Lotus Europa Community
Lotus Europa Forums => Garage => Topic started by: Lotsof 3146 R on Wednesday,March 31, 2021, 10:53:00 AM
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Firstly many thanks to all the knowledgeable members and their comments.
It’s been one year since 3146R arrived from Arizona USA to Kent Uk. Two days after we entered lockdown.. Sight unseen and not running...
I really didn’t know what I was getting but the dealer sounded honest when he said he didn’t know to most of my questions.
Having read so many great restoration stories I was determined to have a “driver” as soon as possible and not plan a twenty year story.
So far.
Removed both servos - beyond repair.
Remove master cylinder and replace with triton. Send original master cylinder for repair. Now on the shelf.
Rebuild front callipers. New pads
Replace rear brake cylinders.
Engine: oil & filter- remove cam cover and clean - new gasket.
New radiator- alloy.
Electric water pump
Flush and clean cooling system including removing and cleaning expansion tank.
New plugs leads and distributor cap. (Small crack on the distributor caps was causing to run on 3 cylinders)
Dismantle and clean stromberg carbs.
Fit fuel filter
Replace fuel pump.
4 new tyres
Remove seats & recover with Bank’s kit.
Remove carpet.
Repair and recover door cards - + new speakers
Lubricate electric windows.
Remove 100’s of mud wasps nests from everywhere and buckets of rodent shit.
Rewire all rear lights to uk spec. Also all chewed through by the rodents.
Uk spec led headlamps.
Replace seated belts and mounts in the sills.
Moved the clutch bracket from the chassis to the engine- what a difference - clutch judder gone. A modification recommended in 1973 just after 3146R left the factory.
I did know what to expect. I discovered a car that hadn’t run for I’m guessing 26 years.
The chassis is in great condition.
The engine- runs superbly- sounds sweet. (There were bills for a rebuild in 1983....)
I can find all five gears and reverse.
The interior needs the carpeting finishing.
The dash is good. The crash pad isn’t....
The paint with a few dimples and spider crazes has polished up ok.
It might still be a 20 year renovation- but I hope to keep her on the road throughout.
Next is re-bushing the front suspension.
And mid- lockdown she was joined by a lotus 907 powered 1974 Jensen Healey. This was supposed to be running- but the dealer on this one was not so honest... anyway she running too and also a blast..
Ttfn.
3146R
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That's a lot of good work for one year. Well done.
What LED headlamp did you use, and what makes it UK spec? I'm in California and thinking about headlights.
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That's a lot of good work for one year. Well done.
What LED headlamp did you use, and what makes it UK spec? I'm in California and thinking about headlights.
Uk lights lenses point to the left. I used headlamps advertised for the land rover discovery- google “halo led Land Rover discovery” and you should find them. There is also another thread on the forum with some photos
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Well done! Good accomplishment for a year's effort. Another Europa saved from impending neglect. :beerchug:
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Good job, Lotsof 3146 R! :beerchug:
It seems that your car ended up being better than you feared. With a good frame, it makes sense to have a rolling restoration! Keep us up to date with how it goes!
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You got a very significant amount of work accomplished in that year. Congratulations. My progress has not been so steady but I should have my motor back shortly and I'm eager to drive my Europa.
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Most of us on this site know the amount of diligent effort it takes to restore and maintain a Europa. That being said congrats on your year-one accomplishments. :beerchug:
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Lotsof,
Congratulations on your 1 year anniversary getting to know your Europa inside and out. :trophy:
May you have hours and hours of trouble free driving.
Dakazman
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Keep plugging away...
Each journey starts with the first step. Looks like it's down hill from now on. Congrats!