S3 Restoration

[ericbushby]

Hi
I can email you a wiring diagram for a Series 3
While you are still new to this forum, it some times will not let you send private messages yet.
I will send one to you and see if that works.
Eric in Burnley
1967 S3SE DHC

Edit,
PM sent.

[glennmoule]

Also, I know that the chassis left the factory in red oxide but was there also a black option from the factory?
I have found black paint on mine that is too original to ignore.

[glennmoule]

Last shot of the day

[mbell]

I believe that chassis were red oxide with quick coat of black. Seem's like that on my +2 anyway. Are you replacing the chassis or clean, repair and refit?

Seems your engine has been painted at somepoint, normally grey not yellow.

Looks like your making good progress. Your garage setup looks very nice too!

[glennmoule]

I really would like to repair this chassis as then all of the refit of the body would be a lot easier (and I am an originality nutter).
The front RHS suspension turret is rotten at the base and would like to replace just that. The rest of the chassis is in very good condition.
I do also have an original, jigged and red oxide painted chassis that is ready to be fitted but after reading about the hassle of re-drilling etc I think I would like to explore the possibility of saving the original.
Any thoughts on this will be received with great thanks.
Is the black paint over the red oxide on the chassis common???

[gjz30075]

Excellent approach. Both my Sprint and #5727 have their original chassis. Nothing wrong with either, either

[glennmoule]

Painted in yellow on the rear crossmember the diff ratio.
A nice detail to find after a good clean.

[glennmoule]

This chassis is just too good to scrap. The front RHS turret is rotten but the rest of the chassis is as solid as it was when it was new.
Can anyone help with pointing me into the right direction for this to be repaired?
Is Spyder the best option?

[Matt Elan]

Hi Glen and welcome to the best forum on the web!
Re the chassis - it is possible to repair them, you just need a good welder and a decent tape measure!
My brother in law has done a few; I'm in the south east (Fleet, Hants) as is he so may be able to help

Whereabouts in the country are you - if you are near enough I'd like to meet up with a view to including your coupe in my next book - I'm keeping my eyes open for original cars so yours fits the bill nicely - and your restoration experiances could also feature in it....
PM me if you are interested, either way good luck with it, look like a great project. The cars are fun to work on but can bite back - my running plus has been a right royal pita when swapping the voltmeter (chase the earth) and swaping the alternator - every bracket was wrong. And I've just spent Monday and Tuesday helping a mate fit his Sprint engine which turned into a bit of a marathon.....

Matt

[The Veg]

Welcome Glenn! Looking forward to seeing your progress!

[glennmoule]

Hi, I am chasing a pair of original seats. Does anyone know where I may find these?
They can be in need of restoration, I do not mind.

[PaulH]

Welcome to the forum. I've found it to be a very helpful and supportive community. For your interest/amusement you could take a look at me attempting to describe my Elan chassis. I don't claim to have any expert knowledge, just a happy amateur. And yes it should have a red finish rather than black, oops. It's the chassis for an Elan S2 registered Feb 1966.
https://youtu.be/Ar5ynxMKYU0


If it's not been pointed out yet check the chassis engine mounts as they can crack from the top to the first bolt hole:

Others with more knowledge than I have may be able to list typical failure points to check.

Paul

[Elan45]

Hi Glen,
Welcome to the group. I have owned my pre-airflow since 1978 and drove it for the next 6 years. A few years ago, I moved it to my Florida home to restore over the winters. I was lucky enough to get the body repainted last winter and I'm hoping to make some significant progress this coming winter toward having it back together. Like you, this is not my only project, so always have my hand in something.


Roger

[glennmoule]

G?day Roger, how are you?
What colour is yours?
I got the engine and gearbox out this evening, all of 15 minutes after I put my tools away from the day job in the workshop.
I also confirmed with pics the complete matching numbers of the cylinder head, block and chassis. All stamped as they should be. Finding the number on the chassis was the best find ever!

[glennmoule]

Finding this was a great end to the day.