+2S arrived

[b-havers]

My 'new' Elan +2S 130 arrived yesterday.

Picked it up, drove to the custom and paid a fortune, and drove it home (app 30 km). Used the car a lot during the afternoon/evening, and found no big problems. Warning light for Hazard is always on, guess this is due to a earth problem.

Windows works OK - but slowly, and headlamps raises OK (but a bit unequal).

Biggest problem are two cracks inthe rear wheel arch, presumed made during the shipping periode, as pictures from befor shipping proves the cracks were not there then ;-(
Have talked to the shipping company, they sent me to my insurance company...

I'll fix the fiberglass myself (have gained some experience after rebuilding an Europa), and will try to find paint that match.

The car will hopefully be licensed on Friday June 30th, can't wait

[twincamman]

say Bjorn ----I just picked up a Europa to redo ------needs rewiring --motor rebuild ----the chassis is real good the paint is poor --but I'm looking forward to driving it asap ---was on the Europa site but the head cheese and his cronies were so arrogant I left ----how much work was in yours ----???? ed

[b-havers]

Hi Ed, congratulations with the 'ropa
Rumors says it's a fantastic car to drive, close to a Seven, and much better than an Elan.

Unfortunately, I haven't had the chanse to drive mine yet (bought it back in 1999), as I had to do a complete nut-and-bolt restoration.

I bought the car unseen from California (I live in norway, north europe), based on a lot of photoes and the sellers bl@?#$$ lying words ("It's daily driven, and in near mint condition").

The body was completely cracked and the rear part had to be rebuilt, the same with the front. Chassis was rotten, engine and gearbox stuck, and the brakelines were just like hard sugar. Interior was OK, then.

Now, 7 years later, it really looks like a car again, but I am a bit tired of the car.
Have had several 'I'll do this during the winter' or 'I'll do this during the summer' breaks, but it is only two active weeks of work from being finished.

Have a look at http://www.haverstad.net to see photes and the story of my Europa (and Caterham, and Porsche, and Jensen, and Elan etc...)- and please forgive all my misspellings...

Good look with your car.

Sorry to hear you found the Europa-guys arrogant, thats not my opinion. I'm with the Yahoo Lotus Europa list, and have only met interesting and helpful people, with a huge knowledge of the fantastic Chapman creation.

I think most Europas are in the USA.
You might also take a look at http://www.gglotus.org/ - there you'll find a lot of info on the different Loti (?).

I use to buy parts from Banks Europa Engeneering, SJ Sportscars and Paul Matty, all located in Engalnd.

Well, enjoy youor car, and do not hesitate to contact me again if you have any Europa related question - I'll do my verey best to hekp you out with the car

Have a nice day - I will; looking foreward to the Caterham drive back home from work

[twincamman]

welll not all the list ---just one ---ed

[types26/36]

welll not all the list ---just one ---ed

Ed, I used to follow your postings on the Europa list........looked forward to them

[twincamman]

I see you had a formula vee ----heres apic of mine ---a BRD ---ed

[twincamman]

thanks Brian -----it was a simple question if the motor was seized ---I thought ---- ed

[twincamman]

my 7---the reason for a sore back all summer ----and being retired its FUN FUN FUN ---fix fix fix ---ed

[b-havers]

Nice cars, both the Formula Vee and the Seven. I used to drive a Vee back in the good old days...

Had a nice long drive in the +2S today, on test-plates. After moving the car from where it had been parked for a couple of hours, I found a pot of oil from about the rear axel. Is this a weak point, any known leaks - or might there just be a grommet for the filler hole that needs replacing?

There is also an oil leak from the engine/gearbox somewhere, but I guess this is 'close to normal'......?


Anyhow; driving the car is just so fun.. I was planning to sell the Europa, but after lining the three cars (incl the Seven) up for a photo yesterday, I decided to finish the car and never sell it


Lotusmania, you have got me... I'm yours...

[twincamman]

good call ---- --ed

[rgh0]

Bjorn

Rear diff oil leaks are much rarer than engine oil leaks. Often a leak from engine or gear box can run down inside the chassis tunnel and exit via holes near the rear. Have a close look to see whether it is really the diff seals or running down from the front.

regards
Rohan

[b-havers]

I will.
The car was standing in a sloop hill when I observed the oil leak, so it might very well come from the engine/gearbox somewhere ,-)

[rgh0]

Bjorn

The rear gearbox oil seal in the 4 speed box is pretty marginal especially if the output shaft plain sleeve bearing inside the box tail extension is worn. If parked with the rear end down the hill you often find a leak under the rear of the car running down the cha=hssis from the oil that has accumulated inside.

Rohan

[b-havers]

If parked with the rear end down the hill you often find a leak under the rear of the car running down the cha=hssis from the oil that has accumulated inside.

Hmmm, yet another genious Chapman construction....

[Dag-Henning]

Bj?rn Anders, - the sleeve bearing and oil seal are still available from Ford dealers in Norway! ( - seal from Sierra..) Changing them is not a big deal. Together with a polish of the yoke (?) on the interm.shaft will cure your problems... !!
( - blame Ford, - not ACBC ..... )
Dag-H.