it gets mounted onto the frame.  We will check on that towards the end.  On to the next issue.

Issue 012 contents

Issue 012 - Rear Left Suspenson

This is a difficult one to tackle.  There were many screw bosses that needed pre-tapping.  Some screws just did not want to screw all the way down easily.  Again, a quality screwdriver helps.

Screwing into the top linkage is quite a challenge.  There is not a lot of area on the linkage to grip, and the hole, with paint, is very snug.  For the inner drive shaft, there is virtually no grip and leverage to torque the screw.

Another area that needed attention, or modification, at least for me, was the caliper and disc.  The registration holes were too small for the pins to fit into.  I had to scrape paint, maybe some metal on the disc and modify the pin on the caliper to make it fit.

Most of this assembly is done on the frame.  The rear springs, while awkward, were easier to work with than the front springs.  Oh, there is a new screw introduced in this issue.

Issue 013 contents

Issue 013 - Rear Wheel

Same method as the front wheels, this is pretty simple.  Heck, you have done it twice before.

Assembled rear wheel

 I imagine that the other rear wheel will be the same.

Issue 014 contents

Issue 014 - Rear Right Suspension

Now that I have tackled the rear left suspension, the right side should be a little easier.  Knowing what obstacles will be coming helped in this issue.

I think the rear suspension assemblies have been the must difficult, so far.  This is based on fitting and torquing the screws.

The completed frame, up to Issue 014, looks like this:

Frame with rear suspension and one wheel installed

The rear wheel fitted in nicely and there was no need to adjust or modify like I needed to for the front wheels.

Note that I do not plan to make modifications unless structurally needed.  As mentioned, there are many other builders that are doing excellent mods such as painting the frame the correct colour, and other modifications.

There are also two 'floating' pieces, the Inner Drive Shafts:

Inner Drive Shafts

The next shipment of issues 015-018 will include the transmission (Issue 016) for the inner drive shafts will mount to.  I am pretty sure that 015 will be the last wheel...unless there is a spare.

Now the fun part, the extra screw count after 14 issues:  16-AP, 6-BP, 2-CP, 3-AM, 6-BM, 4-EM, 4-CM, 4-DM, 2-DP, 1-FM, 2-GM, 3-HM, 2-IM

to be continued...

FUCK YOU, STOP CALLING ME - December 2017

Final month of 2017. Everyone is on holiday mode...except for the fucking telemarketers.

5 December 2017

  310-849-4134  Beverly Hills, CA - Obviously, this is another spoofing call. I wonder if these fuckers are going to pick it up for the holiday season, like how some retailers hire more staff to cover for the mass shopping season.  Oh wait, telemarketers are usually bots.  Do bots have holidays?  I know they sometimes get weekends off. Sometimes I get calls on Saturdays. Where am I going with this?  No where, just like telemarketers.  Fuck you!

  423-405-1562  Athens, TN - There is already an Athens in Greece. Come up with your own name.  Fuck you!

8 December 2017
  310-849-9946  Beverly Hills, CA - For those keeping track, this is the eleventh time this number has called, dating back to May of this year.  Fuck you!

11 December 2017
  201-579-9233  New Jersey - Not one...

  201-579-9233  New Jersey - Not two...

  201-579-9233  New Jersey - Not three..

  201-579-9233  New Jersey - But four calls from this number.  Oh, it gets better.  Four, count them, four calls in less than a minute.  Fuck you!

I downloaded an app called Call Protect which pre-blocks number s that are from potential fraud callers. My phone did not even ring, just a notice...well, four...that calls were protected.  It is free, try it.

13 December 2017
  310-849-8558  Beverly Hills, CA - Another spoofed number from Beverly Hills.  You know the routine...it looks legit, but it is a fucking telemarketer/spam.  Because of the spoofing, the app I downloaded did not pick this up as a potential fraud.  Oh you fucking telemarketers, are so sneaky.  Fuck you!

19 December 2017
  310-849-9946  Beverly Hills, CA - Look who called again.  That makes it twelve calls since May.  While most, okay, all telemarketer calls are annoying as fuck...I actually look forward to getting calls from this number.  I am not sure what the record of calls from a single number is, but twelve calls in seven months should rank in the top three.  There is a really good chance that I will get another call before the end of the year,  Until then, fuck you!

20 December 2017
  801-797-3714  Utah - Call Protect listed this as "Potential Fraud" and "Threat:  Severe".  Fuck you!
  
26 December 2017
  310-849-1194  Beverly Hills, CA - Awesome, a Boxing Day call.  So did they have Christmas off?  Another spoofed call, but this time from a new number.  Fuck you!

28 December 2017
  510-947-0283  Walnut Creek, CA - Lori is a cunt!  Another text from fucking Door Dash, courtesy of fucking Lori.

Funny thing is, I did a search for this number and this site came up.  Yep, they have texted me before with Lori's fucking dinner.  God damn it, I want to kick Lori in the throat.  Then, maybe Door Dash can feed her dinner through a tube.  Fuck Lori, fuck Door Dash, fuck you!

 29 December 2017
   323-642-1423   Los Angeles, CA - Oh, this is going to sound crazy, but I got not one...
  
   323-642-1423   Los Angeles, CA -  Not two...

   323-642-1423   Los Angeles, CA -  Not three...
 
   323-642-1423   Los Angeles, CA -  Not four...
 
   323-642-1423   Los Angeles, CA -  Not five...

   323-642-1423   Los Angeles, CA -  Not six...

   323-642-1423   Los Angeles, CA -  Seven!..Nope, just kidding, not even seven...

   323-642-1423   Los Angeles, CA -  Not eight...

   323-642-1423   Los Angeles, CA -  Not nine...

   323-642-1423   Los Angeles, CA -  Ten!  I got 10 calls within a minute that was fortunately Auto-Blocked by Call Protect and marked as Potential Fraud.  Never even heard the phone ring.  Call Protect, thank you.  Telemarketers, fuck you!


 

Build the Back to the Future DeLorean - Issues 007-010

Building the Back to The Future DeLorean, Issues 007-010

New shipment came in and it was a bigger and heavier box than usual.  Parts from 007-009 came in large poly bags, while 010 was packed in its own box.

Issue 007 contents

Issue 007 - Steering Rack and Top Plate

A simple build.  Six part, only five are used in this issue, and two screws.  You will save the front plate for later.  Good thing I am getting four issues at once.

Issue 008 contents

Issue 008 - Anti Roll Bar and Bottom Plate

Another simple build as you are just screwing in the two anti roll bar bases into the bottom plate.  Save the anti roll bar itself for later.

Issue 009 contents

Issue 009 - Front Wheel

This is the same build as Issue 003.

Finished assembly of issues 007-009 should look like this.

Steering Rack, Top Plate, Anti Roll Bar, Bottom Plate, Front Wheel

After three issues of kinda easy and boring builds, now it gets interesting.  Get ready for the the next issue...

Issue 010 contents

Issue 010 - Frame

This is exciting!   The frame is one hefty piece of metal.  There is really nothing to assemble with this issue as there is only one piece, the frame, included with this issue.  But, you do get another screwdriver for your collection...and introducing two new screw sizes.

In addition to the parts from this shipments (007-009), you will need to the assembled builds from 003 (Front Wheel), 005-006 (Front Left and Right Suspension).  Finally, all (well, most) of those parts you have been gathering and assembling have something to attach to.  Most of the assembly of this issue goes pretty smooth.  There are areas where one should pay extra attention to.

As I mentioned previous posts, it is a good idea to pre-tap some of the screw bosses before final assembly.

When you get to attaching the wheels to the front suspension assembly, you will notice there is quite a lot of wiggle room.  There is a small shoulder for the wheel to rest in and a relatively small diameter shaft for the wheel to sit in.

Disc plate sketches and ideas

One way to fix the wobbling wheels is to give the wheel a larger shoulder to sit on.  A simple plate or disc will work.  It does not have to be perfect, just a plastic disc with about 1.150" diameter with a 0.420" hole.  Disc should be about 0.100" thick.

Finished discs

Since there is a screw holding the caliper in place, adding little 'feet' will uniformly raise the plate to line up with existing shoulder.  Feet are 0.040" tall.  You can see the discs in the photo above, along with styrene feet about be glued to the discs, as well as the finished discs.  I made a extra in anticipation of the rear wheels...and another set, just in case.

With these installed, there is still a little wobble, but far less than without.

Pro tip:  When screwing the wheels in, make sure to over tighten as this will prevent spinning.  Also, leave the wheel caps off for now.  Once you pop in those wheel caps, it is very difficult to remove them (as me how I know).  You may want to adjust that screw or make additional modifications to the mounting area in the future.  Save your wheel caps until the later.

The completed frame, up to Issue 010, should look like this:

Frame with suspension, anti roll bar, and wheels installed

The rear bumper, front left fender, and reactor pieces are still and will be waiting for additional issues before they can be mounted on.  Folks in other markets that have started months ahead are still no where close to mounting these parts from the first few issues.  Hopefully, you have kept those parts in a safe somewhere.

Extra screw count after ten issues:  14-AP, 5-BP, 2-CP, 3-AM, 4-BM, 2-EM, 2-CM, 4-DM, 2-DP, 1-FM, 1-GM.

to be continued...

FUCK YOU, STOP CALLING ME - November 2017

Winding down to the end of the year.  Halloween decorations are coming down to make room for Christmas ones.

1 November 2017
  262-203-9060  Lake Geneva, WI - There is a Lake Geneva in fucking Wisconsin?  The first I have hear of Lake Geneve outside of the lyrics in the song West End Girls by the Pet Shop Boys:

You got a heart of glass or a heart of stone
Just you wait till I get you home
We've got no future
We've got no past
Here today built to last
In every city and every nation
From Lake Geneva to the Finland station
(How far have you been)

In a West end town a dead end world
The East end boys and West end girls
In a West end town in a dead end world
The East end boys and West end girls
West end girls

Well, this is strange.  This call went straight to voicemail.  No ringing to entice me to receive the call.  The system left a robo voicemail, the funny part is, I have a pretty long intro to my mail box. So, it cut off most of the intended message.  Of course, I was wishing for something relating to Pet Shop Boy...sadly and obviously, it was not.  Fuck you!

2 November 2017
  714-707-6170  Silverado, CA - Silverado...like the truck?

Telemarketer truck

Fuck you!

4 November 2017
  410-39 - Yep, you guessed it.  Another on of those numbers that do not make sense...and a text message.

410-39

 Yeah, a customer survey from "Amazon" yet the link they provide is Magnumseven.com.  These are for condoms, right?  Take that condom, put it over a shoe, and shove it up your ass.  Fuck you!

10 November 2017
  510-947-0283 Walnut Creek, CA - This came in as a text.  I did a search with this number, as I do with many unrecognized numbers.  So, really quick, this seems like a legitimate number.  One would think that this is spoofing...but, that is not why I looked up the number.  Here, look at the text:

  510-947-0283 

 Fucking Lori and and fucking Door Dash.  I blocked the previous number from Door Dash.  I was hoping that Lori would starve, since she is too lazy to go pick up her own god damn food.  They found another number to text me...but fucking Lori did not update her number.  Lori is a fucking cunt!

The best part is, the driver called me to let me know that Lori's food is here.  Uh 'here' is about 400 miles away.  I kindly let the delivery person know that - Lori has been using my number for two years, I have been trying to contact Door Dash to have my number removed, I am not in Northern California, I have talked to another driver about removing my number and telling Lori to update hers...I asked this driver to do the same.

Fuck you, Lori

Later, after the food was delivered to Lori, I got another text to rate.  I gave them a 0.  Since the only options are 1-5, and the system is automated, I gave them a 1.

Fuck you, Door Dash

Oh good, a place where I can "provide more feedback".  Not really.  There was no place to really express my thoughts.

Lame options

I have nothing against the restaurant.  I only beef is with Lori and Door Dash.  Why is there no way to contact Door Dash? Not on their site, not replying to these text updates, not in the feedback.  This is not a good business plan.  This lack of customer service can only lead to their doom.  Fuck you!

29 November 2017
  937-249-8140 Aberdeen, OH - You might be thinking, "gee whiz, it sure has been a long time since the last call".  Well, no.  I  was on holiday the last two weeks and my phone was turned off.  So, there is no way to tell if I had any awesome telemarketers calling.  Thanks for calling, fuck you!

Bremont Propeller Arms

The Fifth Annual Halloween Competition is going on at the Alt1tude Forums.  I was lucky to win the last two years.  This year, one of the prizes is the new Bremont NATO strap...and stickers.  I love stickers...and straps.

Bremont logo

My entry this year is propeller arms.  One day while staring at my watch, I noticed that the propellers in the Bremont logo kinda looks like two arms coming together.

Original sketch of propeller arm idea

Most of the photos were taken through a mirror, photos of me were taken by my wife.  Obviously, my hands are occupied during this process and could not operate a camera.

Standing in front of mirror, testing out the concept

Next step is to get some paint or make up.  Yes, another painted submission.  Funny thing is, I am not much of a painter. 

Halloween make up

I got a few packs of Halloween make up and some brushes, pencils, and sponges.  I ended up only using the sponges. 

Laying out the artwork

I used an eyeliner pencil to layout the artwork.  For normal people, they would have to prepare their arms, possibly by trimming or shaving their arms.  Lucky for me, I am a freak of nature and have (virtually) no hair on my arms. 

Sponging on the white

First paint to go on is the white.  The idea is any mistakes can be covered by the black later. 

More white

I painted most of the arm, wrist, and back of hands.  This leaves the fingers last so paint would not contaminate the sponge.  Once most of the white is done, I move on to the black.

Laying on the black

The black I got was not as opaque as the white, so applying and blending was more involved.  Lots of dabbing and blotting

Working with a mirror

As with my first entry, working in the mirror is the hardest part.  Sometimes I have to flip the image in my head before applying it to myself.  Also, I stumbled with where I was in relation to my reflection.

Finishing touches

The last parts were the hands.  I left unseen areas unpainted.  Also, I should have worn a black shirt and not an Underdog shirt. 

All that for this one shot

After two hours of dipping and blending, we did a quick photo shoot.  Other than holding still, the hardest part was trying to hold my arms and hands at the right angle and shape of the Bremont propellers.

Okay, obviously, I could not include one of my Bremont watches in the the shot.  Hopefully, I get a pass.  Entry submitted and hoping to get at least a sticker...perhaps a NATO strap.

Build the Back to the Future DeLorean - Issues 003-006

Building the Back to the Future DeLorean, Issues 003-006

Yay!  New shipment from Eaglemoss arrived last week.  The shipment was supposed to include a binder for issues.  Instead, I got a note saying they are on back order.  No worries.  Ready to tackle the next four issues of the build.

Issue 003 contents

Issue 003 - Front Wheel

With only five pieces and three screws, this issue was an easy build.  The detail on this is simply amazing.  Eaglemoss even got the tread on the Goodyear Eagle GT tires correct.  One minor 'mistake', they made chrome wheels.  While DeLorean did make some chrome wheels, the screen used car has the light grey powder coated wheels.  No big deal.

Issue 004 contents

Issue 004 - Reactor & Mr. Fusion

These are the parts that help generate the 1.21 gigawatts of power need for time travel.  The Reactor Disc is pretty straight forward.  They even designed it so you can lock and unlock the cap with a twist.  The cap is removable, but there is a base, so I doubt there will be plutonium tubes in the future.  Unless, they give you a new base so the plutonium can slide in.

The assembly of Mr. Fusion is quite involved.  Get ready for a lot of screws, and new tiny screws and springs.  Good idea to have those tweezers handy.  Because of the size and colour of the AP screws, some might find the screw heads are too distracting as they are quite obvious on one side of the Krups 223 coffee grinder.  This does not bother me since my final assembly will be with the nuclear reactor disc.  Dare I say it, I am not a big fan of the Mr. Fusion version of the Time Machine.

We are introduced to tiny screws and springs when putting together the latch for Mr. Fusion.

Pro tip:  When installing the micro springs on the latch system, pre-screw the CP screws on the hinge base (black) with the screws slightly protruding.  Use your handy tweezers to hook one end of spring on to the latch nubs (red).  Then hook other end of spring on to slightly exposed CP screw, then screw away.  Do this one at a time.

Issue 005 contents

Issue 005 - Front Left Suspension

There are seven different screws used in this issue.  This is the most complex issue, so far.   Most of the piece are die-cast, it might be a good idea to pre-tap the holes before final assembly.

Pro tip:  Do not over tighten screws on the control arms until the spring is in place.  You will need the front suspension assembly to be a little loose so you can slip the spring into place.  That spring is pretty strong, you will need compress it as you screw in EM.

I ran into a problem on this build.  The left front tie head did not have holes drilled all the way through.  When trying to screw from the top, the DM screw bottoms out.  You will need to drill out this hole so the screw can sit in properly.

When screwing the brake disc to the same front tie head, the DM screw will also bottom out.  Again, you will need to drill that hole.  Before you start on this issue, check the holes on the front tie head piece, make sure the holes are through.

Issue 006 contents

Issue 006 - Front Right Suspension

This is the same as Issue 005, just reversed.  Now that you assembled the left side, the right side will be a lot easier.  Heck you may not even need the directions this time.

Fortunately, all the holes were properly drilled through on the right front tie head piece.  But, I was prepared with small hand drill in hand.  Oh, do not use a powered drill, just a drill bit and a few twists will be enough.

As with the previous issue, pay attention when dealing the little spring and small parts during the brake disc segments of the build.

Finished assembly of Issues 003-006 should look like this:'

Front Wheel, Reactor Disc, Mr. Fusion, Front Left Suspension, Front Right Suspension

Extra screw count after six issues:  11-AP, 4-BP, 2-CP, 2-AM, 2-BM, 2-EM, 2-CM, 2-DM, 2-DP.

to be continued...

FUCK YOU, STOP CALLING ME - October 2017

Exciting time of the year.  We have leaves falling, seasons changing along with retail store displays.  And, as usual, spooky calls from telemarketers.

4 October 2017

  424-356-4658  Inglewood, CA - I have been waiting for this call, our first of the month.  This is also a return caller from last month, no doubt selling the same shit.  Fuck you!

10 October 2017
  310-875-5634  Santa Monica, CA - Santa Monica home of hipsters and beach bimbos.  Also famous for issuing random parking and traffic tickets.  Now, they have telemarketers.  Fuck you!

13 October 2017
  310-849-1314  Beverly Hills, CA - Ooh...Friday the 13th.  Could it be Jason Voorhees calling?  I mean, if he talked, it could be him.  But no, it is worse...it is a telemarketer.  Fuck you!

  310-849-6837  Beverly Hills, CA - Perhaps Friday the 13th, Part II.  So, am I going to get a call for each damn sequel?  Fuck you!

23 October 2017
  310-849-9830  Beverly Hills, CA -  Been a while since I got a text.  This one is kinda special.  It seems that these fuckers have stooped to a newer low...text spoofing.

I think you mean, "May I..."

It is pretty obvious what is happening here.  They send a text asking "Can I call you later?"  My first thought was, 'this is a telemarketer'.  Second thought..."you man "May I...".  Fucking telemarketers cannot even get their grammar together.  Fuck.

So, the trick is to get you to answer.  Whether with a "Yes" or "No".  Or, even a "I think you mean, May I.  Who the fuck thought you grammar, you flunky?".  Heck, even a "Who the fuck is this?" return text would carve your number in their 'call this idiot' list.  Fuck you!

24 October 2017
  876-854-2186  Jamaica - Uh, yeah...Jamaica.  As if there is any doubt this is a scam.  Fuck you!

31 October 2017
   310849-9946  Beverly Hills, CA - Happy Halloween!  This must be the trick.  Fuck you!