Elan Restoration Costs

[JJDraper]

I would love to do all the work on my +2 myself, and have done most of the maintenance, including head gasket, suspension, transmission work. However, as my house does not have a garage or even hard standing out side, I have to do all the work parked at the side of the road... a slight handicap when it comes to a chassis change and stripping the body. I don't think my neighbours would appreciate the dust for one thing, and I am not sure of the legal position of a chassis with no number plate on the road! You also have to watch your legs, as the road is narrow and busy..

That leaves me with only the expensive option.. I will be involved in the refurb, which is why some of the costs may seem a little low (!), but the fact is labour has to be paid for one way or another. If I did have a garage and space, I would have to spend months doing the work myself, and get the glow of satisfaction of doing it all. I can understand that, but given my circumstances it's not going to happen. I am faced with two alternatives, sell or break up the car (the bits are probably worth more that the whole - check ebay) and buy a resto done by someone else, or continue driving a car that is going downhill (at least cosmetically) fast!

If everybody did their own work, there would be no specialists out there. My local radiator repair specialist has gone for early retirement because not enough business was coming his way - easier to fit a new or factory reconditioned one. QED seem to be pulling out of twin cam work, because it is no longer profitable. Even parts supplies will dry up if there is no turnover. Because I do a high mileage I use filters, brakes and suspension bits on a regular basis - things wear out.

Therefore, I am using a specialist while being involved in the process. I know that it would take months or even years to do the job, even if I had a workshop, with a strong possibility that I may give up. How many stalled restorations are out there? I do have another life which includes gardening, repairs to my house, occasionally even going out with my wife and kids! My experience is that plumbers, roofers and electricians charge more per hour than many Lotus specialists so I could argue that I am saving money by doing these things myself.

I am in a lucky position to be able to pay for the privelige of owning a Lotus, and we all pay - either in cash or time. Over the last six years my costs have been predominantly time. To make the crossover to a car I can be proud to be seen in is going to be expensive and I am prepared to pay for that.

Jeremy

PS went for a blast in it yesterday - brilliant; hold third until 5,500, snick into top and it pulls hard until I chicken out at 6,000 ish. Life in the old girl yet!