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“Add the engine support to your DeLorean’s frame by following these step-by-step instructions.”

In this issue, we finish off the main Frame by adding the engine support.

Contents

Parts

Materials: Everything in this issue is metal except for the plastic Base Panels.

Magazine

• Drive Time: Model Instructions
• Production Diary: Filming at Whittier High School
• Inside The Time Machine: Behind The Wheel (Interior Gadgets)
• A Time Traveler’s Guide: Biff Tannen

Build

As I have done up to this point for any parts related to the frame, I painted most of the parts in this issue with Tamiya Fine Surface Primer in Light Grey. Four (4) of the DM and two (2) of the HM screw heads also received a coat of Tamiya XF-56 Metallic Grey. Only the Rods (Lower Control Arms) were left the original black.

The Engine Support

Step 1

Fit the Connecting Rods to the Engine Support, align the holes, and secure with two (2) DM screws.

There was a little extra metal on the Connecting Rods which caused these to not align straight as you can see, but the next step will help fix this. This is also your friendly reminder to try using 3-in-One Oil on all screws going into metal:

Step 2

Place the Rods under the Connecting Rods, align the holes, and secure with two (2) HM screws.

I tightened these all the way, then backed out a half turn to allow the suspension to move. Also, I made sure the ‘bent’ ends of the Rods are outboard and pointing down as seen below. It is a common mistake to put these in wrong and have to fix it later.

Fixing The Sides

Step 1

Place Engine Support Left onto the Engine Support and secure with two (2) DM screws.

There is a small pin on the Connecting Rod that aligns the Engine Support Left, then the screws go in the other two holes:

Step 2

Place Engine Support Right onto the Engine Support and secure with two (2) DM screws:

As before, there is a small pin on the Connecting Rod that aligns the Engine Support Right, then the screws go in the other two holes:

Step 3

Place the Base Panel into the Engine Support Right and secure with one (1) DM screw.

The screw is down in the circled hole. It is not easy to tighten due to the Engine Supports getting in the way, but can be done:

Step 4

Place the other Base Panel into the Engine Support Left and secure with one (1) DM screw:

Mounting The Support

Step 1

Bring in the Frame assembly completed in Issue 10, flip it upside down, and place this assembly into the corresponding holes.

There are small pins on the Engine Supports that align it into the Frame. I had to flex this issue’s assembly a tiny bit to get the pins to go in:

Step 2

Turn the entire Frame over and secure the new assembly with four (4) DM screws.

These are the four (4) DM screw heads I painted earlier:

Thoughts

Another issue completed and we are ready to install the rear suspension next. Nothing too tricky to report so far, it is coming along nicely.

Next Up

 Issue 12 – Suspension: Rear Suspension/Hub, Driveshaft (Left)