The revival of 650143R, 1970 with TS.

[Richard48Y]

I have an old SUN leak-down tester.
Nice BIG gauge with about an 8" face.
So easy to read, just need time to do it.
Currently trying to complete assembly and run-in of a SBC.
I did put some PB Blaster oil into the cylinders in the hope of loosening any stuck rings.
I had used Marvel Mystery Oil before first cranking it over.

[Nisswa Collision]

I've had that issue on other old vehicles and before spending money, this is what I did that worked. Drop the oil. Pour a cup or more diesel fuel down the spark plug hole of the weak cylinder. Study what comes out the drain plug. I really like the paper filter funnels that auto paint suppliers give out. Clamp the fuel line with a vice grip and remove all the spark plugs. spin the engine over a few times. put it back together and do another compression test. The fuel oil will commonly un-stick a stuck ring. The ring is usually stuck in the groove with just some dried fuel or oil gunk and the solvent action washes it out.

[Richard48Y]

This is essentially what I did decades ago to unstick a Jaguar XK120 that had sat for thirty years, outdoors.
Got it to run and drove it around the block sans brakes.
 
Really just need time to pursue the work.
Very busy at the moment trying to get my truck back in operation and fulfilling conditions to obtain a home loan.
Home loan is partially to let me have a shop at home, and hopefully fund completion of at least one of my dozen cars.
Not the Lotus, another that I expect to resell at a profit. That sale might fund the Lotus.

[dakazman]

   That's a nice project Rich,
  That wiper switch is not original so if you get a new dash you may want to find an original. RD does have the stencils.
many members here have built up there own dash and surfaced it with a veneer of their choosing.
  The headers are not store bought cheaply and are available for approximately 1,000 with shipping. do you really want a luggage rack?
  There is no way to prime the oil without cranking without hooking up external pressure ports.
  Dakazman

[Richard48Y]

I have made minor progress.
I have the dash decals and bought a nice rear bumper from another member.
Still trying to decide, change exhau$t or modify the luggage box I have?
Also bought a Renault shop manual that may provide some hints on the engine.
Hope to pull a wheel tonight so that I may look up the brand and get one more as a spare.

[Richard48Y]

Noticed the vin tag on the door last night.
Built 3/70, so the boat must have been really slow for this to be a '71 car as titled.

[Richard48Y]

Another thread reminds me to ask, availability of the all red tail lamp lenses?
My Red/Orange appear nearly new but I prefer all red.
Have one that is OK, need a mate for it or a complete pair.

[Sandyman]

Richard, My car was built in January of '70 but is titled as a '71. I think that dealers sold them as new cars in the year that they were sold, not built.
Sandy

[Richard48Y]

Still learning.
0143R, so the 143rd type 65 made, correct?
With around 3,000+ 65's made I believe that would make this a pretty early example.
As confirmed by the single circuit brake master.

Which manual am I looking for to get details on the engine with TS/Gordini cross-flow head?
Just received one I found on feeBay but it is not correct as it is for an SOHC Fuego engine.
I thought the TS heads came on Fuego but that appears incorrect.

I think I have given up on getting the engine running prior to restoration.
I do not like the uneven sound it has when cranking over.
It leads me to suspect a rust spot in the cylinder.
I was really hoping to be able to re-use the current pistons.
Have to hope any pitting is minimal and the pistons have not been damaged.

[jbcollier]

There should be somethig about weeks in there as well.  Maybe the 3rd car of the 14th week?

[Richard48Y]

I thought it would translate as Type 65 = S2 Renault power, No. 0143, R=Federal.
All but the chassis number appear to be common to all Type 65 production?

[Richard48Y]

About to quit my "Job" and go into car builds and restoration full time.
Probably not my smartest move but I feel that I am running very short on time to accomplish MY own goals.
Seeing too many threads on this and other forums, "Bob was a great guy and we will miss him, I'm helping his widow* to sell his unfinished XYZ project"!
Have a tentative closing date on the home equity loan later this month.
With that I should be able to take at least a year to do what I want for a change.
Have to be careful as it's much easier to spend than to earn, particularly with the CCP virus cramping everything up.

Trying to decide which car to restore first.
Lotus is most recently acquired so should go last, but in some ways is also the simplest to do.
So breaking it down to three groups what should I reasonably expect to spend for each?
This is to be a nice Driver/Hill-Climb and possible track-day car.
Not concourse, not chasing the bits of trim and badging that have gone astray.

1. Body and interior. Doing mostly my own work.

2. Chassis and running gear. Doing mostly my own work.
A. Front suspension rebuilt shortly before car went into its slumber.
B. I have some NOS ex-Suzuki Turbo car parts for a rear disc conversion.

3. Engine, Renault with "Gordini" cross-flow head. Doing mostly my own work.
A. Current configuration is stated to be nearly full-on racer with 11-1+ compression and 8K RPM capable cam.
Twin DCOE's and hand-built headers.
B. I am assured that the transmission is fine except that the axle seals will leak.

If I go after the Lotus rebuild my goal would be to have it a driver but possibly not fully painted, by next August.
* Single, never married, unless finished my cars would be pretty worthless out here in the farmland sticks where there is no market for "Project" import cars.

[BERNIEHUMBER]

HI:
"About to quit my "Job" and go into car builds and restoration full time."
I did something like that (in my early 40's) just it wasn't to do car builds.
I went from a hi pay ,hi stress job to teaching at a college.
Now retired(69) and glad I made the move.
Good luck on the Lotus(s) and life in general.

[BDA]

Single and never married would certainly make your decision easier. Make sure your money will be able to outlast you and you are prepared for the unexpected. On top of that, have a backup plan. Following your dreams is what everybody wants but make sure it does not turn into a nightmare!

I think I can say we are all pulling for you! Good luck!

[Richard48Y]

Poking around the Lotus last night I took a few pics.

For a car that sat inside the interior is still pretty sad.
Need to learn what is incorrect or missing so that I may seek replacements.

Hmm, pics do not show during Edit. OK, the badge is here as I am happy to have it.
The last pic of my rear suspension is a question. Is the limiting strap stock or something the Hill-Climb racer added?