MODS

This 1:8 scale Back to the Future DeLorean partwork build-up is the most detailed model of its kind. It is based on scans of the incredibly ‘screen accurate’ full-size replica owned by Terry Matalas. Then, they enlisted the help of some of the best Back to the Future DeLorean experts (including Joe Walser) to further improve the model. And, for a model that costs upwards of $1500 USD you would think it would be perfect, but you would be wrong. There are definitely some shortcomings you will find as you build it and they may or may not drive you crazy.

Luckily, there are communities of fans who, like myself, are passionate about the movie and the car.  Some of them have produced some amazing custom modifications (mods) you can add to your DeLorean model to give it more accuracy and detail.

Some mods are very affordable and others are quite expensive. It is totally up to you which ones to install. Every build is going to be slightly different no matter what, so do what you want!

On that note, here is a list of the mods I have chosen for my build. Details on and where to get each mod can be found on their individual pages.

My Custom Mods

ModificationIn Issue(s)
Painting the HubcapsAfter 03, 09, 13, 15
Dedicated Page
Tinting Mr. Fusion's clear parts04
Painting the frame05, 06, 07, 08, 10, 11, 27, 29, 31, 33
Painting the suspension05, 06, 07, 12, 14
Painting the engine17, 19, 20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26
Stiffening the fuel lines22
Adding hose clamps30
Blacking out the Time Display lighting42
Protecting the Button Panel from Shorting42
Painting the Button Panel Switches43
Painting the Dashboard44
Painting the Speedometer Cable/Vents45
Painting the Rowan Contactors46
Blacking out the Plutonium Gauge lighting46
Painting the Dashboard Terminal Block48
Adding the CAT ducting49, 52
Adding colored Wiring Bands52, 53
Weathering the Conduit53
Fixing the Cylinder Pipes54
Painting the Bulkhead Parts57
Improving the Hydroflow Hoses59, 82
Fixing the Door Marker Light Lens color67, 71
Fixing the Door Marker Light LED color68, 72
Using magnets for the Wing Mirrors69, 73
Painting the Door Interior Duct69, 73
Painting the Grille Element81
Painting the Silver Connectors (Pucks)82
Painting the Cylinder Meshes83
Painting the Cartridges83
Painting the Roof Panel86
Fixing the floppy Sun Visors87
Painting the Flux Cable screws100, 102, 109
Rear Under-Bumper Wiring106
Upgrading Hoses and Adding Colored Tape111, 112, 115, 117
Painting the Arrowhead duct111
Correct Reactor Platform wiring112
Add details to the Robinson gyroscope base112
Add paint to the T-195 vent118
Weathering the Reactor Exhaust Pipes/Vents120
Weathering the Rear Exhaust Cowls121, 122, 123, 124, 125
Tape wrapping the Reactor Cables125
Painting the Time Circuit (Hood Box) Components131, 134, 137, 140, 143, 147
Full-Size Plutonium CaseDedicated Page
From Mike Lane:
Direct Product LinkUsed in Issue(s)
Exhibition Stand (formerly Museum Stand)Anytime
Die-cast Licence Plates (formerly Magnetic Licence Plates)01
Decal Set III02, 21, 27, 46, 62, 65, 69, 73, 83, 84, 86, 89, 91, 93
Decal Set II04, 41, 44, 50, 51, 57, 65, 67, 69, 71, 73
Mr Fusion Vinyl Wrap04
Mr Fusion Fuel and Baseplate04 or 126
Magnetic Wheel CapsDuring 10, 13, 15
Dedicated Page
Model Tyre Dressing with BrushDuring 10, 13, 15
Tyre Transfers (1:8)During 10, 13, 15
Self-adhesive Carpets40, 52, 53, 54, 55
Dedicated Page
Decal Set I42, 43
Metal Keys and Key Tag
Anytime after 47
Dedicated Page
Mini Cable Ties48, 49, 52, 53, 100, 101, 102, 103, 106, 109, 112, The Cannon Set
Bulkhead Storage Lid with 'Bailout' Ball and Wire54
Dedicated Page
Heel and Toe PadsAnytime after 56
Dedicated Page
Static Cling Window ProtectorsAnytime after the windows are installed (62, 68, 72)
Dedicated Page
Bonnet and Trunk Carpets with Die-cast Tools64, 65, 110
Green Tube Transfers83
Plutonium Case and Clock Face Upgrade Kit129, 130
Hood Box Upgrade131
Dedicated Page
Magnetic Train Wheel Caps158
These are sorted by the order they were installed
From Model Modz:
Direct Product LinkUsed in Issue(s)
The Power Mod34
Dedicated Page
The Dashboard Mod (a custom version of Mike Lane’s piece)44
The Wireless 1 to 6 Switch ModAfter 56
Dedicated Page
The Flux Capacitor Mod58
The XMAS Tree Mod59
The EL Light Mod59, 87, 91, 98, 104, 105, 106, 113
Dedicated Page
The Cannon SetAfter 82
Dedicated Page
Faraday Conduits101, 103
Dedicated Page
These are sorted by the order they were installed
From Darren Gurney:
Product NameUsed in Issue(s)
Radio Heat Sink42
Purple Cable Clamps49
These are sorted by the order they were installed
From Bill Will Green:
Product NameUsed in Issue(s)
Seat Back Covers50, 51
Headliners70, 74
Spare Wheel Cover110
These are sorted by the order they were installed
Other Mods:
Product NameUsed in Issue(s)
Wet Transfer Decals from Rail-Road Models UK18
TFC Switch Mod from Rallbart (Rafael Lin)43
Flux Band LED Caps from 3Dynamics (Adrian Dinca)98, 106
*Replaced by The EL Light Mod