Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

these are good suggestions, thank you.
here's a "day time" shot:

I have seen it mentioned a few times on this forum, so I think it is quite a common modification to fit the bigger +2 brakes on the front of a 2-seater Elan.

billwill wrote:I have seen it mentioned a few times on this forum, so I think it is quite a common modification to fit the bigger +2 brakes on the front of a 2-seater Elan.

On a single master system maybe, but unusual on a split system.

Hi Ted
I just went through a similar scenario bleeding my clutch and was finally able to get it using a mityvac vacuum pump while constantly keeping the master cylinder full. Once the fluid gets rolling it eventually pulls the air along for the ride. The trick is to get the bleeder closed while the fluid is still moving. Your method of using the clear tube to spin it closed seems like a good idea to me. I was able to do it with my skinny fingers but the car was on a lift and I had two helpers. Good Luck!

Ted
Here is a good forum topic on clutch bleeding
.lotus-gearbox-f37/clutch-bleeding-t14659.html

A recent thread on +2 brakes in a two-seater is here (somehow posted in the Cars for Sale forum):

lotuselan-for-sale-f2/brake-pedal-travel-t37474.html

Includes a discussion of bleeding, and how to detect and cure pad retraction. The bad news is that you may have to remove the calipers, take out the pistons and reassemble with suitable grease to fix retraction.

BTW, I have been able to blow out stuck pistons with a bicycle pump, which can deliver 130 psi or more. Just be sure your fingers and eyes are no where near the caliper when the piston comes out.

Best of luck with the trip to Princeton!

Looking forward to seeing your Sprint at LOG36 Ted!

It's on the trailer and on our way to LOG this morning!!!!

Actually I took it for some miles yesterday and am quickly gaining more and more confidence in its condition and road readiness. I actually took it out on the interstate highway up to 70MPH and it didn't miss a beat! My air horns are now working too!

My list of "things to do" is getting longer. I have yet to:
* Change oil, filter, flush coolant, replace points and/or install Petronix point-less, bleed brakes, rebuild carbs, compound/wax, finish vacuum lines, install headlight pod links, install the wiper blades, and a dozen other little odds & ends.

THANKS EVERYONE FOR YOUR COMMENTS, HELP, SUPPORT, AND SUGGESTIONS. I may have not responded to each one, however I read each one and have gleaned the tid-bits suggested here and there. Without your help and input, I would have not gotten it finished.

Way to go Ted! See you at LOG36!

Awesome Ted, hope to see you there this afternoon in the frog...

just FYI for everyone following this thread.
the Sprint DID make it to LOG!!!

thanks again for your encouragement, help and support!

Great to see you & your Elan at LOG Ted!

Here's your & my car in a sea of Lotii:


Your car has a number of original features that are not often seen. For example, Look at the profile of the clear window in the back of the hood, note the bottom edge is parellel to the bottom edge of the vinyl - not straight across.

Proof that it was DRIVEN on the field. Glad you were able to bring the car.

Discovering a barn find on Craiglist.. expensive
rebuilding a diff...$200
New Donuts & bushings...$400
rebuilding the brakes...$100
Driving her on the field... priceless!

Look at the smile

Ted showed me his original Sprint in great detail after the Concours and I agree with him that it should be kept in its original condition and not restored. Get the mechanicals all working properly and drive it. Great car Ted!