Elan Sprint on Harry's Garage

[englishmaninwales]

ive got my engine and gearbox out my car right now.. . so what gearbox mod do you think he did , im not sure i understand. as the lever drops right into the box as standard? might as well tweak it if i can .. i did find thsi on a search but im not sure its this https://kelvedonlotus.co.uk/product/qui ... lever-kit/

aj

Hi AJ
No need to fit an (expensive) quick shift on this gearbox. Just fit the early Lotus Elan gear lever without the rubber ‘anti sizzle’ bush.
Whilst quick shifts can improve the gear change, and in my experience with a Ford type 9 gearbox reduce frequency of mis-selection in hurried changes in competition, I’m told (by BGH) that they increase wear rate on the synchro baulk rings.
Malcolm

[h20hamelan]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4GqAeWb8t5A

Harry’s 2014 vid

[Davidb]

I too thought it was an excellent video of the Elan. I enjoy Harry's low-key approach even though he has so much knowledge and experience. As regards the gear changing-assuming the box is in good condition using decent oil really makes the change slick. If you insist on sticking with the original, 60 year old recommendation you may have a slower shift. Modern lubricants are amazing!
If you want to feel smug about owning a fiberglass bodied car I suggest you watch Harry's excellent videos on the restoration of his Lancia Fulvia Zagato!

[NTG999]

Hi, watching the video I noticed his rear view mirror is clamped to the windscreen tension bar (at about 11 minutes) does anyone know where I can get one of those? I have the original mirror but never have much luck getting them to stay stuck on

[Spyder fan]

Hi, watching the video I noticed his rear view mirror is clamped to the windscreen tension bar (at about 11 minutes) does anyone know where I can get one of those? I have the original mirror but never have much luck getting them to stay stuck on

Pretty sure it’s the same one I have on my car, it works really well and I like the gold colour. follow this link https://www.holden.co.uk/p/rod_mounted_ ... ndEALw_wcB

Just do a Google search for “rod mounted rear view mirror” and you will see a few other designs and colours.

[ericbushby]

I think I have the same gold backed mirror as that, ex MGB. I didn`t pay that much for it though at the Tatton Park car show.
The windscreen rod which I bought from Sue Miller was a larger diameter that the mirror clamp was intended for but it was a simple job to adjust it.
Eric in Burnley
1967 S3SE DHC

[NTG999]

Perfect, it will match the bumpers!

[TBG]

That gold mirror is a pretty good match for the original. Both my S3s had/have them with a rubber capped bush between it and the windscreen to stop vibration. D

[smo17003]

Talking of mirrors I noticed that Harry chooses to drive his Elan without the help of door mirrors. For a car that apparently gets a fair bit of use this surprised me. I intended to add mirrors to my restoration project Elan, but now I'm not so sure. What do others think, are door mirrors a necessity on today's roads?

Mike

[TBG]

Door mirrors - absolutely needed, especially on the continent when the left one is so useful for checking the blind spot before pulling out to overtake. I use a pair of bullet mirrors as shown below with flat glass. D

[NTG999]

I had a non standard plastic bullet mirror which I removed when the body was painted, I was probably going to try it with just the interior mirror or are there any that fix/clip on to the door frame?

[LoTex]

If your UK suppliers are out of stock, I believe you can find one at R D Enterprises in the states. I got one last year and though a little tricky to get on right, it's great.

[Spyder fan]

Door mirrors are really worthwhile items to add, they don’t look incorrect if you choose the Tex or Bullet style mirrors or other period 60’s 70’s mirrors.

One thing to consider is that the fixing position will differ on drivers side versus passenger side, mine differ by about 2 - 3 inches, this sounds totally wrong, but visually it’s irrelevant as you can only view one side of the car at a time

Get an assistant to hold the mirrors in place whilst you are sitting in the drivers seat and mark the position to fix, it will be obvious that the different fixing positions are required.

[richardcox_lotus]

I had a non standard plastic bullet mirror which I removed when the body was painted, I was probably going to try it with just the interior mirror or are there any that fix/clip on to the door frame?

I am in the same boat when I had my car repainted a few years ago. I’ve never been tempted to drill holes in it since !

I’ve tried a door frame mirror but it wouldn’t hold. I also don’t want anything that will damage the frame. If anyone can recommend a decent fitting item I would be interested.

Thanks
Richard

[661]

I had a non standard plastic bullet mirror which I removed when the body was painted, I was probably going to try it with just the interior mirror or are there any that fix/clip on to the door frame?

I just use the centre mirror.
The car is small enough and the visibility good enough ( road car) to not need the side mirrors , in my opinion.
In the race car I have Sebrings on each side and a very wide internal mirror. I always use the side mirror before turning in.



...because there's a high chance I'll be overtaken