Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

Woody, Nice job to have!

I see others have updated with Elan info rather than Plus 2 info which is obviously different and more relevant to your problems, hope it helps.

I?m retired now so am progressing well, just need to get the Rev counter working correctly with the electronic ignition then the dashboard can be finally screwed into place, the doors and bonnet fitted and send it for trimming in leather. The engine runs fine, it started first time after 35 years which was amazing. The last fiddly bits seem to take for ages though, things like the fuel tank vents, the heater ducts, the handbrake mounting brackets and little stuff like that. My other hobby of racing radio control cars seems to take up time too as I end up preparing my sons too, and then he usually beats me

Old planes and old cars, takes me back to my 37 Taylor Craft and CSX2176.

I absolutely love the color...errr - colour of your Plus 2! My Grandson has a radio controlled car that goes over 75 mph.! I am afraid to run it for fear that I'll hit and kill a neighborhood dog, or cat!

My S2 has lain dormant and in the weather for at least 20-years. The engine, other than some very minor filiform corrosion on the ramps of the exhaust cams of #1 and #3, is in remarkable shape. When the Webers return from rebuild, I expect a similar result. I hope I am not disappointed!

I see you are at Lincolnshire; we have friends at Spanhoe, if you are familiar with that area? Don't know if you saw today's work, but I was painting the cam covers, (Hammerite) - and the carburetor air plenum pieces, plus some steering column, and turn signal stalk covers. I'll attach them and if it's old-news, my apologies. Please keep the photos of your project coming!

Cheers,
Woody

Woody, you certainly went for a very ambitious restoration project! Did you find the Elan near you? I?m always amazed at the cars that are left out to rot away. It?s very sad.

There is a house down the road from me that has an entire backyard filled with 8 rotting Alfa?s. I made a short video a couple of years ago. https://youtu.be/JbGuxB_4cs0

If I may ask, who is restoring your Weber?s? I have an original Italian pair that I want restored and am trying to figure out who is the best shop.

Rob,

Your second question, first; I chose Mike Pierce, ( Pierce Manifolds at Gilroy, California) Mike is hyper-conscientious, knowledgable, experienced and loves Italian Webers. Check out his website. What he isn't, is inexpensive, but the value for money made it an easy choice. One can buy new, Spanish Webers for considerably less than an overhaul...but that isn't the point, is it? Pierce Manifolds: 408 842 6667

My Elan set out for two decades at an aquaintance's car repair shop. I would stop by, periodically and ask about it's dispostion. George's answer was always along the lines of, "I am going to restore that car", or worse - "I am going to build a race car out of that Elan!" I finally hit him at the right time, last May. The car is rougher than a stucco bathtub, but very, very original and has done only 29,500 miles. I was able to buy the car at a "year 2004" - price, since George wasn't keeping up with the recent rise in Elan values. Still, I'll have plenty of time and money in getting it on the road. That is somewhat secondary, (within reason) : I want to save a neat car that I've admired for some time.
Here's a picture from the day I picked it up.

Woody, hope to meet you at Sturbridge LOG next year, car or no car.

Great story Woody. I?m looking forward to your updates of bringing your Elan back to life. Thanks for the recommendation of Mike Pierce. I have heard the same about him.

There was a Lotus Esprit S1 sitting under a car port in the town next to me for over 30 years. Never moved, slowly disenegrating each and every season. I finally stopped and asked the owner if he wanted to sell it. Long story of why he had it and would never sell it. Told a friend about the car who has experience in getting people to ?let go?. He got the Esprit. Timing is everything in life.

I am new to Lotus ownership; when is the LOG? For years, I attended the MOG meetings....hope that doesn't make me suspect? LOL!

As to the neglected Esprit story; yes...in my experience, only if it's meant to be - it will come together. I feel Blessed to have a period of stewardship over this little car. As we all know, these things outlast us! A Happy Christmas to all.
On an esthetic note: what do you all think of, "The Hammerite Effect"?
Woody

https://lotusltd.com/log39/

If you need a can of blue Hammerite, let me know.

Thank you for the link to LOG. August is nice at Massachusetts. As to the Hammerite...I think there is already plenty on the cam covers!