Lotus Elan Central

Hi. I’ve been off the grid for over a decade, due to work, procrastination and sheer laziness. But now I’m back.
My Elan SE, that I’ve had from new, was also off the grid for over a decade. Unfortunately, for that entire time it stood on my back lawn. This is not to be recommended. Much of the metalwork underneath has disintegrated, there are holes in the chassis, front and rear, the lower door hinges have rusted through and it’s generally in a sorry state.
However, I’ve purchased a slightly crash damaged example from Chris Foulds with which I intend to make one good car out of two not so good cars.
The new one is in reasonable condition but needs bonnet, bumper and top shell replacing. I’ve taken these from my old car (thanks for your videos Tuga2112) and am ready to start building up the front of the new car. The next job is to clean, derust and prepare every bracket and widget I can get my hands on before reassembly.
I’m sure with help from you guys and girls, along with Tuga and Toby’s videos and Chris Foulds’ help, I’ll get it sorted.
I’ll try and get a cure for the procrastination tomorrow.

Hi to all those that remember me from before and also hi to all the new members that have joined in the intervening period.

I was truly saddened to see that we lost Simon a few years ago. A lovely guy.


Richard

Richard_A_Clifton wrote:I’ll try and get a cure for the procrastination tomorrow.

looking forard to that one. i could use that recipe too

Sounds like a good plan to get a good running car out of two. If the donor is brg like your picture I’ll be looking forward to see what bits you have spare and might sell eventually as well
My old shed has a hole in the passenger door and a replacement door will much simpler than repairing it.
Good luck with the rebuild and it’ll be good to see pictures of the progress if you’re that way inclined

Simon_H wrote:………..it’ll be good to see pictures of the progress if you’re that way inclined

I’ll try but the early ones won’t be pretty. All I need to do is find out how to upload photos into my message.

OK, A bit of progress. I'll post a couple of photos of the new car as I got it. For photos of progress, is it better to post them in the thread or is there a more effective way of doing it? For instance, if I want to post a dozen photos, is it wise to post them here or is there a more acceptable way?





Next job, I think, will be getting the belts changed while access is so good, before starting to reassemble stuff.

The world is watching

Good luck with your progress. Having moved house this year and all the jobs that typically result, my Elan has been rather neglected since February too. Theres a few jobs i now need to get on top of. Your post has just given me the proverbial 'nudge'

Hector2021 wrote:Good luck with your progress. Having moved house this year and all the jobs that typically result, my Elan has been rather neglected since February too. Theres a few jobs i now need to get on top of. Your post has just given me the proverbial 'nudge'

Glad to be of help.

My son knocked up a tool to enable easy loosening/tightening of the crank pulley bolt and, at the same time, teach me how to weld!

welding is an incredibly valuable skill. its amazing how powerfull it it but people only seem to realise it after they have learnt it.

Watching people doing it on YouTube, you’d think it was a doddle. Reality is a little different….
More practice needed!