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Lotus Europa Forums => Members Cars => Topic started by: TheKid#9 on Thursday,August 02, 2012, 09:32:11 PM

Title: 3675R Restoration
Post by: TheKid#9 on Thursday,August 02, 2012, 09:32:11 PM
Hey Everyone! Glad to see an actual Europa Forum! We Needed One Badly!! That Yahoo group is confusing even though I've gotten use to it, but still a forum is much much better!

By now some of you may know me. My name is Chris Winfree and I'm restoring a 1974 Lotus Europa TCS 3675R with my dad. I've had it a little over a year, and it is coming along great! We just got the body finished and got it down to the paint shop today!  :D We have done a lot to this car, and we are trying to get it finished by October so I can go to the LOG. I almost have everything to finish the car except some parts that are on the way, but when I get those I will have everything and I will finish it as soon as possible!

I have already posted a build log on LotusTalk, but I will post on here now as well as LotusTalk! Here is the Link at LotusTalk for everyone- http://www.lotustalk.com/forums/f120/16-years-old-europa-100761/
I'll start posting pictures after my body has been painted, and than I will keep you guys updated.

Thanks Chris
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: EuropaTC on Thursday,August 02, 2012, 11:07:54 PM
Hello and welcome Chris,

I'm one of those lurkers on your blog on lotustalk and you've done some very impressive work there. I agree with you though, a proper forum (with pictures  :) )  makes life so much easier and so I have great hopes for what Joe has started here.

I'll look forward to your postings and the final build up of your car when it's painted. (are you staying with black or changing colour ?)

Brian
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: LotusJoe on Friday,August 03, 2012, 02:15:44 AM
 :Welcome:
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: Bainford on Friday,August 03, 2012, 08:33:28 AM
Hi Chris and welcome to the forum. I agree with your assessment of the yahoo message board; a bunch of great guys there but the message board format is a pain to deal with. Like you I was excited to find a proper Europa forum and hope it continues to grow.

I'm glad you will be posting progress of your restoration on this forum. I've been watching on Lotustalk and I must say you are doing good things there. Looking forward to seeing pics of the new paint.
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: TheKid#9 on Friday,August 03, 2012, 10:22:07 AM
Thanks Everyone!

EuropaTC- I will be changing the color to Blue. The original color was Regency Red, L11, but I've always liked Lagoon blue, L12. The Lagoon Blue paint comes from UK, but was expensive. So I did some searching and found Flame Blue Metallic from a 2010 Ford Truck. It looks great in person and I hope it will look great on my Europa!

I'll Keep up the Good Work!
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: benbeames on Friday,August 03, 2012, 10:41:48 AM
Can't wait to see it painted!

Ben
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: cal44 on Friday,August 03, 2012, 03:17:24 PM
Chris,

It is nice you found this website.  My hopes are this will be "the Europa" website.....of course thanks to Joe.

Yes....pix....and hurry with details....engine, trans, suspension.  I want it all.  The heck with Lotus.net.........those guys are a bunch of polishers anyway.........  :/

The wheels were done so well it is hard to believe the before and after.  Downside?  the car now has to be as good as the wheels.............the pressure is on laddie............let the spending continue!

Mike
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: 3929R on Thursday,August 09, 2012, 11:45:10 AM
Your Europa looks great Chris.  You are lucky to be working on it with your father.  I am driving the Europa my father bought in 1973, but the way life worked out I never worked on it with him or drove it till a decade after his death.
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: TheKid#9 on Friday,August 17, 2012, 09:57:05 PM
The car is done being painted!  :D The Color Looks Fantastic!
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: EuropaTC on Friday,August 17, 2012, 10:11:57 PM
That really is great, the reflections in the surfaces as it comes out of the paint shop are amazing.  I can see that a few days polishing after it's fully hardened and it will be winning prizes in shows.

Do you have the car home now and ready for re-assembly ? Every part added is going to make the colour come alive even more.

Brian
 
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: TheKid#9 on Friday,August 17, 2012, 10:20:16 PM
That really is great, the reflections in the surfaces as it comes out of the paint shop are amazing.  I can see that a few days polishing after it's fully hardened and it will be winning prizes in shows.

Do you have the car home now and ready for re-assembly ? Every part added is going to make the colour come alive even more.

Brian

Yes it is a stunner! I hope it wins prizes in shows! Thanks!
Nope I don't have it home yet. I will be picking it up sometime next week, than I will be assembling it!
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: cal44 on Saturday,August 18, 2012, 05:30:07 AM
Chris,

the color looks perfect on the car.     Take your time................it will pay off.

Mike
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: benbeames on Saturday,August 18, 2012, 07:50:35 AM
 :coolpic: :trophy:
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: gtlotus on Saturday,August 18, 2012, 09:31:13 AM
Looks great! You should be proud. :trophy:
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: Bainford on Tuesday,August 28, 2012, 04:53:33 AM
Looks awesome, Chris. Exciting times :pirate:
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: TheKid#9 on Tuesday,September 04, 2012, 09:18:40 PM
Thanks Everyone!

Finally got the body back from the shop. We did a few things while it was away. We finished up all the brakes, but we are waiting on a caliper that is on back order... However once we get that, we will bleed the brakes. Suspension is completely done, and we did some other things too.

The Color Looks Fantastic! When we picked it up today I brought my friend to help load it up, and he was speechless. It is going to look so good when it is finished! It has so much depth, and it looks much better when the sun hits it. I love it so much! Me and my dad are both getting excited!  :D
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: EuropaTC on Tuesday,September 04, 2012, 09:46:46 PM
That car is going to be a show winner, it's looking great.  Keep posting as it goes together, it's good to see the complete restoration tale.

Brian
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: Bainford on Wednesday,September 05, 2012, 05:58:20 AM
That is going to be one gorgeous Europa. Very exciting times. You are doing fantastic work here. I'm looking forward to seeing it all together.
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: cal44 on Wednesday,September 05, 2012, 07:55:16 AM
Chris,

what is nice about doing a project at a young age is the learning that will stay with you for the rest of your life.  You will be able to apply the good, the bad and not fair to other situations.

What a nice job you guys are doing.
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: TheKid#9 on Thursday,September 06, 2012, 09:38:09 PM
Thanks for the kind words everyone! I hope to get it finished very soon; however I don't know if it will be finished by LOG, but I'll try my best. I don't want to rush it though.
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: TheKid#9 on Saturday,September 15, 2012, 05:48:37 PM
My dad and I got some work done today, and we will be back at it tomorrow. We will put the bumpers on later tonight or tomorrow, when we do that, it will definitely make the car shine!
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: Steve on Sunday,September 16, 2012, 08:52:52 AM
This has to be the fastest, high quality Europa refurbishment on record!

You & your Dad must work well together; an admirable quality these days.

Congratulations!
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: TheKid#9 on Sunday,September 16, 2012, 08:13:00 PM
Thank you! Yes me and my dad work very well together and we are working hard to get it finished soon.


We put in the Smiths heater fan, radiator, bumpers, front grill, cables for the clutch and throttle, and a lot of other small parts. Next weekend we will drop the car back on the chassis and start wiring it all up!

Its looking good, soon it will be finished and a great looking Lotus Europa TCS!
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: Bainford on Monday,September 17, 2012, 06:31:04 AM
Outstanding. She's looking great, Chris. Very impressive. :welder:
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: TheKid#9 on Monday,September 24, 2012, 06:29:40 PM
Hey everyone!

We did a lot these past three days! So much I can't even remember all of it. The first thing we did once the body was down, and the doors were in, with our new SS door hinges, we put in a seat in to make sure I could fit. I'm 6'5 so its a tight squeeze... I have to slide down the seat a little to make my head not hit the top, but I fit! Leg room is good, but with the steering wheel in place I might have a little trouble, but I will make myself fit! Sitting in the car feels so good, wont be long now till I'll be behind the wheel driving it!

We finished up the front wiring, except for the side lights, we are just waiting on some side markers from R.D, and some other parts, than we will be done with that. We put in radiator hoses, exhaust, the whole handbrake mechanism and a lot of other small things. It is coming along great!
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: LotusJoe on Tuesday,September 25, 2012, 12:43:36 PM
 :coolpic:
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: 3929R on Tuesday,September 25, 2012, 05:41:01 PM
I'm excited and it's not even in my garage.  I can't imagine how excited you must be!  Keep posting the updates.
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: TheKid#9 on Tuesday,September 25, 2012, 07:31:54 PM
Thanks! Yes my dad and I are getting very excited! He had to drag me out of the garage to go to bed the other night, because I just couldn't stop looking and smiling at it.  :D I'm excited now, just wait until I start driving it!!
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: Bainford on Monday,October 01, 2012, 06:55:00 AM
Woohoo!! Looking great, Chris.
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: TheKid#9 on Wednesday,October 17, 2012, 03:03:05 PM
Hey Everyone! My dad and I have worked on the car a lot these past weekends.

We put in the swirl pot, hoses were fitted, hooked up fuel lines, throttle, choke and heater cables are in. Carburetors are in, with the original Airbox (Thanks Lotus23S10)!! The Airbox isn't all the way in yet, I need to get the carburetors balanced when we start it up. I just wanted to see what it would look like with it fitted. Battery cables fitted with the battery shield, we have grounded all the wires in the back and front too. We don't have a breather tube for the Airbox, so we made a filter for that as you will see in the picture. We fitted one of the sills, its not riveted in yet though. The other one we did some fiberglass work on and it is to short, so we will finish that up later... We might have done some other things too, I just can't remember. This weekend we will work on wiring the gauges in the dash. Also we got our caliper we have been waiting for so we will put that on too. The only parts I don't have are a spoiler and a fuel sender unit, everything else I have! For now the front compartment and engine bay are finished, on to the interior, and than after that, we will start her up!

We will not be attending the LOG this year as I have to take the ACT the same weekend, and my dad doesn't want to go without me. So I'll see you guys next year! The car will definitely be finished by than!
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: EuropaTC on Wednesday,October 17, 2012, 10:38:11 PM
The more I see your car Chris, the more I like the color. Once those sill covers are in place I'm sure it's going to be a show winning car, the standard of work that you and your dad are doing is as good as any I've seen by professionals.

I'm really looking forward to seeing the final completion, keep us posted.

Brian
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: Bainford on Thursday,October 18, 2012, 05:33:56 AM
Beautiful, stunning. Keep up the great work. She's looking gorgeous.
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: TheKid#9 on Thursday,October 18, 2012, 12:39:55 PM
Thanks guys, we will do our best to finish her by this year!
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: TheKid#9 on Thursday,November 01, 2012, 07:27:12 PM
We are coming along, and we have come along way! Here are some before and after pictures. The last picture shows what the front compartment looked like when we first got the car and how the heater fan looked too. We are posting pictures just to show all of you how bad it used to be.

We will finish up wiring, put steering column in, liquids in and check if we have leaks. We will also check suspension and torque it down, than bolt down the chassis all the way, get the pedals in, bleed the brakes and other misc this weekend!

Enjoy!
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: cal44 on Saturday,November 03, 2012, 02:33:32 PM
The pictures on my screen are huge.........does anyone else have this problem?

When I was taking the pics from my stash and posting them here I was getting the same issue.  When I started on Photobucket then transferred here they pix were normal size.

So, a little Photobucket and Bach to pass the time as the weather cools...................
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: TheKid#9 on Saturday,November 03, 2012, 04:18:00 PM
Sorry I forgot to resize them again on here. I'll try to fix them.

Edit- Fixed the Pictures, sorry about that everyone.
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: 3929R on Friday,November 16, 2012, 07:38:59 AM
Amazing!  You are in the final stretch, any updates? 
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: TheKid#9 on Tuesday,November 20, 2012, 09:30:08 PM
Amazing!  You are in the final stretch, any updates?

Thanks!
Not much to update at the moment, except for wiring... We are just trying to figure out all the wires. We have wired up most of everything but know we are just getting all of those grounds in and making sure everything works. So far everything we have grounded and put power to works. Lights, wipers, hazards, blinkers, warning lights, radio, ect.

We found out that our ignition switch doesn't work. We bought another one yesterday. We didn't buy the whole steering column lock assembly, just the switch at the back where the wires go into it. That should solve that problem! Once that is done most of everything is wired up, their are some wires that we have no clue where they go... But we will figure it out soon!

Chris
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: TheKid#9 on Sunday,December 02, 2012, 08:33:31 PM
Hey Everyone.

My dad and I got all the electrics working, and made sure the dash fit. We got the steering column in with the steering wheel. It felt good to be behind the wheel! Bought some felt for under the carpet and studs for the hinges. It appears we got all of our brake leaks fixed too.

Our job for next weekend is to get the crash pad trimmed, fitted and than we will get it upholstered. It appears we need to take off about a inch in a half to get it fitted at the front near the windshield, than trim the sides and where it fits behind the dash. If anyone has fitted on, please help.

After that we will put the wheels back on, pedals, bleed the brakes, torque suspension and than finish the interior!

We lost the charger to our camera so once we find it and charge the camera, I will post up pictures. We are getting really excited!!
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: LotusJoe on Sunday,December 02, 2012, 09:21:58 PM
Where did you get your crash pad? I got mine from Banks Europa in the UK. Mine is made of fiberglass and required a bit of trimming along the edge that fits next to the window. I used a pair of tin snips. I trimmed a bit then checked for fit, then trimmed some more till I was happy with the fit. I also had to trim a bit of the area that tucks under dash. Once I got it fitting nicely I used a file and cleaned the edges up, then had it covered in vinyl. Hope that helps.
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: TheKid#9 on Monday,December 03, 2012, 07:54:35 AM
Where did you get your crash pad? I got mine from Banks Europa in the UK. Mine is made of fiberglass and required a bit of trimming along the edge that fits next to the window. I used a pair of tin snips. I trimmed a bit then checked for fit, then trimmed some more till I was happy with the fit. I also had to trim a bit of the area that tucks under dash. Once I got it fitting nicely I used a file and cleaned the edges up, then had it covered in vinyl. Hope that helps.

I got mine from banks too. That is probably what we will need to do too. Good to hear yours fits good! I also have another problem though. The holes on top for the vents do not line up, hopefully if I trim mine it will fit better. Did you have this problem too?
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: LotusJoe on Monday,December 03, 2012, 10:04:46 AM
I don't recall it was a problem after I trimmed the crash pad to fit. I also bought the vent grills from Banks. They are larger than the stock ones and if I recall covered any miss alignment. 
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: TheKid#9 on Monday,December 03, 2012, 09:35:08 PM
I don't recall it was a problem after I trimmed the crash pad to fit. I also bought the vent grills from Banks. They are larger than the stock ones and if I recall covered any miss alignment.

Alright thanks for the help. We will see what happens this weekend, hope it goes well.
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: TheKid#9 on Tuesday,January 01, 2013, 10:01:58 PM
Hey everyone.
My dad and I finished trimming the crash pad. Everything lines up and works great! All we need to do now is get the crash pad covered. After that everything will be in place! Everything works right now, just need to ground a couple more things once the crash pad gets covered and it will be finished. All of the lights work, headlights, tail lights, side, interior light, gauge lights. All of them! The only one that isn't working great is the oil gauge light... We replaced all of them, but once we take the crash pad off to get it covered we will check it again. All is good though!

Hope to get it over to the upholstery shop sometime this week, probably aiming for next week to start the car, but who knows. All I know it will be soon!
Still haven't found the charger for the camera, so I used my phone, not the best but it will work.
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: 3929R on Wednesday,January 02, 2013, 11:23:49 AM
Exciting. Are you in an area where you can reasonably drive a Europa in the winter?  Too much snow and salt around here....  Never mind, I see you are plenty far enough south.
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: TheKid#9 on Wednesday,January 02, 2013, 02:14:14 PM
Exciting. Are you in an area where you can reasonably drive a Europa in the winter?  Too much snow and salt around here....  Never mind, I see you are plenty far enough south.

Haha That's okay. Yeah TN doesn't get a lot of snow, however sometimes we do get a couple inches here and there. We did get some flurries the other day, but nothing like up north! We hope to finish it February just in time for Spring, which will be a great time to drive!!
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: TheKid#9 on Saturday,January 05, 2013, 05:17:58 PM
My dad and I have done a few things these past days. We finally got the crash pad fitted and we took it over to the upholstery shop today to get it covered. We also took a few other parts to them as well. We put some heat shield under the trunk, and fixed our handbrake micro switch the other day.

We are putting the felt and carpet in. Just test fitting it right now, hopefully tomorrow we will glue the felt in and put the carpet over it and secure it all down. We also put our World Championship Badges on and our VIN plates.

We will be starting the car up on the 14th!! Hope everything goes Great!
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: LotusJoe on Saturday,January 05, 2013, 06:43:13 PM
 :coolpic: Your car is looking great
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: Bainford on Monday,January 07, 2013, 07:22:27 AM
You are making some remarkable progress here Chris. She's looking fabulous. Cheers.
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: TheKid#9 on Monday,January 14, 2013, 02:49:02 PM
It RUNS!!! :D :D  :D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icgzn_oucJY&list=HL1358200850&feature=mh_lolz
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: EuropaTC on Monday,January 14, 2013, 10:49:21 PM
 :)

And it sounds good as well ! 

Brian
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: LotusJoe on Tuesday,January 15, 2013, 11:58:16 AM
Way to go guys!! Your almost there :pirate:
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: TheKid#9 on Tuesday,January 15, 2013, 02:38:17 PM
Thanks guys! We are very close to finishing the car, hopefully it will be finished by the end of Febuary. Just a few more things to do and she will be on the road!  :)
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: cal44 on Wednesday,January 16, 2013, 03:51:27 PM
It does sound good.  I know there is tons o' work being done.  Are you guys doing the wiring the suspension the brakes the the the............or......are you hiding a mechanic in the garage.  Cuz, someone doesn't just start restoring a car there has to be some experience there.  Inquiring minds.  Who built the engine?

Mike
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: TheKid#9 on Wednesday,January 16, 2013, 08:48:08 PM
It does sound good.  I know there is tons o' work being done.  Are you guys doing the wiring the suspension the brakes the the the............or......are you hiding a mechanic in the garage.  Cuz, someone doesn't just start restoring a car there has to be some experience there.  Inquiring minds.  Who built the engine?

Mike

Thanks! Yes we have done everything on this car, except the engine. When we bought it the engine was already rebuilt by the owner, frame was dipped and ready to go, and the body was finished. That's it! We rebuilt everything else! We didn't have doors, hoods, a windshield... We didn't really have anything. I have found every single part for the car! Some parts that are just very rare! I only need the chrome strips for the sills and seat belt buckles. I have one chrome strip but not the other, and I have the buckles but missing the Red Push Button... Other than that I have everything, oh and I don't have a front spoiler, but I can get that from Banks.
No mechanic in the back of our garage just me and my dad working on it every weekend together! I couldn't buy a drivable Europa since my parents said I needed more driving experience so I asked my dad if we could restore one, at first he said no! Your not getting a Lotus and that's final, but after awhile I convinced him. He said it must have a rebuilt motor and something that we could restore and would take a couple years so I could get driving experience. When I bought it, I was a sophomore and wanted to finish it by Senior year and we are on that track right now! Won't be long now before it is on the road heading for the LOG in August!  :D
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: LotusJoe on Thursday,January 17, 2013, 06:54:52 PM
With regards to seatbelts, I think maybe ones from a Porsche 914 might fit.  :confused:
(http://www.lotuseuropa.org/gallery/albums/Hispano-Aleman-Castilla/Seatbelts.jpg)
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: TheKid#9 on Thursday,January 17, 2013, 08:44:22 PM
Those do look similar... But not the same ones. I emailed the guy I bought the seat belts from and he said he knows he has the buttons, he just can't find them in the boxes of parts he has. He also is dealing with some other projects at the moment right now too, so I'm being patient. I was just wondering if anyone had some laying around just to get my project finished even faster!

He is a very nice guy and has a lot of knowledge of the Europa and other Lotus cars. He has helped me out a BUNCH! Hats off to him! I know he will find them and the other chrome strip too. I know he will come through, just got to give him some time.
Thanks
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: LotusJoe on Friday,January 18, 2013, 12:40:11 AM
You think these stickers could be trimmed to fit?
(http://www.lotuseuropa.org/gallery/albums/Hispano-Aleman-Castilla/Sticker.jpg) (http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo359/slava81/73%20Lotus%20Europa%20Blk/d2/DSCN4079.jpg)
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: TheKid#9 on Friday,January 18, 2013, 08:57:56 PM
They might work, my dad said he might be able to make one out of aluminum and put a sticker on it. We will see later though. We will be doing a lot of work on the car tomorrow!  :)
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: TheKid#9 on Monday,January 28, 2013, 01:06:35 PM
I just bought some Kangol press stickers on ebay for $5, and hopefully they will be the right size. My dad said he will make the buttons out if aluminum than we will put the stickers on them if they are the right ones. Hope it works!

My dad I worked all day yesterday on the Europa! We put in the headliner, the sending unit, and the rear window seal. The headliner looks great! Can't wait to finish up the rest of the interior! Took a long time to do, but we got it! The rear window seal took the longest though... Putting the window in won't be much fun, as we have read! Wish us luck!

Our sending unit is a S2 because we couldn't find a TC one, but my dad made it work! He bent the rod around to make it fit in the tank, than he made sure the gauge worked, and it did! Another thing we did was buy some material from our upholstery shop to make a cover to fit over the gear boot. Ours wasn't flat so we riveted the gear boot down, than covered it with material to make it flush. Looks good, and was much cheaper than covering the whole console.

We put in one of the door locks on the drivers side. However we can't get the inside door lock working correctly... We are also trying to figure out our brake pedal, still bleeding the brakes. Hope we can get all of the air pockets out of the lines next time we bleed them.

We will get some more things done next weekend!
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: Bainford on Tuesday,January 29, 2013, 05:45:51 AM
Looking great, Chris. I'll be interested to see how you make out with your rear window installation. I have to replace the rear window seal on my car and I'll be looking to gain some knowledge on this when the time comes.
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: TheKid#9 on Saturday,February 02, 2013, 12:09:20 PM
My dad has made the seat belt push buttons! He is GOOD!

The second picture was taken before he put in the JB weld between the gaps. They look good, and they work!! Can't wait until the stickers come in so they will be finished!
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: TheKid#9 on Monday,February 04, 2013, 07:25:57 PM
My dad and I have done a lot these past few days! We finished the seat belt buttons!!!

Finished installing the rear window(See picture 2 for the tools we used to install window), except the locking strip we will do that next time. We covered our door handle pulls and around them to make them look flush when the panels go in. Got the windshield edge trim in and got the A-pillars glued in, we will finish the rest of those once the carpet and door seals goes in. Our crash pad got back from the shop too! Its a different material than the rest because we didn't want it to reflect the light onto the windshield, so we put a flat material on it, and it looks great!

We did a lot! We will try and do even more next time!
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: EuropaTC on Monday,February 04, 2013, 10:58:40 PM
Hi,

It's looking good (as usual  :) )

Can I ask about the black vinyl material you're using for trimming ? Did you buy it recently and if so, where from ?  I'm going to need some later on this year and the place I normally buy my trimming materials from hasn't had any of that large pattern material in for quite some time now.  I assume it's somewhere in the US, but I've no problem with importing to the UK if they'll agree to send some.

Brian
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: CLW on Tuesday,February 05, 2013, 06:17:23 AM
The material is not original. I just matched up one at the upholsterers shop. I think it is made by Spradling and called Allegro Coal PT511743. There is also a similar one number PT5115451 that has a little less grain pattern.
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: EuropaTC on Tuesday,February 05, 2013, 08:56:05 AM
Thanks for the lead, it's good to know that such things are available. It was the large grain that has been the problem at my usual suppliers, all the patterns they have are noticeably smaller patterns. I'll do a bit of googling with those leads and see what I can come up with.

Brian
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: TheKid#9 on Sunday,February 17, 2013, 02:14:42 PM
Update- My dad and I got some things done this weekend.
We fitted a resister to the coil because the electronic ignition we have on it needs a 3 OHM resistance. Afterwards we fired it up again today, just to make sure everything worked! It sounds incredible!! However my mom got pissed off because all the smoke alarms went off when we stated it and she had to go outside to get away from the noise. We aren't going to start again until we move the car the other way around where the exhaust if facing outside the garage.

We also made sure that all of our gauges are working, which they are! We fitted the window frames and glass, and glued in our A-pillar strips. We have the dash and crash pad fitted now!! It looks great! Just need to do some final trimming up on that and we will be good to go, oh and a little more wiring needs to be done, but as of right now everything works and is looking good!!  :D

Finally got all the air out of our brake lines and the brake pedal feels good! We ordered a front spoiler a couple days ago, should be here soon. Put our pioneer speakers in our door panels, and they look good and match my 70's pioneer radio I have! I also completed my tool kit! My upholstery shop made me a nice bag, which is close the the original, and I got the wrench and the screw driver, to finish it!  :)
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: LotusJoe on Monday,February 18, 2013, 08:52:12 AM
The tool bag look fantastic.  :beerchug:
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: Bainford on Monday,February 25, 2013, 06:22:50 AM
It's all looking great, Chris. I'm imagining the grins as you listen to this thing run. You must be getting very excited to get on the road. As Joe mentioned, the tool bag looks great. Can you imaging actually working on a Europa with these crude, clunky tools.  :-\
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: cal44 on Monday,February 25, 2013, 07:22:53 AM
Chris,

give a little definition on the tool bag if you would.  Mainly the inside material.  Is that burlap sourced from let's say a bag of potatoes?  or, what did you use?  Originally a stout loose square weave (forget the the name) was used on the backing of the plastic.  Also, what did you attach it with? Hot glue for instance?

Mike
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: TheKid#9 on Monday,February 25, 2013, 09:06:24 AM
Chris,

give a little definition on the tool bag if you would.  Mainly the inside material.  Is that burlap sourced from let's say a bag of potatoes?  or, what did you use?  Originally a stout loose square weave (forget the the name) was used on the backing of the plastic.  Also, what did you attach it with? Hot glue for instance?

Mike

Thanks for the great comments on the tool bag everyone!
Mike- The tool bag was made by my upholstery shop! Not sure how they made it quite this good, but I think this is how they did it. It is made from burlap (I know that), and than raped in leather and stitched around the burlap. I also made them make holes for the tools just like the originals, which the leather was stitched to the burlap and made a hole for them. I can post more pictures if needed...
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: TheKid#9 on Monday,February 25, 2013, 11:34:35 AM
Update!

Finished the crash pad and bolted the dash all the way in! Everything looks great and all the grounds are hooked up and everything is working! Bolted the steering column up as well, we will put the steering wheel on later after we get all the wires up and carpet in.  :)

We fitted the passenger side window frame, and glass. We put in our window motor too; however, when we pressed our button up the window went up but not all the way. Its a about half an inch at most away from the top, and we don't know how to fix it... My dad wants to cut the arm off and weld it back to a more upward position to raise the window up more to make it seal at the top. Has anyone had trouble with this?? We are confused and scared that the other one will do the same...
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: TheKid#9 on Tuesday,March 12, 2013, 08:33:23 PM
Update!!
We did a lot this weekend! Interior is finished with the exception of the interior door panels, wiring up speakers and getting our window motors in and making those work! Seat belts are in too. Got our front spoiler, painted it, than put that on. Put the spare tire in with the jack and tool kit in the front compartment. We will put the hood on later. We probably did more but I can't remember.

We won't be working on the car for the next 2 weekends. This weekend I have a soccer tournament and than the next is Spring Break. However after that we will be back at it again and hope to finish it very soon!!!
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: LotusJoe on Wednesday,March 13, 2013, 11:59:40 AM
 :coolpic: Excellent work....almost done
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: cal44 on Wednesday,March 13, 2013, 03:31:21 PM
We couldn't wait for spring break.........so we could work on our cars..............
Considering my grades...........everyday day was spring break.
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: Bainford on Monday,March 18, 2013, 06:17:48 AM
Looking great Chris. Won't be long now  :pirate:
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: 3929R on Monday,March 18, 2013, 11:25:50 AM
 :I-agree:  :coolpic:
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: TheKid#9 on Monday,March 18, 2013, 05:52:30 PM
Thanks guys! We put the front hood on Sunday and it really made the car look Great! It's almost finished!! Once I get the suspension torqued and the windshield in, it can be driven, but of course their are other things to do first! I'll take a picture tomorrow and post it for you guys!
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: TheKid#9 on Tuesday,March 19, 2013, 10:55:19 AM
Hood is on!
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: andy harwood on Wednesday,March 20, 2013, 07:15:55 AM
Chris,
That's a GREAT looking Europa!!
Really like the blue paint.
Doesn't that shade of blue have a US racing connection?
We're hoping to see your Europa in person at LOG33.
andy&mp
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: TheKid#9 on Wednesday,March 20, 2013, 05:50:35 PM
Chris,
That's a GREAT looking Europa!!
Really like the blue paint.
Doesn't that shade of blue have a US racing connection?
We're hoping to see your Europa in person at LOG33.
andy&mp

Thank you very much! Not sure if it has a racing connection or not, I don't think it does though... Oh and yes I will definitely be at the LOG this year! Hope to see many other Europa owners there too!
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: andy harwood on Sunday,March 24, 2013, 05:36:25 AM
I was thinking Curacao Blue, can't find the racing reference now though.
But, I'm probably wrong - just ask my wife.
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: TheKid#9 on Sunday,March 24, 2013, 09:38:22 PM
I was thinking Curacao Blue, can't find the racing reference now though.
But, I'm probably wrong - just ask my wife.

The blue is called Flame Blue Metalic and it is off a 2011 ford truck. No racing reference but it looks great!
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: TheKid#9 on Sunday,March 31, 2013, 04:45:46 PM
Update from the past two weekends.

We put the windshield on with the chrome trim! We had some help of course, and you can see my M100 in the background! Got the other window motor in and its a little short too, however we know how to fix them! Interior is finished except putting drivers seat in and put our covers over the sun visors. We will be taking the car to our friend who has a lift to torque the suspension and can fix the windows so they will go up to the top next weekend we hope! We are getting one set of SS seat rails which should drop the seat down an inch, I hope so I can fit better. I fit fine with out the seat in it! haha

Just couple small stuff left to do than it should be finished! I hope to take it to Prom in 3 weeks, so the next few weekends it should be finished but might have a few things left to do that are very small, but when its completely finished I will tell you guys
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: EuropaTC on Sunday,March 31, 2013, 11:10:46 PM
It's amazing the difference a bit of sparkly trim makes, isn't it ?  Was the windscreen bonded into place first and then the trim applied after it had set, or was it all done in one stage ?  It's a long time since I did mine but your trim strip seems much more "chrome" than the roll I used.

The later photos showing the two cars side by side makes your dad's Elise look bloated and overweight......  ;)

Brian
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: 3929R on Monday,April 01, 2013, 08:19:34 AM
She is looking gorgeous.   :coolpic:
Assuming you are doing prom the old school way, have you warned your date that she will need to get into and out of the Europa while wearing her prom dress... and that everyone will be watching her do this?  I hope your date is not too vein, because the car is going to steal everyone's attention away from her. 
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: TheKid#9 on Monday,April 01, 2013, 07:01:54 PM
It's amazing the difference a bit of sparkly trim makes, isn't it ?  Was the windscreen bonded into place first and then the trim applied after it had set, or was it all done in one stage ?  It's a long time since I did mine but your trim strip seems much more "chrome" than the roll I used.

The later photos showing the two cars side by side makes your dad's Elise look bloated and overweight......  ;)

Brian

Yes a little bit of chrome trim and it really brings the car to life! Here is what my dad said to a guy from the LotusTalk forum who asked the same question-

"It came from Richard Banks. It is not exactly like the original, which is no longer made. It had to be trimmed and fitted into the corner pieces, as it is domed in shape and the plastic lip at the back had to be cut off. It had a lip that was formed to fit over the edge of the glass to hold it on, but of course the glass was too thick for it to fit properly. We basically cut the lip off that was to wrap around the bottom of the glass leaving a pretty much straight piece of plastic to guide it around the glass edge as it was inserted into the waiting gap. This trim piece was primed and inserted into the channel with some different adhesive (i think, didn't ask the guys), taped down and left to sit for a couple of days. It's not going anywhere but I hope we never have to remove the windshield! It may be that the S2 glass is a little thicker than the TC. (we bought the windshield separate as we didn't have one, and it came from an S2)"

She is looking gorgeous.   :coolpic:
Assuming you are doing prom the old school way, have you warned your date that she will need to get into and out of the Europa while wearing her prom dress... and that everyone will be watching her do this?  I hope your date is not too vein, because the car is going to steal everyone's attention away from her.

Thank you! Yes she knows I'm driving it and I've showed her the pictures, she hasn't seen it in person though nor have I told her it might be hard to get in and out... Might need to do that soon! haha She is very cute and everyone will be looking at her and me and the car!
I also just realized that I'm wearing JPS colors too! Shes wearing a gold dress and I'm wearing a Black Tux with Gold vest and gold bow tie! Going to Prom in a Europa wearing JPS colors!
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: TheKid#9 on Friday,April 05, 2013, 09:47:17 PM
I took it out for a small drive today! After I went around the block, it went to the shop to go get the whole suspension torqued and get some other small things fixed!
 :D :D :D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8a8Fz2_H8g
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: Mecky on Saturday,April 06, 2013, 01:57:27 AM
Did you already have a bigger roll out? I hope so. It's great to drive such a unique car on the street, while every other road user gets a stiff neck from turning around.

It's a great car for showing up at the prom. Everyone will look like this:  :huh:
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: TheKid#9 on Sunday,April 07, 2013, 09:18:01 AM
Did you already have a bigger roll out? I hope so. It's great to drive such a unique car on the street, while every other road user gets a stiff neck from turning around.

It's a great car for showing up at the prom. Everyone will look like this:  :huh:

Thanks! Driving it for the first time was incredible! Once it gets back from the shop, we will then have a proper drive! I can't wait!!
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: cal44 on Monday,April 08, 2013, 05:44:17 AM
Life is full of disappointment..............this ain't one of them........swaaaeeet.
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: 3929R on Monday,April 08, 2013, 08:08:48 AM
WOOOO HOOOO! 
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: TheKid#9 on Thursday,April 18, 2013, 05:26:16 PM
Drove the Europa Home Today!! WOW!  :D

What an experience, I've never felt something like that! Its so responsive! I need to get used to the whole car still, but I did a very good job driving it back! It cornered so flat, I loved it!

Still needs to have a couple things done to it: Mirrors, Alignment, passenger side sill, misc. parts and hopefully we will work all the kinks out soon. Not that much left to do!  :D
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: LotusJoe on Thursday,April 18, 2013, 06:06:06 PM
 :trophy: Nice job ! Car looks great  :trophy:
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: EuropaTC on Thursday,April 18, 2013, 09:56:02 PM
That's certainly something to be proud of, well done to both yourself and your dad.  It looks stunning, simply stunning.

Brian
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: Bainford on Friday,April 19, 2013, 06:35:13 AM
WOOHOO!! :pirate: That is fantastic, Chris. Your Europa is flat out gorgeous. You and your Dad have done a wonderful job. This is one of the coolest father/son projects ever.

I still remember how my first drive felt in my Europa, so I know well how you feel. I also found that as I continued to drive the car and became more familiar with it, the enjoyment level continued to increase, and three years later it still does. The Europa is at the same time a blatant temptress and a subtle seductress. She beckons for action but reveals herself to you slowly. And like any fine woman, stroke her the right way and you'll get the ride of your life... but turn your back on her and she'll make your life miserable.

I find that three years later I'm still learning the car. Perhaps being twice your age and having cut my teeth on heavy American cars, I have a lot of pre-concieved notions that must be erased in order for the soul of the Europa to shine through, but the learning experience is a hell of a lot of fun. Enjoy, Chris. I'm looking forward to seeing this beauty at LOG. Cheers. :beerchug:
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: TheKid#9 on Friday,April 19, 2013, 08:14:51 PM
Thanks everyone!

Drove it a lot more today! I absolutely love it! Still needs to have some work done on it to be completely finished but it drives very good! It idles a little fast but that's not a huge deal and the throttle cable is a bit stiff but other than that it drives great, I got used to that.

I gave my mom a short ride today, and she didn't say much. She was scared... About a couple miles away from home she finally started talking haha Shes definitely not used to it, and I don't think she will ever be. She told me every time I drive it to tell her so she will tell me to be careful! I'm a little afraid of it too, but once I get used to it I'll be fine, but I'm still going to be cautious of other drivers. Its so small! I will take good care of the car!

I can't wait for LOG! Its going to be a blast!
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: TheKid#9 on Sunday,April 21, 2013, 11:38:21 AM
Prom was fantastic! I had a great time! :D
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: EuropaTC on Sunday,April 21, 2013, 09:50:54 PM
Tsk, tsk, you must have done something wrong when you built it Chris.  Normally when you are in your best gear and all set for taking your wife/girlfriend out for the day a REAL Lotus will find something oily and hidden underneath to break......   :)

Hope you both have a lot of fun using the car now it's finished. Any girl who can get into a Europa wearing a long dress is worth taking extra trouble to look after !

Brian


Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: 3929R on Tuesday,April 23, 2013, 08:10:29 AM
She's beautiful! 

I think being a little of afraid of driving the Europa is a good thing.  It keeps me alert and looking out for idiot drivers, especially those with tires taller than our roofs that don't think to look down.

Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: cal44 on Tuesday,April 23, 2013, 07:35:58 PM
That is quite something.  It is nice to think how much more you know than the average guy your age.   A real learning.

mike
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: TheKid#9 on Thursday,April 25, 2013, 07:56:54 AM
Thanks everyone! She's a blast to drive!
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: LotusJoe on Wednesday,June 05, 2013, 11:55:35 AM
When you guys installed your door window trim did you use any glue? I noticed when I took mine out there was a black adhesive between the aluminum molding and the window frame.
(http://www.lotuseuropa.org/gallery/albums/Zetec/Window_trim.jpg)

And did you add the vinyl molding around the wind screen?
(http://www.lotuseuropa.org/gallery/albums/Zetec/Windsheild_welting.sized.jpg)

Also where did you get the rubber trim you put around the engine compartment and how is it finished down around the luggage compartment area?

(http://www.lotuseuropa.org/gallery/albums/Zetec/EngineCompartmentTrim.sized.jpg)

Your car turn out very nice. Great job!!
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: CLW on Wednesday,June 05, 2013, 07:31:16 PM
LotusJoe,
1. We put a bead of black silicone under the window frame to seal it.
2. The windshield trim goes at the bottom of the windshield about 8 inches from the corners at the place where the fiberglass extends out towards the dash, up the side of the windshield, across the top, down the other side and along the windshield bottom like the other side. The crash pad went under the two sides where the trim is and we left some material along the front middle that went under the windshield itself that we trimmed to fit. We trimmed it around the vin plate also.
3. I had some of the old door gasket material that we cleaned up and used along the front engine cover area. It is very common material if you don't have any however.

Thanks for all the complements! Chris and I appreciate them!
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: LotusJoe on Tuesday,June 18, 2013, 05:44:35 AM
LotusJoe,
1. We put a bead of black silicone under the window frame to seal it.
2. The windshield trim goes at the bottom of the windshield about 8 inches from the corners at the place where the fiberglass extends out towards the dash, up the side of the windshield, across the top, down the other side and along the windshield bottom like the other side. The crash pad went under the two sides where the trim is and we left some material along the front middle that went under the windshield itself that we trimmed to fit. We trimmed it around the vin plate also.
3. I had some of the old door gasket material that we cleaned up and used along the front engine cover area. It is very common material if you don't have any however.

Thanks for all the complements! Chris and I appreciate them!
Is the trim around the windscreen something you decided to add? I don't see it in the parts manual. Where did you get the chrome plastic surround for the windscreen?
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: CLW on Wednesday,June 19, 2013, 11:07:10 AM
Yes I just thought it looked better. The chrome trim came from Banks.
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: CLW on Wednesday,June 19, 2013, 12:49:42 PM
If you go to RD Manuals and look at body parts, panels you can find the strips around the windshield shown as:
BA 20   A054B1621Z               1   1   1   1         Trim - windscreen Internal Top   Up to Chassis No. 1657P - 1088Q - 2468R
   B050B6209Z               1   1   1   1         Trim - windscreen Internal Top and Sides   From Chassis No. 1658P - 1089Q - 2469R
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: TheKid#9 on Tuesday,August 06, 2013, 08:53:32 AM
After 2 and a half years my Lotus Europa Twin Cam Special #3675R is complete!  :D :D :D
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: LotusJoe on Tuesday,August 06, 2013, 09:41:02 AM
 :trophy: Way to go. Very nice restoration. Have fun driving your car!  :pirate:
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: Grumblebuns on Tuesday,August 06, 2013, 12:53:11 PM
Chris, incredible job on the restoration. You should be proud of yourself.

Joji Tokumoto
Fallbrook, Ca
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: Roger on Wednesday,August 07, 2013, 12:22:42 AM
Lovely job, be proud.
One thing though. You appear to have a breather pipe with air filter that emerges by your cambox, above the height of the engine. I don't think that's a great idea. All the condensate, oil mist and emulsion will be unable to escape, and twinks are hard-breathing engines. It is better to lead that either into a catch-can, or into the airbox as originally designed. Your way, all the gunk will end up in the oilpan, where you don't want it.
Ignore the above if I'm not seeing you arrangement clearly.

Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: TheKid#9 on Wednesday,August 07, 2013, 06:07:38 PM
Thanks Guys! Its a blast to drive!!

I'm still looking for a breather tube with the flame resistor. Right now we are just venting the crankcase.
Title: Re: 3675R Restoration
Post by: Roger on Thursday,August 08, 2013, 05:07:11 AM
Then point your tube down, without the filter, like early Elans. With it pointing up like you have it, water WILL drain into your oilpan. There's nowhere else for it to go.