Re: Catastrophe on Elan ownership day one!
Posted: Tue Aug 31, 2010 10:31 am
I spent the whole day yesterday swapping the mounts over, I managed to do it with only removing the carbs and I even left them connected to the fuel lines, just moved them out of the way. The mount to engine bolts on the exhaust side were the hardest to get a spanner on as I didn't want to remove the exhaust headers. I have lots of scars on my knuckles now and the three year old next door knows a few more swear words. The engine is now sitting properly with more clearance between the carbs and the pedal box. The trouble is the bonnet is still touching the cam cover at the front. I really don't understand how this is possible, there's not that much new paint on it. The bonnet seems to be sitting at the right level but is just touching the engine, before you lock it down it is noticeably vibrating on the engine. I really can't see a way around this (other than modifying the mounts), it's not something I can leave either as it will eventually set fire to the bonnet.
Anyway, took the wife for her first spin in it and she loved it. Was so nice to drive it again, even if it was for just 5 minutes keeping it under 30. I want to get the car running and road legal for the Goodwood Revival in three weeks but there is so much to do.
Fix bonnet problem
Vacuum reservoir connection needs fixing
Fix leak or replace brake servo
Fix speedo
Source new horn push and wire up
Fix horn compressor and/or horns
Fix handbrake
Mount seatbelts so they pass MOT (mounted to spyder rollover bar points at present)
I think we should start an Elan rescue service, similar to Changing Rooms, where we all help out on one owner's car for a day. My area of expertise is removing an engine and refitting exactly as before so it sits 10mm higher (no new mounts needed).
Anyway, took the wife for her first spin in it and she loved it. Was so nice to drive it again, even if it was for just 5 minutes keeping it under 30. I want to get the car running and road legal for the Goodwood Revival in three weeks but there is so much to do.
Fix bonnet problem
Vacuum reservoir connection needs fixing
Fix leak or replace brake servo
Fix speedo
Source new horn push and wire up
Fix horn compressor and/or horns
Fix handbrake
Mount seatbelts so they pass MOT (mounted to spyder rollover bar points at present)
I think we should start an Elan rescue service, similar to Changing Rooms, where we all help out on one owner's car for a day. My area of expertise is removing an engine and refitting exactly as before so it sits 10mm higher (no new mounts needed).