New Elan Owner

[Saltire]

Well, I understand where ElanBRG is coming from, and I’ve nothing against the unlimited money approach However, having just done a full brake and suspension rebuild, I know what the parts cost was for that - and I didn’t upgrade to PNM (or similar). I’m looking at north of £3K for all the bits, powder coating, etc. So by the time you add in the engine parts, you’ll be into a substantial parts bill, even assuming the labour is your own.

My experience also says that the car is likely to be off the road for longer than you expect, simply because you’re waiting for parts. For example, I ordered new springs all round from SJs on 9th October, they were shown as “in stock”, I’m still waiting, and a phone call yesterday suggested they won’t be dispatched before the end of next week at the earliest. Which means the car’s stuck on a lift, undriveable. And I have a part dispatched order dating from August which I’m still waiting for. OK, it’s a lesson learned for me, but I thought a month or two would be ample to get bits. And don’t even get me started on Samco hoses - currently on 3 months lead time.

What I did with my car, following Pinky’ sage advice above, was to buy it, do an essential service/MoT including cam belt and then drive it for a bit - partly to enjoy, and partly to start building up a list of what needed done. Enright of this forum had an excellent spreadsheet of jobs that are good to do, from which I borrowed shamelessly. Then plan out a couple of winter projects. Last year, I redid the dash electrics, including a new alarm/immobiliser. This winter it’s the suspension/brakes/chassis. And next year I’m planning cooling system and gear cables (because you need to take off a lot of the cooling stuff to get to the cables anyway). In the summer, drive and enjoy. Takes longer, but lots more fun

Of course, if your car’s in an absolutely terrible state now, you’ll have to do some work. But remember why you bought it, and try to get at least some enjoyment as soon as you can. Apart from anything else, it will comfort you enormously as you wield the trusty blowtorch to remove yet another rusted bolt

Sorry this has turned out so long, but hope it helps. Whatever you decide to do, good luck, don’t be afraid to ask, and see you at Castle Combe.

[cliff]

[ElanBRG]

Yeah, talking about parts prices, this is where you learn you don't come out ahead buying a cheap used exotic that is 30 years old, LOL! They alway warn you, but people do it anyway.

If I was tight with money, I would try to get away without the full suspension rebuild, but still take out the engine to reseal it and change the hoses and change the clutch. Those parts aren't too bad, and that's the maintenance that will keep you from crying down the road.

[Saltire]

Although of proud Scottish descent, I wouldn’t claim the parsimony of which my forbears were often accused. And I certainly wasn’t suggesting that you should scrimp on necessary maintenance. However, I still maintain that taking a stepwise approach is preferable to throwing pots of money at the car from day one, even if you end up spending the same in the end. I’ve owned many classic cars, some worth many thousands of pounds, and some not, and in my humble opinion it’s all too easy to dismantle everything with gray abandon, and then lose heart in the reassembly. That’s why you see so many “projects” advertised on eBay (other listings magazines are available).

Anyway, Ash, it’s your call. And one of the many benefits of being on the forum is that you do get a variety of views on almost every topic, Lotus-related or not. Only you can know which approach is best for you, your car, and your preferred way of working. However you decide to go ahead, good luck with the project, and I’ll be first in line congratulating you on the results. I’m sure they’ll be far ahead of my own paltry efforts