Europa TCST

[TurboFource]

Thank you!

[Dilkris]

Met my goal having chassis flipped by the end of March

Now to repair T-section....        The big hole I cut to hacksaw through brake rod.....

Just seen the below whilst looking for something else - I know it is the wrong side of the pond - and the price is eye watering (what isn't on a Europa...??) but thought the spot welding was interesting - may be  useful reference??

  https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/254700792362?chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=710-134428-41853-0&mkcid=2&itemid=254700792362&targetid=1140323547510&device=c&mktype=pla&googleloc=1007072&poi=&campaignid=12125464313&mkgroupid=116526847373&rlsatarget=aud-381667280803:pla-1140323547510&abcId=9300481&merchantid=6995734&gclid=CjwKCAjwx6WDBhBQEiwA_dP8rbu2iHczqaXGi_GpzyhMKKkvK2OdY6KJkUu74Dw0XKf8OncGEu37fhoCqc0QAvD_BwE   

[TurboFource]

Thanks, at least you can see where they are in those pics.

[jbcollier]

The original is two box sections welded together.  This just has a centre plate tacked in.  I prefer the original design.

[TurboFource]

No progress on Europa this past weekend. I was busy sorting through the crusty wiring on the 35 year old camper/covid restoration project I have been working on so it could get safety inspected yesterday. I also ran wiring for the brake controller in my trusty/slightly crusty  F150. Good practice for upcoming Lotus wiring....

The good news is it passed Maryland safety inspection first try!

My wife is happy ........

[TurboFource]

Some progress tonight......bottom of T-section removed.

The construction of a Twin Cam T-section certainly is different from the earlier cars!

[BDA]

Interesting! That seems to be more complicated than I would have expected.

[TurboFource]

Discovered another fun task.....removing the heater tubes

The welds are no fun to get to!  Especially the front ones as they are welded inside the chassis (see pic). Take JB's advice and change them if you have doubts about their condition and you are redoing the chassis (JB how did you do this when the car was together?).

Also figured out my T-section repair (I think.... Have to go by a fab shop for work this week and will see if I can buy some 14 or 16 gauge from him as I don't need a whole sheet).

Started to clean up chassis too....

[BDA]

Getting those out is a tough job but just keep in mind that you can ensure that you won't end up with a leak after you put the car together!

[jbcollier]

In addition to everything being together, I also had AC and oil cooler lines, and a cable shifter in their as well.  Access is limited to say the least.  I did them out of copper and in two pieces.  Still a real pain.

That's why I tell everyone to just change them when the chassis is out.

[TurboFource]

JB did you attach the copper lines to the chassis like the originals?

[jbcollier]

No, made the holes slightly bigger and sleeved the pipes with rubber hose.

[TurboFource]

Bought steel sheet today from a fab shop.....2' x 4' for $38 vs $36-50 for  about 3 square feet at the various "big box stores"....

Now I just need to buy that TIG welder.....

[TurboFource]

Finished doing a quick wire brush of chassis to check it over, discovered another spot that needs repair on drivers side of frame lower part near the gusset where the braces bolt to the chassis, there was quite a lot of critter debris in this area.

Started fabricating repair pieces for T-section.....using 14 gauge, amazing how much thicker another .014" of material looks!

Still need to cut the lower vertical part of T-section off ....I think I am going to remove 2-3/8" which will bring it the internal box shaped gussets.

[BDA]

That's looking good, Turbo!