Lotus Europa Community

https://maine.craigslist.org/cto/d/phippsburg-lotus-europa/7747189964.html

So older cars, which are already at a disadvantage, have to be saddled with inferior tires?! That’s lunacy!

With stuff like this and the all the politics surrounding Andretti trying to get on the F1 grid, it seems like the people who run motor sports are actively trying to ruin them.

In the case of historic racing, the FIA has a safety concerns for the oldest cars. Because slick tyres are (of course) grippier than semi-slicks or historic-style racing tyres and therefore mean more stress for the suspension, chassis and brakes. At least with the Lotus Europa, they have a point. My suspension is already heavily upgraded, but the soft sheet-metal chassis is not very well suited for racing. Colin Chapman knew that, built the types 47 and 62 for racing purpose and didn't bother to enter the normal Europa in any race.

The mistake (from my POV) is that the rule makers of my competition span the class over that huge period of time. It would have been more sensible to divide it at the "tyre limit", which is 31st December 1971:
Older cars: no slicks
Younger cars: slicks

Regarding Andretti, you are completely right. The F1 teams are an elite group and try to keep this group exclusively to themselves. My guess is that Andretti will purchase the remains of Alpine sooner or later. This way, F1 can't keep them out.

In my original driver seat, I cut the bottom cushion in half horizontal-wise to get enough room for my 6'3" head.

I’m not quite as tall as you are (probably 6’ 1” but I used to be 6’ 2”  ). I  considered lowering the floor in toward the rear but I thought the firewall would need some adjustment which would also entail modifying the seat/shoulder belt braces so instead, I put a bubble in the roof.

I think your solution is better though because it lowers your head so your visibility is probably a bit better.

Looks simple enough at first glance.
I will have to check on material.

Had another idea for the VMC.
Just bought two sets of the plastic surrounds for the front marker lights.
They will work but the edges are narrower than the original and it is still flimsy plastic.
An aluminum set would last almost forever. 
Also thinking of aluminum defrost grills, no more warping in the sun.
Oh, and a buddy is trying to convince me to get a large 3D Printer/Laser/Mill combo unit.
From what I see the printer works well, the laser only cuts paper - thin wood, and the mill function is a toy.
But he says he has items he will pay me to supply him, so maybe. 

Quote from: Fotog on Tuesday,May 14, 2024, 05:22:50 AM

You could send a photo to them to be specific about what you want.

I'm afraid I was *that* person - sent them a picture of my seats and asked if theirs were the same! In my mind I was being helpful.
I'll see how helpful they found it when I get a response.

I'm spamming my own thread now.    Just admin - need to add that Banks have replied today (promptly) to my email, confirming that their ribbed perforated vinyl seat covers look to be the same as mine, and also answering another question I had. They quote lead time for seats as 3-4 weeks, which works for me, thought I'd share it as I know there are others considering options.