Lotus Europa Community
Lotus Europa Forums => Members Cars => Topic started by: EuropaTC on Monday,September 17, 2012, 02:23:21 PM
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Hi folks,
Now this is a shameless copy of a thread which has been running on Lotuselan.net for a while now, and I was wondering if it would work here as well. The idea is to post what's happening today with your car and it doesn't matter what state it's in, broken, being patched together, missing the engine or parked up by some nice scenery while you take in the views.
As a starter, here's our car at 9:30am this morning. The sun was shining and I suddenly realised I hadn't road tested the new spark plug connectors I fitted at the week end..... >:D
Brian
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Unfortunately, mine has not changed in several years.
Current:
(http://www.lotuseuropa.org/gallery/albums/Zetec/BodyShot.jpg)
(http://www.lotuseuropa.org/gallery/albums/Zetec/Waterpiping4.jpg)
Before the restoration:
(http://www.lotuseuropa.org/gallery/albums/Zetec/Barn06.jpg)
(http://www.lotuseuropa.org/gallery/albums/Zetec/Shop06.jpg)
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My Europa is on jackstands in the garage for 2 reasons:
1. Rear brakes was making a creeking noise wen coming to a full stop, and I suspected the shoes to be at their end. But they had plenty of liners so instead I cleaned and adjusted the brakes properly and am now ready for driving again. Would be nice if they were noise free now... :)
2. I've been driving 2 weeks with my internal 5th gear detent prototype and took it out for inspection. It works fine but will need a few small modifications to work even better. 8)
Note to self: Tighten the wheels completely after lowering but BEFORE driving the car. :o
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Gassed up and ready to go for some filming this weekend.
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Note to self: Tighten the wheels completely after lowering but BEFORE driving the car. :o
:) Now I leave the socket against the wheel so I don't forget......
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:) Now I leave the socket against the wheel so I don't forget......
That's a much better method than mine. I tend to do about 15 miles on the freeway and then suddenly remember and pull off onto the shoulder to tighten them.
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Mine is stuck in the garage at the moment. The starter died a slow and intermittent death, so I replaced it with a new gear-reduction starter. Wow that thing really spins the engine. But go figure, it won't start the engine and so I can't spin my wheels. You can't start a fire without a spark and I don't think I have any. Where there's smoke, there's fire or maybe a dead ignition coil. My ignition coil emitted a small plume of smoke. I say "maybe dead" because I just haven't found the time to figure things out. Oh well all in good time, which might be Friday.
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I think I killed this thread, so I'll try again.
From my front door today-
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I think I killed this thread, so I'll try again.
No, with the benefit of 20/20 hindsight I think I should have waited until Spring when everyone was wheeling their cars out for the summer and bouncing with enthusiasm rather than heading into winter.
But here's us today, a lovely sunny Lincolnshire morning and parked in our village next to the church. As I explained to Helen, I had to take the Europa because I'd filled the windscreen washers and it's important to road test everything you do on these old cars...... ;)
Brian
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Just joined the forum and seen this post so thought I would pop outside in the rain and take a picture of my Europa
I brought my car a few years ago with a rottern chassis and engine in bits and did all the work myself.
I drive my Europa most days, the picture is taken in the car park at my work in Northamptionshire England
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:Welcome: :coolpic:
Wow she's beautiful! As are the rest of your gaggle.
Nice work!
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I'll take a photo later today....
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Very nice Matt, and even better to see a car being used daily ! It looks a very tidy restoration, the colour scheme works well on the car.
Brian
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Anyone that has a Plus 2 and a Europa and an early Esprit............gawd love em'
Matt........I am liken' those mirrors on the Europa.............brand?
mike
(http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k571/cal442/Europa/1_zps9de919dd.jpg) (http://s1116.photobucket.com/user/cal442/media/Europa/1_zps9de919dd.jpg.html)
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They are vitaloni californian mirrors, they where on the car when I got it, and have kinda grown on me since.
What red is your Europa, Pictured ? is it a Lotus colour?
It looks fantastic !
Mine was originally red and im thinking of repainting it or just wraping it.
Matt
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Matt,
Regency Red (L 11). Although the car was re-shot at at some point it is very close to the original. I do like the color combo on your car.
Thanks for the info on the mirrors.
mike
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Welcome to the forum, Matt. I love your Europa. She's beautiful and the colour scheme is perfect. I must say I like those mirrors as well, They look to be much more effective then mine (in fact, if you can actually see anything behind you, then they are more effective then mine). I'm glad to see you drive your Europa regularly. The rest of your stable is impressive, too. What a great selection of road going Loti. Cheers.
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https://www.pegasusautoracing.com/bigpicture.asp?RecID=1551
Thanks again Matt, those mirrors just may be the ticket............
Would like to see what they look like on a Plus 2...........
mike
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The mirrors do seem to suit the shape, I can see very well behind me and on both sides, something you can't do on the standard setup.
I'm not sure how they would suit a the elegant shape of a +2 Elan, I will hold a spare one on the +2 and a sprint over the week end and post up a picture so we can see.
Below are some links to the posts I did when I was working on my Europa, and one from my esprit if anyone is interested.
All my cars I have, I brought as barn finds, I'm a sucker for a sad looking wreck !
My Europa http://www.thelotusforums.com/forums/topic/35117-europa-twincam-1972/ (http://www.thelotusforums.com/forums/topic/35117-europa-twincam-1972/)
My Esprit http://www.thelotusforums.com/forums/topic/15999-s1-barn-find-restoration/ (http://www.thelotusforums.com/forums/topic/15999-s1-barn-find-restoration/)
Matt
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Two great stories there Matt, very impressive. Although this is a Europa forum I must say I was really impressed by the Esprit tale, especially the fact you were doing the work in a single garage and an Esprit isn't a small car !
I'll look forward to updates on the Europa. Are you recording the progress on the Elans on the Lotuselan.net forums ?
Brian
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Hi, :newhere:
Ok, my first post here. I took my 74 special (named Schokofrosch - chocolate frog) for a short spin to get something to eat and to drink and just came back.
Greetings from Germanny.
Uwe
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Getting closer & closer to final completion every day now...Got to be ready to go in August for a show!
Figured I would add a rear shot for the group to inspect.
Noisy tires are happy tires...For the folks over the pond it's tyres to be correct.ld
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(named Schokofrosch - chocolate frog)
:)
now that's a great nickname, I love it.
Brian (Lincolnshire, UK)
oh - and :Welcome:
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Hi Lou,
Yep, that's got to be one of the cleanest Europas I've seen outside of a show, it just looks "brand new". Oh, and I know you guys get to do some weird things with your version of registration plates, but is that one you've got there for real or is it just for shows ?
Brian
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Brian, Here in Pennsylvania the Historic licence plates have a embossed picture of an old Model T on them. I dont't like them very much and had some various other tags made. I will use the state plate, but it will be portable and not affixed, behind the drivers headrest using the rear window for identification. The Troopers will probably stop me at some point, but I think they will want to see the car and not issue a summons. My Marine ID, Viet Nam Vet card usually gets me a free pass.
A picture of the noise maker for you...ld
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Gee, I forgot the previous pic was an old shot,here's one with standard black valve cover. ld
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As my dad would have said "so clean you can eat your dinner off it." But the game's up Lou, that's clearly not a proper Lotus - real ones have oil leaks....... ;)
Incidentally, if that's the same alternator that I fitted to mine last year (Lucas ACR) then I had to get a 90deg plug for the wiring loom to get clearance with the luggage tray installed, using the standard loom it was almost touching the tray, too little space for me to be relaxed about it.
Brian
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This is how mine looked Thursday. It's no different today...
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Hi, :newhere:
Ok, my first post here. I took my 74 special (named Schokofrosch - chocolate frog) for a short spin to get something to eat and to drink and just came back.
Greetings from Germanny.
Uwe
Welcome to the forum. That is a beautiful Europa. I don't bvelieve that I've seen that colour on a Europa before, but it looks fantastic. Is it a factory colour? Cool nick name, too.
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Welcome to the forum. That is a beautiful Europa. I don't bvelieve that I've seen that colour on a Europa before, but it looks fantastic. Is it a factory colour? Cool nick name, too.
Thank you. To my knowledge it is a factory colour, the ID plate says it is L19. In the Yahoo group was at least one other in that colour.
The colour of your car seems similar, but a bit lighter.
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Welcome to the forum. That is a beautiful Europa. I don't bvelieve that I've seen that colour on a Europa before, but it looks fantastic. Is it a factory colour? Cool nick name, too.
Thank you. To my knowledge it is a factory colour, the ID plate says it is L19. In the Yahoo group was at least one other in that colour.
The colour of your car seems similar, but a bit lighter.
Yeah, mine is a bit more of a golden brown. I think the colour is called tawny. I was considering changing the colour to a moss green, but Mike (cal44) wont let me ;). Actually, the more time I spend with the car the more I think the colour suits it. I always liked the colour, but it didn't seem very 'sporty'. It does, however, look very 70s. Anyway, when it comes time to repaint, it will likely be the same colour. It's currently still wearing its original factory paint.
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y26/Bainford/Lotus/IMG_1678.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/Bainford/media/Lotus/IMG_1678.jpg.html)
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y26/Bainford/Lotus/LotusEnfieldSept19115.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/Bainford/media/Lotus/LotusEnfieldSept19115.jpg.html)
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Yeah, mine is a bit more of a golden brown. I think the colour is called tawny. I was considering changing the colour to a moss green, but Mike (cal44) wont let me ;). Actually, the more time I spend with the car the more I think the colour suits it. I always liked the colour, but it didn't seem very 'sporty'. It does, however, look very 70s. Anyway, when it comes time to repaint, it will likely be the same colour. It's currently still wearing its original factory paint.
I know that feeling. In the pictures of the ad for my Europa it looked black. Imagine my suprise as I saw that it was this very special brown. But It is very 70s and I have come to love it.
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Our little Diva looks like it almost always does...
standing around without its damn engine :deadhorse:
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Brian, Here in Pennsylvania the Historic licence plates have a embossed picture of an old Model T on them. I dont't like them very much and had some various other tags made. I will use the state plate, but it will be portable and not affixed, behind the drivers headrest using the rear window for identification. The Troopers will probably stop me at some point, but I think they will want to see the car and not issue a summons. My Marine ID, Viet Nam Vet card usually gets me a free pass.
A picture of the noise maker for you...ld
Rather than an embossed picture, Utah vintage vehicle plates have a sticker that is applied at the DMV. This sticker is easy to remove directly after it is applied.... And easy enough to replace with a better looking, more appropriate sticker. I too wonder what a Trooper will think of this improvement.
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Mark, The plate works for me, I like the small stencil of the twink & "uropa" has a eye-catching visual to it. ld
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Very cool plate, Mark. Now is truley a personalised plate. I like.
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Mine looks like this 1972 TC big valve.
Spyder frame and suspension
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She looks great in red. :coolpic: :Welcome:
That's a crazy assortment of vehicles behinds your Europa!
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:Welcome: Your Europa is beautiful. I really like the wheels, too. Are they Revolution four spokes?
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:BEER3: :beerchug:
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That picture might make a good candidate for a caption contest :beerchug:
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ok....
"the more beer I drink, the better the car looks....."
Brian
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First competition event in the S2, shakedown at Rob Roy Hillclimb near Melbourne.
No rude shocks although the ventilation fan and the starter both gave up the ghost.
Car is faster than me but not as quick as the Renault Alpine running same class on the day.
Edit: new image and link to video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Z_OtkJt3e0 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Z_OtkJt3e0)
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Very exciting stuff. Competition in a Europa would be a blast. I wish hill climb type events were available around here as I would like to give this a try myself.
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Yes very exciting stuff!! The video looking out the windshield is great.
I celebrate the day my starter died. The new gear reduction starter works so much better!
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I like the video link, it looks exciting without having to risk life, limb and the mortgage on the house if you know what I mean.
I've a couple of friends who hillclimbed in the UK and both said it was the most "cost effective motorsport" they knew, although whether that was for the benefit of the wives in attendance or not I don't know. But their logic was good, lots of mental pressure/adrenalin in a quick rush with an event so short that you knew one bad gearchange could write off the run.
That video looks smooth, neat driving and very promising. Almost had me reaching for the xbox control......
Brian
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Careful.....
Don't mention the war........... :-[
(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3688/9229406708_36431def7a.jpg)
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You can see why they have the nickname "porker" over here, can't you ?
:)
Brian
ps - even so I still like them and when I finally get my a$$?! into gear I might even get around to buying one......
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Stephan...........dang that was funny..........
Brian. One of my Porsche buddies just bought a 370Z.............holy friggin' smokes.......... my mind has been adjusted to the land of the rising sun.......and that sir, takes some doing.
mike
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yeah, they're impressive aren't they ? I don't know how much they are over your side of the pond but here they must be one of the biggest bang per buck you can buy. Something like £27k for the base model and for a 0-60 in 5 seconds car, that's phenomenal here. Cheaper than the cheapest Elise (£28.5k) and that's slower than the 370, which must be giving Lotus a real headache.
I know of two locally, one of which seems to be driven like it's been stolen whenever I see it. The only snag is...... they're not 8) (got my street cred to think of y'know)
Brian
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Just to show we (Australians) are not completely in the lucky country.
Cheapest new Elise around AUD77L = USD70K = GBP47K
Cheapest new 370 around AUD60K = USD54K = GBP36.5K
The spec may not be completely the same, but regardless I think we are being shafted on substantial duties & taxes.
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£47k ? ouch. I bet you don't see many new Lotus cars on the roads then ? And the base Elise really is poverty spec compared with many modern cars so I guess they really struggle in your marketplace ?
Brian
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I tried to find the current price list for the Lotus sales point in Denmark, but it seems that prices are only available on request. But I did find a magazine test which put the base Elise 2011 model at 753.000 DKK.
With todays exchange rate, that will be about £87k... :blowup:
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Still sitting unfortunately...
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Hi,
my car is looking dirty today. Cat sneaked by me and got himself locked up in the garage. This is how I find my car as I noticed it some hours later. :'(
Roof and front looked the same.
Uwe
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Ah yes, cats on the Lotus. The neighbour's cat hangs out with me in the garage sometimes. Once, when the engine cover was opened, the cat had hopped up onto the roof and then aimed for the top of the open engine cover. I made a mad dash across the garage to grab him but was too late. The cat lept onto the engine cover, but the prop rod couldn't handle the load and folded like a wet noodle.
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(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y26/Bainford/Lotus/IMG_3736.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/Bainford/media/Lotus/IMG_3736.jpg.html)
Let the road trip begin :pirate:
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:trophy: go for it
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Now Trevor, I admire enthusiasm as much as anybody. And I know you like a road trip, but I reckon you are getting a bit ambitious this time.
I mean, LOG33 is ok, but an alternative destination of "Bust" ?? That's in France you know mate.... there's a big puddle in the way !
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bust,_Bas-Rhin (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bust,_Bas-Rhin)
:)
(yes, I'm in a silly mood tonight....)
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Trevor, I hope your trip is going well and you are taking some :coolpic: along the way!
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Atta Boy Trevor, Hope you have a safe journey to the Glen.ld
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Thanks for all the well wishes guys. I really appreciate it.
Well, I made it to LOG 33 and back. :pirate: Total miles travelled (round trip) is 2827.6 miles. Interstates and major highways avoided at all cost. The Europa worked like charm throughout the entire trip. Rain, rough roads, heat, traffic, all handled without complaint. Not a single issue to report, and I couldn't be more pleased with the performance and reliability of my little Lotus. It was working better on the last day than it was on the first day. I promised her a big hug when I got home.
The Event itself was a great success. Once I get my photos sorted out in a couple of days I'll start a new thread on LOG 33.
Cheers :beerchug:
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y26/Bainford/Lotus/LOG8.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/Bainford/media/Lotus/LOG8.jpg.html)
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Glad you made it back home safe Trevor!! It was a pleasure to meet you! My dad and I had a great time with you at LOG! Looking forward to see your photos you took! :D
Pic of how mine looks now! :trophy:
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Thanks Chris, and it was indeed a pleasure to meet and hang out with you and your Dad. I have a lot of pictures that I took at the event, many of which include your car. Once I get it all sorted out I'll send you a CD full of pics.
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Good to hear you guys had a great time at LOG33, I'm looking forward to the photos. But hey, what's this ????
The Europa worked like charm throughout the entire trip. Rain, rough roads, heat, traffic, all handled without complaint.
and then.....
Not a single issue to report
Well, it looks like a Lotus, it's about the size of a Lotus and it sounds like a Lotus, but hey, come on man..... Lotus and "reliable" in the same paragraph ? :)
A 3000 mile road trip is pretty impressive for a 40yr old car, well done Trevor. I'll look forward to the full report later on.
Brian
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Haha. Yeah, It felt odd as I typed the 'R' word, but she certainly deserved to be labeled as such. In fact, in the 3.5 years that I have owned the car I have piled on over 13,000 miles, and with the exception of some tuning issues in year two, there have been amazingly few problems. I am a firm believer that the more the car is driven, the fewer the problems that will be encountered.
Prior to buying the car, and in the years since, I have read countless reports online of owners or previous owners who claim that their Europa was brilliant... when it ran. Many counts of people who would never dare to drive it more than 20-25 miles from home, and only then with their AAA card in hand and the number of a friend with a truck and trailer. This was disconcerting at first, for as you know, one of my favorite activities is to 'road trip' a classic car. I was most concerned at first, but decided that there was no reason why such a simple car, properly maintained and modified where necessary, could not be made to be a reliable road machine. I certainly do stand to incur roadside problems if I continue to 'road trip' the machine, but thus far the results have been most encouraging.
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I've got to say Trevor, you're spot on with your attitude towards these cars.
I do play the "lots of trouble, usually serious" line I know, but it's all tongue in cheek and in truth I've always thought they're good little cars. Yes, they break and things wear out probably quicker than on a family saloon, but I'm convinced the main cause of the unreliable image is just down to lousy quality control at Lotus in the 60s and then a lack of maintenance as the cars dropped downmarket and people ran them on a shoestring.
It was bought home to me by a bloke I worked with who raced and did his own mechanics. I was going on about something with my TC engine and he just looked and said "if that engine was in a Lotus Cortina (Ford UK 4-seater family saloon) it would do 100,000 miles, bring home shopping, do the school run, get serviced once a year and it wouldn't miss a beat". It got me thinking and it's true, the drivetrains are no different from any other car, so why should we expect them to crumble into dust ?
You carry on driving it Trevor. And keep posting the pictures.....
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Trevor, Like any fine weapon for the road...Keep it clean & maintained and it will out last your ammo. After bush patrols, at base camp, we always did a squad weapons check upon returning... then chow and finally some sack time. {if you didn't pull perimeter security}
So now... go give her some fresh fluids, you can snuggle later. Semper Fi...ld
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Haha... cheers Lou. Semper Fi
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It's a while since I posted and as we're currently enjoying some sunshine over here in the UK, I took some photos yesterday just before heading off for our annual Ministry of Transport inspection (MoT test). Everything clean and polished, some period 70s tunes on the CD and thanks to a very understanding mechanic I know have a fresh certificate for another year's motoring. Phew, I'm really going to have to do something about the handbrake on this thing..... :-\
Brian
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Congratulations Brian. I know the UK MoT is a rigorous and thorough affair, and not the easiest to pass at the best of times. I can imagine that vintage cars of any stripe can be particularly difficult. Well done mate. I think you should treat yourself and the CEO to a weekend road trip to celebrate. ;)
Just curious Brian; what part of the UK are you living in?
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:)
The CEO is going on a road trip all of her own tomorrow, on a coach with all her mates and they're off to some picturesque village with "lots of quaint and interesting little shops". I'm far better off staying here looking after the chickens and the dog.....
Brian
ps - actually the MoT test isn't unreasonable for cars of this vintage and you wouldn't want to drive a Lotus that wasn't in good health anyway. The problem comes when you get a testing station which is used to modern cars with modern build standards and they start to get picky about light output from headlamps, how loud the exhaust is and if it's "standard", etc. Some things you can fail on are just plain silly, but the underlying principle of the car being mechanically roadworthy is sound. Still, I'm glad it's over for another year ;)
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I've been busy with old house work and not online here much..... But I was just glancing at the LOG photos and saw the charming retro-brown Europa. Oh how it made me want to fish my other work and get in my car and drive somewhere. Sounds like a fun trip!
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Another day at the hillclimb.
Cut over 0.5sec from previous time but also ran into some temperature issues on the way home, seems to have spat out more than a reasonable amount of water.
Sump is full of oil, bores are full of air but cooling system is down, suspect head gasket or not really bled/full in the first place at this point.
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This is what 4380r looked like earlier this weekend.
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:newhere:
My Europa Twin Cam Special 1973
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Hi and welcome to the forum Stuart. Now that's one very clean looking car and those slot mags bring back some memories. At one point I felt like they were everywhere but these days they're a rare sight.
Brian
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Dang..........that car is so clean...........Stuart............is this the first time it's been out of the garage?
mike
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Ready to race in season 2014 :pirate:
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I find it interesting that almost all Europa owners are still using the factory issued broom handle to hold the rear lid open. Although I see you have special edition version, painted the same color as the car.
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:newhere:
My Europa Twin Cam Special 1973
Welcome to the forum, Stuart. I agree with the others, that is one seriously clean looking Europa. I love the period wheels. It seems that period pictures of Europas frequently showed these wheels, but today you hardly ever see them. Does your car get driven much?
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Ready to race in season 2014 :pirate:
Mecky, that has to be one of the most seriously mean looking Europas I've ever seen. I'd love to ride along a couple of hard laps in something like that. Very cool.
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Hi Mecky,
Have you lowered the car this season ? The chunky wheels/tyres caught my eye first and then it hit me just how much lower it is than a standard car. If so I'd be interested to know what spring rates you're using to get away with that sort of set-up.
Brian
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Dang Mecky,
that is the baddest looking Europa I've ever seen. It is now my computer screen background picture.
If it goes as good as it looks..........well hell yes............. (hillbilly talk 101).
mike
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Hi chaps,
thanks for the compliments ^-^ We have lowered the Europa's height in the middle of 2012 from 10 cm down to 7 cm at the lowest points. I don't know the spring rates without looking them up. I'll try to not forget it next time.
I don't think that rinding along in the pessengers seat is such a good idea. It is a go-kart seat without seat-belts and its fixed with two little screws in the bottom and one thin Aluminium support :-D
Maybe it is now as good as it looks. The engine was tuned by the best known historic Renault race car tuning company in Germany and already ran 10 hours at the dyno. With 160 HP and 180 Nm it should move the 670 kg quite fast. Before the next season begins, we are definetly going to test the car at Zolder. No more races are entered, before the Europa showed its ability to survive a few long runs.
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7cm ? :huh:
Wow, that's low. Is it measured under the central chassis or as the lowest possible contact at the anti-roll bar mounts on the front dampers ? Heck, it makes me smile to think that I was driving myself round the bend wondering if dropping mine from the standard 15cm to 12-13cm would be a mod too far !
I would be interested in the spring rates though. Until this year I would never have considered changing from standard but this summer I replaced the Elan's suspension with adjustable dampers and stronger springs, going from 75/67.5 lbs/ins standard to 140/120 lbs/ins and it's made an incredible difference to the car. I can't help but wonder if the same trick would work with the Europa (different rates of course)
Brian
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The 7 cm are measured at the lowest point of the whole car and that is the rear end of the door sill. Because the car must be able to roll above a 6 cm high and 80 cm wide block of wood, the anti-roll bar mounts are not relevant. But this block must also be able to be pushed underneath the car from the left to the right between front and rear wheels. We can't go down to 6 cm, because that would cause the front tires to touch the fender.
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This is what my Europa looks like today...... almost done
(http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b597/7upJohn/LOTUS16_zpse9ebaae9.jpg) (http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/7upJohn/media/LOTUS16_zpse9ebaae9.jpg.html)
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...... almost done
Exciting!
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Weather has been a little ordinary this weekend, so some overdue investigations into the wiring and where a few smoke pipes were connected.
Thermostat and fan relay now wired correctly (was working, but the override switch on dash wasn't connected properly (now functional).
Headlight dipper now has 2 positions rather than 3.5 and the flasher works, however only a patch up as switch block is cracked and needs replacement.
Horn now capable of a honk (if you don't mind holding the wires together under the dash), however wiring up to the horn push was dodgy (removed) and had been wrapped around the shaft, no slip ring or pencil contact present (next job).
Revised horn mount to take some stress of the fibreglass.
Pulled apart a few grounding and power connections, cleaned, wiped in anti-corrosive contact 'goo', assembled, taped or ties as appropriate.
Slipped some rubbing strips in around the radiator hoses where they are a bit tight to the aluminium bulkhead.
Shoved the camera up into the central chassis spine to check all was good (tick) and check if the mounting holes and plates for the rollover hoop brace (runs from the hoop to the chassis spine) were present (tick).
Need to fabricate a new 2-piece 'console' so I can fit the brace (will feel a little safer and give the passenger an 'oh Jesus' handle.
Looked at what I need to install a second fire extinguisher (drivers side and within reach while strapped in).
Wrote a few notes and came inside for a cuppa.
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Good progress report, Stephen. That's tidy dash on your Europa.
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Wet, muddy but fast (relatively).
54/1690 showed most of the field how manageable a Europa can be in slippery conditions (Historic & Classic Hillclimb).
1st in the 1501-2000cc class.
3rd fastest outright on the day, trailing only a rapid Elfin Clubman (late model FI engine etc) and a Brabham BT16 open wheeler.
Very happy :trophy:
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:beerchug:
Wow, that's excellent, what a great result. And to be 3rd outright on the day is even more significant to me than winning the class, I bet you're praying for rain in the next round ?
Open a couple of beers, you've earned them.
Brian
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That sounds great. Did you manage to beat the Renault Alpine as well?
What tyres did you use in this conditions?
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Congratulations :beerchug: You've represented the Europa well. Cheers
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Thanks all.
No to praying for rain, Yes to beating the Alpine (1st time and maybe the last), Toyo Proxes RA1 185/60R13 on 5.5inch rims (not great in the full wet but seem fine in patchy/damp conditions).
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Test fit on my current project, the Europa Transporter.
This was the 'go/no go' point to see if a one man load/unload operation was actually feasible.
All worked well so now to fit the permanent guides, trailer jacks, wheel chocks and tie down points.
A tight fit, but as the trailer was a bargain I had to give it a go.
Small electric winch is fitted to the front of the trailer (external) so it is basically front wheels on the ramps, hook up, winch in and lock down.
To remove, unlock and reverse out on the winch (winch has brakes), I had no difficulty on my test run other than working out the best trailer angle.
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That looks nice and snug.
It will also prevent you from putting big flares of your car :-D
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my lotus today:
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look at the size of that shop.............holy smokes
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48% of task completed on the way to completing the rear disc conversion, currently have a working braking system comprising front discs and disc/drum rear.
I think that means I am 75-80% the way to actually getting it finished having learned my lessons on 7mm roll pins, universal joints, rear wheel bearings and hub assemblies during that 48% of the actual task :newhere:
Could probably get completed today but it is getting too hot in the shed and time to hide in the house until the sun goes down.
However not very progressed on the ventilated front disc upgrade, having not measured the stub axles before ordering the new hubs. :headbanger:
Have a couple of plans to sort that, but they can wait until the rears are completed and tested.
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your rear disc conversion, is that a kit? if so, from where? was it an easy install?
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Kit from Europa Engineering (Banks UK).
(http://www.parts.banks-europa.co.uk/photos/cc0000d_1.jpg)
Easy enough given I am new to the Europa so learning some of the tricks along the way.
Might have to do a little bit of rework on the handbrake cable but otherwise no significant issues.
Note: You don't get instructions, Richard expects you can figure it out for yourself, although I'm sure he would assist remotely if asked.
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nice work you're doing on your car!
will a proportional valve be required for the braking system to equalize front/rear braking pressure?
i'm interested in doing this conversion myself.
thanks in advance
andyh
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nice work you're doing on your car!
will a proportional valve be required for the braking system to equalize front/rear braking pressure?
i'm interested in doing this conversion myself.
thanks in advance
andyh
Is there a package number/ part number? this is for an S2? yes?
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I found it. $1000 dollars is steep i think. would you mind, what is the benefit? is it a 1000$ worth of better braking?
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will a proportional valve be required for the braking system to equalize front/rear braking pressure?
andyh
I have a dual master cylinder setup with balance bar adjustment on the dash.
So in theory I should now be able to wind in some more front bias.
Then when I fit the bigger front discs I can wind it rearwards again :)
As to the cost, I doubt you can qualify the $$ against actual braking performance in any meaningful way.
I just wanted more braking power, this was a convenient way in my opinion to achieve that.
Could have engineered something from scratch (have done so in the past) but I want to drive this car, not spend most of my time with it in bits.
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Just the chassis, but a sneak peek at what my chassis looks like as of yesterday.
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That looks magnificant. Especially if you bare in mind that this is the oldest Lotus Europa Chassis in the world. :beerchug:
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Oh yeah that's looking good :D. How's the rest of it coming along
Dave
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Ooh... shiny things hiding behind the rear wheels and a way to turn the heater off a bit more effectively.
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Well, I did some work on the front suspension the last few weekends:
- Poly bush everything
- everything cleaned and painted
- new wheel bearings
- new stub axles
- new nuts & bolts
- longer and bigger wheel studs
- new ball joints
I just need to mount the hubs to the stub axles.
Some iPhone pics below.
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Serge,
You have an S1, all that has to come off to fit the frame back and glass it in place. Good practice though ;-)
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At the coffee shop.
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Great contrast to the usual, modern, big, mostly grey and silver cars. Only thing missing is the crowd on the chairs, which admires and talks about this yellow car. :pirate:
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Looking good, Mark. How's it running?
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It's running great, thanks to new diaphragms in both carbs. :beerchug:
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I moved my truck out to the building where the lotus is staying. She got a windshield today and looks like a real car!
Here is a shot of the frame too!
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Since the last photos the ARB has been mounted and I've mounted the hubs back on the front suspension and I've restored the front brake calipers. Some quick phone pictures.
Don't pay attention to the location of the brake hose and bleed valve, I was playing around with their placement to get some extra steering articulation. I think I've solved the problem.
I know I'll have to take it all off again, but at least I'm able to correct any errors while the chassis isn't inside the body.
Serge
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Good job Serge!
:beerchug:
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Nice job Serge!
I had a 10-32 nut tacked in my grease cap so I could use a screw to get the cap off if I needed to later. The shape of those things made it difficult for me to take them off without ruining them. You might consider something like that (or maybe you figured out an easy way to get them off! :) ).
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The chassis is coming along. Sanded primed and painted. now stuff is being put back on.
The SS coolant transfer pipes from Banks are well worth the shipping change! New Fidanza fly wheel is all business. the SS headers have been fitted and look great. Hope to have photos next week with the engine and trans mounted.
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Saw the car again today. about another days work and the body can go on.
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Now that steering wheel looks great. I know it's not original but there are still aftermarket ones around which were options in the period and a lot of folks would have swapped them when the car was new to get a better feel on the wheel rim.
One thing that did occur to me though is that the junction with the brake light switch will be awkward to access once the body is in place. Even trying to get to those flexibles is a fiddle when the body is on because you have to work underneath with the arm in your way.
On mine the front to rear brake line goes through the central chassis section with rubber grommets at the holes. The junction is situated inside the chassis leg "C" section so you can see the switch & other line electrical connections from inside the engine bay.
Brian
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I am very pleased with the steering wheel (Moto Lita, UK). The car has several... non original components. My priorities remain original handling and engine. anything else is fair game.
You raise some good points on the brakes. I will have to discuss with the shop this week.
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I thought it might be a Mota Lita wheel. It looks like one of their aluminium billet adapters as well ? I got a black spoke Mk 4 last Christmas as a present from my wife and it does feel the part. Expensive for sure, but I think they are well worth the money.
On the brakes, a lot of folks run the front/rear line underneath the central spine because it's easier access and you can keep your eye on it for corrosion. I fitted mine through the spine simply because that's the way it had been done from OEM. You pays your money.... etc.
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Engine is in! :pirate:
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OK not technically today, but less than 48hours ago so close enough :)
I ran 2nd in class at a short sprint event on Sunday to the benchmark Alpine A110 Group4.
The gap is slowly closing and the Alpine driver (John) mentioned he thinks we are starting to push each other to try harder.
Given he lowered the course record (again) by 0.2sec and is still 0.9sec clear I mentioned I might be in his mirror but still well off needing to look over his shoulder.
:trophy:
When I sort out some changes to Youtube I'll maybe post some video, but for the moment some low res captures through the windscreen.
This one is very much a road course complete with potholes, gravel, bumps and water weeping out of the surface.
A few of these events now running as community fund raisers.
Good fun.
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Woohoo! Congrats, Stephen :trophy: Now that's having fun with a Europa. I'd like to see some similar low key events in this area. That looks like a lot of fun. Cheers.
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If anyone wants to burn up 200MB of their available bandwidth you can get a video of a few runs from this link:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/p90zrge62yk19uk/Myrniong%2020140414.wmv (https://www.dropbox.com/s/p90zrge62yk19uk/Myrniong%2020140414.wmv)
Didn't get everything from the day but enough to get the picture.
At the end of the video I left the footage of about half the vehicles waiting to come back down the road.
Good mix from Vintage though into 70's with a few modern recreations.
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Nice video! Congrats!
Have you ever considered a close ratio gear set?
Back in the time some drivers in Italy use to ran a special renault set for hill climb
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A CR gearset is something on the future upgrades list.
Do you know a good supplier for the 5 speed?
As the motor loosens up it doesn't mind being buzzed a bit.
However given I was told after the event that the Alpine was running over 8000rpm across the line me running to 7500 is not so drastic perhaps.
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running a crossflow over 7000 rpm for long time is not advisable if it's not equiped with a dry sump.
rods will suffer and in a long term you will brake.
This is what Monsieur Charly Carcreff told me when I was inquiring for one of their fantastic engines 160/220HP.
For the gear set 5 speed I would recommend Bacci Trasmissioni for Italy/Europe area
In Australia I knew that Albins was having a set for the 5 speed UN1
I was speaking about the close ratio set for the 4 speed 336.
It was common for this last to use the kit "montaigne" from Renault. This was the one made for Renault 8 godini 1100 on 1965.
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For the gear set 5 speed I would recommend Bacci Trasmissioni for Italy/Europe area
In Australia I knew that Albins was having a set for the 5 speed UN1
Thanks Valerio,
Albins haven't manufactured any Renault gearsets for some years and have sold all stock.
I spoke with them about 2 months ago on the subject.
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Looks like loads of fun. Thanks for posting the great video!
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eye balls!
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Rear bearing housings!
Before & After:
- Clean manually with a wirebrush
- Remove bearings & bolts (including those that were stuck in there)
- Clean with wirewheel (anglegrinder for the big bits, dremel for the fiddly bits)
- Scuff with a scuffpad
- Polish with Autosol
- Clear with KBS Diamond finish
- Sand + Polish the clear
- Install brand new bolts
- Repeat for the other side.
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New clutch and ready for the next (dyno) test. Very beautiful with this great wheels and the Sahara-dust :D
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Rear bearing housings!
Before & After:
- Clean manually with a wirebrush
- Remove bearings & bolts (including those that were stuck in there)
- Clean with wirewheel (anglegrinder for the big bits, dremel for the fiddly bits)
- Scuff with a scuffpad
- Polish with Autosol
- Clear with KBS Diamond finish
- Sand + Polish the clear
- Install brand new bolts
- Repeat for the other side.
Ciao Serge,
here I would suggest to use 4 helicoils to strengh those 8M bolts.
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Did you have any threads fail on your bearing housing?
Did you use a standard helicoil type insert, or a solid insert?
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No fails, but I saw my hub carriers were in need of a compete Overhaul.
It's in my mind that for competition use we are having a quite weak car...
take a look at this rear wheel, you don't want to know what happened 10 metres ahead...
https://www.flickr.com/photos/pietroz/4514562673/
I would use the standard helicoid anyway!
ciao
Valerio
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Did you have any threads fail on your bearing housing?
Did you use a standard helicoil type insert, or a solid insert?
I managed to successfully damage 2 on my hub carrier last year when I had it apart. :-[
Given the age of these things I reckon (with hindsight) that it's a good idea to helicoil the lot while the suspension is in pieces. I just used standard helicoils and it was all surprisingly easy to do.
Brian
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Did you have any threads fail on your bearing housing?
Did you use a standard helicoil type insert, or a solid insert?
I'm a big believer in time-serts. More expensive but easier to install and I think a better fix.
(http://www.timesert.com/images/index/image003.gif)
http://www.timesert.com/
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Thanks for all the information. I've read that the timeserts are a better solution to the standard helicoils, that's why I asked.
I quickly ran a tap through all of the threads after I clearcoated the housing and the threads seemed fine to me. But I'll see to get some inserts to make it bulletproof.
Serge
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I've not heard of those Timesert things before, but I've got to say they look much more of an engineering solution.
I didn't have a big problem with standard helicoils but as a newcomer to them I did manage to get one wrongly threaded during the insert phase. Fortunately it was obvious and I was able to just break it out and start again, but something like those solid bushes would have been far simpler to install.
Considering how few of these jobs I do I'm not sure cost is a big issue compared with the certainty of getting it right first time ?
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The time sert inserts are significantly more expensive. A timesert kit will cost about 55 euro compared to 20 euro for a regular helicoil kit. (75$ vs 28$)
An added thing is that they aren't readily available here in Europe. I don' t like replacing the bolts with M8 bolts, so I have to try and source a 5/16-24 insert kit. It's not a problem to find the regular helicoils, but even Wurth doesn't list the UNF kits here.
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Serge, I see the 5/16 24 kit is available here in the States. I would be more than willing grab a kit and forward it to you.
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Again me.
I used 8M all around 8.8 - 10.8 strengh
UNF I sourced were charming but not for race use.
I am Sorry to bug you but I just feel I have to share my experiences
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Thanks Joe, but I see I can easily buy them off of Ebay US and they'll ship them to here. But I need to go and see our local Wurth shop, they seem to be the ones that sell them over here, maybe they can get hold of the UNF sets. It will save me a lot in import charges if they can.
Valerio, no bother at all, your own experiences can only help to make my car better. Getting the M8 parts here isn't that difficult, but I would like to keep the original 5/16 size. No reason other than me being stubborn and not wanting to mix imperial and metric bolts everywhere.
Serge
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Getting M8 is easy in Europe of course.
You have to consider how strong they have to be.
I don know where to source UNF 10.8 high tensile
May be from Damon Tweeks?
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I use UNF grade S bolts (50-55 Tons per square inch), that's the same what they used originally. It's the same as grade 8.8. Do you think there is a need for such great strength in these bolts?
Edit: Grade S seems to be the same as grade 8.8.
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Well, when I will have the Eau Rouge in front of my eyes I want to be sure that I am having my chassis, suspensions and wheels strong enough.
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10.8 are for Roll bars
8.8 for suspension and engine mountings
4.5 is usually for home use.
Stainless just for aesthetic... Body ancillaries and so on
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Yesterday :pirate:
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Today, with a new friend :)
Class record holder Michael turned up at a hillclimb with his new toy.
Fast and pleasantly raucous too.
Both had good days after (coincidentally) both stuffing up our first run.
At least Michael kept the wheels on the black stuff unlike me :'(
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Great pictures!
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Mecky and Oz boys........indeed great pictures. Here is a lesson for all, if you buy a fixer house be prepared. I haven't turned an automotive wrench in nine months............and spend all my extra time working on what I thought I wanted. It will all turn out good but, gawd..........when?
Lads, keep the pix coming.....I need a mental boost.
mike
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Mike, I finally finished my most recent fixer/restoration house project and some day you will too.
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I've been busy driving. :)
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Looks like its almost ready for the body to go back on!!!
This is a long process....
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May 2014. Doors are off. Applying primer to body to reveal blemishes that need addressing.
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7326/13968962139_6bb289e6bd_b.jpg)
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I love looking at these photos of Europa regeneration. :coolpic:
Size matters.(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ce3GAlUEWtc/U3KMuuud-gI/AAAAAAAADKM/HLvuVoyWBmc/w805-h453-no/20140503_134013.jpg)
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Making more progress on the shop than on the car. Finished up on the demo, looking to get power run out there in the coming weeks.
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Where it has been for the last 12 months......sigh.......stuck in the back of the garage
-
:coolpic:
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Where it has been for the last 12 months......sigh.......stuck in the back of the garage
Mike,
What's left to be done on your TCS? I thought you got your shift linkage problem fixed.
Joji
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Next to nothing to get done.....sept.....that darn shifting issue. Oh' and have the headrests shaved down...of course I wrote about that last year. An extra two inches to two and half inches of head back will make a big difference. I'll have the local boys do so I don't mess it up.
mike
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La storia inizia.
-
:coolpic:
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At the Eaglewood Festival of Speed. Not today but close enough....
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I know I'm prejudiced but seeing one parked next to the Esprit, I can't help but think Lotus lost their way when they moved "up-market" in the late 70s/80s. I know the Esprit is modern, faster, etc, etc, but it just looks clumsy compared to the Europa, which looks like it's doing 100 just standing still......
Brian
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Cool pics Mark. The Europa is looking great. Looks like there are some nice machines there. The yellow Europa looks nice next to the red Esprit. I agree with Brian, though. I, too, have felt that the Lotus of the 'Esprit' era were somewhat of a departure from the Lotus method. Nice cars that look cool, but in the picture the size difference seems significant. Though, like Brian, perhaps I too am biased.
:beerchug:
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The Europa is looking really good! The second pictures reinforces why a Europa driver has to be a very alert defensive driver!
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Getting closer. only a few more weeks i think
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It's looking really good! I like the color scheme. Are you going to the LOG?
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Each year i pan on going to log. and each year life happens. I am planning on attending log. fingers crossed it works out this year.
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Great weekend at Spa-Francorchamps :trophy:
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Woohoo! Congrats Mecky. I must say that your Europa looks great in the side profile shot. :beerchug:
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All that clutter on the roof is going to play heck with the aerodynamics you know. Plus all those cups will just add weight and slow you down ? And I thought you were trying to lose weight from it..... :)
Well done, that must have been hard work. So come on - spill the beans about the event ?
Brian
Edit to add - I see you have the tale in the other thread on racing experiences. Beating a GT40 sounds..... 8)
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Hi,
brought my special this morning to the mandatory inspection (TÜV) here in Germany. After some friendly help from the automobile club, due to one sparkplug without .. spark.
At least I got my self a pair of shoes in matching color last week.
Greetings,
Uwe
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Uwe,
Glad you got her going! Of course the matching shoes are a nice touch! :)
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Uwe, that is a beautiful Europa Special. I love the colour, and I'm sure it is the only one I've seen in that colour. Very nice indeed.
The matching shoes are nice, too. I need another pair of driving shoes and have though about getting Puma shoes as the price seems reasonable compared to some other bespoke driving shoes. How do you like these shoes?
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Uwe, They say the shoes make the man!...well done! ld
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One of mine is like this, photos from Classic Car show in Bangkok last year. ;D
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I quite like the stripe, that would be good enough to attract every police car for miles around here ! :)
I like the bubble car in the background as well, in fact I've always fancied one of those things but they're crazy prices over here now and I've missed the boat. It's probably as well, whenever I start looking at them at shows my missus walks off in the distance muttering and shaking her head......
Brian
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Very nice!
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That's a great looking Europa, Nuk. I like the stripe to. Very cool.
-
Thank you Brian, BDA, and Bainford.
Actually the original color is black underneath, the flat yellow colour and the stripe was done by the colour film overlay. I can peal the film off to be black again easily.
It is quite easy and lower cost to change color and protect the paint :beerchug:
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That's really cool! You can almost change the color depending on your mood! ;D
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Uwe, that is a beautiful Europa Special. I love the colour, and I'm sure it is the only one I've seen in that colour. Very nice indeed.
The matching shoes are nice, too. I need another pair of driving shoes and have though about getting Puma shoes as the price seems reasonable compared to some other bespoke driving shoes. How do you like these shoes?
Hello,
the shoes are fine. They have a nice fit, since I have small feet. I got them in a outlet center in Belgium, so, there were not so expensive, 60 €.
Best regards,
Uwe
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Hello Uwe,
I like the color of your Europa and the shoe too, very nicely match :trophy:
Nuk
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Nuk & Uwe :coolpic:
Nuk, Looks great! I wonder if "color film overlay" is the same as "vinyl wrap"?
Do you have many seams and how do they look up close?
-
Sweet ride Nuk..........let's see the other ones.
mike
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Nuk & Uwe :coolpic:
Nuk, Looks great! I wonder if "color film overlay" is the same as "vinyl wrap"?
Do you have many seams and how do they look up close?
Hello Mark,
Sorry for my English, I might use wrong word. I think they are the same, but here they call it as film.
Sweet ride Nuk..........let's see the other ones.
mike
Hello Mike,
Another one of mine is just be able to run last week, here she is:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNO7KbTMibI&list=UU0HLNasKwd-NPcPi4KBQHAw&index=1
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still some work to do on the engine / exhaust part of the banks
That is very nice, is that Bank 62 body? Must be very fast when finish :coolpic:
This remind me of my ex S2. Wish I can get her back at the same condition I have sold 7 years ago, but it will never happen as that one was fully modified with Formula 3 space frame and Honda Mugen engine by the new owner, a Japanese car racer already. She is in the next level for now. Anyway, this is the photos just before I sold her, very sad that I can't keep her by that time :-[
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still some work to do on the engine / exhaust part of the banks
That looks great!Iwould like to see more of this car. Are you planning on racing it?
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Hi there,
just getting ready for the Classic Days at Castle Dyck tomorrow. Just a quick wash, rinse, repeat.
I will deliver a full report on Sunday or Monday evening.
Greetings,
Uwe
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Very nice Uwe, please do not forget to show us some photos from the event ;)
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I have made some progress on #460002, but it has been slow!
The complete rear suspension has been restored and is ready for assembly. Next weekend I'll try to get it all together as well as the rear brakes.
I have filmed so much, but can't find the time to edit the videos. I'm hoping I'll be able to put something together in the next few weeks. There are 15 videos online at the moment, and I have footage for at least 5 more and the footage keeps getting more and more. The problem is when I do have some free time, I'd rather work on the car and get something done than sitting behind my computer editing.
Kind regards,
Serge
http://sleurs-motorsport.com/
http://www.youtube.com/sleursmotorsport
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It's winter, I've been away, so the Europa has been neglected until today.
Moved the rear number plate up out of the way of the ground (got sick of removing or/and bending it) complete with custom LED lamp (a bit brighter than I expected).
Fitted a 'replica - but shrunk in the washing to 2/3 scale' front plate.
Off the stands and tyres back on the ground.
Will be a couple of short outings and a wash/polish this weekend.
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Looks good, Stephen. And I see you have the requisite drip pan in place.;) I have a similar pan under mine. ;D
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And I see you have the requisite drip pan in place.
Yes a weep around the gearshift shaft and rear casing.
Not a lot but still bugs me, I decided not to get too concerned and wound up until the gearbox comes out.
Q: Anyone tried to change the shaft seal with the gearbox in situ?
-
The poor Europa stuffed into the corner again.........this car cannot get a road trip no matter how hard it tries. Even with a new garage there is never enough room. I fear I may need to thin the herd.
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You definitely have a nice stable there, but before you get too carried away, I suggest you drive it on a twisty road for a while before you decide to thin the Europa!
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My own version of the competition engine mounts. I've finished the design today and one is almost ready, only need to weld the housing on. You can see the original one on the left, on the right my modified version.
Now I have to take a couple of weeks off of working on the Europa because of university, but afterwards I'll put in a week of extra effort to make the other engine mount and a gearbox mount, then I'll assemble the rear suspension.
Serge
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OK so my first day at this particular hillclimb venue didn't start off so well, wet, damp, slippery and unpredictable.
But it got better as the day dried out and I worked out where the actual corners, braking and turn-in points were.
Ended up 2nd in class to a very quick S2000 Honda in track guise (which won outright).
Link to the summary here: https://flic.kr/p/oBre11 (https://flic.kr/p/oBre11)
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Oops! (From the video)
Congratulations on your second. Given it's to an S2000, I would say you did very well!
What motor are you running? It sounded pretty mean I the video!
-
:)
Great video, I really like these in-car video links. A good circuit as well but so many turns that it will take some learning to get it right. I think you'll be even better if you run it again, and losing out to a track-based car is no shame at all.
In fact when you think about it - track setup, bigger engine and 30+yrs in motoring design development, heck I think you did exceptionally well for an old Lotus !!!
Brian
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Cool video, I like the sound, pretty mean as BDA said. I think you did a great job, for me S2000 is something else, I don't even count it in the same class. :trophy:
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Oops! (From the video)
Congratulations on your second. Given it's to an S2000, I would say you did very well!
What motor are you running? It sounded pretty mean I the video!
The S2000 was a long way in front of me, the driver did say it was 'a bit scary' to drive fast.
The motor is a reasonably healthy crossflow Renault.
Link to a full lap here: https://flic.kr/p/oBs7d2 (https://flic.kr/p/oBs7d2)
A bit messy as I still have no idea where anything is, but at least most of the wet patches were gone.
Was useful talking to some of the locals that have done hundreds of laps, but I still need the miles both behind the wheel and on the circuit.
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Miner's Day parade, Park City, Utah.
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Never been out in a Europa, I sit in mine in my garage and pretend sometimes! ;D
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You need to get that thing together and drive it!!
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Yesterday in fact.
Only a little of my car visible between the 'Slow Down' sign at the end of the runway for a historic sprint event.
1st in the 1600 Production Sports class at 15.9sec (new class record) for the approx 1/4mile timed run :trophy:
Little Europa wasn't disgraced at about than 2sec off FTD (high 13s for a couple of real racing cars).
Last run I held the throttle down for a while and at 7200rpm in 4th those signs didn't seem to be far from the end of traction as we know it :o
Practice run here: https://flic.kr/p/oWHYpa (https://flic.kr/p/oWHYpa)
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Congratulations, Stephen!!! Europas are not drag racers and not being far behind real race cars is very impressive! :beerchug:
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:)
The engine sounds great in that video. Keep 'em coming !
:beerchug:
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Here's a link to a few pictures of my car. https://www.flickr.com/photos/lotusjps/sets/72157602714913519/
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Beautiful, JPS! What carburation are you using? That engine is really something!
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Beautiful, JPS! What carburation are you using? That engine is really something!
I think those are throttle bodies (fuel injected) :huh:
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That's what I figured. I had heard of somebody who had tried micro-squirt. I was wondering if it was JPS.
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They are Jenvey 45mm throttle bodies using a MBE ecu (distributerless). The engine is a 2.2 liter using a Cosworth BDG block and a stroker crank, custom JE pistons, titanium rods. No more getting passed on the straights. LOL ;)
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Very. nice! I'll bet it moves out pretty good!
Nice ride you got there, JPS!
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No more getting passed on the straights. LOL ;)
Fantastic, bet that will flatten a few hills nicely :)
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They are Jenvey 45mm throttle bodies using a MBE ecu (distributerless). The engine is a 2.2 liter using a Cosworth BDG block and a stroker crank, custom JE pistons, titanium rods. No more getting passed on the straights. LOL ;)
Wow! That's quite a spec. Man, that thing must be fun. :pirate:
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Fantastic, bet that will flatten a few hills nicely :)
Hills are definitely not a problem. Traction on the other hand can be a challenge. It would really benefit from bigger tires, though I really don't want to flair the fenders. It still has the original paint, and although has stress cracks (don't they all) still shines really well. Also the interior is all original (except for my race harness) and is in perfect condition.
The last track day (labor day weekend) only 3 cars were able to pass me, a full race Panoz, a road race nascar, and a GT 40. Think I really surprised a new Corvette owner when I flew by him. The next day it won best in class at the All British Field meet (though Dave's beautiful S1 should've won). Then the very next day I took top time at a giant slalom (fast autocross) by a margin of 3 seconds. Was a very good weekend (especially since the car came home without needing repairs).
:pirate:
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That is one fast and beautiful Europa!
It still has the original paint, and although has stress cracks (don't they all) still shines really well.
A Europa without stress cracks would be like Marilyn Monroe without her beauty mark. Stress cracks with original paint are as highly desirable as the patina of a fine antique. Without them a car losses much of its appeal. ;) :o
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Had a go at doing the headlining - then used what I later found to be 'the wrong door seals'. Doors won't close with them on
and I have found on the forum that the 'bubble' shape seal is incorrect and I need ones that have a 'flap'.
Still, 3 days later and the headlining is still up! Just bought white vinyl from a fabric shop (got some strange looks in there,
especially when I said it was for the roof of a classic Lotus!
rgds Mark
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A Europa without stress cracks would be like Marilyn Monroe without her beauty mark. Stress cracks with original paint are as highly desirable as the patina of a fine antique. Without them a car losses much of its appeal. ;) :o
Can I get an "Amen". I have an original paint car as well, and have come to appreciate the stress cracks as one does a beautiful but ageing women's changes in complexion as she ages. The lines of 'experience' are evidence of the soul. I love the patina of real world use on any car.
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Jeeezzz guys, I wish I can have a Europa...it will be my ultimate car as I have been in love with them as a youngster...BUT I don't fit in the car.........6ft4 and weights a 120kg, way to small for me :confused: :confused: :deadhorse: :deadhorse: :lotus:
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Bummer! It's not the height, IIRC, TheKid#9is about the same height. Besides that, I put a bubble in the roof of mine for extra headroom. The 240+ lbs might make it tougher to get around but if you're flexible, that helps.
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Today the Europa is 'legless' but new shoes are ready to go :)
A new set of Toyo R888 ready to bolt up.
You don't need the pictures of fresh oil and filters :welder:
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Looks like they won't have any trouble sticking to the pavement!
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Nice skins!
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Almost done! and just in time to put away for teh winter.... :blowup:
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She's looking great! You should be zipping around in your toy this spring!!!
Great garage, BTW! I'm seriously envious!
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StephenH, let me know how you like those tires. I was thinking about getting a set when my car is done.
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I have R888s fitted to both of my running S2s and from what I've experienced with tires on my local roads, I highly recommend them. Most of my Europa driving is done on a 20 mile round trip to town and back on a rural mountain road. I'm definitely not pushing the car or tires as hard as they are capable of on public roads but with the rare occasions that come up with a clear road ahead of me, I'm able to have some fun on the corners. These tires are absolutely amazing on warm dry pavement. I haven't driven them in the cold or wet or on the track so can't comment on those conditions with the R888s.
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According to the Toyo website, they are good in the rain, too! (http://toyotires.com/proxes-r888?gclid=CO2F2929hMICFajm7AodXDoAXQ) Hopefully, they will have good tread life since the car is very light!
What sizes are you running? Toyo doesn't list a 175-13.
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I'm running 185/60/13s all four corners. Both cars were previously fitted with the Sumitomo HTR200s ( no longer available) and the difference was beyond words. During turn in, the Sumis had a vague wobbly feel in the steering for about a half second before taking a set. I kind of got use to the feel of the Sumitomos after a while but when the R888s became available again a few years ago, the Sumitomos got replaced.
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I had Sumitomos on my Mercedes and didn't like them either.
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StephenH, let me know how you like those tires. I was thinking about getting a set when my car is done.
So far so good, better in wet and dry than the old Toyos, but realistically new tyres over old tyres almost always feels like a positive transformation.
Doing a private practice day this Sunday, will get plenty of time under them on that day.
FYI I'm not that fussed over tyre life as the car isn't driven far annually anyway.
Update: The R888s worked well on the short course I ran around yesterday.
Started off with understeer on tight 2nd gear turns and took a while to settle on a F/R pressure that worked on what was a very warm day.
Pressures I ran on the last hillclimb just didn't work yesterday (different course and very different temperature).
Did end up with some fuel vaporisation after having to sit on the dummy grid for a while with short full bore runs in between.
Fine once it cooled back down.
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Shoes off for the winter...
(http://i57.tinypic.com/3499co8.jpg)
(http://i61.tinypic.com/zips0g.jpg)
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That garage is toooo clean !!! Not even an occasional oil slick under the car, are you sure that's a Lotus you have there ? :)
Brian
(good to see progress, that looks a very professional set-up)
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Just went to a press release for the event "Thailand Classic & Super Car 2015" on the past Saturday, and an event Sunday Morning Drive, held by Classic Car Association of Thailand.
My Red Europa was not really ready for those events, but I did some work to make her look just okay to show up herself.
Please enjoy the photos
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Did you make that CF bonnet yourself? Is it any more rigid than the stock part? My TC bonnet is much more pliable than the S1's. Then again the S1's is about twice the weight. I was thinking about doing something along the same lines. Boot, bonnet & sills to go with my JPS paint scheme.
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Now that's a stunning location. Looking at the shots, were you the only Lotus there ? Some interesting machinery around, quite a collection of old and modern cars and that's something I like in an event. Old car shows are fine, but it's nice to contrast it with a few modern greats as well.
Brian
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Yeah, your car has some rough edges but she looks great (and small) with those other cars! I'm sure she will only look better from here on! How does she drive?
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Your car looks great! It makes that new Camero look swollen and bloated. :BEER3:
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One of these things is not like the other...
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Those will keep you busy!! :welder:
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Luckily I have Chewbacca back there to help out
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I've heard of the Concourse guys cleaning inside wheel arches, but I think you're taking it a bit far ;)
Actually, thinking about it, how on earth did you manage to turn it over like that ? A bunch of guys with a crate of beer ?
Brian
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The story I heard is that it got hit by a felled tree during a hurricane. What I didn't realize is that the front of the drivers side fender had also been in a collision. The entire area by the headlight had been crushed and built back up with bondo. The underside shot shows how extensive that damage was.
Actually my girlfriend and I were the ones that did it ;)
It really isn't that heavy you know :beerchug:
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Yep, that will keep you off the streets for a while!
Good luck and post pictures as you go. I wish I had a digital camera when I was building my car and that I had kept a diary of my progress. They make a great record that you can refer to later.
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Did you make that CF bonnet yourself? Is it any more rigid than the stock part? My TC bonnet is much more pliable than the S1's. Then again the S1's is about twice the weight. I was thinking about doing something along the same lines. Boot, bonnet & sills to go with my JPS paint scheme.
Hello guys, sorry for my late reply.
Chuck, the bonnet is not a real CF, I only use the sticker wrap on it for instant look, it cost me about 10 pounds ;D
Brian, there is another Esprit Sport 300 parking on the other side. The real event will be in February 2015, there are expected of 300+ Classic and Sport cars attending. ;)
BDA, Thank you. She still have something didn't work here and there eg. tachometer, oil pressure gauge, temp gauge, the gear is not yet precise, but drivable for me. and of course, some oil leaking underneath. The paint and interior still rough, I will drive and do for a while before getting the beauty works. :beerchug:
Mark, thank you and to me, that new Camaro is too big for a drive I call "fun" :))
By the way, those busy decals on the car is mostly for cover up the paint crack :headbanger:
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Nuk- Are those Elan M100 wheels on your Europa too??
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Nuk,
I think you can live without a tach, but I think you should figure out your oil pressure and temp gauges as soon as you can! They're pretty important! Let us know how it goes!
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Nuk- Are those Elan M100 wheels on your Europa too??
Yes, the wheels are from Elan M100, I think the previous owner modified her to fit 4 wheels disc brake from M100 :)
Nuk,
I think you can live without a tach, but I think you should figure out your oil pressure and temp gauges as soon as you can! They're pretty important! Let us know how it goes!
The temp is because the transmitter doesn't work, but the oil pressure, still do not know, any suggestion what should I check?
I am trying to get some parts from Richard (Bank Europa), but it is not easy to get him answer email, I understand that he is quite busy all the time, so I have to wait for a while or sometimes need to find the parts somewhere else. :-[
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Nuk,
to contact Richard, you just have to call. He doesn't answer any emails.
Serge
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Serge is correct. It's probably best to call around his lunch time.
Check the pressure gauge. I think it's mechanical. If it is, a PO must have plugged the port in the block where the line is run to the gauge which implies that there could be a leak in either the line or the gauge and one or both should be replaced or repaired. If it's electrical, it could be that the sender needs to be replaced. It might be that the wire came off!
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I think you can live without a tach, but I think you should figure out your oil pressure and temp gauges as soon as you can! They're pretty important! Let us know how it goes!
[/quote]
The temp is because the transmitter doesn't work, but the oil pressure, still do not know, any suggestion what should I check?
[/quote]
On the twin cam, oil pressure indication is mechanical. I would disconnect the oil pressure line and fitting at both ends and make sure nothing is plugged it up. Have the oil pressure gauge checked out to make sure it is working or install a known working gauge to make sure you have oil pressure.
The oil pressure port is located on the right side near the front below the distributor, see picture.
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Thank you Serge, BDA and Joji (especially for the photo)
I am glad you guys are here, where someone with very limited of mechanical knowledge like me can get these useful information to keep our beloved Europa on the road :beerchug:
Thanks again, cheers ;)
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Letting it sit is torment
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I've put the chassis on the front wheels, put together my driveshafts, custom polyurethane engine and gearbox mounts and dropped the engine block and gearbox in the chassis to do a dry assembly of the rear suspension, coolant tubes, gearbox linkage etc. I'm also on the verge of putting my steering rack back together.
Slow but steady,
Serge
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Things are coming along, Serge! :beerchug:
I was wondering today where you were with your project. I hadn't seen a recent post from you. Please continue to keep us informed!
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I'm almost a year behind updating my blog and video series, but life's getting in the way. The little spare time I have, I rather work on the car instead of editing videos, but I'm trying to play catch up.
Serge
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Believe me, I understand! I'm more interested in your making progress but I do enjoy your videos!
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Looking good Serge!
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Letting it sit is torment
Hey Chuck,
How is the progress? With the body disconnected from the frame, how is the frame, engine, suspension work going? It's not the hot Dallas summer so you should be making good progress!! Have you been in contact with Sports Car World? Are they still in business? I tried calling them from the number on their website but that number didn't work...
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Dave @ Sports Car World (972)-620-7285
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He needs to do something about his website. If nothing else, pull it down since it doesn't even give the correct phone number! Dave Bean's almost as bad because it hasn't been updated in a long time, but at least there are pictures on it, some interesting text, and the correct phone number!
Is that Dave at sportscarworld dot com?
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It's February in Utah. My Europa should be snug in the garage til spring and I should be enjoying skiing "the greatest snow on earth". But we are having the warmest winter on record. It's nearly 30 degrees F above average! Instead of ski boots I'm wearing shorts, tee shirt, and flip flops! It was about 70F / 20C. Nothing like a drive to cure my winter time blues.
While out and about I picked my son up from school. One of his class mates said, "my grandpa in Idaho has a red Lotus Europa." I checked the registry and found a highly modified red TCS in Idaho. Crazy. I know the kids dad and will ask for details next time I see him.......
Cheers!
Mark
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It sounds like perfect Lotus driving weather! Cool that you probably found your son's friend's dad! I suspect you'll have other opportunities to ski later this winter.
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Letting it sit is torment
Hey Chuck,
How is the progress? With the body disconnected from the frame, how is the frame, engine, suspension work going? It's not the hot Dallas summer so you should be making good progress!! Have you been in contact with Sports Car World? Are they still in business? I tried calling them from the number on their website but that number didn't work...
I have not been working on the green car sadly! I get the pleasure of looking at it every time I open the garage though...Work has me moving around an awful lot. I drove to Chicago last Sunday, and am flying to Maryland tomorrow morning. Less time than I would like to work on the cars.
I have been doing a real ass load of sanding. I am removing as many of the stress cracks out of the body as I can right now. I have nothing but respect for anyone who has undertaken this affair. It has been utter punishment! I did not realize how many of them there actually were! I have probably ground 1/8" off of half the car, built it back up, and then sanded it smooth again. Lots of them are in fun places like the line that runs down the rear half of the car, near the door jamb, any small creases or hinge locations, and other typical impact sites. I haven't decided which circle of hell this punishment is destined for when I write "Lotus Inferno" But surely it is near the center.
As far as I know, Dave left SCW. They are still running...I went to a nice Christmas party out there. What part do you need? I run by there periodically.
Here is a shot after removing her ungainly US mandated hole. I got a set of Lucas l734 turn signals to bring it to euro spec. The side rear signals are not going to be used so I sealed those holes as well.
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Hiding in the grass..... stalking V8 prey...
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Picture was taken a few weeks back at local Cars and Coffee event. My parents and I are in the background. That's my dads Maserati he's had for a few months now, next to the Europa and our Elise is kinda in the picture as well.
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Hey Kid!
It's great to hear from you! Your car looks great, as does the rest of your fleet! Did you find out what was wrong with your engine? How's school going?
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Milestone! First time on four wheels in 3.5 years!
Now I'm mocking up the cooling system. Replacing the steel tubes with aluminium ones.
Serge
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Congratulations on your milestone, Serge!! :beerchug:
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Hey Kid!
It's great to hear from you! Your car looks great, as does the rest of your fleet! Did you find out what was wrong with your engine? How's school going?
Thanks for the kind words. Doing well, I've got finals coming up soon, but I'll be out for summer in about two weeks. Not sure when we will get to the engine, probably this summer or next winter. Just not enough time as we are doing fiberglass work on our M100 and we will finish that until get to other projects. We only drive the Europa to an event or show from time to time no long distance drives until we figure the knock in the engine. Hopefully we will be able to get all three Lotus cars on the road at the same time once again very soon. I drive the Elise as much as I can since my dad has his maserati it seems like he finally gave it to me, well when I graduate he will for sure give it to me but for now its still his. Hope you and all the other Europa guys are doing well.
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Kid,
It sounds like the knock isn't that bad, but I'd be really careful. I went to Road Atlanta with a guy who was racing his Improved Touring Camaro with a brand new engine. He drove a handful of very slow laps to break it in and while doing that, he put a rod through the block! Hopefully, he doesn't use that engine builder anymore!
Good luck with that motor, your studies, and the M100! Driving an Elise for the time being can't be that bad, though!
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Looking good Serge!!!
Kid, Which of the three draws more attention at shows and meets?
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Looking good Serge!!!
Kid, Which of the three draws more attention at shows and meets?
Each one of our Lotus cars gets attention in a different way. Hands down the Europa gets more attention at shows and on the road! No matter where I go people always ask me about the Europa. As for the Elise, people ask me about it here and there but most people know what it is if they talk to me. As for the M100 no one knows what it is so they look at it and just question it but when I tell them it's a Lotus with an Izuzu engine they are shocked. A few people think the M100 is a Ferrari because it's red with pop up headlights, that was the style back in the 90s. All get different attention, kids are attracted to the Elise. As for the Europa and M100 people just have no clue what it is or have never seen one in person so most of the time they are shocked.
Really hope to get the M100 on the road again. Last time I drove it I remembered a guy driving a GT3 and I passed him because he was trying to turn on to the road I was going on and he just looked confuse and no clue what it was. I had my top down too and he quickly followed me. Caught up, obviously haha, and we chatted a bit after he flagged me down. He never seen one before and he told me when he saw me he had to do a double take beacuase he didn't know if it was an M100 or a Ferrari either.
As for the Maserati, people don't know what that one is either because those are very rare and not to many around where we live. Haven't been asked anything in the Maserati. My dad probably has but I don't drive that one as much as the Lotus cars. Lotus is more fun, in the Maserati I feel like a million dollars... In the Lotus I feel like a kid.
All get attention but the Europa wins and it's the car I always choose to drive. Long post but worth it. Back to studying. I miss talking cars as you can tell haha
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Thanks for the update, Chris. Glad to hear things are going well. Cheers
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My car today, running, out side my house... first time in over three years... :blowup:
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Often when I run at lunch I pass a lonely looking Elise in a nearby parking lot. This morning when I drove my Europa in I looked but the Elise was not there. I parked in the usual area of the lot anyway and while on my lunch run there it was. No idea whose it is but hopefully they smiled when they got to work.
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WOOOO HOOO!!! exarkun1178 :trophy:
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I'm happy for you Rob! Now it's time to enjoy it!
And Mark, your Europa looks stunning! The only thing that bothers me a little is the raised front suspension, but otherwise it's perfect. If I had to have a TCS, your car would be the perfect spec.
Serge
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exarkun1178 & Mark, you two have really done a great job! Congratulations to both of you!! :trophy: :beerchug:
Twin cams always have their snout in the air. There doesn't seem to be anything you can do about it. I have adjustable spring perches and mine does the same thing. It's just one of those things you have to live with. :(
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Rob, excellent news, congrats :trophy: The car looks great. Now get out there and drive it!!
Mark, it's always good to have company, and I'm sure that's true even if you are a Lotus. Cheers.
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My 15 year old daughter thinks she will get her license and dad will let her cruise around in the Lotus with her friend. Dad doesn't think so.
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She's a beauty! The car, too! :D
As for her driving the Lotus... I understand how you feel! :)
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I don't have to worry about our daughter wanting to drive the Lotus, (15 also) she says it's "ugly". ::)
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I don't have to worry about our daughter wanting to drive the Lotus, (15 also) she says it's "ugly". ::)
There's just no accounting for the fickle tastes of teenage girls.
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I drove to our local British Field Day today. There were lots of neat cars and motorcycles. There was even one other vintage Lotus. At least it had a Lotus badge. But I'm not sure exactly what it was. Can anyone enlighten me? (I missed finding the owner)
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That sounds like it was a nice outing!
The first one is a really pretty yellow Europa... but that one was probably yours! ;D
The white one is probably a race car that somebody put a Lotus badge on because it had a bunch of Lotus parts or a TC engine or something. I don't think Chunky had anything else to do with it.
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Well after several decades without the evaporative loss control system I decided to reinstall it. Fotunately I never throw Lotus parts away so I still had the catch tank. Ugly thing it is and so I considered getting something smaller to repalce it but in the end yielded to originality. The (non original) charcoal canister is from a Harley and I relocated it to a more easily accessable location, as I also did for the ignition coil.
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Just curious, what motivated you to reinstall the system? Does Flagstaff have air quality issues? We do and I avoid driving my Europa when the air is poor.
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Just curious, what motivated you to reinstall the system? Does Flagstaff have air quality issues? We do and I avoid driving my Europa when the air is poor.
No, Flagstaff has about the cleanest air of any metropolitan area in the country. We don't have an emissions inspection and I don't drive the Lotus enough to be a danger to anyone's lungs. I guess I just decided to go for a bit more originality. Not that I'm a stickler for originality; the brake boosters are long gone and aren't coming back.
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Lost in a sea of excess....
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That looks like a great event! Your car looks great! I'll bet you drew a lot of attention!
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Lost in a sea of excess....
And yet so easy to find... ;)
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Hi,
no special news, just a quick trip to get the Europa clean again.
Best regars,
Uwe
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Did it leak when you washed it?
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whau, that lookes like a brother of mine ;D
i am polishing mine in the last two days and think to finish i Need two days more.
are you at Schloss dyk this year ( i saw the Stickers ) i get my Cards today and wait for the park tickets from the Lotus classic Club.
greetings Frank
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Did it leak when you washed it?
It leaked a bit. Into it through the door (water) and out of it, from engine and gearbox (oil). ;)
@Frank:
I will be at Schloss Dyck again this year, on sunday. I'm waiting for the park ticket, too.
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It leaked a bit. Into it through the door (water) and out of it, from engine and gearbox (oil). ;)
That's a REAL Lotus! :)
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Well guys progress has been slower than I would have liked. I was spending an awful lot of time traveling for work...so I quit my job! Get ready for some action.
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It's nice to see you have your priorities straight, Chuck!! I look forward to hearing about and seeing your progress!
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Made it!...my 200Th post. Guess that moves me up a notch on the member list. Had a chance today to get some items addressed on 3307r, but I needed some extra motivation. Hence, the shirt did the trick! ld
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From what I can see of it, your car looks really nice, Lou!
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Love the shirt & license plate! :trophy:
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A quick business trip to London resulted in bringing home this BDA-like valve cover for the old black top Zetec.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-prlw_2dsIRU/Vari3Q94teI/AAAAAAAAAX4/YVysrGl4k3U/s512-Ic42/IMG_1375%2525281%252529.JPG)
Bling bling.
Dean
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How can I do anything but approve! :D
BTW, your car looks great (with any cam cover)!
:lotus:
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Dean,
That looks amazing! Eventually I'd like to get one of those for my car, but that will be a long ways down the road.
Rod
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That look awesome!!
Did you pick that up from Retro-Ford?
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Thought I'd share some pictures that a photographer took of my car at an autocross last Sunday.
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Who takes black and white pictures anymore?!!
Even in black and white, the beauty shows through! Very pretty!
How did you do at the autocross? Where you on slicks?
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Yeah you don't see black & white used much at all anymore. Think he was going for dramatic effect.
The autocross went great, took first in class as well as top time of the day. Not bad for an old car. LOL ;)
I just put Hoosier R7 tires on (185/60-13), and the grip level is amazing. The challenge is getting heat into them at an autocross, though they got better and better as they warmed up.
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Congratulations on the class win and the FTD!!!
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That look awesome!!
Did you pick that up from Retro-Ford?
I found it at Burton's. It was close by where I had to go for business. See link.
http://www.burtonpower.com/bda-style-rocker-cover-ford-zetec-e-silver-black-top-fz230.html (http://www.burtonpower.com/bda-style-rocker-cover-ford-zetec-e-silver-black-top-fz230.html)
It might be the same at the Retro-Ford, but it is branded under Burton's name.
Here is the Retro-Ford link.
http://www.retro-ford.co.uk/shop/catalog/zetec-bda-rocker-covers (http://www.retro-ford.co.uk/shop/catalog/zetec-bda-rocker-covers)
Dean
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:coolpic:
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Spring is back in the Southern Hemisphere and Fathers Day meant the Europa came out for a sunny day shake down in the hills.
Unfortunately every Toyota Camry in the state seemed to have the same idea, but it was a useful outing anyway, checking out the drive after some recent maintenance. Everything felt solid for the upcoming few months of weekend drives and a few sprints/hilclimbs.
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But can you drive it under a road train and out the other side safely?
Those monsters would terrify me in a Europa.
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You're not kidding, 4129R! Driving a Europa now is different from when they were new. Cars are a lot bigger now! Where you used to look at the hubcaps of trucks, now you look at everybody's hubcaps! Be safe out there. Practice VERY defensive driving!
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It was a beautiful day for a Labor Day drive here in Utah, USA. To add to the oddity some guy in a jacked up Toyota truck drove by yelling " 'merica" at all of our British cars.
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Cars a lot bigger now!!! Obviously you have never seen the late sixties and early seventies, full sized US/Can autos. Doors thickness could be measured in feet. You had to climb into the engine compartment to get close enough to work on the engine. You could make love in the back seat and never bump your head or touch your toes on the sides. Never mind small families, a large family could set up in the trunk and not feel at all cramped.
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There certainly were land yachts back then, but my memory is that other trucks, most cars were shorter. Now, it seems that everyone else drives ginormous SUVs that seem as long as those old station wagons, with front fenders that tower over my car, and a roof that is even taller!
I won't say it's a lot worse than back in the '70s, but I think it is worse.
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A 73 Chrysler New Yorker 2 door weighs about the same as a new Jeep Grand Cherokee. Does it matter if the beast has higher clearance? I don't know.
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OK technically this isn't pictures of my Europa, but it is the results from the 1st occaision I have managed to have the VBox Sport setup at a competitive event.
Just a club blast down a dusty runway, but plenty of starting practice for the next couple of hillclimb events and results of 1st place in class (69-75 1600 Production Sports) and lowering of the class record by 0.7sec (I set it last year).
I don't know if 14.7s @ 150kph is decent for a Europa S2 (in street trim) or not, but the only comparable car that went quicker (by about 0.6s) on the day was a Renault Alpine A110 (in Group 4 spec & 1800cc on racing fuel). When I get the full results and download the datalogger I'll look in detail at the split times and see if I can work out what it all means.
I also had my new camera in the car, link is to reduced quality version of video, still need to work out how to manage higher quality clips with Youtube or some other host. You will get the picture, probably fortunate the tacho can't be seen properly........
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xamFuw4wBos (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xamFuw4wBos)
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Stephen, that is sound impressive, I will look forward to see your vdo :trophy:
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A quick business trip to London resulted in bringing home this BDA-like valve cover for the old black top Zetec.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-prlw_2dsIRU/Vari3Q94teI/AAAAAAAAAX4/YVysrGl4k3U/s512-Ic42/IMG_1375%2525281%252529.JPG)
Bling bling.
Dean
WOW!! :beerchug:
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A quick business trip to London resulted in bringing home this BDA-like valve cover for the old black top Zetec.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-prlw_2dsIRU/Vari3Q94teI/AAAAAAAAAX4/YVysrGl4k3U/s512-Ic42/IMG_1375%2525281%252529.JPG)
Bling bling.
Dean
WOW!! :beerchug:
I'm a little bit aroused by that picture...WOW indeed!
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A 'Doh! moment' from me...... :(
The video is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LlR-MSqc_RA (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LlR-MSqc_RA)
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:)
But more importantly, the engine sound off the line was impressive. How did the rest of the runs go ?
Brian
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That run was possibly my best launch, I'll have to check the VBox data in detail.
Looks like 0.3s faster over the first 100mtrs before I blew the gearshift.
Rest of the run here:https://youtu.be/Xhi1eB_LNmo (https://youtu.be/Xhi1eB_LNmo)
Including the 'almost moment' that happens when you try and make up time, which is stupid in a hillclimb as you can't...
My fastest run was a PB shaving 0.1s from previous, but the 1st split time was 0.2s slower than previous.
Had trouble getting the three most critical sectors to all work together.
From the VBox data it looks like I can get the 0.4s I am looking for to close on the existing 1600cc record, if I get 1 good run together.
After blowing that run I focussed on getting off the line and into the T1 entry, but with a more conservative exit.
This gave me my best S1 time ever (by 0.01s) although looking at the data I had already eased off before the timing beacon........
So the ideal time from my existing sector times will in theory slide me under the existing record (by a full race Europa S2) if I can hang onto the thing.
This meeting was a warm up for a historic meeting next month, so I was trying to get back into the groove on this very short but technical track that offers no chance to recover from a mistake.
I can have a shot at the record unofficially then, but unfortunately officialdom has decided to reset the class to <2000cc bringing me into competition with the mother of all Group 4 Renault Alpines (1800cc, race fuel and 'more than 180HP', absolute rocket).
To give you a comparision, that car managed only 1 run yesterday as the ignition failed, even so he was 1.4s faster but crossed the line 5kph slower than me as the engine died and he was rolling the last 100mtrs or so.
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Having now seen the rest of the run, it was a real pity about the gearchange because the rest looks very good. Was this the "Rob Roy" meeting that was mentioned on the Elan forum ? There was a video from an Elan owner of his yellow S3 going up the hill but the camera angle wasn't as effective as your set up.
Looking at your analysis it just needs to get it all together on one run and you're going to be in the records. It's just a matter of practice time and it's going to be there.
Brian
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Same event, I spoke to the Elan owner (James) and he was going OK for what is basically a stock vehicle, seemed to have very tall gearing but as I know nothing about Elans maybe that is normal?
I bought a GoPro clone like camera and it seems to work pretty well, the full resolution video is nice but obviously a touch too big a file to go posting anywhere.
Once I get a few lessons on editing video I'll try and put together some footage from other days out and events.
Hoping for that one good run to go together along with the right weather, that should do the trick :)
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A 'Doh! moment' from me...... :(
The video is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LlR-MSqc_RA (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LlR-MSqc_RA)
Happens to the best of us... (also the worst of us! ;D)
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Hanging out with the 'big' cars at Cars and Coffee Melbourne.
When someone asks how tall is a Europa.......
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:)
As Colin would have said, "why carry all that extra weight on my car ?"..... there was a thread recently on the UK forum Pistonheads about how cars have grown over the years compared with what we happily drove around in the 70s. Quite amazing to see the differences between the old and new Mini's for example.
Love the "ZOINKS" number plate - that can't be real can it ? or is it a personal plate thing ?
Brian
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:coolpic:
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Sunny and fair skies, 57 degrees in north eastern Pa. today...tomorrow and Saturday in the 60's...
Another shakedown run on is on the schedule. ld
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She's a beauty, Lou! Sounds like great Lotus weather!
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Nice looking car Lou, we have snow forecast and some flooding :-\ Enjoy your drive (lucky man)
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Thanks guys,
So far so good...a slight issue with my fuel pressure regulator weeping. Will swap it out tonight, they predict record temps pushing 70 for tomorrow! Is this December or what!
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Glad to see you've installed a fire suppression system. It's a good idea in a Europa.
They make intake trumpets for Strombergs now. That and an actual airbox/filter would be another good idea. The stock set-up is actually pretty good.
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The more I see, the prettier it it! Great work, Lou!
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Lou where did you get the exhaust manifold from, did it fit ok?
all the best
Stuart
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Lou where did you get the exhaust manifold from, did it fit ok?
all the best
Stuart
Stuart, Got it from Ray at R&D...It's the mild steel header which I had coated by Jet Hot in the satin finish. It will never rust or discolor and I recommend their services. Some minor grinding was needed at # 4 flange port. Otherwise the fit was perfect.
Here is a old shot taken 3 years ago...cheers , ld
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That is a beautiful Europa, Lou. Very tidy all 'round. Nice work.
I see you have omitted the windscreen wipers, undoubtedly for the addition of lightness and aerodynamic efficiency ;)
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Lou, thank you for that, I recently bought one here in Blighty and it was scrap. The one you have looks a nice piece of work, Ill investigate further, thanks again
all the best
Stuart
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Good company on Sunday in Salt Lake City. I wish I were skiing but winter seems to have ended the second week of February..... So I've been driving.
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Nothing wrong with driving with a Lotus friend! Nice car!
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Saturday I meet with a local reporter who is writing for a series called Utah's Coolest Cars. I think he liked my little car, but of course if he didn't, he wouldn't have told me straight up. Guess I'll find out when the article comes out later this week. On the plus side, the guy had no issues getting in or out, and my car is running great!
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:coolpic: Now that sounds like a cool deal. A little local appreciation is always good. The car is looking great, and without having been to Utah I can still say for sure that yours is one of the coolest cars in the state.
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Les the Lotus does dirt
This was sent to me by a photographic student that titled the image 'Rally Driving'.
Not sure she quite understands ;-)
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Great picture even if she doesn't get it!
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659R is getting closer to completion. The body's on but it still needs electrical, lights, under spoiler, ground effects, windshield, interior, all the missing motor bits put back on and a stripe. Still a long list, but much of it are day jobs... Maybe by July...
Bruce
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She's looking great! I love the wheels!
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Thanks. Federal type. 14" front, 15" rear. Helps lower the front end.
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Wow, that's one serious looking engine bay. I suspect that S2 is going to be a touch faster than the OEM Renault version... ;)
Brian
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Yeah, it should be a little bit faster! ;)
Very nicely done! :beerchug:
How is the engine testing going? Can you tell us a bit more about your car? More pictures would be nice! :))
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Nice. Is that a 2ZZ engine? If so did you make an adapter?
engine is looking good. black pipe will be replaced with an esprit charge cooler. (pipe is just for engine testing)
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Definitely impressive!!
down to one fuel tank then. how/where did you mount your battery, I presume in the front.
Dave
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Lovely neat install especially the brake pipes 👍👍
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Having a bit of fun with a passenger ride day at the Sandown racetrack in Melbourne.
Not a very complex circuit, a couple of big straights joined with short sections of bends and one high speed corner of bravery.
Being a passenger day, you are under strict instructions to behave and cause no trouble (which most managed).
Most of the time was spent circulating with people I knew in cars of similar performance, but had a nice session with a Mercedes SL63 Biturbo that entertained with continuous stretching and then contraction of the rubber band as you can see in series of screen captures below.
Edit: Tried to add a short video, but Flickr isn't playing along....
Hopefully by now YouTube has come to my rescue.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bgjytT233Ys (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bgjytT233Ys)
That's my better half in the passenger seat, plus it's still a damp track, plus under instructions to behave..... OK..... I'm too just slow :-[
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Stephen, did we meet? I was at a club lotus victoria meeting near Melborne with Ross Nicol (red s2 europa, he has a pantera and a gt40 as well, he is from Frankston) do you know him?
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I don't think so and can't recall Ross either.
Only joined the Lotus Club this year and haven't been too involved as yet, have only met 2 fellow Europa owners locally and know of one other.
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There are many amazing projects on here. My goal is to keep my Europa maintained, road worthy, and not screw anything up. I'm happy when my to-do list does not grow longer faster than I can check things off. Lately she's been running great, but I am still thankful for every drive I get.
The owner of the Investor's Edition Esprit (far left in photo) owns a cooking school and hosted a small cars and culinary event on Sunday. It was great fun. I entered the parking lot with a local police escort. The cop stopped in the street, then followed me for three blocks. Not sure if he was just looking or waiting to ticket me, but he left when I entered the lot.
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Nice Loti and fun story! The one on the right must have been working out! :FUNNY:
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The cop stopped in the street, then followed me for three blocks. Not sure if he was just looking or waiting to ticket me, but he left when I entered the lot.
He was probably just so amazed to see a Lotus moving under it's own power...... :)
Brian
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Just gonna finish up the Exhaust and install the interior, then it's ready for a test run for the first time in 30years ;D
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She looks great! Let us know how the maiden run goes!
:lotus:
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That looks great. What carbs are those and what ignition system are you running?
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That looks great. What carbs are those and what ignition system are you running?
Thanks,
I'm running Mikuni carbs from a Suzuki gsxr and a megajolt ignition system.
/Martin
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Good luck on the test run. Your car looks beautiful. Post up a couple more pics when you get a chance. Cheers.
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Mine are reunited at the new house, and they look neglected! Getting ready to make them a little lotus hutch on the side of the house so I can work in the garage...
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They look pretty sad there covered with dust! At least they can keep each other company!
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At the Eaglewood Festival of Speed.
I suppose it was a bit like the Goodwood festival in that they both have cars and people. :))
Note that good looking sticker on the right side of my rear window.
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:)
Well done sir, good to see the message is getting about ! (mine is in exactly the same place as well)
The car's pretty sharp as well, you've obviously been round it with the polish.
Brian
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Very nice car and VERY nice sticker!
:lotus:
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I'm working on two S1 fuel tanks. The first one needs a little bit more welding done and then some leak testing. I haven't been AC TIG welding for long, so I'm just a beginner, but practice makes perfect.
Blind theaded bobbins for mounting and a drain plug.
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That looks great for a beginner!!!
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Managed to weld up the right hand side fuel tank. Had to touch up 3 little spots after leak-testing, but everything is fine now. Welded in two bosses on top, one for a VDO-style tube fuel sender (no float on a pivot) and roll-over vent. Left hand tank will come out even better, hadn't welded anything this big in aluminium before, so the first one was good practice. I'll make a video on the left hand tank that will find it's way online eventually.
Tank is made out of 1050A aluminium formed around an MDF buck I made based on some dimensions I got from a few people on here. All the the tubes and weld-in fittings are 6066 T6. Everything has been welded with 4043 filler and a cheap 200A AC/DC TIG welder.
Serge
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They came out great, Serge!
What amperage welder did you use for your frame? Did you use the same one ?
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Sweet!
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Yes, I used the same welder. I use a footpedal to operate the machine, so not sure what amperage I am actually using.
I also played around with some strengthening ribs in the sides of the tank, as per the originals. I found a good way to do it, but the panels would always warp a bit and I decided not to use them in the end. It does look a little bit less like the original tanks, but they don't need the ribs for strength. I also planned to put baffles inside, but that was a pain to weld, so didn't use those.
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Went out to play with the big boys today, a Lotus club run with 3 randoms (Boxster, 458, Diablo).
Shows how sportscars have changed in size over the years.
But I kept him in my rear vision mirror with pure Europa goodness......
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Nice work, Stephen. Represent :lotus:
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A fabulous fall foliage family fun drive.
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Great scenery Mark, and from the roads and weather it looks great driving country. At the moment here I go round a corner and meet a tractor blocking the road !
Brian
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Beautiful! Must have been a great drive!
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It was a great drive! Generally my car did great, though I was running hot on the upgrade. We drove from an elevation of about 4200'/1300m to 9700'/2960m. At start up above ~9,500'/2900m I may have flooded it, but I was headed downhill so just coasted down a bit, bump started it, and was off. I was also running hot down in the valley headed home (it was about 90F outside). Time to flush my cooling system yet again.
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That first photo with your TC in the yellow trees is really stunning. I see a coffee table puzzle in your future.
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Keeping mixed company....
Historic hillclimb in Maldon, Victoria (been running over 80 years).
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Colin forgive me for what I'm about to say but I would cheerfully trade my Europa +$$$ for an Alpine A110. That doesn't mean I'm not anything but delighted with my Lotus but the Alpines are just that much more drop-dead gorgeous and I have always had a soft spot for rear engines since my air-cooled VW days.
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I don't know about Colin, but I forgive you. I guess I'm just a soft touch! :)
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Colin forgive me for what I'm about to say but I would cheerfully trade my Europa +$$$ for an Alpine A110.
You need to add a few more $$$...... have you seen the price of a decent A110 1600 recently? :'(
The last one I recall selling in Australia went for about the same price as the last 5 Europas sold combined.
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A lovely selection of vintage competition, and I must confess to a strong desire for an Alpine A110 myself. When the prices started to climb for these cars a few years ago they quickly became out of reach, though. I don't know if I would trade my Europa for one, but I would sure love to park them side by side in my garage. :pirate:
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My Europa looks great next to a museum Elan. If only they could sell me the Elan so I can put it next to my Europa all the time... Almost the same color but when the sun hits them they are different. The Elan was mostly original except the paint, outside emblems, new dash and a few engine differences too. Got to sit in the car as well and I actually fit even though its a coupe.
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Two very pretty examples in very pretty blues! I would think that if you can fit in a Europa, you could fit in an Elan!
I believe you're taller than I am so I'm surprised you can fit in the Europa in the first place! :)
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400 clicks today on another grand day out
https://jbcollier.smugmug.com/Lotus-Europa/i-SZJZsfX/A
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Not sure what "400 clicks" are but that's a very pretty picture of a very pretty Europa!
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Spell check issue: 400 "klicks" = 400 kilometres = 250 miles.
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And it's just the beginning! :)
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My son snapped this on the way to the barn for cleaning. I may have to leave the rear deck off more often:)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/6OxIQ7yHCNYmrNFBFlKeeBxJZXRlGcH_cb2GoEmZqO2yQ278_S1B4mspEsyAyqWbAbnismoCNYjleA=w1366-h768-no)
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She's just gorgeous, Dean! Great work!
:lotus:
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Your Europa is simply stunning. Gorgeous!
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Impressive car Dean!
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It wasn't a great day weatherwise, this image is making the conditions look a lot better than they were on the course ;-)
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Come on Stephen, you've got sunshine, blue skies and possibly a gentle breeze to keep you cool, what more could you want ? :)
A good day on the track ?
Brian
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It was largely cold, windy and wet.
But I did win the class and get deep into the top 10 :beerchug:
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Congratulations Stephen!
The weather may not have been the best but I bet a "bad" day driving your car beats a good day at the office!
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Well done mate, it sounds like you're improving all the time. Did you take any video this time ?
I was a bit tongue-in-cheek about the weather comment. In the background there's something like a tent or gazebo that looks a bit like the leaning tower of Pisa so it doesn't look as if it's the weather I always imagine for down there. (sunshine, surf & barbies)
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Not too pretty at the moment LOL But it's coming along. Hope to have it done by the end of Sept. (my Bday)
(http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x470/skystone3/IMG_0694.jpg) (http://s1183.photobucket.com/user/skystone3/media/IMG_0694.jpg.html)
(http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x470/skystone3/IMG_0646.jpg) (http://s1183.photobucket.com/user/skystone3/media/IMG_0646.jpg.html)
(http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x470/skystone3/IMG_0646.jpg) (http://s1183.photobucket.com/user/skystone3/media/IMG_0646.jpg.html)
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Interesting! That's an aggressive schedule! Good luck!
Are you going to reroute your ventilation? That fuel cell blocks most of it.
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Well done mate, it sounds like you're improving all the time. Did you take any video this time ?
I was a bit tongue-in-cheek about the weather comment. In the background there's something like a tent or gazebo that looks a bit like the leaning tower of Pisa so it doesn't look as if it's the weather I always imagine for down there. (sunshine, surf & barbies)
5th run at this event, 4th in the Lotus, 1st time out was in a 1930s Austin 7 single seater.
For the Lotus in class: 2nd, 1st (new record), 1st (new record), 1st (wet/damp/windy/cold.....).
Outright in the Lotus: 16th, =14th, 11th, 6th.
I wanted the hat trick but also wanted to drop a few more tenths from the record, so will have another go next year.
Was about 12-14degC on the day, 27degC and sunny the day prior.....
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Interesting! That's an aggressive schedule! Good luck!
Are you going to reroute your ventilation? That fuel cell blocks most of it.
Actually yes I'm going to cut about 6" off the tank. It's a 17 gal & I really will probably never need that much at any one time. I'm planning on intakes either side of the radiator opening & 3" ducting back. The time table is doable if I keep on it. I'm disabled/retired & can work on it every day. I generally put in 6-8 hrs every day.
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Half way through the paint - should be on the road in 4 weeks - hopefully :-)
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Oh, that is looking great! Nice colours. Looking forward to seeing more.
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More garage time today, spring is finally here.
Air horns done, out with the points...some dinner, and a nap before final practice and qualy in China.
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Good to see a fire suppression system. Looks to be a gas system. Halon?
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I had forgotten about this thread and I never did post any full pictures of 2069r, so here are a few just to get with the program.
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Lou, those are great additions and your engine compartment is one to be envious of!
George, she's looking very nice! I have always thought the TC cast wheels is one of the prettiest anywhere. Yours look especially clean!
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George, are your seats re-trimmed originals or aftermarket ?
Just catching the front edge in the bottom picture, they look a very neat job.
Brian
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Thanks for the complement Brian. They are the original seats that I recovered with the help of my master quilter partner. I did the easy stuff, she did the more difficult seams. It's a velour type cloth that's much more comfortable than the vinyl. I'm not a big stickler for originality but I wanted to retain the original style as much as possible.
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Those seats look great! I know you'll like the cloth better than the vinyl. It breaths a LOT better and it holds your but better too! :) Well done! :beerchug:
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Well, whoever stitched those seams, they made a pretty good job of it ! I quite like the contrasting panels, they highlight the centre seams and make the OEM design more prominent.
Good result, I'd be proud of that one.
Brian
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I’ve been showing photos of my “good” Europa, it’s time to show the next project. I’m pretty sure this one will just buff out! It also takes up way less space when you just hang it on the wall!
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What a great tread :pirate:
It’s a real treat to read the responses of a wide range of members and their cars. After all this is what we all share here.
Dakazman
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Finally got around to installing the air box I had fabricated many years ago. For a little history, I had mocked-up the box using poster card cut up and taped together. I then had someone where I used to work fabricated the box using my mock-up; high quality job! At the time (early ‘80’s) I adapted a Filtron Air Filter having a blank plate with a welded tube to join up with the air box via convoluted tubing. I also adapted a velocity stacks I found in motorcycle shop back in the day. This all replaced then and, until recently, the Ram-Flow basket filters. I never had the original OEM air filter set-up. The holdup was trying to find someone to weld on a 1” extension to the air box tubing so the cone filter would clear the alternator pulley. Even the trunk fits nicely.