New member-North Carolina, USA

[gomper71]

Hello, I should have done this intro some time ago, but better late than never. I bought my Elan last September. It is a Calypso red with low mileage(12k) and is in really good shape. Several people have asked me if it was a new car. I was a little concerned about the low miles, but no problems so far and I am giving it regular exercise now. I did not get any info on the servicing of the car, so I am a little concerned about the cam belt, more from age than wear. I appreciate all info and help on this site. There are very knowledgeable and innovative people here that know the car inside and out. I have a few issues I have not seen topics on. I have some holes in my front bumper from license plates. Can a body shop repair these? Is there a way to tell if the gas tank recall has been performed? I want to upgrade my speakers and there are several topics on that. First thing though is a brake upgrade and I am hopeful to get in on the group buy for the front and rear brackets. Working on that, but all the threads for hoses, hardware, calipers and such are sometimes hard to follow for a newbie.
Tom

[tweetdriver63]

Hey Tom. Where in NC?

When I got mine, the carfax showed the fuel tank recall had been done, so maybe?? If you don't know about the servicing, you should probably do it all. I did. I had all fluids changed, and replaced all the belts. They're the same belts (including timing) as the 91 Isuzu Impulse, so they're inexpensive and easy to get. For a job like that -- if you're not doing it yourself -- any mechanic you would trust with an Isuzu Impulse can handle this car too. Changing all the belts and fluids doesn't cost much, and it's good to start fresh, so you know where everything stands.

[nsr250]

You may be the closest member to me. I'm in the Atlanta area and have had my Elan even less time than you!!

[tigerdog]

Is there a way to tell if the gas tank recall has been performed? Tom

Hi Tom, welcome! You can contact Lotus Cars USA or your friendly local Lotus dealer about the fuel tank recall. Provide the VIN and they will tell you if the tank recall has been performed. My tank wasn't leaking but Lotus replaced it anyway, free of charge. Not bad for an 18+ year old car.

[gomper71]

Hey Tom. Where in NC?

When I got mine, the carfax showed the fuel tank recall had been done, so maybe?? If you don't know about the servicing, you should probably do it all. I did. I had all fluids changed, and replaced all the belts. They're the same belts (including timing) as the 91 Isuzu Impulse, so they're inexpensive and easy to get. For a job like that -- if you're not doing it yourself -- any mechanic you would trust with an Isuzu Impulse can handle this car too. Changing all the belts and fluids doesn't cost much, and it's good to start fresh, so you know where everything stands.

Asheville area. There wasn't anything on my carfax, so I am going to call the Lotus dealer as Tigerdog suggested. Thanks. A mechanic I trust to do the service? This brings to mind a story. Years ago I had a Corvette I wanted to put chrome exhaust headers and side pipes on. So I took it to the local shop where I knew and trusted the guy. Later that day I find out he's installed the headers and pipes w/o the mufflers and is roaring up and down the road in my car. So I have always been a little less trusting since then.

[gomper71]

You may be the closest member to me. I'm in the Atlanta area and have had my Elan even less time than you!!

Well, maybe. I go to the Mitty at Road Atlanta every year and some time within the last ten years, as I recall, there was a Lotus car corral that had a significant number of Elans. This was the first time I got a long close up look at an Elan. By the way, Lotus is the featured marque for the 2010 event.

[tweetdriver63]

You may be the closest member to me. I'm in the Atlanta area and have had my Elan even less time than you!!

Well, maybe. I go to the Mitty at Road Atlanta every year and some time within the last ten years, as I recall, there was a Lotus car corral that had a significant number of Elans. This was the first time I got a long close up look at an Elan. By the way, Lotus is the featured marque for the 2010 event.

Might have to make that 2010 Mitty. I've never been. I went to my first events this year, the New Orleans British Car Day, and LOG.

My wife's family is from Arden. Her father played basketball at UNCA. I asked last fall if there were people interested in a Blue Ridge Parkway drive in the fall, but only a few showed any interest. Maybe you guys would like to do that? I was thinking sometime when the leaves are changing. I'd love some pictures of my Calypso Red on the Lynn Cove Viaduct, with the fall colors at full power. Maybe I could get in the calendar with one of those.