1970 s2 0453R Reassembly

[Sandyman]

John,That is going to be one shinny car when it is finished. Are you going to supply welders helmets so we can see her on a sunny day?
Sandy

[dakazman]

   That’s the look of all the cool kids.  

   After reading everyone’s horror stories I’m afraid to put it together. First thing will be bumpers and tags so that she knows her name...
Dakazman

[Certified Lotus]

Don’t put the tags on. Bad karma. Ask me how I know........ Wait until it’s back together and running & ready for the road.

[dakazman]

    Glen,
  I don’t remember reading any bad karma stories but since you brought it up ... spill the beans!
    I only want to hear if no one gets hurt or injured. 
 Dave

[Certified Lotus]

Dave, it’s somewhere in my rebuild post. The minute I put the plates on my work in progress rebuild everything started taking twice as long to get done.  I’m not superstitious but it was very obvious........ 

I should have kept them in the drawer they were stored in for 2 years and only mounted when I was ready for my first test drive.

Just sayin........

[dakazman]

    I think it’s as soon as paint goes on it takes 10 times longer. There is definitely something that happens, maybe that’s why lotus only built 9,947 in 9 years. Maybe we can start a thread on stalling points on a build.
Dakazman

[Certified Lotus]

A lot of my time went into redesigning or reconfiguring things. Plus the constant test fitting “dry” and then final build. The entire rolling chassis with engine & trans went quickly. Once the body came back from painting it went together fairly quickly. It was the last 20% of my build that took 200% longer due to my attention to detail and not wanting to cut corners.  I was pretty specific about some of the obstacles in my build post and how I might tackle them differently next time.  Other things just take man hours. Having a “helper” really makes things go faster. I was very fortunate to have several people with high levels of mechanical knowledge work with me to finish the rebuild at the end. Without them I never would have made it to LOG39.

[dakazman]

  Waited two days before sanding down the newly painted surface. Many have asked how I get a mirror finish so I tried to take pictures of the process.
  I started with hand sanding with 1500 wet.  Lightly wipe and sand the surface to cut the top coat and give you a visual of the highs and lows. First pics. Then proceed sanding with the line of products I laid out.  I usually use a sander but the surface is so level that it had a vacuum effect and stopped the sandèr.  I use the pad shown so it will not burn thru edges.
   A few hours later the entire front clip was sanded and ready for compounding and polishing with the 3m 3 step process, With the types of foam pads . Soon.👍👍
Dakazman

[dakazman]

  Compound and polishing up nicely. Still have a long way to go but very pleased. Maybe this time it will pass quality control😀🤣
Dakazman

[Certified Lotus]

Man, you are the polishing Maniac! Can’t wait to see your car completed Dave. It will sparkle! 

[BDA]

More black mirrors, D'man!! Hopefully the shine will reflect some of the radiant heat you get down there!

[dakazman]

    Thanks guys  I’ll take a win on this . hopefully,  but when door to door came out , I feel very confident that parts can start going on soon . The front storage area and spare tire area were painted so that may look a little better.
Dakazman

[dakazman]

  I got sidetracked today a bit and polished up the elcamino but managed to get to step 2 polishing the Lotus. My wife , quality control inspector was pleased with the finish.
Dakazman

[dakazman]

   I managed to finish up the rear hubs and now there ready for assembly. I had to keep the noise down so I don’t disturb the neighbors weekend 😠. A cold front came through last night and sent the temperature clear down to 75. 65 in the morning. It’s was great to shutoff the A/C for a day and open the windows.
  No new engine news..🙁

Dakazman

[BDA]

Is there nothing on this car that won't give your reflection?!

Great looking stuff, D'man!