Here we go! '69 Europa restoration

[BK911]

Picked up a project that has been sitting since 1983.

Slowly tore her all down over the winter.

Just got the frame and suspension back from the powder coaters and into the shed.

Now I am sourcing bushings, bearings, etc to get her back to roller status.
Then figure out which direction to go for drive train.
Then body and interior.
Then vroom vroom!!

Easy!   

[BDA]

You should be able to get most things you need from Ray at r.d. enterprises (www.rdent.com). There are other good suppliers like Dave Bean (www.davebean.com), JAE, (www.jaeparts.com), and if you want trick parts like twin link rear suspension, vented front discs, rear discs, etc. Richard at Banks is the go-to guy (http://www.banks-europa.co.uk/index.php).

If you're looking for new Smiths gauges or get yours repaired, go to either APT (http://www.gaugeguys.com/) or Nisonger (http://nisonger.com/). If you're looking for a beautiful wood dash, Prestige Autowood is hard to beat (http://www.prestigeautowood.com/). I got my seats recovered at a local car/boat/top upholstery shop. I got my carpet kit from Auto Mat (http://www.autointeriors.biz/). They have just about any color or fabric.

Good luck and keep those pictures coming!

[blasterdad]

Frame looks great! (jealous) I'm going to do ours this summer.

[BK911]

Thanks for all the links!  Found a good link at Golden Gate Lotus Club giving part cross references. 
Apparently spitfire front bushings are MUCH cheaper than Lotus front bushings.   
Also $10 SKF rear bearings versus $100 Lotus rear bearings.

Had to decide to paint frame black or grey.  Decided grey because its "lighter" than black.   

[BDA]

It's very Chapmanesque of you to go for the lighter paint! 

[jbcollier]

Spitfire front bushings are not the same as Lotus front bushings.  The usual suspects, some above, carry the Lotus bushings.

[BK911]

Are you sure?

http://gglotus.org/ggpart/europacr.htm#fsusp

[Serge]

Yes! Spitfire bushes will not fit.

Serge

[BK911]

Dang it man, the spit fire bushings are too small!!

Also received upper ball joints, trunnion kits, and wheel bearings.
The upper ball joint look like they are the same.
Anybody know if the trunnion kits and front wheel bearings are the same?

Thanks for the help!
BK

[jbcollier]

Yup, they're all fine.

[BK911]

Thanks!
At least I got something right!

[BK911]

Tried several times to post in FS section but for some reason I could not.
But this project has stalled and is up for sale.

$3500 as is where is!
More pics to follow showing current condition.

Classified ad was supposed to read:

Stalled project:

http://www.lotuseuropa.org/LotusForum/index.php?topic=1054.0

Dont really want to sell (who does), but several other projects ahead of this one.
Who knows, somebody may be looking for something just like this!

Purchased from 2nd owner who bought in ~1971.
Drove all around San Diego until he moved to TN ~1980 and parked the car, until I bought it last year.

Pretty much completely taken apart
frame blasted, epoxy primed and top coated
suspension pieces blasted and powder coated
Started installing new bushing
Have f/r bearings
Engine torn down - was siezed, what a PITA tearing it down!

Asking $3500 which is what I have into it.

[BK911]

OK, it worked once I removed the attachments.

http://www.lotuseuropa.org/LotusForum/index.php?topic=1200.0

New smaller pics coming soon!!