Everything needed to build the model is supplied as we go, but I have put together a list of items that I found that improve the experience. These are just suggestions, there is no need to do it exactly this way.

Work Space

This model is going to take a long time to build, so having a good work space to assemble it is important. I created a dedicated location with a small table and laid down a self-healing 24×36″ craft mat by Dahle:

Dahle Vantage 24″x36″ Self-Healing Cutting Mat

This has a nice blue background with a 1/2″ grid, imperial and metric rulers, and is big enough to cover the entire model.

Screwdriver Set

A few basic tools are provided along with the issues. For example, Issue 01 includes a size #000 Phillips screwdriver, Issue 10 includes a size #0 Phillips screwdriver, Issue 60 includes a size #1 Phillips screwdriver, and Issue 19 includes some simple tweezers. I found that these tools are not that great, so instead I used this precision screwdriver/tool set by ORIA:

ORIA 86 in 1 Precision Screwdriver Set

This set has many other useful tools such as different sharp-point tweezers, razor knife, magnetizing block, pry tools, etc.

Another screwdriver set I recently picked up is fantastic, but it does not contain any of the other tools. This is the iFixit Manta Driver Kit:

Then, I finally got my hands on a set of amazing Wera Kraftform Phillip-head screwdrivers. These things are nearly indestructible:

Wera 2050 PH/4 Kraftform Micro Phillips Precision Screwdriver Set

Organizer

This model is assembled using hundreds of tiny screws. I even created a dedicated Screws page with a ton of information about them all. The screws are marked with designations like AP, BP, AM, CM, etc.  As there will be at least 16 types of plastic screws (AP-PP) and at least 19 types of metal screws (AM-SM), keeping them organized is extremely helpful. And, since extra screws are supplied in every issue, you will need someplace to store them all.

I bought a cheap 36-slot organizer from Amazon but any similar product would work fine. I taped the small designation labels included with the screw bags into each compartment to keep everything tidy.

36 Grid Storage Organizer

Lubricating Oil

I still recommend pre-threading all of the metal holes with the correct screw before attaching things into place. This simply involves driving the intended screw into each hole and removing it before actually fastening anything together. The screws are made of harder metal than the die-cast parts so they should create threads in the metal. This will make the actual connection straighter and easier to use.

However, a game-changer for the metal screws is to pick up some 3-in-One Multi-Purpose Oil and add a tiny drop to the tip of each metal screw (or into the hole). Using this, the metal screws feed much easier and won’t bind, break, and strip nearly as often.

Helpful Details

I have put a couple of pages together to help explain some of the build’s more complex pieces and the colors I changed:

• The Screws – A listing of every screw used in the build
• The Wiring – A listing of the wiring numbers, what they are for, and which switch controls them
• The Colors – A listing of all the paints, washes, and markers used

Custom Modifications (Mods)

If you plan on modifying your car, you may want to look into some of the many mods available to us before you start building.

See my MODS page for details.

The Community

Finally, there are a lot of other 1:8 scale Back to the Future DeLorean partwork model builders online where you can learn more about the kit, build tips and tricks, videos, ask questions, and join discussions. Don’t be a stranger, we are friendly!

YouTube Channels

I found a few channels that are a great presentation of the build and may help provide insight into what it takes to build this model:

World of Wayne

This set of videos from Wayne Green documents his build of the DeLorean over in the UK. His videos are fantastic and provide a lot of detail and camera angles for each issue. He has also installed many of the aftermarket mods.

The life of Brien

This set of videos features follows Dave Brien as he builds the DeLorean, also in the UK. This is a great series for the first-time builder and also features many of the aftermarket mods.

BradM73

Finally, we have Brad here in the US. He is not as far along as the others, but he does a lot of customization, paint work, and is detail oriented. I understand this passion myself, so these hit home for me. Sadly, it appears he stopped his build after Issue 97.

No Concept of Time: The Show

This last set of videos follows Joe Walser and his son as they build the DeLorean. Mr. Walser lead the restoration of the actual ‘A’ car used in the movies (and helped design our model). He also adds a lot of fun information and clips along the way. Unfortunately, it appears that he stopped posting these videos after Issue 89.

Facebook Groups

There are also Facebook groups dedicated to the build. There is a ton of information and help to be found. Some of the groups I visit are:

Build the BTTF DeLorean by Fanhome – Partwork Central

Next Up

 Issue 01 – Body: Rear Section, Right Tail Light, Numberplate (License Plate)