Europa S2 540936 in Sweden

[jbcollier]

Black outer face with light coloured matting.  It deteriorated very quickly.

[BDA]

Stock firewall "insulation" was a glued-on, horse-hair mat.

Do you know what color? I might have contacts when it comes to stuff like that.

I understand the desire to maintain originality but I think replacing your firewall insulation with something similar would only be desirable on a museum piece (this coming from someone who heavily modified his car so consider that). I think it would be preferable to put something more updated and useful that the original horse hair. You can paint it to look more original or you can get something that is nicer to look at and easier to keep clean.

[gideon]

The original firewall insulation was not horse hair, and is probably a plant fiber like coir, sisal or jute.  Woolies trim have a product listed on their website that looks like an exact match

https://www.woolies-trim.co.uk/p-1384-sound-deadening-felt

[BDA]

It does look like an exact match. Jute, Sisal, horsehair... whatever it is, it is subject to collecting moisture and oil if there is an oil leak in the front of your motor. I think there better more appealing looking alternatives but that's a personal taste.

[gideon]

I think I found the source of the firewall insulation - if so then it's a jute/wool blend.  The company has been in business since 1939, so this could well be the original product.

https://anglotechnicaltextiles.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/FR42-AS.pdf 

[lahi]

Black outer face with light coloured matting.  It deteriorated very quickly.

Thanks!

I understand the desire to maintain originality but I think replacing your firewall insulation with something similar would only be desirable on a museum piece (this coming from someone who heavily modified his car so consider that). I think it would be preferable to put something more updated and useful that the original horse hair. You can paint it to look more original or you can get something that is nicer to look at and easier to keep clean.

I agree. Some parts will be stock stuff but in the engine bay I'm after the look and not necessarily the exact same material. So the same black finish on the insulation is important (so not the aluminium surface) but it could be some other material, like modern insulation with closed cells that won't fill up with oil and dirt and easy to clean.

[jbcollier]

The stuff you have found looks great, but it isn't what was there originally.  I have seen and used the jute stuff.  It's pretty sturdy.  The original stuff did not hold up.

[lahi]

The Europa is in the paint shop now. Just got an epoxy primer to seal off everything before the spray filler is applied. Color will be L05 Carnival Red

[lahi]

"Accidentally" bought a 1975 Lotus Elite too  Some fiberglass repairs are needed and paint but I'll take care of that during this winter. Also needs a new waterpump, left door window and window frame. But then it will be ready for next season. Really fun to drive. Lotus 907 engine with twin Dellorto 45s 

[BDA]

Nice! On both counts!

[lahi]

Nice! On both counts!

Thanks! The Europa will be back in about 6 weeks. Looking forward to it 

The Elite is quite an interesting car. The look grows on you. Looking better and better each time I see it and it sounds lovely. My wife really likes it too and test drove it a few days ago. She now tries to claim the rights for the car 

[jbcollier]

I really like the looks of the 70s Elite.  It’s a very clean design and very practical as well.  Like the Europa, it doesn’t photograph that well but looks amazing in person.

Check it carefully for chassis corrosion!

[lahi]

I really like the looks of the 70s Elite.  It’s a very clean design and very practical as well.  Like the Europa, it doesn’t photograph that well but looks amazing in person.

Check it carefully for chassis corrosion!

I agree, it's a 70s wedge and I like those Also it has the right proportions that's difficult to see in pictures. I heard that Chapman himself had an Elite and also Ronnie Peterson and I don't think they were wrong about the greatness of the car
Feels like a mid engine car when driving it with the lean back seating position, sleek bonnet, pop up lights and the road manners but then you turn your head and see the back seat  Feels weird.

[lahi]

Got a small picture from the painter. It's red  Will get a clear coat as well. Engine compartment, interior and in front where the spare wheel is will be black. It will also get black undercoat underneath and in wheel wells.

[TurboFource]

Nice!