Lotus Europa Community

Lotus Europa Forums => Garage => Topic started by: rtherr on Tuesday,November 23, 2021, 12:41:59 PM

Title: new owner - what is my vin number
Post by: rtherr on Tuesday,November 23, 2021, 12:41:59 PM
Hi, I bought an old lotus model that I've always loved. A 69 europa. I have a question about the vin number. Ive checked both the door and the windows plates have a number of 65/2496. There isn't a plate in the front compartment and I don't see it punched on the sheet metal of the frame around the master cylinder anywhere. I want to transfer ownership with the right number. The arizona certificate of title has this number also.
Title: Re: new owner - what is my vin number
Post by: SilverBeast on Tuesday,November 23, 2021, 01:16:18 PM
 :Welcome:

I'm sure someone will be able to answer your question soon. I'm more familiar with the later models when the date code was added to the front, but I'm not sure when that started, it might have been with the introduction  of the Twin Cam.

We'd love to see pictures of your new acquisition.  :)
Title: Re: new owner - what is my vin number
Post by: 4129R on Tuesday,November 23, 2021, 01:46:44 PM
According to the S2 registry. 65/2496 is the correct Vin Number, it was invoiced on 11/3/1969 with engine number 821 30/0406 and a 336-56 4 speed gearbox. It was L05 Carnival Red, and was in Simi Valley California on 4th April 2007 belonging to Jack Toyer. 
Title: Re: new owner - what is my vin number
Post by: dakazman on Tuesday,November 23, 2021, 02:17:23 PM
 :Welcome:
 
      I believe the frame is stamped on the right side just before the shock mount.  Welcome to the forum. We love pics, anything under 1 mg will post. Hope to hear more of your reasons for buying.
Dakazman
Title: Re: new owner - what is my vin number
Post by: rtherr on Tuesday,November 23, 2021, 02:35:23 PM
 Thank You!
This one has been acquired by me, I'm very excited.
Title: Re: new owner - what is my vin number
Post by: BDA on Tuesday,November 23, 2021, 02:39:10 PM
 :Welcome: rtherr!!

Please post more pictures and tell us your plans for your new baby!!
Title: Re: new owner - what is my vin number
Post by: SilverBeast on Tuesday,November 23, 2021, 02:47:13 PM
Looks good. What is the pipe in the passenger front wheel well?
Title: Re: new owner - what is my vin number
Post by: rtherr on Tuesday,November 23, 2021, 02:56:22 PM
The interior looks to be an a diy re cover with failed adhesive. With a battery hooked up the windows don't work and the fuses look to be way overloaded/ questionable.
I engine starts on starting fluid being the gas tank is rusted. An electric fuel pump has been added with the mechanical one plated off.
I would like to get this driveable and enjoy the lotus feel a couple months before correcting the wiring system and questionable engine bay cosmetics

ALL advice is welcome!
Title: Re: new owner - what is my vin number
Post by: rtherr on Tuesday,November 23, 2021, 02:58:22 PM
Air conditioning!
Not a good location for the hose.
I will have to lexan that off!
Title: Re: new owner - what is my vin number
Post by: BDA on Tuesday,November 23, 2021, 04:08:49 PM
Since you mentioned fuses, you should be familiar with the difference between Brit fuses and US fuses (https://triumphtr6.info/Manuali/fuses.pdf). You should also familiarize yourself with this page (http://lotus-europa.com/manuals/index.htm). Wiring diagrams are available from that site or the main page of the forum. I would advise you to maintain the Lucas wiring standard as best you can (https://www.mgexp.com/article/lucas-wiring-colour-guide.50). This place sells all the correct wire colors (http://www.britishwiring.com/). Here is a pretty good collection of vendors that should be helpful (http://www.lotuseuropa.org/LotusForum/index.php?topic=1389.0).

That should get you started.
Title: Re: new owner - what is my vin number
Post by: rtherr on Tuesday,November 23, 2021, 04:37:40 PM
BDC you have just saved me MANY hours of searching. Thank you.
I do have the repair manual in its binder and a double sided photo copy but the posted color version is sooo much better

here is the nest
Title: Re: new owner - what is my vin number
Post by: BDA on Tuesday,November 23, 2021, 05:01:55 PM
I'm not familiar with S2s but from the looks of it, your PO was not shy about changing things including wiring which is probably the biggest problem people have.

I forgot to mention that our own dakazman made a much nicer S2 wiring diagram than the standard Lotus version. I don't know if it pertains to your car but you might drop him a PM (go to "My Messages" and click on "Send a Message".
Title: Re: new owner - what is my vin number
Post by: Sandyman on Wednesday,November 24, 2021, 03:52:33 AM
Great car! I think the PO's upgrading from 2 to 4 fuses is not a bad idea. Not the prettiest but it does the job. First job with any Europa electrical issue CHECK ALL GROUND CIRCUITS.
Title: Re: new owner - what is my vin number
Post by: dakazman on Wednesday,November 24, 2021, 04:57:23 AM
    If you’re still looking for the frame serial number,  check link. .
I can’t wait for more pics of your ac system.

http://www.lotus-europa.com/manuals/misc/chassisnr.jpg

Dakazman
Title: Re: new owner - what is my vin number
Post by: BDA on Wednesday,November 24, 2021, 07:49:42 AM
Great car! I think the PO's upgrading from 2 to 4 fuses is not a bad idea. Not the prettiest but it does the job. First job with any Europa electrical issue CHECK ALL GROUND CIRCUITS.

Like I said, I don’t know much about S2s. I had no idea that they only had 2 fuses! I thought 4 fuses were not enough, but I agree that going from 2 to 4 fuses is a worthwhile upgrade!
Title: Re: new owner - what is my vin number
Post by: rtherr on Wednesday,November 24, 2021, 04:44:42 PM
 Hi Dakazman.

All the numbers agree. Thank you for the frame location and the spreadsheet.

Here are some pics of the air setup
The first one shows the compressor and condenser. You can see the modified brace that goes between the tops of the shocks. It is fabricated out of heavier steel ( not substantially heavier but ...).
The second one is the modified stock water pump pully with another welded on to it.
The third is the front air handler.

I cant say how it works yet, I hope it's not too much of a load on the cooling system.
Title: Re: new owner - what is my vin number
Post by: rtherr on Wednesday,November 24, 2021, 04:50:24 PM
"error This page isn't working" when trying to add jpg
Title: Re: new owner - what is my vin number
Post by: rtherr on Thursday,November 25, 2021, 10:37:28 AM
lets try this today

photo 1 of 3
Title: Re: new owner - what is my vin number
Post by: rtherr on Thursday,November 25, 2021, 10:41:17 AM
FINALLY

Here are 2 and 3
Title: Re: new owner - what is my vin number
Post by: BDA on Thursday,November 25, 2021, 11:07:26 AM
Thanks for the pictures, rtherr!! Have you checked out the frame? What are your plans? A body off restoration? A rolling restoration? Modifications?

Good luck! It should be a fun and exciting journey whatever you do!
Title: Re: new owner - what is my vin number
Post by: Kendo on Monday,November 29, 2021, 04:50:24 PM
Air conditioning!
Not a good location for the hose.
I will have to lexan that off!

The standard way to do it uses shaped fiber panels. But RD Enterprises now sells pre-cut PVC panels to close off the front and rear openings. And you do want them closed or you'll be digging gravel out of the sill area.
Title: Re: new owner - what is my vin number
Post by: 1970S2 on Tuesday,November 30, 2021, 04:53:18 PM
I found mind stamped in the chassis  after the sandblast, on the passenger side near engine mount, it matches my ownership, my door numbers are not the same.....hope that helps
Title: Re: new owner - what is my vin number
Post by: dakazman on Wednesday,December 01, 2021, 12:53:04 PM
  Rtherr,
  I got to look at the pictures better today on a desktop monitor. One item I see is the extra weight added to the water pump bearing. JBCollier has modified his water pump to accept another bearing machined onto the front section of the pump.  I can't seem to find the thread right now but highly recommend it.
  the lines going to the evaporator all most follow mine , however I entered the cabin area just prior the wall. its a work in progress where I'm going to enter the front boot with the lines.

   Dakazman.
 Found it ,be prepared to spend an hour here,😂
   https://jbcollier.smugmug.com/Lotus-Europa/i-Fd6BGdR/A

Dakazman