S1 rolling restoration

[LotusEuropa]

Just wanted to share another update as my car is now painted and I'm already in the process of reassembling it. This should be the fun part now.
It's painted in lotus yellow which is a lighter colour than before. If you compare the attached pics to the previous ones you'll see.

[TurboFource]

Nice!

[BDA]

What Turbo said! 

[LotusEuropa]

Another small update as I made some progress in the last couple of months:

Since last time after having it repainted this happened:

• I've installed all the exterior parts (apart from the mirrors)
• I've installed the windscreen and rear screen (PITA first, but worked out well after buying another window seal
• I've installed the side screens
• I've installed a new Spal fan
• Bought the Kangol seatbelt parts which I need to get restored / rewebbed now
• Painted the engine and front compartment in black
• Restored the steering wheel
• Did 80% of the electrical work
• Almost finished the Dashboard
• Bought the correct  interior fan on Ebay

I assume it will still need a couple of weeks, but the end gets nearer finally. Unfortunately it has not been the "rolling restoration" I have intended first.

[LotusEuropa]

... and I've worked on the Mk VI again which is ready now for the season!

[BDA]

Congratulations on your progress with the S1! Your first drive can't be far off!

Love the Mk VI! What a classic!

[LotusEuropa]

Congratulations on your progress with the S1! Your first drive can't be far off!

Love the Mk VI! What a classic!

Thank you, I am curious how it will handle and drive as I have never driven one for more than a few meters.

[BDA]

I have zero experience with S1s (or S2s for that matter) but from what I've read, they were lots of fun given what they were. Presuming you have the stock motor, you're not going to go really fast or get there really quickly but I suspect you'll be able to do fast enough and quick enough to have fun. The turns should be a blast! I think you'll be happy with the result!

 

[LotusEuropa]

I have the cross flow engine installed, BDA.
I think this should be enough to have fun with it, as you said.

[Bainford]

Nice progress. Coming along very nicely, and the proper Lotus yellow looks great.

I'm digging the Mark VI.

[dakazman]

  Lotus Europa,
   I just started following this thread, thanks for posting.
  I'm a newbie to these S1's but have some experience with S2's. They are different animals. I only hope I can rebuild mine to look as good as yours.
 Love your MKVI
Dakazman

[jbcollier]

Please fuss with the alignment and get it right before that first drive.  Early cars had their rear radius arm mount attached outside the chassis.  This can lead to the rear suspension having a small amount of uncorrectable toe-out.  The factory issued a bulletin on the matter advising that the mounts be mounted inside the chassis to avoid this problem.  Driving a Europa at speed with toe out at the rear makes for an interesting, sphincter-constricting, experience.

[LotusEuropa]

Thank you for this, jb. I will have this checked asap!