The Zetec 'Ropacane

[Chuck Nukem]

Ok here are some shots of the fiberglass work I did recently

The obligatory before shot. I also mended that nice hole in the hood.

Going to try for the body/frame separation tomorrow! All that remains is to remove the steering column, gas tanks, and wiring.

Pics to follow!

[Chuck Nukem]

Success!

[EuropaTC]

Ahh, I see you have the Official Lotus Overhaul Kit to hand, the "LoBricks" and "LoStool", essential items you will need when rebuilding your Lotus sir.....

Well done, that's a milestone.

Brian

[Bainford]

Looking good Chuck. I'm looking forward to following along on your journey.

[Chuck Nukem]

Here it is boys!

[Chuck Nukem]

When they said it handled like it was on rails....they weren't kidding! My upper back is glazed with pain today!

Here's the damage report thus far. My in no way cosmetic fender repair held together for the most part during the lift. I will be going back over it eventually. The frame seems okay from where I am looking. The little flaps by the T post are toast. They have the structural rigidity of a saltine cracker. The bottom panel of the T section will need to be replaced. We will all find out together after I get around to sandblasting this thing. The welder will be near by...


The master cylinder reservoir died on me when my finger glanced into it. The molecular bonds in the plastic gave out and my finger released the brake fluid from its 30+ year confinement. Better to free it now I suppose.

Very thrilled to be at this part! Watch this spot to see a blood-letting, tetanus infested strip tease that you wont soon forget...no matter how hard you try!

[3929R]

Watch this spot to see a blood-letting, tetanus infested strip tease that you wont soon forget...no matter how hard you try!

  I can't wait.  This is much better than reality TV shows.

[Chuck Nukem]

Out of curiosity, what do you fellow Europa owners do for a living? I am sure some of you have some very interesting non Lotus hobbies! How do you all sustain the habit?

[EuropaTC]

Out of curiosity, what do you fellow Europa owners do for a living?

as little as possible......   

I'm retired now but was a Materials Engineer (a metallurgist really) with ICI/Zeneca. I retired so I could play with my toys.....  not regretted it for a minute !

Brian

[3929R]

I'm a geologist.  And you Mr. Nukem?

[Chuck Nukem]

I am currently a full time student. I finished my math undergrad last semester. Currently I finishing a Physics degree, and will be done in 30 days!! I work as a physics/math tutor/TA at the university, and do handyman/auto work when I have time to.

As for the future, I have no concrete plans besides finishing the car! ...I suppose it will be time to try and find a way to make a living  

[Bainford]

I provide technical support to the Canadian Navy, working for a UK based company that is an OEM for some equipment fitted to navy submarines.

[cal44]

Natural Gas Pipeline weldor........retired.     

Listening to burning rod or the crackle of  wire surrounded by argon........ohhh' mommy.

mike

[Chuck Nukem]

Free at last!

[Chuck Nukem]

The rusty frame looks kind of eerie bathing in the moonlight

She is getting stripped! 

I am hoping to have everything sandblasted before December. Those brake drums are on nice and tight! What size is that gargantuan nut that retains the half shaft yoke?

Biggest pain so far is a tie between the rusted bolts that hold the steering rack on, and an A-arm bushing that had fused itself to the frame...manliness and grunting were required to remove it. (In all honesty it quickly devolved to a scenario similar to a chimpanzee beating a hard fruit against a tree)

Most disconcerting were the bolts that fasten the rear hub to the trailing arm being forcibly threaded in at random angles.... some re tapping will be in order....I wish I had taken a pic of that....you all would not believe it.