Could this be The One? Help Needed
Posted: Sun Oct 19, 2014 2:01 pm
Good afternoon,
I've seen a car that I quite like the look of and fits my budget but I am in need of expert opinions and someone who could see it for me during a week day to have it on ramp to check the chassis (it's still on its original one). The current owner and I have agreed on a deposit to secure the car for the next couple of weeks. Please realise that I am looking for a car that will drive well and be used regularly not a show car but not a trouble maker either...
History:
- Virtually non existant
- original log book with hand written work carried out but no date, details of garage where work was done nor prices
- only a couple of MOTs available
- was told the car was resprayed some time ago but no invoices to show for it
- was told car had a new gearbox 10k miles ago but no invoice to show for (assumed not done?)
- Current owner showing on V5 with date of purchase 1983
- owner's manual available
Here's what I made of my viewing:
Body work/paint:
- panels alignements are good
- respray was done about 10 years ago but didn't see invoice for that. Not perfect in details around the windscreen etc but overall condition of the paint is good with only one spider mark of about 2cm square by the left wipper.
- bumpers were painted before current owner
Chrome:
- Window frame, roof lines etc are pitted but okish
Mechanically (please note I was only able to drive it on the courtyard of the vendor as I didn't manage to organize insurance on time, the vendor drove it for me for about 20mn on A and B roads):
- Engine sounded fine,pulled ok with 2 misfires under acceleration (car hasn't been run for a little while and done very little mileage for many years.
- Car didn't wabble or vibrate, nor was there any noises that seemed to be out of the ordinary
- When i was behind the wheel and applied the brake they seen to bite well and the car was behaving in a straight line
- suspension/comfort ride was softer than what i expected but that could be how Elan's behave, i don't know. No sign of "boating"
- Engine restarted when hot after 3 turn of the key, bit of smoke at exhaust on restart but disappeared almost straight after the engine fired up again
- Oil pressure read at 40-45 when hot and running, gradually going down when iddle
- Temp was stable at about 90 both while running and iddle
- Owner told me the engine is leaking a little bit of oil (about 1/2l every 6 months)
Interior:
- Headlining is cigarette smoke stained and looking a bit tatty but no rip or holes
- Seats and carpets are fine
- dash has patina, looks "aged" but presentable
- switch at the bottom of steering wheel if for the electric fan
- plastic of interior lights is faded
Chassis:
That's where I have concerns and need someone to see the car for me again. The car is still on its original chassis. I couldn't see the underneath of the car but there's 2 garages on each side of the owner who told me he's happy to put the car on a ramp for inspection. The chassis apparently is waxoil (sticky material).
Comments on pictures attached invited and welcome and I do need to arrange another viewing with someone who knows about Elan+2 and mechanics to provide me with an independant non emotional view on the car.
Please contact me if you are willing to help with this within the next few days.
Thank you for all your advices.
Best regards,
Tournesol
I am posting more pictures as limited to 10 per posts.
I've seen a car that I quite like the look of and fits my budget but I am in need of expert opinions and someone who could see it for me during a week day to have it on ramp to check the chassis (it's still on its original one). The current owner and I have agreed on a deposit to secure the car for the next couple of weeks. Please realise that I am looking for a car that will drive well and be used regularly not a show car but not a trouble maker either...
History:
- Virtually non existant
- original log book with hand written work carried out but no date, details of garage where work was done nor prices
- only a couple of MOTs available
- was told the car was resprayed some time ago but no invoices to show for it
- was told car had a new gearbox 10k miles ago but no invoice to show for (assumed not done?)
- Current owner showing on V5 with date of purchase 1983
- owner's manual available
Here's what I made of my viewing:
Body work/paint:
- panels alignements are good
- respray was done about 10 years ago but didn't see invoice for that. Not perfect in details around the windscreen etc but overall condition of the paint is good with only one spider mark of about 2cm square by the left wipper.
- bumpers were painted before current owner
Chrome:
- Window frame, roof lines etc are pitted but okish
Mechanically (please note I was only able to drive it on the courtyard of the vendor as I didn't manage to organize insurance on time, the vendor drove it for me for about 20mn on A and B roads):
- Engine sounded fine,pulled ok with 2 misfires under acceleration (car hasn't been run for a little while and done very little mileage for many years.
- Car didn't wabble or vibrate, nor was there any noises that seemed to be out of the ordinary
- When i was behind the wheel and applied the brake they seen to bite well and the car was behaving in a straight line
- suspension/comfort ride was softer than what i expected but that could be how Elan's behave, i don't know. No sign of "boating"
- Engine restarted when hot after 3 turn of the key, bit of smoke at exhaust on restart but disappeared almost straight after the engine fired up again
- Oil pressure read at 40-45 when hot and running, gradually going down when iddle
- Temp was stable at about 90 both while running and iddle
- Owner told me the engine is leaking a little bit of oil (about 1/2l every 6 months)
Interior:
- Headlining is cigarette smoke stained and looking a bit tatty but no rip or holes
- Seats and carpets are fine
- dash has patina, looks "aged" but presentable
- switch at the bottom of steering wheel if for the electric fan
- plastic of interior lights is faded
Chassis:
That's where I have concerns and need someone to see the car for me again. The car is still on its original chassis. I couldn't see the underneath of the car but there's 2 garages on each side of the owner who told me he's happy to put the car on a ramp for inspection. The chassis apparently is waxoil (sticky material).
Comments on pictures attached invited and welcome and I do need to arrange another viewing with someone who knows about Elan+2 and mechanics to provide me with an independant non emotional view on the car.
Please contact me if you are willing to help with this within the next few days.
Thank you for all your advices.
Best regards,
Tournesol
I am posting more pictures as limited to 10 per posts.