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Lotus Europa Forums => Members Cars => Topic started by: yellow16TS on Tuesday,August 01, 2017, 04:23:56 AM

Title: yellow16TS's 1969 S2 from VIC, AUSTRALIA
Post by: yellow16TS on Tuesday,August 01, 2017, 04:23:56 AM
Hi everyone, completely new to Lotus ownership. I recently acquired a 1969 S2. It is in need of repainting and reassembly of its new interior (supplied by Banks).
It is running a non original Renault engine. "16TS type motor cross flow head with Gordini manifolds with twin DCOE 40 weber carbs and cam ground to Gordini specs"

Hoping to gain plenty of knowledge from this site and have this beautiful car back on the road soon.

Cheers!
Andreas
Title: Re: yellow16TS's 1969 S2 from VIC, AUSTRALIA
Post by: BDA on Tuesday,August 01, 2017, 05:16:54 AM
 :Welcome: , yellow! It sounds like you have a pretty interesting car! Don't be shy about any questions and please keep us up to date with your progress!
Title: Re: yellow16TS's 1969 S2 from VIC, AUSTRALIA
Post by: yellow16TS on Tuesday,August 01, 2017, 05:40:55 AM
Thank you , i will do. I have heaps of questions but I've been around other car forums for many years so i will use the search function as much as i can as to not bombard the site with "basic" questions in the general chat area.

First on the agenda is to paint the shell. ATM the interior is stripped bare and the doors, lights, glass are all out. I will add pictures of the paint and prep. Car is going back to original L07 lotus yellow. Hopefully will be done in the next 3 months.
Title: Re: yellow16TS's 1969 S2 from VIC, AUSTRALIA
Post by: Bainford on Tuesday,August 01, 2017, 08:47:12 AM
Welcome to the forum, Andreas. That seems a nice little Europa you have there. Though I am a Twin Cam owner, I have long been interested in the cross flow Renaults. Good luck with the painting, and post pictures when you can. We like photos. Cheers  :beerchug:
Title: Re: yellow16TS's 1969 S2 from VIC, AUSTRALIA
Post by: EuropaTC on Tuesday,August 01, 2017, 08:53:02 AM
Hi Andreas, and another   :Welcome:

Thank you , i will do. I have heaps of questions but I've been around other car forums for many years so i will use the search function as much as i can as to not bombard the site with "basic" questions in the general chat area.

By all means use the forum search, but don't worry about asking questions at any level or for current thinking if the topic you want is a year or so old.  Ok, it's a personal opinion but I welcome newcomers asking questions regardless of whether they think the question is basic or not. If you don't know the answer, it's a valid question  ;)

Plus asking questions gets you settled into the forum routine and making new friends. So to me, questions are good....   not a sign that someone is being lazy, although I'm aware that's a view taken by some members in other forums occasionally.

So let's see how this car of yours is going once it's off the trailer ! 

Brian
Title: Re: yellow16TS's 1969 S2 from VIC, AUSTRALIA
Post by: Certified Lotus on Tuesday,August 01, 2017, 12:59:10 PM
 :Welcome:

Great group on this forum. I'm in the midst of a complete restoration of a TC and everyone is a huge help.
Title: Re: yellow16TS's 1969 S2 from VIC, AUSTRALIA
Post by: yellow16TS on Tuesday,August 01, 2017, 06:00:32 PM
Thanks again for the warm welcomes and cheers Brian. i will try to be active in this forum and ask a few more questions + post pics!

Regarding the wheels on my car. Are they known as Twin Cam wheels? I've heard them referred to as Dunlop wheels..? Is that also correct?
The chrome wheel nuts are rusted. Are they quite specific to this wheel design or rather a generic item? If they are specific i was wondering if Banks supplies these or should i get them stripped and re-chromed here in AUS.?
Title: Re: yellow16TS's 1969 S2 from VIC, AUSTRALIA
Post by: jbcollier on Tuesday,August 01, 2017, 06:41:58 PM
They were optional on the TC and made by Dunlop.  I usually find it's cheaper to replace than re-chrome.  Banks and other Europa parts suppliers would have them.  You may be able to find generic wheel bolts but make sure they are dimensionally the same!
Title: Re: yellow16TS's 1969 S2 from VIC, AUSTRALIA
Post by: StephenH on Wednesday,August 02, 2017, 04:51:05 AM
Welcome to the forum Andreas!
Good to have another Europa in VIC.

Hopefully we can catch up in person and get 2x 69 S2s together in one place.

Are you in the Melbourne area?
I'm just short of Belgrave.
Title: Re: yellow16TS's 1969 S2 from VIC, AUSTRALIA
Post by: Keith A on Wednesday,August 02, 2017, 04:19:14 PM
Hi Andreas and welcome! I'm in the final throes of a 69 total rebuild, thought it was a 6 month project and I'm hitting the second year  :)) the last 10% is the longest :BEER3: Interesting motor you've got there, looking forward to some pictures. All the best,  Keith
Title: Re: yellow16TS's 1969 S2 from VIC, AUSTRALIA
Post by: yellow16TS on Wednesday,August 02, 2017, 07:12:21 PM
jbcollier - thanks i will see if i can clean these ones up. I have the car in storage atm, away from home and i haven't even removed the wheels yet to have a closer look at their condition.

Stephen H - not far from you mate. I am in Warrandyte. Cant wait to drive it through the hills and come to some Lotus meets.

Keith A - thanks a lot. i will try and snap some more pics today when I'm at the car (being stored away from home atm). My goal is approx 3 months to finish prep and paint and hopefully end of Feb 2018 i'll have the whole thing complete. lets hope my 6mth plan doesn't turn into 2yrs as well!
Title: Re: yellow16TS's 1969 S2 from VIC, AUSTRALIA
Post by: yellow16TS on Thursday,August 03, 2017, 06:43:47 PM
Some pictures of the engine bay - looking sad and dusty. (ignore the fuel line resting on the muffler haha. that will be fixed properly)

New dash facia panel. A little dusty in that pic.
Title: Re: yellow16TS's 1969 S2 from VIC, AUSTRALIA
Post by: BDA on Thursday,August 03, 2017, 07:09:29 PM
Interesting. It looks like you have dual DCOEs but you have vertical air cleaners.


Your dash looks nice and those headers look like they're nice as well!
Title: Re: yellow16TS's 1969 S2 from VIC, AUSTRALIA
Post by: yellow16TS on Thursday,August 03, 2017, 07:17:38 PM
Yeah the air cleaners turn up 90 degrees. I might try fitting some velocity stacks to it one day just to change it up but these will do for now.

The headers are great. They were made here in Australia around 1978. I will be removing them to get them media blasted and HPC coated. I just hope the rust hasn't set in too far and i can save them.
Title: Re: yellow16TS's 1969 S2 from VIC, AUSTRALIA
Post by: jbcollier on Thursday,August 03, 2017, 08:52:28 PM
The 90° air filter adapters can be very nice velocity stacks as long as they have a smooth bell mouth opening.
Title: Re: yellow16TS's 1969 S2 from VIC, AUSTRALIA
Post by: Keith A on Friday,August 04, 2017, 06:31:12 PM
Nice dash, did you make it yourself?
Title: Re: yellow16TS's 1969 S2 from VIC, AUSTRALIA
Post by: yellow16TS on Sunday,August 06, 2017, 01:06:42 AM
Nice dash, did you make it yourself?

My brother in law made it. Drew it up in a CAD program, laser cut it, then bonded a woodgrain veneer to it. It is dusty in the picture but it looks great when it's cleaned up. i have some high res pictures but this forum limits the size to 1000kb.

Question regarding sound deadening: Do many people add this to their Europa's to reduce road noise? I have been looking at products such as Dynamat. While the interior is stripped bare i was thinking of doing it but i have some concerns about adding the bulkiness under the carpet and also the additional weight it will add to the car overall.

Plans for this car is to basically use it for weekend drives and maybe the odd hill climb event. (re: deadening question)
Title: Re: yellow16TS's 1969 S2 from VIC, AUSTRALIA
Post by: Lotus 47 on Tuesday,August 08, 2017, 05:44:20 PM
Hi Andreas,

I know this car and I dealt with the previous owner Matt Gault. I have 30 years of S2 ownership experience, so I should be able to help with just about everything. I'm in South Melbourne,

Cheers

Richard Mann
460047
47-GT-3
Title: Re: yellow16TS's 1969 S2 from VIC, AUSTRALIA
Post by: yellow16TS on Thursday,August 10, 2017, 06:08:22 AM
Hi Andreas,

I know this car and I dealt with the previous owner Matt Gault. I have 30 years of S2 ownership experience, so I should be able to help with just about everything. I'm in South Melbourne,

Cheers

Richard Mann
460047
47-GT-3
Hi Richard, thanks very much for the reply. Matt is my brother in law. I bought the car from him. He will hopefully help me a bit along the way but i'll definitely contact you for some pointers. cheers
Title: Re: yellow16TS's 1969 S2 from VIC, AUSTRALIA
Post by: yellow16TS on Tuesday,August 29, 2017, 06:43:46 AM
My front indicator lenses (blinkers) are pretty scratched and have stress cracks in them. Where is the best place to source a pair of Lucas replacements? eBay?
Title: Re: yellow16TS's 1969 S2 from VIC, AUSTRALIA
Post by: BDA on Tuesday,August 29, 2017, 07:03:26 AM
I would definitely give eBay a try. I found one in the states just now. You'd be surprised what you find when you google (I actually use DuckDuckGo) the Lotus part number: A036M6372Z
Title: Re: yellow16TS's 1969 S2 from VIC, AUSTRALIA
Post by: yellow16TS on Tuesday,August 29, 2017, 07:17:02 PM
thanks for the part number. !
Title: Re: yellow16TS's 1969 S2 from VIC, AUSTRALIA
Post by: yellow16TS on Sunday,October 01, 2017, 06:11:59 AM
Bit of an update and some pictures. I have been cleaning and cataloging all the removed parts. Sorting through what needs replacing and what can be restored. I need to make a new closing plate cover (as this one is quite rusted). Also the battery tray will need blasting and assessing on its condition.
I found some old Polaroid photos of the engine bay (these were stuffed behind the passenger seat). I also found an old Philip Island (race track here in Victoria, Australia) track day pass from January 1973!

Title: Re: yellow16TS's 1969 S2 from VIC, AUSTRALIA
Post by: yellow16TS on Sunday,October 01, 2017, 06:13:42 AM
How the car sits at the moment.
Title: Re: yellow16TS's 1969 S2 from VIC, AUSTRALIA
Post by: dakazman on Thursday,October 05, 2017, 05:06:10 AM
Welcome Andreas.
  The dash is gorgeous. What choice veneer name is that?

Wow lotus 47 reply Great mentor there . I’ve read some of his articles on engines. Good read .

  I pickup my lens up on eBay about 38.00
 
   I have a quick question about the dash panel support (see pic)
Under window . Can you post a picture of that view because
I cut it off years ago to mod a Mazda dash in! Now reinstalling
And wondering if it is stepped down or flush.
Thanks
Dakazman
Title: Re: yellow16TS's 1969 S2 from VIC, AUSTRALIA
Post by: yellow16TS on Saturday,March 24, 2018, 04:36:18 AM
Welcome Andreas.
  The dash is gorgeous. What choice veneer name is that?

Wow lotus 47 reply Great mentor there . I’ve read some of his articles on engines. Good read .

  I pickup my lens up on eBay about 38.00
 
   I have a quick question about the dash panel support (see pic)
Under window . Can you post a picture of that view because
I cut it off years ago to mod a Mazda dash in! Now reinstalling
And wondering if it is stepped down or flush.
Thanks
Dakazman

Hi Dakazman, sorry for the very late reply. The veneer is an american oak of some type.. Not too sure to be honest!
Re: dash panel support, i think it is flush. I will check again next time i'm at the car.

A little update: The chin spoiler has been repaired and is in primer. Unsure whether to paint it black again or colour match it to the L07 lotus yellow.
The doors have been stripped bare of all hardware and i have one door sanded down. I will be doing a lot of body work over the next month or so. I should have the doors, engine lid and front bonnet/boot all in primer and ready for colour in the next month or so.

I have started work on stripping back the old seat upholstery as well.
Title: Re: yellow16TS's 1969 S2 from VIC, AUSTRALIA
Post by: surfguitar58 on Saturday,March 24, 2018, 05:06:25 AM
Another  :Welcome: Yellow! I am also a relatively new owner (1974 Twin Cam Special). Looks like a beautiful well preserved car. Very friendly, helpful and knowledgeable folks on this forum. Keep us posted with lots of pics!  :beerchug:
Tom
Title: Re: yellow16TS's 1969 S2 from VIC, AUSTRALIA
Post by: yellow16TS on Tuesday,March 27, 2018, 03:46:48 AM
Hi Tom, thanks for the welcome. Nice twincam btw!

I have some pictures on instagram: drespares

Need to get them all off my phone and onto the PC
Title: Re: yellow16TS's 1969 S2 from VIC, AUSTRALIA
Post by: yellow16TS on Friday,September 13, 2019, 04:27:43 PM
Long time since i have updated on here. After advice from much more experienced Europa owners, i ended up removing the body from the chassis. Stripped the chassis bare of all components and had it media blasted. The chassis was then painted in a two coating process using a KBS brand product (similar to POR15).
I am now reassembling the chassis and I will soon be refitting the driveline. Body will go back, then i will return to sanding and prepping the shell for paint.
If you use instagram, i update that regularly with photos . search "Drespares".

All in all, its coming along really well. I'm really enjoying the process and i cannot wait to get it on the road.
Title: Re: yellow16TS's 1969 S2 from VIC, AUSTRALIA
Post by: Bodzer on Saturday,September 14, 2019, 12:23:24 AM
Thanks for the update. It’s really satisfying to work on the bare chassis without the body in the way. Good luck!
Title: Re: yellow16TS's 1969 S2 from VIC, AUSTRALIA
Post by: dakazman on Saturday,September 14, 2019, 04:22:17 PM
 Despares,

  Glad you found your way here and your progress has been inspiring. Keep in touch.
Dakazman
Title: Re: yellow16TS's 1969 S2 from VIC, AUSTRALIA
Post by: yellow16TS on Monday,November 30, 2020, 11:35:38 PM
I thought I would post an update on my Europa project. The chassis restoration is about 95% complete. Due to space constraints, I have had to place the body back onto the chassis for now. (They will need to be separated again for minor completion work on the chassis, and for some work on the firewall area).
Progress has been a little slower than I had hoped for. A few health setbacks to deal with.
The body work is getting closer now. A few minor modifications performed, a couple more to complete.

I am looking to do the A pillar reinforcement to my car but I am struggling to find some good photos or detailed steps that a simple guy like me can follow haha. I found some pictures from 2017 that Mike Surber posted. That is all I could really find. So if anyone reading this has some good pics, please share how you did your pillar reinforcing.

I am sticking with the original colour L07 yellow, but I was very tempted to change it. multiple times I have flirted with the idea! Two tone yellow over white and a stripe combination. Also considered all white, all blue and two tone white/blue.
It will end up L07 yellow and the lower "rocker panel" (want for a better term) will go satin black. It was flat black when I purchased the car and I do like the look of it this way as I feel it gives the car's shape a different look from a profile view (as opposed to it being body coloured).

I will post a picture on here when I have had some paint put on it.

Cheers,
Andreas
Title: Re: yellow16TS's 1969 S2 from VIC, AUSTRALIA
Post by: jbcollier on Tuesday,December 01, 2020, 06:59:35 AM
Where they break is the junction of the a-pillar to the roof panel.  A simple piece of flat bar bent to follow the curves will do.  Drill holes along the bar to allow for better bonding.  You're not trying to make a roll bar. just to keep it from cracking.
Title: Re: yellow16TS's 1969 S2 from VIC, AUSTRALIA
Post by: gideon on Tuesday,December 01, 2020, 10:34:04 AM
I have to disagree with JB on this point.  You're better off strengthening it with some extra GRP than by using a piece of steel bar.  A cross section through the A pillar looks a bit like two sides of a triangle.  If you can add the third side to that triangle it will add a lot of additional strength.  Here's a series of pictures of what one Europa owner did using expanding foam to fill the gap, followed by some glass matt on top.

https://puckshots.smugmug.com/Lotus-Europa/DOC-Europa/i-HNd63t7

Personally I would use a bit of unidirectional glass (or just some tow) and some woven tape or cloth rather than CSM.  That way you can get a bundle of load carrying fibers along the length of the A pillar, and fan them out above and below to spread the load into the body and roof.  I haven't got to that point in my project, but when I do, and if I decide to follow the expanding foam route, then I would probably add some reinforcement inside the foam, as well as on top, just to be on the safe side. 

When this issue cropped up on the mailing list I suggested you could use glass or carbon fiber. I got some pushback about the risks of mixing materials with very different stiffness, including from one member with a great deal of experience in composite structures.  Here's a link to what he said

https://groups.io/g/LotusEuropa/message/157012



Title: Re: yellow16TS's 1969 S2 from VIC, AUSTRALIA
Post by: RonPNW on Tuesday,December 01, 2020, 04:51:40 PM
I have also considered reinforcing the pillars and roof, largely thinking that it may afford slightly more crash protection. But .... Does it really? There really isn't enough space to do a proper "invisible" minimal role cage and a proper cage would be very intrusive. It just does not seem worth the effort.
But...
I have heard that there can be fit issues with the windshield and that it is some times necessary to tweak the window frame to get a good fit. Is this a real concern and if you do reinforce the pillars would you set yourself up for some real window fit issues?

Ron
Title: Re: yellow16TS's 1969 S2 from VIC, AUSTRALIA
Post by: jbcollier on Tuesday,December 01, 2020, 08:19:42 PM
The a-pillar easily cracks where it joins the roof.  It doesn't take much.  I cracked mine installing the windshield.
Title: Re: yellow16TS's 1969 S2 from VIC, AUSTRALIA
Post by: yellow16TS on Wednesday,December 02, 2020, 02:17:53 AM
Where they break is the junction of the a-pillar to the roof panel.  A simple piece of flat bar bent to follow the curves will do.  Drill holes along the bar to allow for better bonding.  You're not trying to make a roll bar. just to keep it from cracking.

Thank you for your response. There is a minor crack on the RHS top corner. The other side is ok. I have been told that I am pretty lucky because a lot of other cars at this age have worse damage than this by now.

I want to strengthen the top corners (pillar to roof) but I also want to add strength to the whole pillar. Approx half way down on the RH pillar it has slightly bowed. I worry that if I do not attend to this now, with a new windscreen and new rubbers fitted, it will potentially bow further and chafe on the door as it opens and closes.
Title: Re: yellow16TS's 1969 S2 from VIC, AUSTRALIA
Post by: yellow16TS on Wednesday,December 02, 2020, 02:20:25 AM
I have to disagree with JB on this point.  You're better off strengthening it with some extra GRP than by using a piece of steel bar.  A cross section through the A pillar looks a bit like two sides of a triangle.  If you can add the third side to that triangle it will add a lot of additional strength.  Here's a series of pictures of what one Europa owner did using expanding foam to fill the gap, followed by some glass matt on top.

https://puckshots.smugmug.com/Lotus-Europa/DOC-Europa/i-HNd63t7

Personally I would use a bit of unidirectional glass (or just some tow) and some woven tape or cloth rather than CSM.  That way you can get a bundle of load carrying fibers along the length of the A pillar, and fan them out above and below to spread the load into the body and roof.  I haven't got to that point in my project, but when I do, and if I decide to follow the expanding foam route, then I would probably add some reinforcement inside the foam, as well as on top, just to be on the safe side. 

When this issue cropped up on the mailing list I suggested you could use glass or carbon fiber. I got some pushback about the risks of mixing materials with very different stiffness, including from one member with a great deal of experience in composite structures.  Here's a link to what he said

https://groups.io/g/LotusEuropa/message/157012

Thank you for posting this reply with the link to your photos. This has helped me a lot.

Great work on your restoration. I especially liked the dash top vent bezels you made.
Title: Re: yellow16TS's 1969 S2 from VIC, AUSTRALIA
Post by: GavinT on Wednesday,December 02, 2020, 05:05:53 AM
I fell into the carbon fibre trap.
I used carbon fibre tow to reinforce the A-pillar and fanned it out at the top and bottom.
As mentioned by Richard and Dudley in that old Yahoo thread, mixing carbon fibre and glass is not necessarily going to work as one might expect. It didn't in my case.

The pics in Gideon's 'DOC-Europa' link are from Dennis O’Connell, if I'm not mistaken. Dennis has essentially created a box (triangle) section which looks pretty good IMHO.

But here's the thing; Dennis is starting out with a Federal spec body shell that utilises a bonded in windscreen. That is to say, the shape of the screen surround is likely quite a bit stronger than my Type 54 which doesn't have the extra rigidity afforded by the additional glass recess.

It seems to me that Andreas', mine and JB's body shells are all of the 'gasket' fitted variety (Type 46 & 54) and therefor, more prone to A-pillar cracking at the corners.
My A-pillars are also bowed outwards probably due to the harsh sun where I live.

I'm planning to fabracobble 16 gauge steel plates for both top and bottom corners and weld on something like a half inch tube to connect them.
I've also contemplated making a recess surround to mimic the Fed. spec bonded in windscreen but that'd be a right fag, too.
Title: Re: yellow16TS's 1969 S2 from VIC, AUSTRALIA
Post by: gideon on Wednesday,December 02, 2020, 07:14:54 AM
Andreas, thanks for the compliments but, as Gavin correctly guessed, the pictures are from Dennis O'Connell.
Title: Re: yellow16TS's 1969 S2 from VIC, AUSTRALIA
Post by: yellow16TS on Wednesday,December 02, 2020, 12:13:55 PM
Andreas, thanks for the compliments but, as Gavin correctly guessed, the pictures are from Dennis O'Connell.

I should have read it more carefully! I went back a re-read it. You did say "one europa owner".

They look great anyway if Denis is reading this.
Title: Re: yellow16TS's 1969 S2 from VIC, AUSTRALIA
Post by: yellow16TS on Wednesday,December 02, 2020, 12:23:52 PM
I fell into the carbon fibre trap.
I used carbon fibre tow to reinforce the A-pillar and fanned it out at the top and bottom.
As mentioned by Richard and Dudley in that old Yahoo thread, mixing carbon fibre and glass is not necessarily going to work as one might expect. It didn't in my case.

The pics in Gideon's 'DOC-Europa' link are from Dennis O’Connell, if I'm not mistaken. Dennis has essentially created a box (triangle) section which looks pretty good IMHO.

But here's the thing; Dennis is starting out with a Federal spec body shell that utilises a bonded in windscreen. That is to say, the shape of the screen surround is likely quite a bit stronger than my Type 54 which doesn't have the extra rigidity afforded by the additional glass recess.

It seems to me that Andreas', mine and JB's body shells are all of the 'gasket' fitted variety (Type 46 & 54) and therefor, more prone to A-pillar cracking at the corners.
My A-pillars are also bowed outwards probably due to the harsh sun where I live.

I'm planning to fabracobble 16 gauge steel plates for both top and bottom corners and weld on something like a half inch tube to connect them.
I've also contemplated making a recess surround to mimic the Fed. spec bonded in windscreen but that'd be a right fag, too.

Thanks for the post Gavin. Yes, my car is the gasket style windscreen. I have heard of the federal cars having a bonded screen. Something I have overlooked. When looking at Denis' pictures I was wondering if it was the angle of the pics , but I just couldn't work out why there was no lip on the inner edge left remaining for the windscreen seal to grab onto. It makes sense now that you wrote your post ^.
I have read the Richard at Bank's uses/or used fibreglass rope. That sounds like something worth looking into. I have also heard of aluminium pipe, copper tube and 1/2" hardwood dowel.
So many different methods! I really do not know which one to attempt.
Title: Re: yellow16TS's 1969 S2 from VIC, AUSTRALIA
Post by: gideon on Wednesday,December 02, 2020, 04:54:27 PM
Getting back to Ron's question about window fit - it's probably a good idea to fit the windscreen or in some way temporarily hold it in place before reinforcing the A pillars to make sure that you end up with something that will fit to the windscreen.  It wouldn't hurt to also put the body on the frame.  And if you're really careful then also fit the doors.  If you dig through the mailing list archives you'll find it's been discussed a few times. 
Title: Re: yellow16TS's 1969 S2 from VIC, AUSTRALIA
Post by: GavinT on Wednesday,December 02, 2020, 06:25:12 PM
I have read the Richard at Bank's uses/or used fibreglass rope. That sounds like something worth looking into. I have also heard of aluminium pipe, copper tube and 1/2" hardwood dowel.
So many different methods! I really do not know which one to attempt.
Hi Andreas,

Yes, that's a whole 'nother world all on it's own and there's lots of ways to skin that cat.
Not sure about any particular advantage re copper pipe, but in general, they're intended to resist compression of the rib's core. It's a fascinating subject.

In my case of bowed A-pillars, as I've said, I reinforced them with carbon fibre and it didn't work because I misunderstood.
Of course, what I'm left with is a thicker mass of pillar that's still bowed!

Going forward, I'm intending to grind away nearly all of the A-pillar thickness, leaving just a thin face where it was in contact with the original mould. I'll then attach a former to the face side of the A-Pillar with temporary hot glue or something in order to restore it to straight.
From there, I'll re-glass to reinstate the thickness of the A-pillar & likely introduce a stiffener rib of some sort.
Gideon's point about using unidirectional glass & woven tape is probably worthwhile for this application and it won't be seen when covered with trim.

Cheers,
Gavin
Title: Re: yellow16TS's 1969 S2 from VIC, AUSTRALIA
Post by: RonPNW on Wednesday,December 02, 2020, 07:50:41 PM
Re Gideon's comments.
Yes, that makes the most sense. I'll leave everything above the doors 'as is' until the body is back on the frame and the windshield is set.

My plan is to add a couple of pieces to 1" fiberglass tape to the pillars and a 1/4 in thick foam "beam" covered in a couple of layers of fiberglass into the roof to control oil canning / cracks. I'll use epoxy resin as (re experience in kayak building) it tends to stay slightly flexible after it is set and less likely to cause cracking at the boundary between original and re-inforced.

Thanx for the feedback
Ron
Title: Re: yellow16TS's 1969 S2 from VIC, AUSTRALIA
Post by: yellow16TS on Saturday,January 02, 2021, 10:44:58 PM
Update: There is paint on the Europa!

A massive thank you to Richard Mann for all his help. A lot of progress has been achieved in the last week.

It started off with towing the car across town to his workshop. The body was quickly lifted off the chassis again and placed on the work stand trolley.
After a thorough dust off/wipe down I unfortunately found more MORE stress cracks on the RHF guard/fender. I attended to those , then got to wiping the body down again and begun masking up for paint.

The product used is an epoxy primer. It is grey in colour. I used an epoxy primer first on all the hanging panels , then used a high build primer over the top of that.

The body is now in epoxy primer (finish shown in pics). There are some pin holes to attend to now as well as a few areas that will need a little more attention.

High build primer to come, then lots of blocking down.

It is great to finally have the body all in one colour. I can really see all the lines of it now and I know which areas to focus on to get the body nice and straight.
Title: Re: yellow16TS's 1969 S2 from VIC, AUSTRALIA
Post by: BDA on Sunday,January 03, 2021, 06:50:15 AM
Congratulations on your significant step in your journey!  :beerchug:

I cannot wait to see the color coat!
Title: Re: yellow16TS's 1969 S2 from VIC, AUSTRALIA
Post by: Bainford on Monday,January 04, 2021, 07:49:55 AM
Congrats. Great progress. It's looking great.
Title: Re: yellow16TS's 1969 S2 from VIC, AUSTRALIA
Post by: yellow16TS on Wednesday,January 19, 2022, 02:44:19 PM
An update on my project. The body is in high build Debeers primer and I have been blocking it down. I have about 75% of it at 240g currently. And a few panels at 400g. Very happy with the sharp lines and flatness of the body.
In the 3 of the pictures I covered the panel in Wax & Grease remover (Prepsol) to emulate the look of the car once a clear coat is applied. (Wiped it down after the photos were taken)
Car is still going back to L07 Lotus Yellow.

Progress is slow going unfortunately due to recovering from surgery. (and possibly another surgery to come).

But I haven't lost faith in this car. I am going to do my best to see the project though.
Title: Re: yellow16TS's 1969 S2 from VIC, AUSTRALIA
Post by: BDA on Wednesday,January 19, 2022, 04:14:08 PM
Looks great! Good luck with your baby and good luck with your recovery and possible future surgeries!
Title: Re: yellow16TS's 1969 S2 from VIC, AUSTRALIA
Post by: TurboFource on Wednesday,January 19, 2022, 06:27:58 PM
Looks good! Keep at it as you can!
Title: Re: yellow16TS's 1969 S2 from VIC, AUSTRALIA
Post by: yellow16TS on Thursday,January 20, 2022, 05:52:12 PM
BDA - Thank you for the kind words. I hope for a good outcome as well.

TurboFource - Thank you. It's been many hours of hand/block sanding to get this far. My fingers are crossed the paint job come out nice.