Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

what is the general feeling about best workshop info to have?

the original lotus workshop manual or are there more moderns alternatives for guides such as ones i've seen restoration guides by Gordon Lund for example?

just wondering which i'd be best starting with.

David

All you'll need is the factory workshop manual, the parts list and Brian Buckland's book. Although Brian's book is about the 2 seater cars, there's a lot in there common to the Plus 2
Mark

Hi David, I agree with Mark. As you progress through the wonderful world of Lotus ownership you might want to add Miles Wilkins' Bible on the twincam engine to your library.

Cheers

Martin B

I have a proper manual.......I took a photocopy of it before I used it so I could have a oily copy in the garage...
I did however buy a copy of this too.....
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Lotus-Elan-Ow ... 5421c6c06f

and cant find......or as yet....have not found....
any differences between it and the factory manual....

I have both a very early and a very late factory manual, plus Brian's book and Wilkins' book. I find the latter three to be the most useful, though none of them is comprehensive enough by itself.

I agree with all the above... but would also add the Miles Wilkins book on fibreglass (although you may get the same info from elsewhere)....
something to think about....
1) Lotus Workshop manual ... speed read it cover to cover & then read it again & then read it again for the job in hand
2) Lotus parts manual... this is available on-line (try RDent)... I copied the all relevant pictures (from my original copy) to A3 paper and scribble, colour in and generally doodle on these.
3) The Buckland book... not enough +2, but a lot of useful tips, need item (1) to go with it though. add your own pages & notes to this.
4) This Forum (smart phone / cheap tablet in the garage saves a lot of messing about)

if you are thinking of doing your own engine, then Wilkins book should be read
ditto if you are going to do your own bodywork
I believe people also swear by the Dave Bean catalogue, I haven't seen a copy

>Lotus parts manual... this is available on-line (try RDent)...

Sigh! It's HERE too on this website in the incomplete Wiki.

http://www.lotuselan.net/wiki/Category:Shop_Floor

Now thats really useful thanks Bill.

I hadn't bothered clicking wiki as it says coming soon so didn't know there was so much more homework for me!!

David

I think David makes a reasonable point.

I see the "coming soon" note and think nothing has been added.

Might consider a change to: "database is growing; check it out"

Randy