Potential +2 Owner

[111Robin]

Hello everyone,
I've owned my S1 Elise from new, 23 years now, always owned and worked on classic cars (have had my Mk2 Cooper for over 30 years) so not afraid of old tech at all. I've been researching the Elan +2 for some time and now searching for a good example. There are several on Pistonheads at dealers, strong money (+2S) but that's the norm for dealers. I'm not looking for a restoration project, a fully restored example would be preferable, that I can continue to maintain myself. I'm geographically challenged being in the NE of Scotland so even without lockdown viewing cars is always difficult. If anyone has viewed any of the cars currently on PH (or elsewhere) and can offer any recommendations it would be most welcome,
Thanks,
Robin

[The Veg]

Welcome Robin!
I can't help much from over here, but I hope you find the right car! Looking at Pistonheads there are some real beauties- much nicer than my Plus 2.

[111Robin]

Thank you for the welcome. Yes there are some nice cars for sale on PH, however I would prefer a personal recommendation as opposed to a dealer just giving me the spin so hopefully someone can come forward with details of some of the cars. I do know that the yellow +2S was restored by a forum member however I'm not sure if he is still on here to discuss it. Here's hoping I can find a decent example, gives me something to look forward to once we are out of this dreaded lockdown situation.

[elanfan1]

YHM

[111Robin]

Well after much searching I now have a Plus 2. Already have a long list of jobs planned to bring it back closer to OEM. It is basically ok, replacement Lotus chassis some time ago, original engine with good compressions but possibly using a bit of oil and a leak from the rear crank seal, drooping door hinges. I will be doing a full brake and suspension overhaul, rewiring the engine bay (possibly more), rebushing the hinges and general under bonnet tidy to start with before deciding on what to do with the engine. Fun times ahead......

20211102_194236 by Robin Derrick, on Flickr

[The Veg]

Looks good!

[111Robin]

Got it on the lift tonight and may have found the source of the oil leak.........all of the sump screws were loose, properly loose. Sorted now so hopefully that's been the cheapest fix possible!!!.

20211104_192125 by Robin Derrick, on Flickr

[alan.barker]

Hi Robin,
don't do them up properly tooo tight or you will squeeeeze out the Cork Gaskets
Alan

[111Robin]

I just nipped them up Alan, I'll monitor to see if the leak has stopped. I presume the sump was off a long time ago so the gasket has probably set hard anyway so I may just replace it later on,
Robin

[TBG]

Good morning Robin - interesting lift - what is it? D

[sprintsoft]

Hi Robin,

well done, glad you were able to eventually find a nice example, patience always pays off!

I like your garage setup, the lift is unusual, you also have some pics of a Scimitar on the lift, it looks very handy.

Regards
Iain

[111Robin]

Thanks folks. The lift is an EZ Carlift, manufactured in the USA. It is a mechanical scissor lift, operated by an electric drill that drives a shaft connected to both sides of the lift. I've been using it for years lifting everything from Minis to 5 series BMW. The main adavantage for me is that when not in use it just rolls under the car on castors, or it can be stored on brackets on the wall. There are no hydraulic lines or pump unit so once it's under the car that's it out of the way. I just have a standard domestic garage so height is limited and this provides enough to comfortably work underneath the car or on suspension/brakes etc. There are loads of alternatives, probably cheaper, however this met all of my requirements plus it's not made in China, a rare thing these days!!!.

20210716_125321-1 by Robin Derrick, on Flickr

20160512_190820 by Robin Derrick, on Flickr

20160426_162308 by Robin Derrick, on Flickr

-20170929_121514 by Robin Derrick, on Flickr

20190125_154944 by Robin Derrick, on Flickr
20170707_083817 by Robin Derrick, on Flickr