#460384 Restoration

[460384]

Hi, I purchased the Europa S1a, 460384 for full restoration about on March 11, 2015.  It is a father-son project.  We have started the process for a week or so now. The engine has a cracked liner (#2) so antifreeze leaked down to the pan. The chassis is rusted in spots. The head, cam and manifold look normal without damages. All brands/numbers (engine, gearbox, chassis, alternator, distributor, carb, starter, etc.) are correct. The car is about 95% complete with a few things missing such two hubcaps, black and silver horn button, one headlight trim ring, right side reverse lens, clip on windows, rear side Lotus championship emblems, etc.  I already got the reverse lens and Bank's one piece windows for it. If you have any of the missing parts, please let us know. I have signed up with Yahoo Europa Group as well.  Tom/Colorado

[BDA]

 

This will make a great father-son project! It sounds like you might want to do a frame off restoration to make sure you get the rust on the frame taken care of. That is more difficult and complicated on an S1 since the frame is glassed into the body.

I don't think you'll have too much trouble with most partsl, but your horn button and hub caps could be difficult. A quick look on r.d. enterprises website shows a green and yellow horn button (for $106!  ) but a black and silver one might be tough.

Good luck and let us know how it's coming and post some pictures  . I think here and the yahoo group are the best sources of information (there is some cross pollination) so I'm sure you're in good hands!

[Serge]

Hub caps aren't too difficult, you can find NOS items from time to time and there are quality reproductions available.


Serge

[EuropatcSPECIAL]

                                                       Welcome Tom I don't think its going to be ready by May. Good choice though. Good luck
all the best
Stuart

[460384]

Stuart,  There is no way our Europa will be ready by May 2015.  We hope by May 2018. By the way, the original color of the 0384 is L02 French Blue. Is your TC the same color?  Tom/Colorado

[EuropaTC]

Hi Tom, and 

That looks an amazingly complete car you've found, even the center dash panel looks original so it will be a great restoration project.

The black horn buttons or just the inserts come up regularly on Ebay UK, there seems to be a few guys who have old stocks of these things. But be warned, they go are very expensive because they are also fitted to the Elans and in the UK all Elans are now fetching serious money hence components rise accordingly.

Aside from the actual button emblem, the rest is the same as fitted to Triumphs of the day, and presumably many other cars, so you'll be able to get the mechanism relatively cheaply. On my Elan I bought one and replaced the Triumph badge with a black plastic domed wheel badge glued to a carrier plate. The font isn't the correct one but only an expert is going to tell the difference so that's one way forward.

Brian

[460384]

Brain,

Thank you for the tips on the horn button.  I know market price for a good original one is about US $100 a piece. Any ideas where I can get a set of original center caps (62 mm) for 13 x 5.5 Revolution wheels?

Tom

[EuropaTC]

I'd guess Ebay UK would be the best option for the revolution wheel centre caps.  They were very popular over here in the 60s & 70s and there might even be a market for reproduction items.

Failing that you can buy plain "universal" caps in different diameters - that might work with another Ebay purchase for the resin domed wheel badge. It sounds tacky but I've been amazed at what you can get these days and with a bit of care it looks right.

Brian

[3929R]

  How old is your son? I trust he is appropriately stoked!
Please post pics of your progress.

[460384]

Mark,

He is 17, a bit concerned about the conditions of the car. I feel the same way.  We both have visited several websites about others who had done the S1 restoration work. It is complex, especially what you have to do to remove the chassis.  We will work on it one day a time.  It is going to be a long process.  Will keep everyone informed.

Tom     

[EuropaTC]

Hi Tom,

I guess this is far too early for your interest, but if you really do want an early horn button there is one on UK Ebay at the moment. It was on at a BIN around £100 but seems not to have sold and the seller has left it at either BIN or an auction. No affiliation with the seller. (and yep, I still think these are crazy prices, but that does seem to be the going rate these days)

Brian

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ford-lotus-cortina-mk1-Elan-original-nos-hornpush-/261844886121?

[blasterdad]

 
Good to see another Father/Son project, I have a '71 S2 Father/Son project, (mostly Father). 

[460384]

Hi Tom,

I guess this is far too early for your interest, but if you really do want an early horn button there is one on UK Ebay at the moment. It was on at a BIN around £100 but seems not to have sold and the seller has left it at either BIN or an auction. No affiliation with the seller. (and yep, I still think these are crazy prices, but that does seem to be the going rate these days)

Brian

Thanks.  Never to early for rear parts.  I will track it.  They go for US$100 in the US.  Tom

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ford-lotus-cortina-mk1-Elan-original-nos-hornpush-/261844886121?

[BDA]

I'm thinking you had something of your own to say, did you forget it, 460384?   

[460384]

Brian

Thanks.  Never to early for rear parts.  I will track the horn button on eBay/UK.  They go for US$100 in the US. Does anyone know where I can get the wiper arm and blade for S1? any X-reference on this?   

Tom