A: The technique is mig wire feed welding in an inert atmosphere using a 3-part gas. The wire is specially matched to the material of the frame. All welding joints are then passivated. This is different from rod-welding and does not require that the joints be coated.


Q: Is the frame as strong as the original? - A rhetorical question since it must be. Therefore, is it heavier? How much/little?

A: The new Stainless Steel frame, without any coatings, weighs 10 pounds more than the original frame with its epoxy coating. As far as strength, the original frame would handle 130 FtLbs for torque in the engine compartment, the new frame will handle 310 FtLbs of torque in the engine compartment with a calculated correspondence throughout the frame.


Q: I am curious why you chose stainless steel, as opposed to something more exotic (aluminum being the first thing that comes to mind, magnesium and titanium following).

A: Our primary consideration was that Stainless Steel, as it is used on the DeLorean, does not deteriorate. The frame is made from the same grade Stainless Steel used on the body panels of the car. You can see how well these have maintained their appearance over the last 20 years. Additionally, we considered that the body panels are all made out of Stainless, we decided early on that it would be great if the frame could be Stainless. This is the material most often associated with the car anyway and most people do not realize that the original frame of the DeLorean is not Stainless Steel.


Q: Did you deem it impossible to redesign the frame to allow for the inherent lesser tensile strengths and moduli (?) of elasticity? Did you consider other metals, and how much?

A: This was of course, the main concern. The frame overall is stronger than the original and only 10 pounds heavier. We were pleased that the weight only increased by 10 pounds. Some of the weight is saved on the new frame because no coating is needed.