Finally got it back!

PostPost by: alanpearl » Sun Dec 20, 2015 10:46 am

Hi all,
Six months after my +2 went into the garage with a wobbly wheel, I finally have it back!
It ended up with:
- new sill members (Spyder)
- new solid rear driveshafts (Kelvedon)
- new calipers, pads, discs and pipes all round
- replacement hubs all round
- replacement steel wheels all round (blasted and powder coated, with new trims)
- new Michelin tyres
- new alternator
- new steering UJ
- lots of rewiring
- new rear cross member and racing harnesses in the back
- new front seatbelts
- various cracks in the glassfibre repaired
- new racing numbers stuck on by me (just for fun)
- full service
- and lots of other bits and bobs (wipers, flashers, track rod ends etc etc)

Very happy to finally get to drive it, and its even faster due to the added lightness in my wallet!

Merry Christmas to all, and particular thanks to Mark in the Forest for the replacement wheel which got me going (and who is the nicest bloke you will ever meet). Once refurbished, it is the best one I have!

All the best,
Al
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PostPost by: vincereynard » Sun Dec 20, 2015 12:34 pm

Excellent. Just in time as a splendid present for yourself!

It must make an interesting comparison with the Rover P5 (B?).
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PostPost by: alanpearl » Sun Dec 20, 2015 12:48 pm

Yes, I've had the P5B for about 7 years. It came from a barn, and turned out to be a rather larger job than expected. By chance, both my cars were built within a week of each other (Nov 1968) and registered on the same day (1.1.69). I've just been refurbishing a replacement interior for that one, so plenty to keep busy on. It's a substantial bit of kit. Certainly they represent differing approaches to the car builder's art!
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PostPost by: The Veg » Sun Dec 20, 2015 1:40 pm

Wow, it looks great, and it sounds like it's really been improved! Enjoy!
1970 Elan Plus 2 (not S) 50/2036
2012 BMW R1200GS
"It just wouldn't be a complete day if I didn't forget something!" -Me
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PostPost by: Washer » Sun Dec 20, 2015 5:56 pm

Great looking car Al, I really think that a dark roof shows off the +2 shape well by emphasising it's low profile.

Black paint on the sill strip is also desirable IMHO.

The shut lines on the passenger door look fantastic in the picture.

Mike
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PostPost by: mds4544 » Mon Dec 21, 2015 9:41 pm

The chrome strip under the door surprises me - it looks like it ought to go on the sill to cover the bolt heads but I know all the examples I have seen are the same as this one.

Is there any reason why the chrome couldn't be left off? I think I will have a look at mine after paint before I drill any holes......
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PostPost by: Washer » Tue Dec 22, 2015 12:54 am

Hi

"Is there any reason why the chrome couldn't be left off? I think I will have a look at mine after paint before I drill any holes......"

They are purely cosmetic, usually (always?) stainless steel not chrome and held on by either plastic or metal clips. The sill screw heads were painted over with black paint from the factory I believe.

Mike
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PostPost by: elansprint71 » Tue Dec 22, 2015 3:52 pm

Looks really good.

Presumably your wheel is not still wobbly? :wink:
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PostPost by: alanpearl » Tue Dec 22, 2015 8:16 pm

When I say wobbly, it basically fell off. I took it in, expecting to replace a few studs, only to discover the previous owner had drilled out all the stud holes to 1/2 inch and enlarged all the drive pegs, as well as putting a peculiar (and dangerous) spacer arrangement on the back wheels. So it all had to go!
I now have 5 wheels with oversize stud holes. Does anyone think I could sleeve them back to 7/16"?

Ps interested by the black sills idea. Is that what people usually do?
Thanks!
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PostPost by: john.p.clegg » Tue Dec 22, 2015 9:22 pm

Alan
Yes you can,I have,use an old hub as a guide to sleeve the stud holes..

2015_0429daves0004.jpg and


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PostPost by: alanpearl » Tue Dec 22, 2015 10:09 pm

Fantastic, thanks. That looks like very neat work you have done. Did you weld in the sleeves? And do you have any suggestions for what to use as a sleeve (apologies, not my area!). That would be wonderful, as the wheels are otherwise in good shape and they aren't making any more!
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PostPost by: john.p.clegg » Tue Dec 22, 2015 10:43 pm

Can't remember the size but found some seamless stainless tube of the correct ID,opened up the OD of the stud holes to make a decent fit then spot welded them in place,then brazing followed up by a little angle grinder/dremel.

John :wink:
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PostPost by: Robbie693 » Wed Dec 23, 2015 1:26 am

alanpearl wrote:When I say wobbly, it basically fell off. I took it in, expecting to replace a few studs, only to discover the previous owner had drilled out all the stud holes to 1/2 inch and enlarged all the drive pegs, as well as putting a peculiar (and dangerous) spacer arrangement on the back wheels. So it all had to go!
I now have 5 wheels with oversize stud holes. Does anyone think I could sleeve them back to 7/16"?

Ps interested by the black sills idea. Is that what people usually do?
Thanks!


Yes Indeed - Black on the sill fasteners area was as it was done at the factory. Kinda like hiding the ladies underskirts!

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