Author Topic: Almost there... S2 in China Blue  (Read 1226 times)

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Offline Benjy

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Almost there... S2 in China Blue
« on: Friday,April 25, 2025, 09:22:01 AM »
Ahoy All,
Thought you might be interested on progress with my early S2 restoration. I have been at it since October 23. There isn't much I haven't had to repair or replace!
It took me a long while to find the right colour and by chance a mate came by with his boss's car, a '23 G Wagon. Ridiculous car but great colour. As soon as I saw it I knew! I think it really suits the car and is a little different. For those interested, it is Mercedes China Blue (934).
Fitted the rear and windscreen today. Am slowly reassembling the car. It's currently on very cool German plates LOTUS 9 Well close Lo TV 59.. It will be registered as a voiture de collection in France. Inspection early next month.
Cheers
Benjy

Offline Clifton

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Re: Almost there... S2 in China Blue
« Reply #1 on: Friday,April 25, 2025, 09:47:16 AM »
Did you install new windshield rubber? The corners are perfect.

Offline BDA

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Re: Almost there... S2 in China Blue
« Reply #2 on: Friday,April 25, 2025, 09:52:34 AM »
She looks great, Benjy!!!

 :lotus:

Offline Benjy

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Re: Almost there... S2 in China Blue
« Reply #3 on: Friday,April 25, 2025, 10:44:26 AM »
Yep, new rubbers. I'm pretty pleased with how the screen looks. Most Europas don't have very tidy mitred joins. Luckily 30 years as a boatbuilder must have given me the ability to get them just right! There's still the chrome trim to fit and I'll get the seal better when I fit it, it's still a bit wibbly in places.

Offline My S1

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Re: Almost there... S2 in China Blue
« Reply #4 on: Friday,April 25, 2025, 12:31:10 PM »
The surfacing appears to be very well done.  Congratulations.

Offline Benjy

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Re: Almost there... S2 in China Blue
« Reply #5 on: Friday,April 25, 2025, 12:52:19 PM »
It's going to need flattening and a good polish but I'll let the paint really dry before I attempt that.

I'm pleased with the way it has turned out. I used very little filler. I felt it was not in keeping for a Lotus to add all that extra weight!

Cheers

Benjy 54/0949 France

Offline TurboFource

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Re: Almost there... S2 in China Blue
« Reply #6 on: Friday,April 25, 2025, 01:39:01 PM »
Love the color!  looking great!
The more I do the more I find I need to do....remember your ABC’s …anything but chinesium!

Offline jbcollier

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Re: Almost there... S2 in China Blue
« Reply #7 on: Friday,April 25, 2025, 01:51:02 PM »
Colour looks very close to a stock Europa colour.  Beautiful!

Offline MAK

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Re: Almost there... S2 in China Blue
« Reply #8 on: Friday,April 25, 2025, 03:08:04 PM »
Very Nice, I like it, how close do you think it is to Wedgwood Blue?
"The best to you each morning"

Offline dakazman

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Re: Almost there... S2 in China Blue
« Reply #9 on: Friday,April 25, 2025, 04:03:17 PM »
Very nice color Benjy. :trophy:
   I also like your rear exhaust screen. What build number are you to have S1 door pulls and S2 tail lights?
 I have a full set of locking tab rubber trim if you need it for your front window, FREE. just pay postage.
Dakazman

Offline Benjy

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Re: Almost there... S2 in China Blue
« Reply #10 on: Friday,April 25, 2025, 09:20:49 PM »
Mak. Not very close to Wedgewood. This is a darker and greyer blue.

Dazakman. Thanks for your kind offer but this is new rubber. Luckily I didn't ruin it when I cut it to size! Strangely you are the second person to offer me free window rubber. My car is 54.0949 so I guess it's about the 300th S2 made. I believe mine must be one of the last to have S1 doors and S2 lights etc. I really prefer the cleaner look of the S1 doors.

Cheers
Benjy 54/0949 France

Offline Benjy

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Re: Almost there... S2 in China Blue
« Reply #11 on: Saturday,April 26, 2025, 09:14:14 AM »
Here are a few pics from today, fitted indicators, headlights, bumper, number plate, wiper blade and washer jets. Next up the doors...

Cheers

Benjy 54/0949 France

Offline dakazman

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Re: Almost there... S2 in China Blue
« Reply #12 on: Saturday,April 26, 2025, 09:50:03 AM »
 Benjy,
 That low front view is my favorite stance of the Europa. :trophy:
 My daughter frame it for me. After slaving over my car for years, It made it all worthwhile and it puts a smile on my face.
 dakazman

Offline Cheguava

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Re: Almost there... S2 in China Blue
« Reply #13 on: Saturday,April 26, 2025, 02:45:11 PM »
That looks very nice indeed - great work!

Offline Benjy

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Re: Almost there... S2 in China Blue
« Reply #14 on: Sunday,April 27, 2025, 11:35:44 AM »
What fun fitting quarter light windows. I have to say the fitting of the glass has been the hardest aspect of this restoration.
The other side to do, some details to finish but nearly there now...