Which Book?

[tbsmith]

As a new Elan owner, I need a reference book for working on my 72 Sprint so I don't have to keep pestering you good people. Should I get the Brian Buckland book, or the Factory Shop Manual (please don't say both!)

Tom

[Dave_Newcastle]

definately both

[MintSprint]

If you can only afford one, it would have to be the Lotus Workshop Manual.

Brian's book is useful, but it is quite rightly described as an 'addendum' to the workshop manual... it gives useful tips and information, but really needs to be used in conjunction with, or in addition to, the main manual, rather than as a stand-alone guide in its own right.

In order of priority, I'd say:
1) Lotus Workshop Manual
2) Lotus Factory Parts List
3) 'Authentic Lotus Elan & Plus 2' by Robinshaw and Ross
4) Brian Buckland's Guide

[SADLOTUS]

Agreed, but would swap bottom two, then any other book would be for originality and historical reference.

[tbsmith]

Thanks for the recommendations. The factory shop manual is over $200 US. I haven't priced the parts book yet. Ouch!

Tom

[SADLOTUS]

I have the older black cover version of this, i't's the same as the workshop manual but misses quite a bit out.

http://cgi.ebay.com/LOTUS-ELAN-1962-74- ... dZViewItem

Sometimes there's a genuine one on ebay.

Parts book comes from main agent - shouldn't be too dear.

Just thought of a good cheap Elan reference.

http://www.davebean.com/

[tbsmith]

I have that same version of The Lotus Elan Owners Workshop Manual, and parts of it are good, but I agree that there is a lot missing.

Tom

[1964 S1]

I've bought 3 good used, and as new factory manuals on eBay. An early version Elan Workshop Manual, another newer one covering up to S4, and another for the +2. The most expensive one was about $42, delivered to my door. (...but uh, it took over 2 years of "shopping"). I've noticed good buys can still be had, eBay has "completed listings" available under advanced search, you can see what they've been doing, worldwide.
I also highly recommend the Robinshaw and Ross book.

[hatman]

Isn't there a concurrent thread where someone's proposing to publish the manual on the net and asking if we think it's a good idea? Go there and persuade him that it is - then you'll only have to shell out for the BB book!

[freddy22112211]

$70-$90
http://www.lotus-books.com/html/elan.html
Gordon

[tbsmith]

Yes, there is someone who proposes to make a PDF of the manual, but that's a lot of work and I need a backup plan just in case.

I saw the Lotus Books site, but aren't they UK based? I figured shipping to the US would add quite a bit, unless there is a "book" rate.

Tom

[stuartgb100]

Have you tried Dave Bean ?

I seem to remember manuals are available from them, from time to time.

You'd be able to get a price, and compare that to sourcing it from the uk, yourself.

Uk to US airmail for 'printed papers' is GB ?5.66 for 500g and each extra 20g is ?0.20, up to a maximum of 5kg (depending on destination). Normally a 2kg maximum.

Surface mail is ?2.86 for 500g and ?0.26 each extra 50g again up to a maximum of 5kg (depending on destination). Normally a 2kg maximum.

See www.royalmail.com for more details.

Regards,
Stuart.

[freddy22112211]

Lotusbooks site says $ 14,- for sea, more for airmail.
Gordon

[elansprint71]

You guys in the States should check out www.ebay.co.uk when looking for stuff, there is more of it over here and shipping for smaller bits if not that dear.
There is also a Haynes workshop manual which covers all the main stuff, a copy of this lives in my car.
Buckland book is a must, imho.

Cheers,
Pete.