Elan Mechanic in NY/CT/NJ Region

[mspielman]

Just took possession of a 1972 Lotus Elan Plus 2 - 50/0232/N.
I am not new to Lotus, having owned an Elise (x2), Exige, Esprit Turbo, and an Evora, but I am new to the Elan. Extremely excited. But, I feel like a rookie. I am still figuring out what all the switches do.

The car seems to be in fine running condition, but will need a respray down the road. No rush. Want to enjoy it.

Does anybody on the forum know of a reliable Elan (plus 2, if it makes much of a difference) mechanic? I want to get it looked over, ensure all fluids are correct, etc.

Because somebody can work on an Elise does not mean he knows his way around an Elan, or so I have heard.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
--matt

As a post script, the car came with one ignition key. Can I go to a hardware store and cut a new one, or do I need to order blanks and take those blanks to a hardware store?

[mbell]

As a post script, the car came with one ignition key. Can I go to a hardware store and cut a new one, or do I need to order blanks and take those blanks to a hardware store?

Welcome Matt, I recently tool my key with me on a trip to lowes, they didn't have a suitable blank. Haven't tried a locksmith yet.

[john.p.clegg]

Matt
Welcome and take a look....

http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from= ... sacat=9884

Yours should have the number stamped on it....

John

[Certified Lotus]

Hi Matt, Welcome! Regarding a good Elan mechanic I have heard these two guys are well versed in Elans: Bill Giltzow in Easton PA and Don Butler in Maryland. I haven't used them as I do all my own work, but their names keep coming up. You should really reach out to Tony Vaccaro who was President of Lotus LTD.and lives in NY. He knows Elan's very well and can direct you to closer mechanics (go on the LOONY website to find him).

Regarding keys, buy a couple of blanks from RD Enterprises and find an "old key machine" in a small hardware store. For some reason the new key machines can't duplicate the old key ways. I had to go to three different places (Home Depot and Loews can't do it) before I went to an old hardware store that had a vintage key machine. It made perfect copies.

You will find the members of this forum and invaluable with knowledge, advice, perspective and good humor! I could not have completed my cars without them!

[Europatc]

Welcome Matt, hope you get sorted
all the best
Stuart

[mspielman]

Thanks much for the welcome and the information. Greatly appreciated.

[CBUEB1771]

Matt,
Welcome to our group. You should call Ray at RD Enterprises: http://www.rdent.com
He may be able to tell you of nearby shops that he sells parts to.

[pharriso]

Matt,
Welcome to our group. You should call Ray at RD Enterprises: http://www.rdent.com
He may be able to tell you of nearby shops that he sells parts to.

That's an excellent idea. I am close to you, unfortunately I don't know of anyone specifically working on old Lotii, you need an old guy that works on British cars from the 60s & 70s...

[bill308]

Hi Matt.

You might want to contact Lee Chapman Racing in New Milford, CT. See:

http://www.leechapmanracing.com/

You might ask Lee to give it a good inspection and if he doesn't have time to service it, he might be able to recommend a local guy. If nothing else, it would be an interesting visit.

Bill

[mspielman]

Great idea. Thank you. Will give him a call.
Thank you.

[The Veg]

Welcome from down south!

[mspielman]

Thank you.