Lotus Europa Community
Lotus Europa Forums => Garage => Topic started by: dakazman on Friday,September 27, 2024, 09:38:31 AM
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I'm happy to be starting on to this new chapter, A new beginning with 86,139 miles on the clock.
This is where I'm the dealer listening to complaints... :FUNNY:
Going for a test ride is where I'll begin, brakes being the focus. Which brings me to a maintenance schedule I heard most of you talking about but didn't do. It would have been easier to do some with the body off but I wanted to put myseft in a real world LOTUS state of mind. WTS my first job when I come back will be service the front uprights, and lube front end. Then go find the owners manual.
Dakazman
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To a new chapter! :beerchug:
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Yet another step in your journey!! :pirate:
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Thank You Guys and YES,it is exciting. My one regret is I didnt yet add the finalpart
a Lotuseuropa.org sticker.I know I have it somewhere safe... :))
As for my brake problem, its non existent now, apparently the master cylinder only supplies so much fluid. being that the rear brakes were never brought into contact with the drums after bleeding caused the lack of stopping power. It stops on a dime now addded 5 miles to the ticker.
I know I said, I was going to do some servicing but got distracted and washed the last 3months of dust and alot of oil off her. :FUNNY:
Then I just played with a bluetooth speaker linked to my I-Phone to give me some relaxing music while driving. The mpow speaker was an old christmas gift that I finally put to use. it sounds great hanging on the Iphone hanger that is meant for an I-phone with a bluetooth camera.
Dakazman
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Customer complained that he didn’t like the look of the wiper arms and plastic connectors.
So with some can do attitude and a little reverse engineering on the new wiper blades and the original blade holders tedious swapped the wiper blade to the original holder.
I have step by step pics but I’ll spare you for now .
Next,
customer complaint,
Rear luggage floor gets hot .
With some help getting some material, 1” ceramic muffler wrap was selected and muffler removed.
Muffler was wrapped with the insulation and strapped with .22 stainless safety wire. Thin sheet of aluminum flashing will be added to keep dirt out and fraying. It’s a work in progress. See pic.
Dakazman
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Finished the muffler wrap and checked for fit , now to test !
After 10 minutes of idling muffler was warm but I could hold my hand to it . After a 5 minute
drive, not so much, and stayed warm 10 minutes after. Still cooler than the heat shield which felt like an oven. There is about 3/4” clearances above and below muffler .
Then on to the next complaint about the left window stop working. 🤔
Dakazman
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I see you wrapped your forearm too …. :-\
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Ever since my operations my skin on my forearms tear and bruises easily, blood thinners and what I think is crepe skin or bat skin from the COVID shots. I just bumped a screen door while it was closing .
I keep a good supply of bandaids around or masking tape. 🤣
Dakazman
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Just thinking about the muffler wrap. It sounds like you might not be totally satisfied with the resulting temperature at the luggage tray.
As you know, the original insulation was not to the muffler, but instead installed on the luggage tray. I'm thinking that makes sense, as some substantial amount of heat will be dissipated from the muffler itself before radiation and convection from the top side of it gets to the luggage tray. Air flow around an un-insulated muffler could get rid of much of the heat out the back of the car via convection before it even gets to the luggage tray. Meaning less of a task for the insulation.
As it is, you're trying to keep the heat in the muffler to exit with the exhaust gasses. The muffler itself probably gets extra-hot.
I could be dreaming, but after a career in industrial heating, that's my instinct. It might be a bit difficult to analyze, with some significant approximations and guesses involved. :-)
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You’re correct with that assumption. I’m following your train of thought. I was also thinking I may have wrapped it too tight . Crushing the fibers together. It’s only held together with safety wire so no real loss .
Dakazman
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You could wrap just the top with insulation. Even with the aluminum flashing wrapped around the bottom, heat should escape downward pretty well.
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Kendo that’s a good test, in baby steps, loosen the batting and still protect it . I was thinking about adding back the metal cover that I had on the top that would allow the air to flow completely around the muffler.
Thanks , keep you posted.
Dakazman
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Dave: you're right that wrapping it very tightly will compromise the insulation. Air in the ceramic fiber provides much of the insulating effect.
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Fotog,
I tried another test idling for 10 minutes, insulation and a stainless cover, still not happy. I also cut out vents in the lower mount.
Tomorrow insulation/ durarock/ stainless , who knows at this point. The durarock takes the place of firebrick.
I also filled in some of my spare time with replacing the rear taillights with a set I purchased awhile back but needed to replace the reverse lenses . They both had a small hairline cracks in them. My left side light assembly has some surface rust so I’ll get to replacing that one soon.
Then I spent about 3 hours putting in two rivnuts to hold the console in , instead of nuts that I kept dropping in the tunnel along with the wrench. I’ll save time in the future.
Dakazman
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:FUNNY: I can't tell you how many times I've had those bolts out to move the console cover aside and I struggle with the nuts underneath every time!!! I have riv-nuts several other places but for some reason, it has never occurred to me to install them there!! I'll get some riv-nuts and install them the next time I get in there!!!
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G'day, Dave,
I notice you seem to have removed some metal from the chassis access hole (red circle).
You might want to think about filling that in or it'll inevitably be the source of cracking, I reckon.
That hole was already too large and crack prone from the factory, IMHO.
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:I-agree: I would use rivets rather than bolts. Welding would be best but obviously impractical.
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G'day, Dave,
I notice you seem to have removed some metal from the chassis access hole (red circle).
You might want to think about filling that in or it'll inevitably be the source of cracking, I reckon.
That hole was already too large and crack prone from the factory, IMHO.
Thanks Gavin, I did not know that section was also prone to cracks. For the time being I'll blend in a radius. I had other cracks in the frame and repaired them, so I'm keeping an eye out on them also. After I finish the other three engines I plan on welding up a partial frame. I haven't ruled out a spyder frame either.
If and when, I will put an inspection plate insert with a doubler ring underneath for bolts. In hindsight it would have been easier to find a suitable switch for the electric heater.
Dakazman
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G'day, Dave,
I notice you seem to have removed some metal from the chassis access hole (red circle).
You might want to think about filling that in or it'll inevitably be the source of cracking, I reckon.
That hole was already too large and crack prone from the factory, IMHO.
I can confirm this to be true. I cut a large hole to mount an MR2 cable shifter. I made and used a bolt on steel plate to cover and strengthen the hole similar to an Esprit and it still rippled a 1/2" in one of the squared corners.
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Clifton,
What type of driving and how many miles logged on? I agree that the spyder frame married to this body is the best way forward.
I'm still in baby steps with my break-in. and I doubt I'll ever do any spirited driving, another dream, Tail of the Dragon. If I do, the wife wants it trailered up. I don't think I'll ever get above 50 mph. Hitting 70 mph would be a goal, on a smooth straight road, in Florida, which is what we mostly have.
I made a radius cut in that area which should last.
Dakazman
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Clifton,
What type of driving and how many miles logged on? I agree that the spyder frame married to this body is the best way forward.
I'm still in baby steps with my break-in. and I doubt I'll ever do any spirited driving, another dream, Tail of the Dragon. If I do, the wife wants it trailered up. I don't think I'll ever get above 50 mph. Hitting 70 mph would be a goal, on a smooth straight road, in Florida, which is what we mostly have.
I made a radius cut in that area which should last.
Dakazman
10,800 miles. Street driving isn't as abusive as track events with wide, soft tires is. I do that 8 times a year. I'm not saying street driving won't be an issue though. There's still chassis load and twist. It's good you radius ed it.
85 mph is our fast lane freeway norm when it's not too crowded. I think you'll be going 70 more than you think.
I don't have a pic with it open showing the bend but this is the cover.
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Getting a closer look, I'd say it's not potentially as bad as I thought initially because there are no sharp corners. A more generous radius at the "corner" would obvious be a LOT better. That's not to say that I don't think you have anything to worry about. It's obviously weaker than it was before you cut it. A properly riveted (not pop riveted) patch should fix it.
Is Spyder discontinuing Europa frames or just Europa frame restorations?
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BDA , All I researched were these .
It was long ago but I remember reading threads of others buying a frame not to long age .
I see they supply a Z-Tex conversion now.
Dakazman
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I honestly don't think this is something that can be blended in successfully. Blending implies the softening of a transition which isn't really the total issue here.
Gotta remember the backbone is subject to torsional loads in everyday life. It's only made of 1/16" mild steel.
Mine had a crack across one side of that access hole as well as under the front T transitioning up the inside corners of the T. Also had a couple on both sides of the vertical doublers on the rear legs near the tranny hoop. These cars are 50 years old, so . . . hey.
For me, I don't think I'd let it go but the fix probably isn't all that daunting.
I'd cut the fibreglass away for perhaps 2" around the affected area and weld in some sheet metal.
My thinking here is that one could easily lose a lot of fibreglass in this area with little impact on the body. Then, bolt the console on and Bob's your Aunty's live-in lover.
I'm being tough because the last thing you need is to later discover a crack has migrated down the sides of the backbone where you really can't fix it without removing the body.
I reckon the TC/TCS chassis looks much better in this regard with their straight sided hole (not elliptical) as well as a sort of dimpled inner edge - probably less prone to cracking.
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Didn’t realize Twin Cam hole was different …
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Gavin, you led the horse to water and I will repair it asap
I’m thinking a 1” wide 1/16 doubler ring, spot welded around perimeter. A minimal amount of the fiberglass will be removed.
Dakazman
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Didn’t realize Twin Cam hole was different …
Turbo,
Are you able to measure the width of the TCS access hole?
That is, if you put a caliper across it, what's the number? It doesn't need to be all that precise and I'll fudge the radius of the lip later.
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3-1/4 x 5-5/8 with a 7/16 downturned lip -1973 TCS
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To install the Porsche shifter box in my TCS V-8 project, I had to open the tunnel at the stock shifter location by cutting into the vertical sides of the box section. This significantly weakened the tunnel and I mean significantly! The defection and bending between the front T and rear Y was on the order of some 2”. Was like a wet noodle. I used an internal tunnel X brace and sheet metal cap that mirrored the removed 90 degree edges of the tunnel with a few through bolts, gussets and strapping. I was surprised of the impact this cut out had on the rigidity of the tunnel. Think there are some pictures in my V-8 Project if interested.
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I fabricated a few things today after a successful test on a muffler wrap. Not so mush a wrap but just a thermal barrier. Then making it look I fabricated a few things today after a successful test on a muffler wrap. Not so mush a wrap but just a thermal barrier. Then making it look presentable.
Then onward to the console repair, I found a sheet of 1\16 steel and I’ll cut to cover the entire hole . Attaching with some hi-loc pin rivets. Instead of spot welding then in. Another thought is to use rivnuts on the lower sheet . We’ll see .
My test of vacuum pressure was a solid 13 psi at idle from the intake manifold . Possible late timing…, maybe. Another dilemma, not starting without starting fluid.🤔 but will start afterwards.
Playing with choke it will kick but drop right off.
Lastly my backup camera and usb socket came in so I’ll be busy.
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Thanks Kendo for getting measurements for Gavin.
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Thanks for the numbers, Kendo.
I plan on making a doubler in the TC/S style for the hole in my S2 chassis.
A mate of mine is an aero engineer. He has a sturdy chassis jig and did some torsional testing on a S2 chassis just out of interest.
He said that as the torsional load builds, the side panels of the chassis start to flex. He surmised that installing zig zag stiffeners along the vertical sides of the backbone would delay & mitigate the onset of this.
Kram's X brace idea sounds good, too. In fact it wouldn't be all that difficult to fabricobble a number of internal braces which would essentially force the tunnel to act as a series of shorter boxes instead of the single long one.
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Attaching with some hi-loc pin rivets. Instead of spot welding then in. Another thought is to use rivnuts on the lower sheet . We’ll see .
The reason I recommend rivets is that you get a more intimate connection between the parts because they expand to fill the hole. With bolts there will almost have to be a little wiggle. I might be convinced that I'm being over cautious and that they would be completely adequate but I think rivets make a better join.
I'm also not sure that completely covering the hole will be a good idea (did I misunderstand you?). I think you may need access into the backbone from time to time.
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Good reasoning Jim.
After thinking about it half a day while cutting the lawn I came up with this . I’ve use a similar repair on an aircraft structure. Between the plates I’ll apply a sealant to stop any movement between the plates . It will have to do for now . I have a hurricane to contend with this coming week.
The two holes top side are to pick up the rivnuts casings all ready installed. The bolts or nuts around the perimeter will be welded in. The two holes in the center will be enlarged to accommodate my thumb and index finger to hold it in place while locating. I all ready finagled the lower plate in but I do still have to check for clearance above heater lines that are still installed.
It looks doable and it will cut down on the heat coming up from the water lines. Something else I noticed while idling it extensively.
Dave
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I made a little progress today but had to put it off to prepare for this hurricane. Aiming for central part of the state, which would mean running directly over me . It’s has a lot of ground to cross but I’m worried about it stalling or regaining strength when it hits the Atlantic.
Enough said, I boarded up today and I’ll be off helping my neighbors.
Just have to weld up the nuts to the underside , paint and install.
Dakazman
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You and your family, stay safe!! It's cat. 5 now and even though it's supposed to drop to cat 3 before making landfall, it sounds like a monster now and predicting what and where a hurricane will go or do is hit or miss as you know.
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We’ll do Jim ,
Dave
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We’ll do Jim ,
Dave
fingers crossed (as I wander out to the aerodrome to load up my plane with supplies for a volunteer relief flight to western NC to assist). Citizens have to step up and help their neighbors when the official organs fail....
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THANK YOU SO MUCH, Bryan!! The devastation there is hard for even me, who grew up in New Orleans so no stranger to big hurricanes, to take in. Thankfully I can’t imagine what it’s like for all those who lost everything. I have such admiration for all the people who have volunteered and shared resources! God bless you!
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THANK YOU SO MUCH, Bryan!! The devastation there is hard for even me, who grew up in New Orleans so no stranger to big hurricanes, to take in. Thankfully I can’t imagine what it’s like for all those who lost everything. I have such admiration for all the people who have volunteered and shared resources! God bless you!
I can't agree more with BDA said.
Bryan, your top notch in my book and if you need work done on your aircraft, I may know some FBO's that still may be operating in PA.
Dakazman
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THANK YOU SO MUCH, Bryan!! The devastation there is hard for even me, who grew up in New Orleans so no stranger to big hurricanes, to take in. Thankfully I can’t imagine what it’s like for all those who lost everything. I have such admiration for all the people who have volunteered and shared resources! God bless you!
No praise needed. It's what we do, that's all. Was a couple decent flights, got two runs in over two days. Folks on the ground were great, no interference from officials. ATC handled everything with professionalism. Couldn't ask for more.
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THANK YOU SO MUCH, Bryan!! The devastation there is hard for even me, who grew up in New Orleans so no stranger to big hurricanes, to take in. Thankfully I can’t imagine what it’s like for all those who lost everything. I have such admiration for all the people who have volunteered and shared resources! God bless you!
I can't agree more with BDA said.
Bryan, your top notch in my book and if you need work done on your aircraft, I may know some FBO's that still may be operating in PA.
Dakazman
Appreciate it. Now, to relax, a couple fingers of single malt...and rest up for the weekend. Have my 50th HS reunion saturday...and some students sat morning and sunday afternoon. :) Retirement is fun!
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No praise needed
But well deserved! I'm glad things went smoothly. I heard from some pilots who were hassled. Maybe that foolishness stopped. I'm sure you enjoyed your single malt! You deserved that as well!
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I got back to the Europa’s muffler heat shield, that works extremely well and the repair to my frames inspection hole.
The muffler/ shield is now under the tweaking process, lower, lighter and final appearance. Functionally I can put my hand on the cover and not feel any appreciable heat. I used my digital thermometer on it but that picture had extreme glare on the readout.
Then I started installing the plates to enhance the structure around the inspection hole. I decided to add a third plate between the two I had already made but by adding a “plug” to take up the top and bottom plates will spread the load or stress. On aircraft we use a sealant between the layers but it may be overkill in this case .
Gavin, thanks for pointing out my blunder and enlightening that area of stress to me.
Dakazman
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What about the heater and choke cables that go through the access hole you covered up?
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My heater is electric and my choke cable just runs under rug and exits the firewall along with the accelerator pedal cable.
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Got a little sidetracked today but managed to finish the console. Only setback was I misplaced the hinge pin for the armrest.🥴. Something else to do tomorrow.
Now to dream up something that will secure the muffler cover.🫡
Dakazman
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I must first state that my above temp repair will be welded in minus the plug plate.
I turned my attention to the muffler heat shield and mount. Making cuts around the gearbox mount bolts I was able to lower the bracket that hold the muffler and then I had to change the mounts that hold the u-bolts to one side and re-weld.the inlet pipe from the header to the muffler was extended about 3/4 “ and angled differently. The re -wrapped with header fabric.
The durarock and the fabric is under the stainless cover. Still a work in progress to secure those but they can’t go anywhere. I maintained about 1/2 clearance around the entire muffler, and the trunk fit perfectly.
Next I’m going to play with a Wi-Fi backup camera and trying to find an ideal location for a usb /pd connector.
Then sine it’s cooling down to 78f I’ll try to charge up my A/C system which will entail hooking up the last three control wires or switches…🤷🏼♂️. Maybe even learning how to adjust the Weber carb knockoff.
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Congratulations on your progress, D'man!! :welder:
Hopefully you'll be driving your baby in air conditioned comfort soon!
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Congratulations on your progress, D'man!! :welder:
Hopefully you'll be driving your baby in air-conditioned comfort soon!
Thanks BDA, I forgot where I was and went on this tangent...: FUNNY:
I got around to things I wanted to do while waiting for a radiator hose for my daughter's car that I mentioned in off topics/ distractions. weather was just perfect today and after some shopping with the wife I was able to scrounge up some time to paint my lower close-out panel and touch up my lettering on the JPS bonnet. This lower panel will get me off my a** and finish the wiringto the A/C.
Then a little touch up work around my Tiburon's rear window. Painting season is coming and I'm ready to paint the veil coated door panels and engine cover, Black of course.
Then a much-needed re-spray on the corvette.
A little daily road trip with the Europa is enough to reveal its short comings and the operators :FUNNY:, that I fix ASAP, but that small gearbox leak is driving me crazy.
Dakazman
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Not much completed but now running a brand new battery instead of old batteries I had laying around. Nothing special just a leadAcid battery with 3 year warranty.
Then my daughter showed up with a surprise, a GPS/dash cam setup with two cameras. 😁
Good thing I didn’t install the close-out panel yet to cover the wiring. I did find time to get it painted. Now to really come up with a location for a usb charger port for phones., and a hardwire or use a 12v cigarette lighter plug . I don’t want to drill holes in the facia or the close out panel.
I’ll get this slaved in and go from there.
Dakazman
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Hi
When you say your heater is electric, what unit did you use? Also how did you deal with the electrics? I put a Fiesta (MK7 I think it was) 800w electric matrix in the heater box of my +2 (along with a modern water matrix) in order to give instant heat while the car warms up. I have not had it actually working in the car yet (only on the bench) but it draws nearly 70A according to my calculations. Because of the extra load on the engine it should actually help the engine warm up faster.
All the best
Berni
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Hi Berni
I found it here
https://www.lotuseuropa.org/LotusForum/index.php?topic=2058.1305
However the picture of the eBay post is not there anymore.
You can read further from this page. I disassembled the heater and rebuilt it to fit under the wiper arms twice. I wired it directly to battery with A 10 gauge wire to a relay to heater the on off is where the original cable was . It has a larger cfm fan that runs on the defogger switch that I may also run to the control relay for dual functionality.
This is what I searched for , mine was metal case but they seem to have others cheap enough to test .
https://www.ebay.com/itm/196729705786?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=nMZO75vdQcu&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=QOunqopVSxS&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=SMS
Dakazman
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Hi
Thank you for the information. Does the heater work well? I did look into that type a while back, but the power claims did not stack up for me.
This is a pic of the Fiesta electric matrix in the +2 heater box. Its mounted under the water matrix and is nearly the same size.
Love the aircon install!
All the best
Berni
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I still haven’t tested it inside the Europa under actual conditions. It has been turned on and heat comes out . Unfortunately it’s been in the 90’s and only now 80’s. Our winter is maybe a week of 50’s and 32 maybe at night. Like I said my test was in a car, not moving in a 50f garage.
That heater looks like it would do well in the UK depending on the fan or fans needed to transfer the heat. What are your reasons for deviating from the stock heater ? Mine was to add an under dash A/C unit which is still a work in progress and needed in Florida.
I took some temp readings on the radiator transfer pipes inside the frame at 170f , to bad we
Couldn’t come up with a heat exchanger around those pipes and direct the flow into the cabin area.
Dakazman
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Moving along and sometimes backwards came into play. I finished mounting the close-out panel on the hinge and the magnetic catch works great . I’ll have to come up with a better way to remove it to work on the fuse and ground bar but that should be far in between.
Then the one step back, my prop rod fell out with a gust of wind and landed on the ground but the lid came down on it hard, cracking the lid. I guess it could have been worse if the wind blew it over the hood and this being in my garage.
Luckily I have my composite veil lid in prime and I should be able to swap it out , painted and polished by Saturdays Cocoa concours car show.
Dakazman
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That's a real bummer about your engine cover. Maybe gas struts would help in the eventuality of that happening again...
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Hi
Ugh, its horrible when that sort of thing occurs. They say most accidents happen at home.....
I have been there a few times with dropping things on cars when squeezing past or inadvertent scratching. if you are regularly working on a car its almost impossible to entirely avoid small accidents.
All the best
Berni
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BDA :I-agree:
Absolutely, Now that I have most of the problems worked out Its going to the top of the list.
BUT,, now it gave me an idea where to mount the rear backup camera. :trophy: :trophy:
The dash cam works really nice and setup was a breeze. I slaved it in on the El Camino and it was up and running and linked to my I-Phone for GPS locating and vehicle speed amongst other features. The hardest part is going to figure out where to put a 12 V outlet. TWO in my case. or the company has a hardwire setup for the power cord. I'll probably just cut the cigerette lighter adapter off and hardwire it in. The rear camera cord is miles long, so hiding and routing wire shouldn't be a problem.
Bernie, Yep I agree there too. Watching my neighbors walk by with their keys dangling off their belt drives me crazy.
Dakazman
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Hi Dakazman
My reason for wanting instant heat in the car is the same one that makes me gravitate towards fuel injection.
I used my very first Lotus, a 1968 plus 2 as an everyday driver about 20 years ago. The car was hideous during the winter, especially in really cold weather. Hideous until it warmed up that is, but most of my commute and driving generally was quite short distance. So to combat this I fitted a petrol powered Webasto Hi-Top in the nosecone. This was on a timer and would heat up the engine coolant to 78 dec C which made things a lot better. So it is the memory of that experience that makes me want instant heat, and the good running from cold that fuel injection gives.
As an aside I crashed that car straight into a slate embankment in North Wales. It was a moonless night, absolute pitch black. The headlights were pathetic and I thought I was on a fast straight (on a road I thought I knew well) but was actually approaching a tightening bend. The bang was incredibly loud and smashed the car completely right up to the front wheels. Just before the impact I was wondering why my wife was screaming. Even though the seatbelts were the fixed type we were completely uninjured. I found that fibreglass absorbs impact quite well (at least in a frontal impact). When parting out the car later I found several quite large cracks in the chassis.
All the best
Berni
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Bernie, Firstly, I'm glad you and your wife are okay.
It"s nice to hear from people that owned these cars and drive them daily. I have only driven a total of 15 miles maybe...
In a hot climate. I didn't know the OEM heater doesn't keep up with the demands. I have heard stories of hot coolant spraying into the cabin area and that is why I went with an electric heater, Immediate heat on demand and probably safer for the occupants.
You seemed to have found a viable replacement, just copy the schematic of the donor and install.
Dakazman
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Hi Dakazman
Thank you, its not that the heater power is insufficient, it is just that it takes so long for the engine to heat up to the point that the interior heater starts to work in a meaningful way. As I get older I really can see the advantage of living in a warmer climate.
The Europa experience is as much about the car itself, the pleasure of owning such a machine and the enjoyment of working on such a fine 4d jigsaw puzzle as it is about the actual driving.
All the best
Berni
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Berni, bear in mind that D'man lives in Florida. I don't think any of our members in Canada swapped the original heater for an electric one. How about installing electric heating pads in or on top of the seats? Seat heaters need much less power than a cabin air heater.
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Berni, bear in mind that D'man lives in Florida. I don't think any of our members in Canada swapped the original heater for an electric one. How about installing electric heating pads in or on top of the seats? Seat heaters need much less power than a cabin air heater.
Thats a great idea, YES, remember, cold is 60F for me now is tolerable and 40f, is forget about it., :FUNNY:
I remember living in New Jersey and playing football in a T-shirt at 40F, working at JFK International in the winter with temps at -40F with wind chill and the smell of the ocean, dressed with three layers of clothing just to go outside. NOT FUN.
getting into a Europa ... NO WAY IN HELL. I admire you guys for trying that ... SEND PICS
Dakazman
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With my first car show tomorrow I have to finish the engine cover or repair the damage on the original.
Yesterday I painted the donor panel and clear coated. Then made a template of all the holes for all the emblems, LOTUS and Europa. I’ll attempt a fast temp repair of the impact area , paint and polish out today. Then a little cleaning. 🤣
At least by painting the new engine cover I’ll see the advantage of the composite veil used on it, long term changes in the finish.
Dakazman
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Looks pretty shiny from here D’Man!
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The Ever Shiny D'man!!! :beerchug:
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Still going here At 4:30 down to final fit and adding the emblems
Made the repairs to the original one but since the standby looks decent enough to take its place for the show. A few flaws and some waves will come out later with more clearcoat.
Dakazman
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I finished up installing all the emblems and and mounted the hinges. The engine lid is still not perfect and it isn’t a perfect fit.
Check in for the show is 9 am - 10:30. All I have to do is clean her up a bit and drive it there.
Sorry about the non complete pic but I worked late and forgot to take a pic.
I can’t believe I’m doing this 🥴
Dakazman
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Go fo it D'man! you'll do be great!Bring us back some pictures!
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Congratulations. Good for you!
:beerchug:
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What a beautiful day for a show, although I drove through a brief downpour on the way.
After a checked in I was guided to my designated area, however I was then told I was being asked to stage on the greens, better than on the roadside. Then after a few other loti showed up they moved use up to the main pavilion next to the band, and better yet a shady spot.
I did not win any of the six trophies but had a crowd around my car all day, many saying they never saw one or had dreams of owning one. Several couples from England attended and they said they never saw one one the road over there. As far as I was concerned I won just by being next to the main stage.
My family and friends showed up and made it that much more special.
More pics on the way.
Dakazman
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Very cool. Congratulations. :trophy:
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Looks like a great day for Lotus (Lotus has decreed that the plural of Lotus is Lotus)!
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8)
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Glad you had a great time. It does look good, and at home with its descendents!
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Thanks guys.
I learned a few things about car shows and how to get prepared. Thank God for my wife who packed me a survivor kit. :FUNNY: Truly need , drinks on ice ( non alcoholic) lunch and a few snacks. Midway through I was ready to eat something.
My daughter showed up and helped guide people and her 6’10” friend into the Europa. That was all he could do as his knees were on the facia. He did manage to get out.
I left with a smile, and now I have a little longer list of items to look into .
Dakazman
Added a pic of the sponsors video surrounded by people. That’s me standing in the back of car . 🤣
Still waiting for the show’s pics.
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I found a little sequence of my staging. The first was at the end of the entry streets.
Then in front of a line of Porsches, Alone , then the other two lotus showed up.
Afterwards the stagers came running over after the Porsche sponsor complained is what I heard.
Then exit to stage right , I loved it .
As promised a few more pics
Dakazman
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At least you finally got staged with the other Lotus (I don't think I'll get used to not saying "Loti").
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I think as an owner you should feel free to disobey. After all, they're wrong with respect to accepted grammar rules. The plural of a noun ending in 's' is virtually always made by adding 'es', making it 'Lotuses'.
Where was the car show, Dave?
Vince
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Cocoa village in Cocoa Florida off 520 just before the Indian River heading east to the ocean.
It’s just closed its third year , an excellent boost for Veterans Day activities. Peoples choice was dedicated to the veterans cab over. It had several streets lined with cars , see map of green areas.
Dakazman
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Nice job, Dave. I see you also learned the technique at a show (if you can) of finding the shady line and hopefully the marque is parked there. Being out in the sun for hours on end holding forth for spectators looking at your ride can be a bit of a chore.
Thanks guys.
I learned a few things about car shows and how to get prepared. Thank God for my wife who packed me a survivor kit. :FUNNY: Truly need , drinks on ice ( non alcoholic) lunch and a few snacks. Midway through I was ready to eat something.
My daughter showed up and helped guide people and her 6’10” friend into the Europa. That was all he could do as his knees were on the facia. He did manage to get out.
I left with a smile, and now I have a little longer list of items to look into .
Dakazman
Added a pic of the sponsors video surrounded by people. That’s me standing in the back of car . 🤣
Still waiting for the show’s pics.
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Networking also paid off,
I ran down a lead about an S1 and got in touch with the son of the owner. However no title.
With that I made a 20 minute journey to check it out and what’s needed to bring her home here.
Engine run when parked. True story.
I can’t wait to see its vin number.
.
Dakazman
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Then ,
Picking up the rest soon, with a trailer .
Today’s haul, below
Dakazman
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So you bought it? 8)
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I think you have slightly masochistic tendencies.
I sense an order for polishing supplies will soon be placed.....
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Turbo , All free , just get it out of here asap said the deceased owners son.
Now, to decide this S1a,s future . I based that on the cigarette lighter running through the harness. I”ll have fun with building a harness board and comparing it to the schematic. I tried to open the doors and the bonnet but rusted solid.
I love the tray seats and the speaker built into the console . The rear trunk cavity for the battery.
I found newspapers dated 1999 wraparound some parts.
Please chime in on what is original.
Dakazman
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8)
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Finally an S1 project that makes what mine was look pretty good ;-)
Those are seats are not stock. The S1 has two cushions that fit into molded recesses. I could go on, for example the auto trans (?!)...
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I think the newspapers are original (from what I can see).
;D
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Finally an S1 project that makes what mine was look pretty good ;-)
Those are seats are not stock. The S1 has two cushions that fit into molded recesses. I could go on, for example the auto trans (?!)...
JB, :FUNNY: you're my guide here and maybe Serge. You're the only two I know of. Hopefully I'll be bringing it here this week. I dont want to overburden the son to go through the garage and attic.
This car is just a donor car. Title paperwork was ignored by both seller and buyer. The frame is eaten away as is the body. I'm bringing home all the parts the owner collected. I told him I'll pay him for some of his parts when sold.., I'll try to make a mold of some of the glass pieces, console and aft tray.
Dakazman
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Here are some other items I dug out. The gearbox has a tag but I didn’t yet unbend it, but the shifter showed reverse opposite of my 336. Working on a trailer for picking up the rest. Hopefully some bumpers are side and front windows and another taillight assembly.
Dakazman
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Worked a deal with a friend for the use of his trailer.
Repair the holes in roof.
Fix wiring .
Clean out dead possums.
Pressure wash
Can’t be to bad… it should be big enough to recover the S1.
Dakazman
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I think it will fit in there!
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I’m getting ready for the Xke return so I played Tetris and moved the Europa into its new home.
I am still working on her, buying all the materials I need for the engine compartment lift cylinders.
Dakazman
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These may interest you:
http://lotus-europa.com/manuals/misc/ahines/exterior.html
http://lotus-europa.com/manuals/misc/body/struts/hoodproject.html
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Thanks Jim, Pfreen gave me the second link, now I’ll compare the two. I all ready picked up a set of gas struts and ends. Couldn’t find round 4’ stock so I ended up with square stock. No biggie.
I have until feb 4 for another car show to install it and fix my slight brake drag probably induced by my overcompensating the pedal height.
Dakazman
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2.7 miles to first breakdown.
Gathered up some courage and went for a test ride. After circling my neiborhood for a test I decided to go to a site of current car shows. Only 2.7 miles away and I overheated, blowing the hose off just before the swirl pot. Fords garage in background.
Waiting for a tow ! Home is due north small dot in map pic.
I believe the brakes started dragging for some reason.
Dakazman
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Bummer, D’man! Have you figured out what caused you to overheat?
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BDA, Just got it tucked in at home. No previous leaks and I could run it at idle all day long, garage floor had only the gearbox leak.
I just heard a loud pop and alot of white smoke, coolant line blew off swirl chamber. I attached the hose and added fluid but engine sounded like it was running on 2 cylinders. tomorrow I'll have more data. A few threads above I mentioned a feeling of brake drag.
Good thing it was Sunday and Chickfil la was closed.
Dakazman
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Well that is a bummer! Hope an easy fix ahead!
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Dakazman, I did Andy Hines’ gas strut approach many years ago. It worked out quite well. I did relocate the mid-engine-lid bar so the lid would be more vertical when open, to ease engine access. In general, I like the mod.
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Kendo,
I returned the gas struts which I thought were to short the total length were about 8 inches extended. The attendant did the conversion of the strut to his vendor so he may have been wrong.
Turbo, hopefully.
I thought it was a nightmare but my wife sent me this picture this morning. :headbanger:
Then still getting use to this time shift.
Dakazman
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Found this before I went out today, how these belts got loose all of a sudden. :blowup:
More later,
Dakazman
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Not questioning your belt size selection but they seem not to fit the pulleys well? If the belt taper was incorrect might have worn in and slacken up?.
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Kram, they were direct from RD.
The nuts on the pulley loosened up, one completely fell off. I have another pully assembly that I'm going to use the nut from and test. I also think that when it loosened the belt burnt up a bit on the lower side, so I'll order another along with the nuts. The belt jamb in
so bad is the reason the engine would run by possibly slowing to cam???
Dakazman