New Member

[Lotus54]

I am a fairly new member, but certainly not new to Lotus. I got my first (Lotus Cortina) in 1974 and had a number after that.
I just brought home #9 today. 66 Elan DHC. Needs a bit of felttling, but I like doing that sort of thing. I never had an original Elan (did have an M100 Elan, but was not for me), but 3 Europas (two type 54 federals), the LC, two type 75 Elites, a new Elise and the M100.

I have always wanted an Elan, did not buy a very early S1 RHD many years ago and always regretted that.
Should be fun getting it back to right.

I do need to source some seat belts, I always liked the Kangol ones in the Europa, are those still avalable?

Mark, NW corner of Washington State, USA.

[h20hamelan]

Nice car
Are you a member of the Lotus car club of bc? $25cdn so about $18 Thanksgiving bucks

[Lotus54]

No, not currently a member anywhere. I have been in various ones over the years.
Even though I can see Victoria easily, I do not seem to get over very often.

[petroben]

Hi Mark,

Congratulations on bringing home #9, your '66 Elan DHC! It sounds like you have a rich history with Lotus cars. Working on getting it back to its prime should indeed be a rewarding endeavor. As for the Kangol seat belts, they might be a bit challenging to find as they are a vintage item, but you could try searching through classic car parts suppliers, online marketplaces, or connecting with fellow Lotus enthusiasts. Best of luck with your Elan restoration!

Cheers,
Interstellar 16

[phil1800]

Mark,

welcome! Kangol belts are no longer available, but sometimes pop up on E bay. I used a generic static seat belt with a chrome buckle. Looks perfectly period correct at 95€ for two. I can send the sellers website here in Europe, but I am sure these are also available in the US.

Philipp

[saildrive2001]

I found a place in I think California & one in the UK that had good condition used buckles etc. & could put on new webbing. It may take me a day or so to go through my notes to try to find the info.

[saildrive2001]

I found this info in my file, it's 11 years old so don't know if they still exist. Good luck.
Quickfit Safety Belt Service
Inertia House
Lowther Road
Stanmore
Middlesex
HA7 1EP
Tel:
Fax:
Email:
+44 (0) 208 206 0101
+44 (0) 208 206 0599
[email protected]

[ericbushby]

Hi Mark and welcome. You will find all the help you need on this forum.
It is nice to see another S3 in safe hands.
I also wanted the Kangol magnet seat belts which I remember from the 60`s. I found all the parts bit by bit on ebay
after checking out a friends Elan and with the webbing removed from the back seats of a Ford Mondeo, free from the scrap yard, I got the local shoe repairer to stitch them up with the correct stitch pattern.
The total cost was about £40.00. and they look the part. They are also available fully restored and re-chromed.
My method takes a lot of time and patience but that suits me.
Eric in Burnley
1967 S3SE DHC

[The Veg]

Welcome Mark!

[alan.barker]

Welcome Mark and enjoy.
Alan

[Lotus54]

The Elan is coming along very nicely. I have done some (fully reversable) mods that I think will help with running and reliability. Of course none were absolutely needed and many will think dumb. (But I’m not too bright either, so all is good). I like doing things like this, figuring how to make these changes is pretty fun.

Elantrickbits CV axles
Distributorless ignition (DTA)
Craig Davies electric water pump
All new dampers/springs/bushings (first thing and most important I think)
O2 sensor and A/F meter for tuning Webers (engine was modified by original owner)
Relay/fusebox for new parts, radiator fans etc.
New radiator w/twin fans
Stock knock-offs with Pirelli CN36 (had +2 wheels and 175 tyres)
3D printed bezel (stock radio location) for water pump controller and A/F meter
Refreshed Webers (and changing idle jetting so far- rest seem darn close)
New muffler
Seat belts
Hood cover
All coolant hoses
Remove oil cooler
Cleaning earths
New braided fuel line at carbs

Probably other stuff. It has been fun.

[Lotus54]

I replaced the entire exhaust (well, I had already done muffler). Car runs much better and no smell.
It is running really well- still some small things to do of course. But I will not even thing about body/paint until next winter (if then).

[Lotus54]

Elan is progressing well. Running super well. I still have a very slight lean 2-2500 rpm area under light throttle, but cruising A/F is ~14:1 so while I will try other settings, I am inclined to leave it. That area richer runs better, but cruising is better leaner. But close.

I need to install floor matt/carpet anchors and have new seat covers too.

Great day to take it out.