Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

Mike,
Only just got your message. I hope you’ve solved it now but if not here goes.

Take the load off the ratchet mechanism with the strap handle then carefully lift the pawl off the ratchet. Now lower the handle.
Reset the strap handle by pulling back its pawl then repeat above. You can normally drop by 3 to 4 ratchet teeth per go.
Safety note: DO NOT TRY AND DROP BY THE MAX POSSIBLE. IF YOU GET THE STRAP HANDLE OPEN 180 deg THEN THE MECHANISM GOES IN TO FREE RUNNING.

Hope this helps.

Dave

Thanks Dave, got it and it works fine.

In the meantime, I've ordered some pulleys. The bare body is not too heavy, my 38*89mm timber frame is easily strong enough to support it and I can comfortably lift one corner. On that basis, with one pulley above and one below, I will have a 50% load reduction and I should be able to easily raise and lower it. Watch this space...

After much procrastination and listening to advice here I installed a 4 ton 1.9 M two post hoist. 200 X 50 planks were placed under the full length of the sills to spread the load. Lifting off was a breeze except for the solenoid to starter cable that I had overlooked - luckily no harm done.

Norm.

After scraping off the underseal the 53 year chassis appears to be in good shape - no cracks or distortion. Next is fine abrasive blasting and a good coat of two pack red oxide.

Norm.

Do a pressure test on the Chassis (subframe sorry) for leaks so you will have no problems with vacuum system for Headlamps. If any small leak it's easy to fix before painting
Alan