The revival of 650143R, 1970 with TS.

[Richard48Y]

The original eBay listing text.

No. 650143R

1971 Lotus Europa S2.
I have owned this car for 23 years, drove it some when I first bought it, then it has sat in my garage for close to twenty years. 
Its time for someone else to enjoy it.  It ran fine years ago, however I have not attempted to start it. 
Probably be a good idea to go through the engine before it was run very much. 
The engine has I guess what they call the Gordini mods and more.  The previous owner is a friend of mine and he is the one who built it. 
He used it for Autocrossing and some hillclimbs.  I know it had some porting work done, high compression pistons and a hot cam.  I built the header. 
The cam comes on strong at about 3-3500 rpm and revs to 8000+. 
The front suspension has been rebuilt and I installed new Spax adjustable shocks on all four corners.  So this car does have some goodies I haven't seen on other Europas, note the small steering wheel. 
The interior is typical fifty year old english car, needs some work. 
I have worked on fixing stress crack fractures in the glass body but there are still some left to do. 
All the lights, brackets and hardware are still there, please note in the pictures.
There is also parts to do a rear disc conversion included."

I originally lost out on my bid at the lost possible moment.
Then the buyer flaked out when it came to shipping.
When 650143R was re-listed with a buy it now that matched my earlier high bid I jumped on it.

Today I can prove I did not buy this car to "Flip" it, I just turned down $9,000.00 for it as it sits. 

I guess I can stop worrying that I might have paid too much? 

[BDA]

Looking forward to hearing and seeing about your progress with your new baby!

[Richard48Y]

After sitting for so many years the veneer of my dash is pretty poor.
Original wood grain does not have a lot of figure to it.
There is a store in Reno which sells several types of veneer in thin sheets for re-laminating.
I am confident I can do this myself so long as I can find a good enough glue.
Instead of the too shiny and overly thick* gloss finish I prefer a thin Matt "oil finish" like a gun stock.

I've seen reference to decal sets for the dash, I will need those.

* I hate it when the thick clear varnish cracks and peels, often taking the veneer away with it.

[BDA]

I’m pretty sure r.d. enterprises sells the dash labels. I would expect Dave Bean sells them too.

The clear finish cracks because moisture gets behind it and the veneer. You can get polyurethane varnish in different finishes so you should be able to get matte or satin.

(All together now!) make sure you finish all the edges including gauge and bolt holes and the back so moisture in your plywood and veneer won’t be a problem.

[SilverBeast]

(All together now!) make sure you finish all the edges including gauge and bolt holes and the back so moisture in your plywood and veneer won’t be a problem.

At last. Something normal in these strange times!

[SilverBeast]

Lotus Supplies in the UK have the dashboard decal set https://www.lotus-supplies.com/parts/interiors/dashboard/dashboard-decal-set/

[Richard48Y]

Whew, glad to have it off the truck and on to solid ground again!
Was a bit more difficult than expected.

Pics and details later.

[Richard48Y]

Okay. some possibly useful pics.

On the ground and in the shop at last.

Dash is poor.

Tricky ignition I need to look up instructions for, no points!

Weber 40's. 

[jbcollier]

Pretty standard aftermarket ignition with an optical trigger.  I think they still make them.

[Richard48Y]

Starting a note book.
Crane ignition, SPAX shocks, Weber jets, etc.
I suspect I will want to change out these springs as they seem very stiff*.
These old 185/60 tires barely clear the body.

I've pulled the plugs and will be putting some Marvel Mystery Oil in the cylinders tonight.
Plugs I pulled are very even in color, dark but not sooty at all.

Almost forgot to post the disc rotors I got with it.
I also have new Suzuki GT calipers but not sure I will use them.
Want to fit dual MC'$ with an adjustable bias bar, no booster.

*"Any suspension will work if you don't let it". 

[Richard48Y]

Ah, another issue.
I have the rear luggage box but it cannot be used with the current exhaust.
Seller was very proud of the "Equal length" system that he fabricated.
So I have to choose. Leave the box out, modify the box, make a new box?
Or get another header exhaust?

[BDA]

I believe that Crane bought the Alison ignition operation.

I would never say that it will happen to all of them but my Alison packed it in while I was in the left lane on the highway during rush hour. Mine was installed in 1980 so I expect the light was incandescent and it just gave out. I suppose they use LEDs now which I would expect are more reliable; regardless, I decided to get away from optical ignitions. I replaced my Alison with a Pertronix which has been great so far. I thought you might be interested in my experience.

[Richard48Y]

Found out what the rear rotors are from, Suzuki - Swift (1989) - Rear.
Makes sense since that matches the calipers he intended to use.
If I do not go to Wilwood I may try to use some aluminum VW units I have.
The Swift parts are iron.

I will look into the tech used for my ignition.
Going into the shop tonight to make note of part numbers since Crane had several versions.

[Sandyman]

Richard, Do you need the luggage box? It seems to me that air circulation in the engine bay is better without the box.
Sandy

[Richard48Y]

Since I intend to actually drive this car I do want a rear box.

Just had another question pop up.
Is there a reasonable means to drive the oil pump without having to crank the engine?
Been sitting a long time and has a remote oil filter.
Putting MMO down the cylinders but that will not pre-lube the cam and other components.