ELSE Europa restoration 2015 -2018

[Gmg31]

Thank you.  I fitted the replacement filter tonight and topped up the missing 4 pints grrr.  Spun her over and pressure is back up.

[BDA]

 

[Gmg31]

After several frustrating weeks I've finally managed to fit an original alternator.  I've posted another story about the problems I've had.

[BDA]

Now that's a tiny alternator! What was it originally intended for?

[Gmg31]

That is the correct original.  See my other post on "alternator problems."

[Gmg31]

I love the finish that you get from vapour blasting.

[Gmg31]

front compartment painted. New radiator, hoses and master cylinder.  Plenum chamber painted, air intakes vapour blasted. New upholstered insert

[Gmg31]

Well I had a terrible week this week. As mentioned in another post I accidentally damaged a brake pipe. Ironically I was cutting an inspection hatch to that I could see all the connections but slipped and sliced through the pipe that goes from the LR to the RR via the V in tha chassis.  I originally decided to buy a hand held brake pipe flanging kit so I could repair the pipe. However once I had separated  the shell from the chassis (again) I realised it was easier to just replace it. However, "Easier" does not realy describe it.

[Gmg31]

The only way into the space was to drop the chassis about 30 cm and lie on the engine whilst reaching along the chassis.

[BDA]

Another LOTUS position! 

[3929R]

Is ELSE now bruised onto your chest?

[Gmg31]

I did put a blanket on the top but it was very uncomfortable.

[Gmg31]

I'm guessing this seat belt anchor is no longer fulfilling its primary objective.

[BDA]

I think you're right. That anchor is a prime candidate for a replacement!

[EuropaTC]

I think it's called "adding lightness"   

Same thing with both of mine, that's on a '72 car. I'd bet most UK cars which have had daily use through winterat some point in their lives  will be in a similar state unless someone had made efforts to rust proof the parts, but they are in the "out of sight" category.  And not easily checked, I bet the average MoT tester doesn't even know how the belt is secured.

I think there is a slight fail-safe aspect though. The main section where the bolt goes was roughly 3"x1.5" and thicker on mine, probably 3mm as opposed to 1.5mm of the rest of the anchor. So it would have to pull through the fibreglass sill almost in shear for complete failure and if you had that much force across your chest it probably wouldn't be the main thing on your mind. 

Brian