Exterior Makeover

[Elanlover]

Much like the thread I started tracking a series of projects for my "Interior Makeover" plans I thought I'd do the same for my "Exterior Makeover" progress. I plan on (hopefully) a few changes to some of the bodywork, brakes, etc. I won't include any engine work in this thread - hard to see that unless the hood/bonnet is open. But, anything visible from the outside of the car will be included. I've already done a few things, and I won't repost them here, but you can see the details surrounding the LGM rollbar, LED tail and turn lights and 17" wheels by following those links. What I am going start this thread with is the new brake kit Bob has provided for me.

It includes custom hats and mounting brackets, HiSpec front and rear calipers and Wilwood rotors. Its similar to the kits Bob has designed for general use but I asked him to do something for me that would support a slightly larger rotor to fill in the 17" wheels I've installed. With all the parts and fasteners inhouse I bolted up the hats and rotors this moring as the pic below will show.

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I decided to go with a recently new addition to the Wilwood line of rotors - black coated rotors. Same antirust protection as the zinc oxide washed ones but, with the black anodized hats I requested I thought they'd look pretty cool. Especially after I bed them in and the swept part of the rotor goes silver while the rest stays black. I take some shots of them after I get all the parts installed and run them in. I'm hopeful to get a fair bit of this work done this weekend but likely not all.

[bobbrown]

I spy a big toe

[nitroman]

I spy a big toe

I see a great (or medial) phalange or simply, a hallux. The hallux & thumb are our only phalanges with just two bones, instead of three bones as found in all their lateral breatheren. You Brits and your odd twists of phrase!

BTW I love those black rotors; would have saved me a lot of masking/painting if they'd been available sooner!

[CJ101KT]

They look lush. The discs I had with my 16" kit Brian didn't have the disc hat as its known? Are the discs and hats available to purchase from Wilwood as an oppose to discs that don't have them and therefore look a bit more ugly?

[bobbrown]

I made up the hat/bells for this conversion and if any one wants any to fit any disc to an Elan I am happy to make them up for a fee, just send me an email

Bob

[CJ101KT]

I made up the hat/bells for this conversion and if any one wants any to fit any disc to an Elan I am happy to make them up for a fee, just send me an email

Bob

You have mail .... thanks

[Elanlover]

Making some progress now. Just need to check the hoses aren't rubbing, bleed (and bleed again most likely, put the wheels back on and then on to the rears.

[Elanlover]

Ok, front brakes "mostly" bled . Wheels on and they clear the wheel spokes nicely as well as the stems (well done Bob). Looks like a stealth brake system with the black rotors, hats and calipers. Should look interesting after I bed the pads and the black is swept away except in the grooves and near the hub.

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Working on the backs now. Given this car has only about 10,000 KM on it, rarely sees rain and was stored in a garage for 12 years with only 1,700 original miles on when I bought it I thought I'd show this:

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All the pics I've seen of people removing their rear hubs show wear, oxidaiton, rust, etc. What you'd expect of a 15 year old car. These babies almost look like they just came off the assembly line.

[Woo]

Looks good Blair

[Elanlover]

Ok, brakes are on and pads bedded. Still having fits with bleeding the brakes but we'll get there. Here's soem pics with the wheels on the the black electroplating scrubbed off where the pads make contact.

[bobbrown]

looking good, did you leave the bleed nipple dust caps off on purpose?
The fronts fill the wheels well and the rears do not look bad either.

Bob

[tweetdriver63]

huh huh huh huh.....He said nipples.....huh huh huh

[Elanlover]

looking good, did you leave the bleed nipple dust caps off on purpose?
The fronts fill the wheels well and the rears do not look bad either.

Bob

Yes, the wheels are coming off again for some more bleeding...............

[Monty]

Blair,

Brakes and wheels are looking superb and with the redisgned dash got to be one of the best looking elans going

[Elanlover]

Thanks folks. Still a few projects to do on the exterior but we're starting to get there. I'm getting close to being finished on the interior.

[Elanlover]

Ok, here's one little project I'm hoping to complete over the winter. Its a remodelling of the rear of the car to include the installation of Kia rear light clusters, a new, LGM custom valence to fit between them and the redesign of the rear bumper includign a centered exhaust outlet. As I go through designing what the rear will look like I'd like to post some mockups and would appreciate feedback.

The first of these design ideas is the rear bumper viewed from the side. I will eliminate the stock rear, side reflector/marker and find something else to replace it with to ensure the car meets all the required DOT regulations. Its gone from these pics (except the stock pic) but what's chnaged is the profile of the rear bumper from the side. I'd be interested in people's opinions and suggestions.

[lotos]

I don't mind any but the bottom one which looks a bit too American (read: LARD ASS)

Can't wait to see the finished product!

[Nige]

I prefer the original (less the reflector), of the options the first one looks best to me.

[DaveB]

Yep...

...number one or two gets my vote... no bigger!

[Denny]

Number 1 for me.