Why restore an Elan
Post by: Famous Frank » Tue Jan 11, 2011 6:16 am
Some of you may have noticed I'm in the process of restoring my 66 S2 SE. Please allow me to explain why I'm taking on the this project and what is involved with this one. Let's start by saying, I truly enjoy restoring cars. I many times think I like the restoration more than driving or showing of them later. This isn't my first restoration but it is the most extensive I've tackled. One thing to remember, when I say "I restore", it should always be read as "we restore". Every car I've ever restored, I could not have done the work without the untiring assistance of Club and Forum members. That goes for all the clubs and forums, but especially this forum. It is by far the best and the members are above reporoach! Thank you all.
I purchased this car almost 4 years ago from an ad in Craigslist. It was 10 miles from home, mostly complete, but didn't run. Although I paid more than I should have, I justified it by telling myself, I could have spent thousands more looking at others in different parts of the country and could have eaten up gobs of cash flying / driving looking at others. Then I would also have had the expense of towing it home. It had not run since the early 1980's. It was in an accident in 1976 and was very poorly repaired, although at that time, it may have been a typical repair for the period. Looking at it now, it could not have driven very well after the repairs. As a matter of fact, it would have been a very dangerous car to drive. I believe the previous owner brought it down from the New York area.
Where does the time go? Well, many times, it goes hand in hand with the financial funds available. You can see from the pics, it didn't look all that bad from the outside. The left door had fallen off but that could have been from a bad nylon hinge or ??? The paint was still shiny, although not an original color, and like I said, it was mostly complete. Upon closer inspection, the more I looked, the more it needed every part either replaced or refurbished for it to become a show car example.
By the way, I'm still looking for a pedal assembly bushing or a pedal assembly I have listed in the "Wanted" section.
Next phase to follow.
I purchased this car almost 4 years ago from an ad in Craigslist. It was 10 miles from home, mostly complete, but didn't run. Although I paid more than I should have, I justified it by telling myself, I could have spent thousands more looking at others in different parts of the country and could have eaten up gobs of cash flying / driving looking at others. Then I would also have had the expense of towing it home. It had not run since the early 1980's. It was in an accident in 1976 and was very poorly repaired, although at that time, it may have been a typical repair for the period. Looking at it now, it could not have driven very well after the repairs. As a matter of fact, it would have been a very dangerous car to drive. I believe the previous owner brought it down from the New York area.
Where does the time go? Well, many times, it goes hand in hand with the financial funds available. You can see from the pics, it didn't look all that bad from the outside. The left door had fallen off but that could have been from a bad nylon hinge or ??? The paint was still shiny, although not an original color, and like I said, it was mostly complete. Upon closer inspection, the more I looked, the more it needed every part either replaced or refurbished for it to become a show car example.
By the way, I'm still looking for a pedal assembly bushing or a pedal assembly I have listed in the "Wanted" section.
Next phase to follow.
- Attachments
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Famous Frank
67 Elan Coupe
66 Elan S2 SE
65 Elan S2
65 Elan 26R
69 S2 Europa
06 Elise
67 Barracuda
67 Elan Coupe
66 Elan S2 SE
65 Elan S2
65 Elan 26R
69 S2 Europa
06 Elise
67 Barracuda
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Famous Frank - Fourth Gear
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Post by: robertverhey » Tue Jan 11, 2011 7:10 am
Yep the journey is more enjoyable than the destination. That applies to the restoration and also to the outings once it's done...almost reluctant to start pulling mine apart
Robert
Robert
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Post by: Famous Frank » Tue Jan 11, 2011 4:45 pm
Paddy, Robert,
Time and Money! Reluctant? Well most of us don't always have the money. Time comes and goes (too quickly), and I'd be reluctant too if mine were at least a driver and a safe one at that.
We've had a huge storm come through the Atlanta area Sunday night. I've measured 8 inches of snow, then some ice on top of that, and next to nothing in the way of removal equipment, so I'm working from home and have a little more time to look at this forum and to get into the garage.
BTW, remember how said the faolks on this forum are unbeatable. Well my best friend Greg Zelazek (also on this forum, who owns a 72 Sprint) has been with me most of the way. He came with me when I purchased the car and helped get it on my trailer. And for the last 35 plus years has assisted me in dis-assembling many of my cars. It's a standing joke that he always helps take them apart but is never around for the assembly. So two years ago I started the dis-assembly. Where has the time gone? I can't believe I started this two years ago. The dis-assembly is like an archeogical dig. It reveals the skills or lack of previous people that have touches this car. It revealed poor workmanship, damaged parts, and a lack of caring.
There were some moments Greg even tried to get me to get the started and take it for a short ride before we took it apart. I was too lazy and this time my laziness paid off. The fuel lines were cracked or broken, the fuel in the tank had turn to mud, the donuts were broken, and many other parts were unsafe.
So it was two years ago this month that I started removing everything from the body. You may remember it was at this point I discovered part of the left front body had been replaced with that of another car and learned there are ribbed floor Elans and flat floor Elans. Mine was now both!!! Taking out the seats revealed floor repairs, emoving the head revealed broken fuel lines and removing the fuel tank revealed the muck and marbles rolling around inside. The door fell off because it weighed almost 100 pounds (without the glass or inner door panel). It is filled with 3 inches of bondo. A true artist had been at work in 1976.
Here are a few shots of the body coming off the frame. Again, it is not easily done without the help of friends and neighbors. Also, you get fewer complaints from the neighbors about the body shell laying in the yard when they helped you remove it and put it there! Keep plenty of beer, coffee, and soft drinks around.
Removing the body revealed more sad problems. Hmm, why is the frame painted black? Because someone has had the body off before. Hmm, what are all of these bends and hammer wack marks on the frame? Because it was bent and someone tried to straighten it. What is the this 6 inch by 8 inch piece of 1/4 inch steel plate welded to the frame? Something someone welded there to try to give the frame some strength. Oh, look at the rust in the from towers!!! Oh, look, every piece of rubber is either torn, rotted, or missing......everywhere!
Even the left rear knock on wheel is BOLTED to the Knock On hub because the drive pins are missing. How would you ever change a tire?
If that is what we see with a quick glance, what is to follow?
Time and Money! Reluctant? Well most of us don't always have the money. Time comes and goes (too quickly), and I'd be reluctant too if mine were at least a driver and a safe one at that.
We've had a huge storm come through the Atlanta area Sunday night. I've measured 8 inches of snow, then some ice on top of that, and next to nothing in the way of removal equipment, so I'm working from home and have a little more time to look at this forum and to get into the garage.
BTW, remember how said the faolks on this forum are unbeatable. Well my best friend Greg Zelazek (also on this forum, who owns a 72 Sprint) has been with me most of the way. He came with me when I purchased the car and helped get it on my trailer. And for the last 35 plus years has assisted me in dis-assembling many of my cars. It's a standing joke that he always helps take them apart but is never around for the assembly. So two years ago I started the dis-assembly. Where has the time gone? I can't believe I started this two years ago. The dis-assembly is like an archeogical dig. It reveals the skills or lack of previous people that have touches this car. It revealed poor workmanship, damaged parts, and a lack of caring.
There were some moments Greg even tried to get me to get the started and take it for a short ride before we took it apart. I was too lazy and this time my laziness paid off. The fuel lines were cracked or broken, the fuel in the tank had turn to mud, the donuts were broken, and many other parts were unsafe.
So it was two years ago this month that I started removing everything from the body. You may remember it was at this point I discovered part of the left front body had been replaced with that of another car and learned there are ribbed floor Elans and flat floor Elans. Mine was now both!!! Taking out the seats revealed floor repairs, emoving the head revealed broken fuel lines and removing the fuel tank revealed the muck and marbles rolling around inside. The door fell off because it weighed almost 100 pounds (without the glass or inner door panel). It is filled with 3 inches of bondo. A true artist had been at work in 1976.
Here are a few shots of the body coming off the frame. Again, it is not easily done without the help of friends and neighbors. Also, you get fewer complaints from the neighbors about the body shell laying in the yard when they helped you remove it and put it there! Keep plenty of beer, coffee, and soft drinks around.
Removing the body revealed more sad problems. Hmm, why is the frame painted black? Because someone has had the body off before. Hmm, what are all of these bends and hammer wack marks on the frame? Because it was bent and someone tried to straighten it. What is the this 6 inch by 8 inch piece of 1/4 inch steel plate welded to the frame? Something someone welded there to try to give the frame some strength. Oh, look at the rust in the from towers!!! Oh, look, every piece of rubber is either torn, rotted, or missing......everywhere!
Even the left rear knock on wheel is BOLTED to the Knock On hub because the drive pins are missing. How would you ever change a tire?
If that is what we see with a quick glance, what is to follow?
- Attachments
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- L to R, Frank, Mike (neighbor) and Greg
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- Greg checking to be sure everything is clear for body removal.
Famous Frank
67 Elan Coupe
66 Elan S2 SE
65 Elan S2
65 Elan 26R
69 S2 Europa
06 Elise
67 Barracuda
67 Elan Coupe
66 Elan S2 SE
65 Elan S2
65 Elan 26R
69 S2 Europa
06 Elise
67 Barracuda
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Post by: frearther » Wed Jan 12, 2011 12:29 am
Frank,
I'm happy to see that I'm not the only one who thinks that a yellow car needs black bumpers. Silver just doesn't cut it, in my book.
A.
I'm happy to see that I'm not the only one who thinks that a yellow car needs black bumpers. Silver just doesn't cut it, in my book.
A.
Art Frederick
S2 Roadster, built in 1965, registered in 1966, No. 26/4934
Nothing else of interest at present
S2 Roadster, built in 1965, registered in 1966, No. 26/4934
Nothing else of interest at present
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Post by: billwill » Wed Jan 12, 2011 1:31 am
frearther wrote:Frank,
I'm happy to see that I'm not the only one who thinks that a yellow car needs black bumpers. Silver just doesn't cut it, in my book.
A.
My bumpers are Gold.
Bill Williams
36/6725 S3 Coupe OGU108E Yellow over Black.
36/6725 S3 Coupe OGU108E Yellow over Black.
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Post by: gino1 » Wed Jan 12, 2011 1:36 am
Hi Frank,
Looks a very nice car and at least complete.
I'm very envious of your steering wheel and I'd love to find one for myself
So is it going to be White ??
Gino
Milano
Italy
Looks a very nice car and at least complete.
I'm very envious of your steering wheel and I'd love to find one for myself
So is it going to be White ??
Gino
Milano
Italy
1964 Elan S2 Roadster
1965 Elan S2 Roadster
1965 Elan S3 Coupe
1968 Elan S4 Coupe
1969 Elan +2
1968 Lotus Seven S3
1982 Lotus Esprit S3
1961 Ford Anglia
2000 Lotus Elise Motorsport-56
1965 Elan S2 Roadster
1965 Elan S3 Coupe
1968 Elan S4 Coupe
1969 Elan +2
1968 Lotus Seven S3
1982 Lotus Esprit S3
1961 Ford Anglia
2000 Lotus Elise Motorsport-56
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Post by: Famous Frank » Wed Jan 12, 2011 4:00 am
Bumbers. It is a coincidence the car came to me in a non-standard yellow with black bumpers. I bought my first Lotus in 1973. A 72 Europa Twincam. I couldn't figure out why after just winning the 1973 SCCA Solo II title I was now hitting every other pylon in slalom. I lived in Chicago, ..... we got a lite dusting of snow and I was a girlfriends house. I thought, "I had better get the Lotus back to the garage I was renting at the time and get out the Chevy Nova which was my daily driver. While being the first ont to drive down the street in the lite snow, I realized why I was hitting every other pylon. There were four tire tracks in my rearview mirror. The frame was bent and I was dog tracking. A few months earlier, (actually it had been smoking when I bought it) the engine had been smoking like crazy. I sold that car and bought my second Lotus. A 74 Europa 5 speed. Mint with 8k miles. Kept that for a couple of years and took a second at the SCCA Solo II Nationals. Then in winter of 76 bought my first Elan from a friends father who had just bought three make from England. You guessed it. A RHD S2, non-standard yellow with black bumpers. Greg and I had been friends for a number of years at this point and a couple months after I purchased it he helped me take it all apart to do my first frame off. That was in January of 77. How ironic that in 2007 I purchase another yelow S2 with black bumpers and Greg is around (in another state) to help me pull the body off the frame again!!!
Personally, I like the silver bumpers, but everyone has their own taste. That first Elan had issues too, although no where close to the ones on the current car. Although some owner in England had ported the head and installed some cams with 300 degrees duration, when it came to acceleration, it fell flat on its face until you got over 60 mph. The problem was an engine that didn't come alive until 4500 rpm, a close ratio trans, and 3:77 gears. I installed a close ratio trans and a 3:90. Boom, it was like a different car!!! I loved it. I even have a pic of it from the auction site in England. See below.
Someday I'll tell the great story of getting stopped by the police with Greg as a passenger ina RHD car.
Personally, I like the silver bumpers, but everyone has their own taste. That first Elan had issues too, although no where close to the ones on the current car. Although some owner in England had ported the head and installed some cams with 300 degrees duration, when it came to acceleration, it fell flat on its face until you got over 60 mph. The problem was an engine that didn't come alive until 4500 rpm, a close ratio trans, and 3:77 gears. I installed a close ratio trans and a 3:90. Boom, it was like a different car!!! I loved it. I even have a pic of it from the auction site in England. See below.
Someday I'll tell the great story of getting stopped by the police with Greg as a passenger ina RHD car.
- Attachments
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- My first Elan at the auction lot in England.
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- Gregs Elan and my frist Elan in the background. Yellow with black bumpers.
Famous Frank
67 Elan Coupe
66 Elan S2 SE
65 Elan S2
65 Elan 26R
69 S2 Europa
06 Elise
67 Barracuda
67 Elan Coupe
66 Elan S2 SE
65 Elan S2
65 Elan 26R
69 S2 Europa
06 Elise
67 Barracuda
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Post by: vstibbard » Wed Jan 12, 2011 10:43 am
Hi Frank, looks like big project, I've not tackled one with as many period " dodgy repairer tweaks" my s1 had the fire damaged scuttle with chicken wire and paper, flared guards with pounds of plasticine and it had been acsuccessful racer!
Elans are magnetic once experienced you keep coming back to them, they're so good to drive, like you I've had 4 still have 2, the s1 and 26r s2.
I'm looking forward to you're trim parts For both and have a request for a 3rd centre console please.
Cheers Vaughan
Elans are magnetic once experienced you keep coming back to them, they're so good to drive, like you I've had 4 still have 2, the s1 and 26r s2.
I'm looking forward to you're trim parts For both and have a request for a 3rd centre console please.
Cheers Vaughan
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Post by: trw99 » Wed Jan 12, 2011 6:06 pm
bast0n wrote:Billwill.My bumpers are Gold
Oh dear....................
Oi! Whadda ya mean?
Lotus themselves finished the Sprint with gold bumpers!
Tim
Visit www.lotuselansprint.com
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Post by: Alasdair » Thu Jan 13, 2011 12:22 am
Why indeed?
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Alasdair.
1953 David Brown Cropmaster
1954 S1 Land Rover
1962 Elite S2
1966 Lotus Cortina MK1
1968 Elan S3 SS Coupe Sold.
1968 Austin J40
1969 Elan S4 SE DHC
1972 Elan Sprint
1967 Citroen DS21.
1953 David Brown Cropmaster
1954 S1 Land Rover
1962 Elite S2
1966 Lotus Cortina MK1
1968 Elan S3 SS Coupe Sold.
1968 Austin J40
1969 Elan S4 SE DHC
1972 Elan Sprint
1967 Citroen DS21.
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Post by: ardee_selby » Thu Jan 13, 2011 1:49 pm
Q - Why restore an Elan?
A - Maybe to give encouragement to those who follow, such as whoever takes this one on?
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C203105/
Note the comment about avoiding another 26R look alike.
Cheers - rd (No connection with seller, just came across it whilst surfing)
A - Maybe to give encouragement to those who follow, such as whoever takes this one on?
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C203105/
Note the comment about avoiding another 26R look alike.
Cheers - rd (No connection with seller, just came across it whilst surfing)
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