2012 resolutions - or My Elan is going to be running!

[garyeanderson]

Another nearly gone and all I managed to get done on my Elans was to get the air box replaced and the rear inner bushings swapped out. I need to finish up my S4 SE coupe so I guess thats my goal, its nearly assembled so it's not much of a goal but it creates a large dead space when its not running. I know a few folks have had cars under"restoration" for a while. I hope that they are able to get the chain thats wrapped around their necks off and the Elans rolling down the road.Please feel free to put a stake in the ground to mark the fact that you have that goal in mind!

Gary

[lotocone]

Well Gary, you're making me think about next year already. A things-to-do list should help me focus instead of procrastinating.

The brake MC should be rebuilt. I'd like to fix the leaks in the headlight vacuum system starting with the headlight switch, which I think is the problem. A new rubber seal is needed around the windshield. I have the seal and a willing friend who has done the job on his Plus 2, so better get that done. I'd like to replace the wiring which is original, but I'll have to think about that. It's a big job and I'm not very familiar with that kind of work. The car could really use a paint job too, but that will probably not done be in 2012. Maybe I can start the body prep.

It's starting to snow here, so I should think about a garage heater to get things started before long.

Bob

[cal44]

My goal..................to sell my '70 Boss 302 and obtain a Lotus Plus 2 or Elan.


Oh', and finally (in six months) start collecting welfare (socialist security) from the United States Government. Finally I get my money back. Now if I can just live long enough to bank it.............or buy another hobby car.

Mike

[alaric]

Hi. I need to get my car on the road too. It's not progressed much over the last 12 months. Next job is fitting the dash and wiring, once that's done carpets and seats... ok there's loads to do but most is probably quite easy so I just need to get on with it. I can kneel down again now so don't have the excuse that I had earlier in the year - a knackered knee from skiing. Hm, should I do a gannt for this - I wonder if it'll help? If you download ganntproject from http://www.ganttproject.biz maybe that'll help plan the work that needs to be done - very simple to use. I use it for my job all the time.

Sean.

[Bud English]

Gary thanks for starting this thread.

I?ve determined to make 2012 the year of the Lotus. I?m now actively working on getting my +2 finished.

The last time it was on the road was in 1980 when I decided I?d restore it. I started with too little of everything required, money, time and information. Over the last 31 years, she?s survived (barely) a new house, a divorce, retirement from the Air Force, outdoor storage while I lived on my houseboat, several moves, a remarriage, another new house, and a couple of career changes. Through it all I kept the car that I?d always wanted. I?m retired now and have the time to get this done. I just finished soda blasting the bare frame so it?s upward and onward from here.

Here in northern Nevada there?s a fall car event called Fifties Fever where all makes and vintages are welcome. My New Year?s resolution is to be finished in time to participate.

[memini55]

Well how should one start with this list as one has so many variables involved, a wife, work, family to name a few. But I'll give it a go.

My list will be a bit large but you got to set a goal. First build and install the new motor in the autocross car. Move the present motor to the 65 S2 which has been waiting for finish, then button up the rest of that project. Need to switch all the hubs back to bolt on wheels, install the windshield glass, assemble doors and install them, fit boot and bonnet, install the exhaust. Should have that one done by mid year with luck. Then the last one for this year is to have the last arrival project in paint and start of re-assembly. Might even get it back on the road if lucky. Can't say what it is as it is not a Lotus but it is a close cousin. it had a shared designer from the Elite and is a monique as well.

OK Gary so you started this and your list is kind of small, you got lots more to do than that! I know you will if you win the lottery.

Mark

[Tahoe]

Gary,

I didn't too bad last year on mine. I managed an Aluminum radiator, Alternater, starter, new tires, rebuilt the tach and speedo, replaced the missing speedo gear (thanks Gary), and a bunch of other little stuff.

This Winter I plan on doing the following by the end of April:
1. Install new Aluminum fuel tank.
2. Restore/refinish dash pad.
3. Design and have built new dashboard (somewhat custom).
4. Install new door hinge pins, and fix bobbins.
5. Install new exhaust system (header to tail pipe).
6. Install missing dip switch and align steering wheel so signals cancel, and horn works.
7. If I have time, install CV axles.

[elj221c]

I know a few folks have had cars under "restoration" for a while. I hope that they are able to get the chain thats wrapped around their necks off and the Elans rolling down the road. Please feel free to put a stake in the ground to mark the fact that you have that goal in mind!

Gary

Thanks for making me feel guilty, Gary!

I'm not sure I will be 'rolling down the road' but I WILL make a start in 2012...........

[DeanG]

Getting my Elan running again is also my 2012 resolution. Today I put the fuel tank back in the car. Something I had intended to do for over 4 weeks. It has been 13 years since I drove the car.

Good luck.

[gordont]

1 - get arund to 26R style headlight conversion (perspex covers and headlights sourced) now just to fit them
2 - engine rebuild (ie stop the oil leaks), have finally ordered QED420 cams
3 - fit correct tail lights
4 - most importantly fix the water leaks from around the doors
5 - fit the knock on hubs (already have these and the alloy spinners) after buying KO wheels (probably kelsport 26R replicas for normal KO hubs)
6 - help the other 3 owners I know with elans get theirs on the road