Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

If it's of any interest, I have three Federal Elan Tandem MC's, at least two are new - one of the two was reconditioned by Classic Car Automotive.

Drop me an email if your interested, if not I'll post them on eBay.

Postscript: I have just figured out that Glen's original can is not home made at all - It is the original fitment on S2 Europa's from unit #2089 & is shown in the parts book:


I actually found a NewOldStock part on eBay last year, here it is shown side by side with the Elan SOVY:


I believe the old SOVY reservoirs were converted touch up paint tins, they were probably discontinued & Lotus had no choice but to manufacture the cans from Solid stock.

Phil, that is very interesting to know. Now if I can just remember what I did with that solid stock can.......

Having my original Sovy can and top constantly leak, from day one, I have now adapted the billet reservoir from Wilwood (shown below). I am using a modern indicator reservoir top, that connects to the brake fail dash light, same as stock. No more leaks, for the first time in 50 years.


At some point I may adapt the original red Sovy top to the billet cap to provide a more original look.

Hello, Original Owner!

Very interested in your inventive solution. Especially the Wilwood part number, how you adapted it to the master cylinder and the modern indicator reservoir top which signals the dash light.

Would appreciate any pix and/or further descriptions/explanations. Thanks so much!

Randy
1970 Elan Plus 2S

The Wilwood part no: 260-12696 for the canister
Part no. 330-12646 for the indicator float cap.

I think I got mine from Summit Racing.

Essentially, to adapt this:

1. Drill a hole in the plastic tandem reservoir cap. These caps are readily available. If you have an original cap, that was attached to the Sovy, with a hole in it that is in decent condition you could probably use that as well. Problem with the original cap is finding a nut that will fit in the underside recess. I opted for a new cap.

2. Secure the Wilwood reservoir with a fiber/leakproof washer and nut to the underside of the cap. If you have an original tandem reservoir there is a baffle between the two chambers of the tandem reservoir that may interfere, so you may have to fiddle things for clearance. I found a NOS tandem reservoir to replace my yellowed, original one. The NOS one has a cutout on the baffle, unlike my original one, that provides clearance for the Wilwood nipple.

My car is currently out of pocket, in for paint, so these are the best pictures I have on hand of the installation:

Thank you very much, sir! That fills in the gaps for me. Much appreciated

Randy

1owner69Elan wrote:Having my original Sovy can and top constantly leak, from day one, I have now adapted the billet reservoir from Wilwood (shown below). I am using a modern indicator reservoir top, that connects to the brake fail dash light, same as stock. No more leaks, for the first time in 50 years.


At some point I may adapt the original red Sovy top to the billet cap to provide a more original look.

1Owner69Elan - I really like what you have done there, it's a combination of the billet style container (does not rust) with the better sealing of the OE can type container

Like you I have always had difficulty sealing the SOVY canister to the nylon reservoir. Finally had success with using a large bead of Elring Dirko (aka Rohan's magic seal) on the sealing face of the Europa billet can:

What is the sovy master cylinder bore size?
With our a servo.
My brake pedal is pretty hard