My '91 Lotus Elan M100 Restoration Project

[lotuselanman]

Hello Everybody! As you might have read by now I am new to Lotus' and have recently purchased a Lotus Elan M100. I am currently getting it to a good and reliable stage and wanted to show and tell you guys the work that has been done. These are pictures of the car before any work was done and I will post the pictures of work being done along the way and after it is finished:

This is what has been done to the car since it was purchased a few weeks ago:

Mechanical:
-Spark Plugs and Ignition Wires Changed
-Oil and coolant changed
-New timing belt, alternator and PS/AC Belts
-Lower Temp Fan Switches put in
-New Idler and Tensioner Pulleys
-Right Headlight Rebuilt
-Alloy motor mount bracket (was stripped needed new one put in)
-New water pump (was slightly leaking)
-MAS Sensor Filter (got broken)
-Hub Centric Rings fitted (It was shaking on the freeway without them now drives smoothly)
-New AC Drier fitted and charged with Freeze 12
-Exhauster Hanger (there was one missing and there was a crack that was welded)

Electric/Electronic:
New Stereo (was broken. Fitted it with: Alpine 7949JG competition stereo receiver, Alpine 3553 Amp, 0.5 farret cap, JL Audio 6.5" subwoofer behind passenger seat).
New Battery

Cosmetic:
-Seat adjuster knobs (were missing)
-Leftside Door Cheater Trim (was missing)
-Prop rod retainer (was broken)
-Seatbelt clips (were missing)
-Sun visor (was missing)
-Attached rear view mirror (was in the trunk)

I still need to put in a new A/C clutch, and finish putting the alarm system with proximity sernsors in. Marie is helping me with most of this work and she's doing an amazing job.

Will post more to show progress and improvements! Let me know what you think of the car! Thank you!

[tigerdog]

Excellent work! Car looks good and will only get better, I'm sure.

[lotuselanman]

Thank you tigerdog! Here are some pictures of improvements that have been done to the car:

[lotusgirlmarie]

The fun never stops. So many nic nacky bits to take care of. Still a lot to do to get to snuff.

Leak in the vacuum section of the heater controls (it's not the lines. It's in the controls)

AC compressor clutch does not engage (did a quick test and the solenoid is dead or stuck)

Drivers side power door lock knackered

Pass side window is off track

CDL not engaging properly (DS DL the culprit)

Boost gauge knackered (case and face are split apart)

Oil pressure gauge knackered (face and case spilt apart. Tested wires with new gauge and wires tested good)

Been slowly getting everything working again. Been a job so far. She is coming back to life though and is a strong runner with most the mechanics now sorted.

[steve matthews]

Are those cigars in your map pocket

[lotuselanman]

Are those cigars in your map pocket

No it was actually the caps for the wheels. They are now on the car... Also got some hub centric rings fitted which helped a lot with stability. Will need to get an alignments once everything is done before I go to LA.

Thanks Marie, you are doing a great job and I really appreciate it! Runs like a champ and hopefully once the other gremlins are sorted everything will work as it should!

[tigerdog]

Boost gauge knackered (case and face are split apart)

There's always the cheapie VDO/photopaper face trick. I have printed a bunch of spares of my latest. Add one to a VDO 150121 Turbo Gauge and use your old lens and bezel. I am afraid I can't help with the oil pressure gauge. Interestingly, though, the dead gauge from which I salvaged my lens and bezel was also cracked in exactly the same way. Another US West Coast car. What gives?

[lotuselanman]

Boost gauge knackered (case and face are split apart)

There's always the cheapie VDO/photopaper face trick. I have printed a bunch of spares of my latest. Add one to a VDO 150121 Turbo Gauge and use your old lens and bezel. I am afraid I can't help with the oil pressure gauge. Interestingly, though, the dead gauge from which I salvaged my lens and bezel was also cracked in exactly the same way. Another US West Coast car. What gives?

Oh it's ok, I've already ordered the gauges from aftersales. Good to know though for the future!

[lotuselanman]

Some updates of more things has been done on top of what was already mentioned:

-Spark Plugs changed again due to fowling from improper spacing and use of non OEM sparkplugs.
-Fixed Doorlocks (and found the missing rod in the actual door).
-Fixed both windows (Butterfly clip and gliding clip were broken on passenger side door), both windows had problems opening and closing but now work well.
-Installed used Speedometer gauge and new oil pressure and boost gauges.
-Alligned headlamps with spacers
-Plastic square covers put in holes in the door panels where they used to be.
-Mounted amplifier in trunk
--Installed trunk (bonnet) release motor (with a Saab push button release behind the drivers seat when key is in the ignition and a remote release on the alarm remote when outside).

Still to do:
Fix lock on glove box (lock and pin fell out, put back in but problems alligning).
Figure out why engine fans are not working, car overheated on the freeway stop n go traffic 100* outside (Check relays, fuses, and finally replace Thermostat and maybe lower temp fan switches(again) if it's not electrical).
Install Doorlock Plungers and ashtray and swap out speedometer which I am borrowing for the one I bought and install new seat adjuster knob with proper washers.

Photo's and more updates to follow!

[lotuselanman]

Boost gauge knackered (case and face are split apart)

There's always the cheapie VDO/photopaper face trick. I have printed a bunch of spares of my latest. Add one to a VDO 150121 Turbo Gauge and use your old lens and bezel. I am afraid I can't help with the oil pressure gauge. Interestingly, though, the dead gauge from which I salvaged my lens and bezel was also cracked in exactly the same way. Another US West Coast car. What gives?

Maybe it's the heat that cracks them . It's been over 100 everyday since I got to LA... not used to it being from San Francisco and all... I park under a tree thankfully so the sun doesn't damage the paint or vinyl/leather inside...

[Lotus54]

I need to replace my receiver drier (but will stay with the 134).
Do you have a part number?

Mark