45/6994 Elan S3 Rebuild
Posted: Wed Jan 27, 2016 7:09 am
I would like to share my adventures rebuilding my 67 Elan S3. You guys all know this too, it's not just about the car, it's also about the people you meet along the way, the history, and the sense of meaning you get from doing.
My S3 was originally bought by my grandfather in 1977 while visiting England, he shipped two Elans back to New York. My Dad took over ownership of the one I now. He drove it and kept it for the 36 years. I was 6 years old way back in '77 and I remember going for rides in it, sitting on the transmission-tunnel behind the rear seat with my sister.
Three years ago I took ownership of it. And after getting it back on the road (it sat for 10 years) and driving it for a year, I realized it was going to require more than a tune up and brake rebuild to get it back to the way I remember it as a kid.
I'd like to update this thread with photos as the build goes on.
Here she is in 1977 in England
Then 26 years later she ships from Chicago to California after 10 years hibernation.
And here getting DMV inspected by the CHP. Note the size difference between a police cruiser and an Elan.
After getting her back on the road and driving it for about a year, I realize a crack in the chassis near the motor mount needed attention. How bad can that be, right? So I decide it's time to take the body off for a quick inspection. Which then leads to a total rebuild.
Next post I'll share the progress I've made in the last 6 months...
My S3 was originally bought by my grandfather in 1977 while visiting England, he shipped two Elans back to New York. My Dad took over ownership of the one I now. He drove it and kept it for the 36 years. I was 6 years old way back in '77 and I remember going for rides in it, sitting on the transmission-tunnel behind the rear seat with my sister.
Three years ago I took ownership of it. And after getting it back on the road (it sat for 10 years) and driving it for a year, I realized it was going to require more than a tune up and brake rebuild to get it back to the way I remember it as a kid.
I'd like to update this thread with photos as the build goes on.
Here she is in 1977 in England
Then 26 years later she ships from Chicago to California after 10 years hibernation.
And here getting DMV inspected by the CHP. Note the size difference between a police cruiser and an Elan.
After getting her back on the road and driving it for about a year, I realize a crack in the chassis near the motor mount needed attention. How bad can that be, right? So I decide it's time to take the body off for a quick inspection. Which then leads to a total rebuild.
Next post I'll share the progress I've made in the last 6 months...