New to the Lotus world

[mcnameem]

All,

I am new to the Lotus world. I picked up a basket case. The title says it is a 1965 with serial number 365879. It came with a DHC and FHC bodies. Looking at the serial number I think it is the fix head. I am not sure what series it is. It has knock off wheels. It came with the engine also in a box, but has the Cosworth head and 45mm Webers. Big F1 cams and rod which are to long. I have restored many cars, mostly Porsche. My main questions is what is acceptable in the Lotus world. I have seen people restore Porsches, and I think what the #%@* were you thinking. I don't want to be that guy! So far my plan is to do the 26R frame mods, as I do have a TIG welder and can fab the parts. I will use the coupe body. Did not know if I should flare the fenders or keep it all stock looking. Also what about the 26R head lights? What color to paint the frame and suspension arms?

Any help will be great,

Mike

[memini55]

Mike,

First of all welcome aboard and you are at the right place to find lots of really good assistance for your new project.
Sounds like you have already started to sort some information and the search function is a huge help to finding even more.

The frames were kind of a pale red oxide color, almost a tint of orange. Most of the a-arms were black. As to flares and mods it is your car and do as you see fit. You will find many pictures of mod cars on the site as well.

I have a post on my S2 which from a body is stock but the motor is highly modified. Gary Anderson, piss-ant has some really good post also.

The best thing you can do is have fun with the project and get it running and drive the heck out of it! It is a real joy.

Mark

[elansprint71]

Welcome to the forum. You actually have two cars, you just don't have all the parts! Both the body-shells are Series 3, series 1&2 are quite different, the windshield frame was bolt-on, there were no fixed head S1&S2 cars. Series 4 had flared, squared-off wheel-arches. S3&S4 also had framed electric windows, like yours (so different doors) and different design of trunk lid and many other detail differences.
No 26/R cars were S3-shaped but obviously you can build whatever you like; in the UK there are several S3/4 cars with the wider 26/R body style.

Are the VIN plates missing from the body-shells? They should be in the engine bay on the left side, but the numbers are also often written in other places too.

Two great projects- you lucky man!

[holywood3645]

Mike, I live in N San Diego CA and have just completed an S4 full restoration. There are a few people with elan projects around this area.

Send me a PM or give me a call. 760 277 7153

James

[mcnameem]

The VIN plates are gone. I did get the cars from a guy that hadn't touch them in 15 years. So he might have some boxes that he didn't give me. I will circle back with him after I take a good inventory. I will only build the FHC. With the part I have, only one will be built.

Mike

[gjz30075]

The chassis will have a vin on one, or both, of the horizontal flanges near the motor mount. Check to see if it matches the title.

[mcnameem]

I did find the serial number on the frame. It was very lite, but could see most of the numbers. I disassembled the frame today. While taking off the knock off wheels, they turn the opposite way i think they should. On my race car to tighten, the top goes towards the rear. Is this correct? Had to drill out and tap a few bolts. Next start on 26R mods.

[john.p.clegg]

[quote="mcnameem"] While taking off the knock off wheels, they turn the opposite way i think they should. .[/quote]

Right hand thread on the right,left hand thread on the left...
John