It's not easy being green - 1971 TC

[dakazman]

Thanks to all for the input on the door pins. I suspect it'll end up as a hacksaw job, given the way everything else not made of fibreglass seems to have fared...

Worked on with the stripdown this afternoon, another session of mixed progress.    N/s door is now stripped of its door card, internal door locking mechanism, striker and electric winder motor. Drilled out the various rivets, and dug out the mastic round the frame, which is now loose as far as the quarterlight glass, which is not feeling like it wants to move. Am I missing something here? Do I need to winkle out the rubber seal round the glass?  Don't want to break anything, so have left it overnight to read up on.

The electric window winder wouldn't work when I tested it, but you could hear the motor trying both ways. Will separate the motor and mechanism tomorrow and hopefully it's just the mechanism gunged or rusted up, and will free off.

Removed the remains of the seat runner fixings, carpet and underlay/sound deadening, and looked at the seat belt. The buckle mount was not even fixed in, sill mount for the belt will not unfasten so far - I fear the problems that EuropaTC (Brian) had with the strengthening plate may be a problem for me too. Will have a look from the wheelarch, where I will also have to retrieve the door catch that fell into the void!

Finally removed the centre console, which as you can see has had a tough life. plan is to strip it back, fibreglass it up to put the strength back in it, and re-cover it. However, if I delete the ashtray then I can put a screen or phone mount in the space freed up, as a nod to the 21st century. 

Sorry if this sounds a bit whingy - I can't afford a Lotus and a therapist.    Back to it tomorrow.

   I first want to say making a mold of the console is pretty easy. I did what your suggesting with a much less complete donor.  I elimated the ashtray and added A/C vents.
    Then you mentioned ,"stripdown", ...I hope not with chemical strippers to remove paint. fingers crossed.
dakazman

[Cheguava]

I first want to say making a mold of the console is pretty easy. I did what your suggesting with a much less complete donor.  I elimated the ashtray and added A/C vents.
    Then you mentioned ,"stripdown", ...I hope not with chemical strippers to remove paint. fingers crossed.
dakazman

Hi, thanks for the suggestion. I think that it would be easier to repair what I have than make a mold and duplicate it, particularly as I will then cover the console and my repairs with vinyl. Have you got a pic of your modified console?  If it's already on here I can search for it.

No fears of using chemicals - the stripdown referred to the removal of all parts from the shell. Then I've got to rub it down as best as I can before handing it to the bodyshop, for its return to gleaming L13.

[Bryan Boyle]

I first want to say making a mold of the console is pretty easy. I did what your suggesting with a much less complete donor.  I elimated the ashtray and added A/C vents.
    Then you mentioned ,"stripdown", ...I hope not with chemical strippers to remove paint. fingers crossed.
dakazman

Hi, thanks for the suggestion. I think that it would be easier to repair what I have than make a mold and duplicate it, particularly as I will then cover the console and my repairs with vinyl. Have you got a pic of your modified console?  If it's already on here I can search for it.

No fears of using chemicals - the stripdown referred to the removal of all parts from the shell. Then I've got to rub it down as best as I can before handing it to the bodyshop, for its return to gleaming L13.

Repairing with fiberglass won't work.  I've seen that a few times...the patch just peels off.   The console is ABS plastic, which is a PITA to repair, and requires adhesives specifically made for ABS.  There are various glues you can get at the big box hardware stores which will work...look in the plumbing supply aisle where you will find them.  You WILL have to cover the faces after you put all the pieces back together/fix cracks/etc.  but covering it after fixing is probably the best course of action (unless you come upon an unmolested/cracked example...I just gave away my last solid console a couple weeks ago from my stash.)

[Cheguava]

Repairing with fiberglass won't work.  I've seen that a few times...the patch just peels off.   The console is ABS plastic, which is a PITA to repair, and requires adhesives specifically made for ABS.  There are various glues you can get at the big box hardware stores which will work...look in the plumbing supply aisle where you will find them.  You WILL have to cover the faces after you put all the pieces back together/fix cracks/etc.  but covering it after fixing is probably the best course of action (unless you come upon an unmolested/cracked example...I just gave away my last solid console a couple weeks ago from my stash.)

Thanks for this Bryan - I had just assumed it was fibreglass when the complete absence of fibres in it should have alerted me different. D'oh!  I'll look out for suitable adhesive - info very much appreciated.

[Cheguava]

Stripping out of the interior continues, but it was too hot to work in the garage today, so spent some time cleaning up the passenger seat to see how it would come up. Still needs another clean or two, and the foam and backing boards on the seat bases and possibly the back need replacing, but I think the cover is savable.

The problem I have is that the driver's seat has some damage to the bolster, and the seat back cushion. And although Martrim in the UK seem to sell the basketweave vinyl, it doesn't have the "ribs" which seem to be melted in, which gives me a dilemma. Do I try and replicate the ribs using heat application, or does anyone know if the right material is available elsewhere? Or do I recover both seats, which would be a shame - I'm assuming that the vinyl is original? I really want to get the seats "right" if I can, they're as 70's as an orange Spangle!

[berni29]

Hi

That seat looks really rather good. I wonder if it has had some work done to it in the past? I'm no expert, but the backrest section is one piece, and it looks like the top section may have had work. I wish mine were in such good condition. I am looking for someone in the South East to do mine so if anyone knows someone reasonable please chip in. I know people sometimes go to sofa makers for this type of work, but I'm not sure that would be a great idea.

All the best

Berni

[Cheguava]

Hi Berni, I'm not sure if my seats have had work or not. I found another K reg Twin Cam that an auctioneer was selling as having original seats (pinch of salt and all that) which also has a 2 piece rear cushion, with the same pattern, when I was looking for seat covers. Factory variant? Same aftermarket repairer? Could be either, tbf. 

There's a local upholsterer to me who does motorbike seats etc - if I can't find suitable covers I think I'll get some of the basketweave vinyl and see if he fancies a go.

Cheers,

Jeff

https://hofmanns.co.uk/sold-car/lotus-europa-twin-cam/

[Fotog]

You can get new upholstery covers from Lotus Supplies in the UK.  I bought them about a year ago...  took a couple of months to get them, as they have several options and they're not in stock.  They have to be made.  153 GBP each.  They look well fabricated, but I haven't installed them yet.

[Fotog]

About the console, I made the one in the photo below.  Not fancy.  I made it 35 years ago, before I parked the car for 30 years.    My fabrication skills are much improved now, but that has worked well and looks good from the top side.  Made of cheap plywood and covered with poor-quality vinyl.  I'd use better quality materials now.  The arm pad though is covered with leather, and I like it.

[Cheguava]

Hi Fotog - thanks for this. It's difficult to see from the low res picture on their website (below) whether or not the vinyl pattern is the same, or if the cushion splits are the same - at £153 a seat it wouldn't be the worst thing to do both sides if they looked stock, but I'd still prefer to keep it as original as possible. Tried to call but they were busy, so will drop them an email. Lots of other stuff on their site I'll be needing! 

You made a nice job of the console - your interior looks like a nice place to be! Having watched a few YouTube videos however, I've convinced myself that I can be an ABS plastic repair expert  and am going to repair and modify the original. Will post progress on that when I get to it - should give us all a laugh!
 

[berni29]

Hi Cheguava

I also tried to get Banks and have emailed them about the covers. They do not have a pic of the black two section seats but the oatmeal ones look like this. I have my original fairly crappy foams, I wonder how difficult it would be to copy them in a more modern seating foam?

Its great to see you tackling these issues as I will be doing many of the same tasks. I may well investigate my centre console next as well.

All the best

Berni

[Cheguava]

Hi Cheguava

I also tried to get Banks and have emailed them about the covers. They do not have a pic of the black two section seats but the oatmeal ones look like this. I have my original fairly crappy foams, I wonder how difficult it would be to copy them in a more modern seating foam?

Its great to see you tackling these issues as I will be doing many of the same tasks. I may well investigate my centre console next as well.

All the best

Berni

I'm feeling the same way about your resto - will keep sharing progress and if I hear back from Banks will let you know. 
I stripped the driver's seat back to the shell today, ready for a coat of Hydrate 80 - it's survived pretty well considering. Trying to keep it moving a little on days when I've got some time to spend on it.

[Fotog]

Just for your reference, here are some photos of the seat-back and bottom upholstery pieces I got from Europa Supplies (ex- Banks).

Regarding the company, I have bought from both them and SJSportscars.  Both can be responsive when you're looking to order; not so much once you've placed your order.  Not very impressive, but ultimately I got my stuff from both of them.

Notice that I say "can be...".  Not sure that they always are responsive when ordering.

[Cheguava]

Just for your reference, here are some photos of the seat-back and bottom upholstery pieces I got from Europa Supplies (ex- Banks).

Regarding the company, I have bought from both them and SJSportscars.  Both can be responsive when you're looking to order; not so much once you've placed your order.  Not very impressive, but ultimately I got my stuff from both of them.

Notice that I say "can be...".  Not sure that they always are responsive when ordering.

Thank you for posting those pics - super helpful. Confirms that the vinyl matches the seats that are in, and has the same backing. I'll follow up with Banks. I don't mind waiting a bit, as I've got plenty of other bits to be working on! But would be good to get orders in now so it doesn't hold it back later.

[Fotog]

They offer different styles, including that made with non-perforated vinyl, like my originals.  You could send a photo to them to be specific about what you want.