Stainless Steel Dreams: Mike’s Time-Traveling Journey with a DeLorean and Beyond
About this episode
Mike shares his fascinating journey into the world of DeLoreans, from his family's first purchase of the iconic car to running a successful DeLorean repair shop. He recounts how his brother's passion for the DeLorean sparked his own interest, leading to a career that combines automotive expertise with a love for these unique vehicles. The conversation also touches on Mike's YouTube channel, DeLorean Nation, where he shares entertaining stories and insights about the DeLorean community. Listeners will appreciate the personal anecdotes and the deep dive into the DeLorean culture.
Click here to share your favorite car, car story or any automotive trivia!
Mike’s “DeLorean Dreams” episode is a nostalgic cruise through the 1980s and a heartfelt exploration of how one iconic car can shape a life. As a child of the ’80s, Mike grew up idolizing the Back to the Future DeLorean, never imagining he’d one day own one. He shares the emotional story of tracking down a 1981 DeLorean DMC-12 and the goosebumps moment of seeing those gull-wing doors in his garage.
But the DeLorean is just the centerpiece; Mike’s journey through automotive history includes restoring its finicky PRV engine, sourcing parts from a passionate owner’s club, and even taking it on a cross-country rally where fans flocked to see “the time machine.” Alongside the DeLorean saga, Mike reminisces about the other classics in his collection (like a pair of Dodge Darts affectionately nicknamed “The Twins” and a Buick Special – each with their own chapter of car memories). He also touches on how owning these cars connected him with his community – from winning “Best in Class” at a local car show to mentoring a neighbor’s kid on how to polish stainless steel body panels.
Mike's favorite episode is no surprise, it's our Season 1 Finale with Kat DeLorean - https://pod.link/1733902541/episode/21bc2a128a77f6b4aebc3657124d0d80
Blending pop-culture fun with restoration reality, this episode will delight anyone who’s ever pursued a childhood car dream. Mike’s story is a powerful reminder that our passion for cars can drive us to achieve the impossible and forge lifelong friendships along the way.
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Nissan 300ZX
"...I had a old 300ZX that was 1990 that was sitting at a friend's place. And I'm like, you know, I'm going to bring it back,..."
The Nissan 300ZX is a cool sports car made by Nissan in the 1990s. It's known for being fast and stylish, and it's part of a series of cars that Nissan has made called the Z-cars.
The Nissan 300ZX is a sports car that was produced during the late 1980s and early 1990s, known for its performance and distinctive design. It was part of the Z-car family, which has a long history of sporty vehicles from Nissan.
Delorean DMC-12
"And somehow DeLorean came up. And so one of our many friends of the show, I met him via Facebook, a Facebook DeLorean group, Brian Paoni, excellent author and good friend, lives in Northern Virginia. He connected me with Mike. And I don't want to take too much away, but Mike runs one of the few DeLorean shops in the US that has been around for quite some time."
The DeLorean is a famous car known for its unique design and its role in movies. It has doors that open upwards and is made of stainless steel, which makes it stand out.
The DeLorean DMC-12 is a sports car that became iconic for its appearance in the 'Back to the Future' film series. It features distinctive gull-wing doors and a stainless steel body, making it a unique vehicle in automotive history.
DeLorean
"I looked at two DeLoreans and I drove away, leaving a check with Mike for one of them"
The DeLorean is a unique car known for its shiny metal exterior and doors that open upwards. It became famous because it was featured in the 'Back to the Future' movies.
The DeLorean is a sports car manufactured by the DeLorean Motor Company, famously known for its distinctive stainless steel body and gull-wing doors. It gained iconic status from its appearance in the 'Back to the Future' film series.
Mika auction
"We went to a Mika auction when they were a very small company out at the Boone County Fairgrounds in Belvedere, Illinois. They would do a once a year car auction and that was really all they did."
A Mika auction is a place where people can bid on cars to buy them. It's like a public sale where the highest bidder wins the car.
Mika auctions are events where cars are sold to the highest bidder, often featuring classic or unique vehicles. They provide a platform for car enthusiasts and collectors to buy and sell cars in a competitive environment.
auction block
"...that's going across the auction block. Car one of going across the auction block didn't meet the reserve."
The auction block is where cars are shown to people who want to buy them at an auction. It's like a stage where the cars are sold to the highest bidder.
The auction block refers to the platform or area where vehicles are presented for sale at an auction. Bidders can place their offers on the cars being sold.
reserve
"...didn't meet the reserve. My brother ensues a conversation with the owner..."
A reserve is the lowest price that the seller will accept for the car at an auction. If the bidding doesn't reach this price, the car won't be sold.
A reserve is the minimum price that a seller is willing to accept for an item at auction. If bidding does not reach this price, the item may not be sold.
Renault Wind
"strikes up a deal with the seller and we wind up driving home in our minivan with a DeLorean in..."
The Renault Wind is a small convertible car that you can take the roof off to enjoy the sunshine while driving. It's known for being a fun little car, but it was only made for a couple of years, so you don't see many of them around.
The Renault Wind is a compact roadster produced by the French automaker Renault from 2010 to 2012. It is notable for its unique folding roof design, which allows for an open-air driving experience. The Wind is often discussed for its quirky styling and as a representation of Renault's approach to small, fun cars.
1989 Hirikugir
"And we wound up with a really nice 89-Mirror-Hirikugir, 3.8-Liter LS."
The 1989 Hirikugir is a car model made in 1989 by the brand Hirikugir. It has its own special look and characteristics from that time.
The 1989 Hirikugir is a specific model from the manufacturer Hirikugir, notable for its unique design and features from that year.
out-the-door price
"I think the out-the-door price on it was about $61.50."
The out-the-door price is the total amount you pay to buy a car. It includes everything like taxes and fees, so you know exactly what you're spending.
The out-the-door price refers to the total cost of purchasing a vehicle, including taxes, fees, and any additional costs, providing a complete picture of what the buyer will pay.
Pontiac Grand Prix SE
"So yeah, that was an 88 Pontiac Grand Prix SE."
The Pontiac Grand Prix SE is a type of car made by Pontiac in 1988. It's known for being a mid-size car that has a sporty look and feel.
The Pontiac Grand Prix SE is a variant of the Grand Prix, a mid-size car produced by Pontiac. The 1988 model is part of the fourth generation of the Grand Prix, known for its sporty design and performance features.
digital dash
"It had a lot of digital dash. The first of their, you know, V6, first of the front-wheel drive cars."
A digital dash is a car dashboard that shows information like speed and fuel level using screens instead of round dials. It can be easier to read and sometimes has extra features.
A digital dash refers to a vehicle's instrument panel that uses digital displays instead of traditional analog gauges. This technology can provide more information and customizable options for the driver.
dual exhaust
"It had a great sounding dual exhaust, had the spider tail lights, a little luggage rack-ish type rear spoiler."
Dual exhaust means the car has two pipes that let out exhaust gases instead of just one. This can help the engine run better and make the car sound cooler.
A dual exhaust system features two separate exhaust pipes, which can improve engine performance by allowing exhaust gases to exit more efficiently. This setup often enhances the sound of the vehicle as well.
fog lights
"Yeah, lumbar seats, fog lights,"
Fog lights are special lights on a car that help you see better when it's foggy. They shine down at the road to light it up without causing too much glare.
Fog lights are specialized lights mounted low on a vehicle to illuminate the road immediately in front of the car, reducing glare and improving visibility in foggy or low-visibility conditions.
Indianapolis 500 edition
"...I don't know if this was the Indianapolis 500 edition"
The Indianapolis 500 edition is a special version of a car made to celebrate the Indianapolis 500 race. These cars usually look different and may have better performance features than regular models.
The Indianapolis 500 edition refers to special models of cars that are released to commemorate the famous Indianapolis 500 race. These editions often feature unique styling and performance enhancements.
Nissan Maxima
"I think the car that you replaced the Pontiac for a short time was a 1990 Nissan Maxima SE. That cool feature about that was they had, some of them had a five-speed manual transmission..."
The Nissan Maxima SE is a version of the Maxima that has sportier features. The 1990 model is known for being a solid and well-built car that many people enjoyed driving.
The Nissan Maxima SE is a trim of the Maxima, known for its sporty features and performance. The 1990 model was part of the fourth generation of Maxima, which was well-regarded for its build quality and driving dynamics.
five-speed manual transmission
"...some of them had a five-speed manual transmission, which the car had a manual transmission."
A five-speed manual transmission is a type of gearbox that lets you change gears manually. It gives you more control over how the car accelerates and performs.
A five-speed manual transmission allows the driver to manually select gears, providing more control over the vehicle's power and performance. This type of transmission is often preferred by driving enthusiasts for the engagement it offers.
Dodge Shadow
"...let's talk about the Dodge Shadow, the 94 Dodge Shadow, the drag racing three-liter 94 Dodge Shadow."
The Dodge Shadow is a small car made by Dodge in the 1990s. The 1994 model had a sporty version with a three-liter engine that made it fun to drive.
The Dodge Shadow was a compact car produced by Dodge in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The 1994 model was part of the second generation and was known for its sporty design and performance options, including a three-liter engine variant.
3.0 liter engine
"So they had this 94 Dodge Shadow with a 3.0 liter in it. I want to say it had like 190,000 miles on it."
A 3.0 liter engine is a type of car engine that has a total size of 3.0 liters. This size can give a good mix of power and fuel economy.
The 3.0 liter engine refers to the engine's displacement, which is the total volume of all the cylinders in the engine. This size is typically associated with a balance of performance and fuel efficiency.
valve stem seals
"...but they were known for having leaky valve stem seals. And when you idle the car, it was more than about a three-minute idle, it would start burning oil and blowing..."
Valve stem seals help keep oil from leaking into the engine's combustion area. If they wear out, the engine can burn oil, which causes blue smoke to come out of the exhaust.
Valve stem seals are components in an engine that prevent oil from leaking into the combustion chamber. When they wear out, they can lead to oil burning and blue smoke from the exhaust, indicating that oil is being consumed during combustion.
blue smoke
"...it would start burning oil and blowing, blue black smoke out the back and it got kind of noxious."
If you see blue smoke coming from a car's exhaust, it usually means the engine is burning oil. This can happen when parts inside the engine are worn out.
Blue smoke from an exhaust indicates that the engine is burning oil, often due to worn components like valve stem seals or piston rings. This can lead to decreased engine performance and increased emissions.
automotive technology
"...gone to school for automotive, got a two-year associate's degree in automotive and had about five years' experience working on cars..."
Automotive technology is about learning how cars are built and how they work. It includes everything from engines to safety features.
Automotive technology refers to the study and application of engineering principles related to the design, manufacturing, and operation of vehicles. It covers various aspects, including mechanics, electronics, and safety systems.
fixer upper
"...he bought one that was a bit of a fixer upper..."
A 'fixer upper' is something, like a car, that isn't in perfect condition and needs some repairs to make it better or usable again.
A 'fixer upper' refers to a property or vehicle that requires repairs or renovations to improve its condition or value. In automotive terms, it often means a car that needs work to be roadworthy or restored.
Chevrolet Camaro
"...I bought a 87 Z28 Camaro with 9,000 miles on it. We've owned that car for probably nine months..."
The Chevrolet Z28 Camaro is a sporty car that was made in 1987. It's known for being fast and fun to drive, and it has a cool design that many car enthusiasts love.
The Chevrolet Z28 Camaro is a performance-oriented version of the Camaro, known for its sporty design and powerful engine options. The 1987 model is part of the third generation of Camaros, which were popular in the late 1980s.
Chevrolet Corvette
"...I've also done that with a bought a 2017 Corvette that customer of mine was going to trade into a dealership..."
The 2017 Corvette is a high-performance sports car made by Chevrolet. It's famous for being fast and having a powerful engine, making it a favorite among car lovers.
The 2017 Chevrolet Corvette is part of the C7 generation, known for its powerful V8 engine, sharp handling, and advanced technology. It offers a blend of performance and luxury, making it a popular choice among sports car enthusiasts.
Buick Grand Sport
"it's not really the right time of life for a 17 grand sport but there will be another C7 in my future"
The Buick Gran Sport is a classic American car that was made to be fast and powerful, while still being comfortable. It's part of a group of cars known as muscle cars, which were popular for their speed and style back in the day.
The Buick Gran Sport is a performance variant of the Buick Skylark, produced during the 1960s and 1970s, known for its powerful V8 engines and sporty features. It represents a significant era in American muscle cars, combining luxury with performance. The Gran Sport is often discussed for its classic appeal and as a symbol of Buick's performance heritage.
Cadillac Alante
"and she had a 93 Cadillac Alante with 8,984 miles and just look every bit you'd expect"
The Cadillac Allante is a stylish two-seater car made by Cadillac in the early 90s. It was designed to be a luxury sports car and is known for its distinctive look.
The Cadillac Allante is a luxury roadster produced by Cadillac from 1987 to 1993. Known for its unique design and use of a lightweight aluminum body, it was aimed at competing with European sports cars.
DeLorean Midwest
"...his day job is DeLoreanMidwest.com"
DeLorean Midwest is a business that helps people fix and take care of DeLorean cars. These cars are famous for their unique doors that open upwards and their shiny metal bodies.
DeLorean Midwest is a company that specializes in the restoration and maintenance of DeLorean cars, which are known for their distinctive gullwing doors and stainless steel body. They provide parts and services for owners of this iconic vehicle.
restomod
"...we'd love to find some...subcultures if you will...resto mods are very popular these days..."
A restomod is an old car that has been fixed up and updated with new parts to make it better to drive. It keeps the classic look but has modern features.
A restomod is a vehicle that has been restored to a certain extent but also modified with modern components to improve performance, comfort, and safety while retaining its classic appearance. This trend is popular among car enthusiasts who appreciate vintage cars but want the reliability of modern technology.
JDM
"...but also JDM...the whole JDM community..."
JDM means cars that are made for the Japanese market. People in the JDM community love these cars and often modify them to make them faster or look cooler.
JDM stands for Japanese Domestic Market, referring to vehicles and parts that are produced specifically for the Japanese market. The JDM community is known for its appreciation of Japanese cars, often focusing on performance, tuning, and unique modifications that may not be available in other markets.
Honda Beat
"...some of the coolest cars all right hand drive but that you've never seen ever... Honda Beat, Suzuki, Cappuccino"
The Honda Beat is a tiny car from Japan that was made in the early '90s. It's small and fun to drive, which is why many people like it.
The Honda Beat is a kei car produced by Honda from 1991 to 1996. It is known for its compact size, lightweight design, and fun driving experience, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts.
Suzuki Cappuccino
"and I'll see some of those cars there Honda Beat, Suzuki, Cappuccino there's a really skinny"
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