My first post & may upset a few people! (Spyder content) ;)
Posted: Thu May 10, 2012 7:06 am
Hi
I've owned a few +2's (amongst others) over the years but always wanted one that was completely rebuilt that I could actually use from inside the car instead of underneath! Well that didn't happen & about 18months ago I bought a half rebuilt +2S130 complete with Spyder chassis & full Zetec conversion. Basically all the running gear, brakes, infact everything bolted to the chassis was brand new. The body had been finished in spray filler apparently by Robin Alabaster so that was a load of work not needed. However the car was completely bare!
I decided I would not have enough time to complete this myself (other Lotus projects going on) so gave it to a local restorer who is doing a great job. We have been doing it since about November last year & changing everything that use to annoy about owning one in the past. I decided that since it wasn't original anyway with the Spyder gear & Zetec engine why stop there!
So far we have ditched the vaccum units & replaced with Mazda MX5 headlamp lift motors which work fantastically, installed Renault Clio Electric window mechs again which are amazingly good, electronic (failsafe) boot & bonnet releases removing the external Imp hinges & replacing with spring assisted Lotus Excel ones. After refurbing the pedalbox we decided it still looked shit so have installed a Lotus Elise unit with AP master cylinder, Lotus Elise (GM) indicator & wiper stalks with bespoke polished aluminium cowl. In the engine bay we fitted a remote oil filter, made a combined ally tank with a seperator for the header tank & washer bottle, moved an ally rad down the nose of the car & rerouted the air cleaner.
I have bought a complete leather interior from Vincent Hayden which we be installed once the paintwork is done & currently wer are replacing all the wiring with new & altering the dash layout slightly & having a new dash made.
Hope to get some photos up soon
Hope to get some photos up soon
I've owned a few +2's (amongst others) over the years but always wanted one that was completely rebuilt that I could actually use from inside the car instead of underneath! Well that didn't happen & about 18months ago I bought a half rebuilt +2S130 complete with Spyder chassis & full Zetec conversion. Basically all the running gear, brakes, infact everything bolted to the chassis was brand new. The body had been finished in spray filler apparently by Robin Alabaster so that was a load of work not needed. However the car was completely bare!
I decided I would not have enough time to complete this myself (other Lotus projects going on) so gave it to a local restorer who is doing a great job. We have been doing it since about November last year & changing everything that use to annoy about owning one in the past. I decided that since it wasn't original anyway with the Spyder gear & Zetec engine why stop there!
So far we have ditched the vaccum units & replaced with Mazda MX5 headlamp lift motors which work fantastically, installed Renault Clio Electric window mechs again which are amazingly good, electronic (failsafe) boot & bonnet releases removing the external Imp hinges & replacing with spring assisted Lotus Excel ones. After refurbing the pedalbox we decided it still looked shit so have installed a Lotus Elise unit with AP master cylinder, Lotus Elise (GM) indicator & wiper stalks with bespoke polished aluminium cowl. In the engine bay we fitted a remote oil filter, made a combined ally tank with a seperator for the header tank & washer bottle, moved an ally rad down the nose of the car & rerouted the air cleaner.
I have bought a complete leather interior from Vincent Hayden which we be installed once the paintwork is done & currently wer are replacing all the wiring with new & altering the dash layout slightly & having a new dash made.
Hope to get some photos up soon
Hope to get some photos up soon