1970 s2 0453R - A new Beginning

[dakazman]

  Bernie, Firstly, I'm glad you and your wife are okay.
      It"s nice to hear from people that owned these cars and drive them daily. I have only driven a total of 15 miles maybe...
 In a hot climate. I didn't know the OEM heater doesn't keep up with the demands. I have heard stories of hot coolant spraying into the cabin area and that is why I went with an electric heater, Immediate heat on demand and probably safer for the occupants.
  You seemed to have found a viable replacement, just copy the schematic of the donor and install.
Dakazman
 

[berni29]

Hi Dakazman

Thank you, its not that the heater power is insufficient, it is just that it takes so long for the engine to heat up to the point that the interior heater starts to work in a meaningful way. As I get older I really can see the advantage of living in a warmer climate.

The Europa experience is as much about the car itself, the pleasure of owning such a machine and the enjoyment of working on such a fine 4d jigsaw puzzle as it is about the actual driving.

All the best

Berni

[gideon]

Berni, bear in mind that D'man lives in Florida.  I don't think any of our members in Canada swapped the original heater for an electric one.  How about installing electric heating pads in or on top of the seats?  Seat heaters need much less power than a cabin air heater.

[dakazman]

Berni, bear in mind that D'man lives in Florida.  I don't think any of our members in Canada swapped the original heater for an electric one.  How about installing electric heating pads in or on top of the seats?  Seat heaters need much less power than a cabin air heater.

    Thats a great idea, YES, remember, cold is 60F for me now is tolerable and 40f, is forget about it., 
      I remember living in New Jersey and playing football in a T-shirt at 40F, working at JFK International in the winter with temps at -40F with wind chill and the smell of the ocean, dressed with three layers of clothing just to go outside. NOT FUN.
getting into a Europa ... NO WAY IN HELL. I admire you guys for trying that ... SEND PICS
Dakazman

[dakazman]

  With my first car show tomorrow I have to finish the engine cover or repair the damage on the original.
  Yesterday I painted the donor panel and clear coated. Then made a template of all the holes for all the emblems, LOTUS and Europa.  I’ll attempt a fast temp repair of the impact area , paint and polish out today. Then a little cleaning. 🤣
  At least by painting the new engine cover I’ll see the advantage of the composite veil used on it, long term changes in the finish.
Dakazman

[TurboFource]

Looks pretty shiny from here D’Man!

[BDA]

The Ever Shiny D'man!!! 

[dakazman]

  Still going here At 4:30 down to final fit and adding the emblems
   Made the repairs to the original one but since the standby looks decent enough to take its place for the show.  A few flaws and some waves will come out later with more clearcoat.
 Dakazman

[dakazman]

  I finished up installing all the emblems and and mounted the hinges. The engine lid is still not perfect and it isn’t a perfect fit.
  Check in for the show is 9 am - 10:30. All I have to do is clean her up a bit and drive it there.
Sorry about the non complete pic but I worked late and forgot to take a pic.
  I can’t believe I’m doing this 🥴
Dakazman

[BDA]

Go fo it D'man! you'll do be great!Bring us back some pictures!

[Fotog]

Congratulations.  Good for you!

 

[dakazman]

  What a beautiful day for a show, although I drove through a brief downpour on the way.
 After a checked in I was guided to my designated area, however I was then told I was being asked to stage on the greens, better than on the roadside. Then after a few other loti showed up they moved use up to the main pavilion next to the band, and better yet a shady spot.
  I did not win any of the six trophies but had a crowd around my car all day, many saying they never saw one or had dreams of owning one. Several couples from England attended and they said they never saw one one the road over there. As far as I was concerned I won just by being next to the main stage.
  My family and friends showed up and made it that much more special.

  More pics on the way.
Dakazman

[gideon]

Very cool.  Congratulations. 

[BDA]

Looks like a great day for Lotus (Lotus has decreed that the plural of Lotus is Lotus)!

[TurboFource]