Lotus Europa Community
Lotus Europa Forums => Members Cars => Topic started by: 2766R on Sunday,December 11, 2016, 02:32:11 AM
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Finally pulled the trigger. After a couple of false starts, the process of getting 2766R back on the road is happening. Although I would have prefered to do all the mechanical work myself, time / family commitments just won't allow it. Therefore I've engaged the services of Ragtops & Roadsters to get her running again. From there, the rolling restoration will progress, hopefully unimpeded. I'll try and accomplish what I can and let Ragtops help out with the rest.
Attached are some photos of 2677R seeing daylight after yet another year of hibernation and being loaded into Ragtops' trailer.
The last photo was taken by Dave Hutchison (Ragtops' ops manager, great guy) that I initially thought was a reflection from behind my Europa. On closer examination, I realised that it was another TCS very much like mine. I think, no, I know she's in good company. I'll try and post as things progress.
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They've been around for a long time so your trust is probably well placed. She looks like she's a good foundation for a great car. Hopefully you'll be zipping around in your toy car soon!
I'm looking forward to seeing more pictures!
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Congratulations, she is a beauty, & looks to be in good hands/company!
She looks very happy next to the MGA & her sister behind her. ;)
I had to bring home an MG to keep our Lotus company, & they love each other! :FUNNY:
Keep us posted on your progress!!!
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That's great news. It's good to hear your project is getting underway in a meaningful way. Looking forward to seeing more. Cheers.
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Looks just like my car! Except mine is now in many pieces in my garage ;-) Dave is a great guy. They know what they are doing at RTR. Spring 2017 completion?
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That's the plan. Just get it safely roadworthy. Then take care of cosmetics over time. Waiting on their assessment.
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It has been a while since I last posted, sorry for the gap. Things are taking a bit longer than I had originally planned. A lot of this was due to a growth in work scope on my part. What started out as just replacing what was absolutely necessary to be roadworthy, we agreed to clean and paint parts that were removed, replace front and rear wheel bearings, total brake system rebuild (including master cylinder and servos) replace all hoses, fit a 365 transmission (which I had on the side for many years) in place of the 352, engine rebuild, etc. Spent a bit more than I had planned too! But in the end, will have a totally reliable Europa to enjoy!!!
I'm hoping to address interior and exterior issues next spring. BTW, i'm hopping to drive it home in the near future, after they shake it down.
And now for your enjoyment:
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Congratulations! It looks like you will be driving her soon! :beerchug:
I think driving her as soon as you can is a good idea. It will only enhance your appreciation for her. Of course the downside of that is you might enjoy driving her so much you might put off the cosmetic side!
Don't forget to post your first impressions of your first drive.
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Quick up-date: one more thing to check off the list!
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Pretty!
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wow, they look good. Whoever did that made a great job of them.
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Ooohh, Purdy!
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2766r
Welcome to the forum . Nice hanger, Europa, MGA , and plane... I had a 58 MGA coupe 6volt positive ground back in the 70 and drove it daily .
Well, hope you have a speedy return to road worthy .
Dakazman
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nice job 2766r and the wheel;s look wonderful
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:pirate Finally...Home! More than a year later, it's now back in my garage. Took delivery this past Saturday. I had planned on driving it back from Ragtops & Roadsters, PA. It was actually ready back in December, but life and weather got in the way. On Dave Hutchison's (from Ragtops) suggestion, the Europe was trailered by him to avoid damage from winter damaged (potholed) roads. Now starts the rolling restoration including paint and interior work. At least I can drive and enjoy it for now. I've only taken it out for a couple of quick runs, bringing back all kinds of memories! I can't wait for nicer weather, damn these nor'easters!
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Looks terrific! Another driver hits the road, congrats! :beerchug: I sympathize with the weather keeping us off the road, can't wait until spring. What's your plan for paint? Restore what you have, or respray. I've been looking into gentle paint restoration methods, and your original paint already looks better than mine. I'd be interested to hear your plans.
Tom
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Congratulations, 2766R!! :beerchug:
:lotus:
She looks like a fine specimen! Keep us up to date on your progress and if you get stuck, somebody here will surely be able to help you.
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Nothing better than having your sports car ready for the driving season! Congrats!
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Thanks for the complements and encouragement. It may look decent in the pictures but, believe me, between spider cracks, blistered paint, cracking finish on the instrument panel, splits in the driver's seat, etc, etc it's going to be a process. Lets say it's a 30 footer at this point, hopefully a 2 footer one day. Not conours but a no excuse driver. here are some pictures; first (2) are from late summer at Ragtops, second (2) from 2 years ago.
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It really doesn't look that bad. The fiberglass work isn't too bad. The interior will probably be the biggest pain to do.
Since you're probably getting a new dash, I recommend http://prestigeautowood.com/. He does a super job including finishing the back and all edges to keep moisture out and he'll do custom work like more or fewer gauges, glove box door, etc. He has a selection of veneers to choose from. You probably already know about https://www.autointeriors.biz/ since they're not far from you.
At least, in the mean time, you can drive it!
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I’m a big believer of mechanical work first, cosmetic second. Your doing it the right way.
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...nice work...I think your mechanic was right to trailer it back...they still use salt on the roads back there don't they?...
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Damn, another nor'easter on the way, and yes, more salt on the road. Highway Department + snow + salt = OVERTIME! :headbanger:
Enough of me grumbling. I need a little advice and I'll post in a new subject in the 'Garage' forum.
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Damn, another nor'easter on the way, and yes, more salt on the road. Highway Department + snow + salt = OVERTIME! :headbanger:
Feeling your pain in the Boston area.
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I just gave up and moved to Florida after age 32 and having to work outside in sub zero weather to get aircraft out. I also remember after double double shifts getting home only to shovel the snow out AGAIN.
Well stay safe !
Dakazman
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Well it's been a while updating some minor progress on 2766R. Back in March I had new vinyl door panel and driver’s seat side and head bolsters patterns sewn up made from my tatty originals at AutoMat. I had them make up new sun visors. They used the old visor frames with new sewn up vinyl and foam. The original visors were a bag of dust inside the heat sealed vinyl 45 years on. Also ordered and installed new floor mats. Finally got around to repairing (fiber glassing) the door cards; they were cracked along the full length of the 90< bend. I made up new door aperture cards as well.
https://www.autointeriors.biz/
The original carpeting is a bit threadbare in spots but I can live with it as is for now.
Also touch-up the paint just as a temporary fix until a full respray can be done, tentatively late winter/early spring.
https://www.paintscratch.com/
I’ve also ordered a crash pad (from Banks) and a new dash panel from CG Autowood. I had it custom finished with quarter sawn mahogany. It’s a little lighter than I had envisioned but with the rest of the interior being black, it will brighten things up a bit. These will be installed after the respray.
Now for few before/after and other pics:
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I meant to include the new dash pic as well:
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Very nice! :beerchug:
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Looks good. Is your horn button new? I haven't seen a nicer one for a Momo wheel.
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Looks good. Is your horn button new? I haven't seen a nicer one for a Momo wheel.
No, not new. It's original to the Momo wheel that I installed back in the early '80's. Of course it doesn't work the horn, they work off of the stalk.
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Well, I took my last drive for 2018 on December 8th. This was just before Dave Hutchison from Ragtops & Roadsters picked it up to do follow up service since recommissioning and to take care of transmission leaking from the selector and detentions shaft seals. So all can see full size photos, I've created this link: https://photos.app.goo.gl/HFETW8amKczSLWhZ7
Enjoy. Also, Happy New Year to all!
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She looks happy to be home! Hopefully, she will be back soon from her checkup and ready for fun when weather permits in the new year!