What did you do to your Lotus today...

[Sploder90]

Changed an upper front suspension bush found faulty on the MoT (though passed ). The rubber had detached from the inner metal tube and there was nearly 1/8" (3 mm) play under heavy stress. Took the arm off and to St Wilkins who squeezed it out and a new one in then I refitted it and tightened up in an on-road position.

Biggest problem on the MoT (Safety Check) was that the tester couldn't read the "chassis" number, as obliged to, and had rejected it a week earlier and again this time after I had clarified it though he relented and took my word for it. Curiously, the weigh bridge of the brake tests measured a total of 578 kg with driver and my tools, compared to the manual's 673 kg, and as a result the brake efficiency was equivalent to 1.2 g and even 0.4 g on the handbrake! I've not done more than adjust the latter's pad clearance for the last 40 years, it always works.

If MOT tester had bothered to read the manual they should be aware that VIN is not mandatory on vehicles pre August 1980 which I presume would be the case with an Elan.

[Sheldo]

So..., while I had the engine out for some repairs/upgrades, I decided to tidy up the engine bay. Wasn't really prepared to peal back that many layers of the onion - too late now. It won't be restoration quality, but will be a big improvement --- eventually.

[MarkDa]

Wasn't today but went to social event at Shelsley Walsh (first post Covid19 for MAC)
Got a premium position - which was nice.
Elan is just the right size - who wants a porky Ferrari or pokey Messerschmitt?

Interesting company

[Chris-72sprint]

Wasn't today but went to social event at Shelsley Walsh (first post Covid19 for MAC)
Got a premium position - which was nice.
Elan is just the right size - who wants a porky Ferrari or pokey Messerschmitt?

The attachment IMG-20200730-WA0003.jpg is no longer available

I have 2 out of the 3

[paddy]

^ S1/Elite rear lights on an S4 ?

Paddy

[TBG]

Lovely lights!! S4 rear lights are SO ugly!! Hat and coat.......................

[The Veg]

I'd have all three if I could!

[Chris-72sprint]

^ S1/Elite rear lights on an S4 ?

Paddy

The bodywork was very rough when I started the restoration and it was far from an original car so I did 26R type lights, roll cage & side impact bars, a custom dash, Perspex rear screen and Perspex side screens with sliding windows.
The car has been off the road since 2008 and I have not touched the engine as it was running very well back in 2008
10 days ago having checked the timing, turned over without plugs to check oil pressure and using a syphon to prime the cabs........it started first turn of the key - and no blue smoke either:lol:
Hoping to fit windscreen this week and then out to play !!

[paddy]

Hoping to fit windscreen this week and then out to play !!

Good luck !

Paddy

[TBG]

What fun - go for it.................

[The Veg]

Beautiful Chris!

[The Veg]

*I DROVE IT!!!*

After more than four years of fettling and futzing and blood and sweat and tears and expletives and you lot putting up with my questions, today the tyres came back into direct contact with the ground for the first time in ages and Yelotus moved under power!

When I first bought the car I managed to get it rather poorly running and drove about 1/8 mile, noting how much it felt old and worn-out and sloppy and ratty. Now it feels nice and tight and competent.

Of course not all was perfect: the exhaust rattled, the clutch master sticks a bit despite being rebuilt, the non-valve radiator cap (installed alongside the CoolExperts filler/thermostat housing with valved cap) leaks a little, and the shifting is very notchy- but this is a HUGE milestone toward being able to truly enjoy this car on the road! At least now I can start real driving soon whilst getting all the other jobs don, and there are many such as getting the interiour back together.

Mrs. Veg shot some videos from the front porch. Of course I grind gears right off in the first one!

https://youtu.be/Z3NYntUJn5A
https://youtu.be/lSpaLdirD2k
https://youtu.be/hmc2mcJ-cpo
https://youtu.be/WpS8sF0_uwE
https://youtu.be/AX554qiy2h0

[gjz30075]

Two thumbs up Ben!

[Chris-72sprint]

[quote="The Veg"]*I DROVE IT!!!*

After more than four years of fettling and futzing and blood and sweat and tears and expletives you lot putting up with my questions, today the tyres came back into direct contact with the ground for the first time in ages and Yelotus moved under power!

Congrats - step by step seems to be the best way to the finishing line. You are going quicker than me - 12 years although to be fair I did absolutely nothing between 2010 and 2018

Retirement and lockdown kickstarted the final phase

[1owner69Elan]

*I DROVE IT!!!*

After more than four years of fettling and futzing and blood and sweat and tears and expletives you lot putting up with my questions, today the tyres came back into direct contact with the ground for the first time in ages and Yelotus moved under power!

When I first bought the car I managed to get it rather poorly running and drove about 1/8 mile, noting how much it felt old and worn-out and sloppy and ratty. Now it feels nice and tight and competent.

Of course not all was perfect: the exhaust rattled, the clutch master sticks a bit despite being rebuilt, the non-valve radiator cap (installed alongside the CoolExperts filler/thermostat housing with valved cap) leaks a little, and the shifting is very notchy- but this is a HUGE milestone toward being able to truly enjoy this car on the road! At least now I can start real driving soon whilst getting all the other jobs don, and there are many such as getting the interiour back together.

Mrs. Veg shot some videos from the front porch. Of course I grind gears right off in the first one!

https://youtu.be/Z3NYntUJn5A
https://youtu.be/lSpaLdirD2k
https://youtu.be/hmc2mcJ-cpo
https://youtu.be/WpS8sF0_uwE
https://youtu.be/AX554qiy2h0

IMG_20200822_174002.jpg

Ben, well done!!

Sounds great.....