Our Build

[shinoo]

Hi Guys,

We have started a Europa TC Special build for a client.  I am an Elise/Exige specialist so learning as we go with the Europa.  The car is a mild restomod for use on the road.  We started a Blog with our progress.  See it: https://blackshadowmotors.com/home/restoration/in-process-cars/73-lotus-europa/ 



The biggest headache so far has been locating parts for the 365 gearbox - rare as hens teeth!  If any of you can help me with this problem, I would be forever grateful!  Here are the bits I need:
- Primary shaft
- reverse gear
- 1st gear
- synchro ring, 1st
- synchro spring clip, 1st-2nd
- synchro hub 1st-2nd
- 2nd gear
- thrust washer (x) 2
- Crown wheel and pinion

[BDA]

Beautiful paint job!

Have you tried Michel at Alpine-America (http://www.alpine-america.qc.ca)? He is well respected and is very good with both Renault and Lotus. Unfortunately, he closes up sometime in October and reopens in May, I believe. He may answer email during the winter but I wouldn't count on it. His English is good but his accent is very heavily French. I use google translate to send him emails in French.

[1970EuropaGuy]

Beautiful work and love the blue colour. This Europa will be a stunner when finished.

[Broadside]

Wow, what a shine!! fancy popping over to England and painting mine? 

[RoddyMac]

That paint job and colour look great!  I'm hoping to paint my Elan the same shade of blue.  And after skimming your blog, that Europa should go very well with the Mountune built motor.

[shinoo]

...Have you tried Michel at Alpine-America (http://www.alpine-america.qc.ca)? ...

Yes, he does not have the bits.  I'm about to book a flight over to France and stop in to every Renault gearbox shop!!!!    Though, I've heard the French no longer like cars...

[4129R]

Very pretty paint colour. Does it have a name or code in case others may wish to follow your example?

The two colours I do not like for a Europa are the Regency Red and the Tawny Brown. My RR car was re-painted Carnival Red, and my TB car was re-painted Lagoon Blue, both original Europa colours.

All personal preference. If we all liked the same colour, it would be boring.

[BDA]

...Have you tried Michel at Alpine-America (http://www.alpine-america.qc.ca)? ...

Yes, he does not have the bits.  I'm about to book a flight over to France and stop in to every Renault gearbox shop!!!!    Though, I've heard the French no longer like cars...

That being the case, I might go with an NG3. If you want to keep it "original," I think this replacement is close enough for most people.

[Certified Lotus]

Shinoo, try 123 Bearing for all bearings. They were able to supply me with no-longer available bearings for my 352 gearbox and at very reasonable prices.

Great to see you on this Europa site! (For Europa forum members Shinoo supplied almost all my track parts for my two Lotus Exige S cars). Your going through the exact same level of restoration that I did on my 72 Europa. In case you haven’t followed, here is my post in great detail:

http://www.lotuseuropa.org/LotusForum/index.php?topic=1704.0

By the way, I just bought another Elise so I’ll be back ordering parts from you.

[jbcollier]

Meca Parts has the consumables: bearings, synchro-rings, etc.

http://www.mecaparts.com/Cinematique/page.php?lang=0&sortie=html&col=A110&page=16

(You can't use Alpine ring and pinion sets as they rotate the wrong way. You need a ring and pinion from an R17 -- very rare)

Richard Winter at Europa Engineering may be able to help you with the rest.  He has farmed out his parts sales but you would want to talk to him directly.  The number I have is: 011 44 1704 227059.

[dakazman]

 Shinzo, What a great story on your site, I enjoyed every sentence and picture. I’m sure the owner loves it also. I heard a lot of good stories about Mountune engine builds.  I hope you pass on this site to the owner.
    You also have a nice facility there.  Waiting for the paint to cure on these bodies is frustrating at times especially after being put out in the sun . Waiting for more pics . Good luck.
Dakazman

[shinoo]

Shinoo, try 123 Bearing for all bearings. They were able to supply me with no-longer available bearings for my 352 gearbox and at very reasonable prices...

Glen,
Great to find you here and thanks for the warm welcome and tips.    This build has been fun and I'm sure we will get this pesky gearbox sorted! 

[shinoo]

Very pretty paint colour. Does it have a name or code in case others may wish to follow your example?

It is called Lotus Wedgwood Blue.  It is really nice in person.   

[shinoo]

That being the case, I might go with an NG3. If you want to keep it "original," I think this replacement is close enough for most people.

I am not familiar with this conversion.  Let me research the NG3.  This seems like a real consideration.  Thank you!

[Pfreen]

There are two transmissions offered on Banks Europa pinboard.

http://www.banks-europa.co.uk/pinboard/pinboard.htm