wanted Lotus Elan S4 FHC

[Martin L]

: Any colours in mind ??

Thanks guys, I'm thinking yellow over white sprint colours

Good choice

[elanman999]

That's a nice little project. Will you be in it at the next Nyloc meet on the 23rd?
On a more serious note, do you know who made the body? I ask because I'm looking for one for my Elan.
As for colour any of the two tone schemes are nice but I would like to see one in the Exige Sprint chrome orange and white. Or there's my favourite of all red.
Best of luck.
John

[Doug]

Well what can I say, nice find, Dave that looks a lot better than having to start from scratch which is what I thought you wanted to do.

Reminds me a bit of when I got my Elan, all new parts, my eyes popped, that had to be the one. I get the feeling you did as well.
As has been said take your time and get it spot on. and definitely more pics.

Doug

[stratosboy]

First weekend - work commences, this is probably the roughest it will look
I'll post more as build progresses, but it will be slow!

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[Martin L]

Dave, that looks great, but may I share a little tip from experience.................paint the bare shell before any assembly begins as this will ensure a far more proffesional finish and make the painters job easier with no masking required and no partial stripping of fittings and trim.
have fun.


ps. let me know if you are offered any more projects like this as I am so missing my+2

[stratosboy]

Thanks for your advice Martin, I was going to try to dry fit & fettle almost everything and then dismantle again before painting. I'm worried about damaging paintwork when climbing all over and in it to fit stuff.
what do others think?
Thanks Dave

[Doug]

Dave,

That sounds like a plan. If you have time on your side then fit everything, that is everything, remove all and then paint.

You need to check door alignment, if as most people will say "all Elan doors stick out at the rear" then now is the time to sort it out. Mine did but were sorted before paint, they are not 100% but are the best that could be done.
Does your "new" bodyshell / chassis need drilling, tapping, possibly shimming and bolting, I would do that as well, just to be on the safe side.

Once the panels are painted make sure you have help on hand for the larger items, you won't be able to comfortably fit them on your own. Trust me I know.
As for "climbing all over it" after paint, old towels, sheets etc will all help.
Anyway best of luck, just my worth.

Doug

[softlips]

Another rebuild thread

[stratosboy]

A couple more pics of the start of the build up: body is up on scoffolding to make it easier for filling/rubbing down lower areas
Spyder roll bar and SIP bars fitted

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[Doug]

Dave,

2 things I notice,

1. How long are those rear springs I suppose they are what Spyder have supplied, it's just they look awfully long.

2. Are you up to speed with fitting the SIP bars into the body, they need to go in from the rear wheel arch, unless by chance the "strengthening " bars are not present in the sill inside the shell. I cannot see from your photo's. Also I found when fitting the roll bar a bit of light modification had to be done in the area where the roll bar meets the SIP bars.
If you need any more info on the above give me a shout.
Mind you it looks like you have loads of room to work in an excellent size garage.

I wonder if PT or any of the mods will read this and will move it into the Classics Lounge section as it is a bit out of place down here now.

Doug

[stratosboy]

Thanks Doug,
I really appreciate your comments
1/ the springs do look long but are what was supplied, and when body is on chassis it sits a bit high, but I thought it would settle when the weight of seats, interior, carpets, full fuel tank, & people are all added.
2/ I've just figured out that the SIP bars need to be threaded through from rear wheeel arch, do you just cut a round hole with a tank cutter and glass it back in when they're in? - there are strenghtening bars fitted inside sills.
and yes I was also thinking that this thread doesn't really belong in for sale/wanted section any more - could mods please put it where it ought to be - thanks.
be good to talk through some of the build Doug, especially if you've done some of this stuff, if you don't mind letting me have your number via pm?
Thanks again
Best wishes
Dave

[Martin L]

Dave, that looks great, if its any help I have a few pair of different length 2 1/4 springs in the garage,let me know what length you think you will need and I can have a look. from memory they are 100 and 110lb that I experimented with on the +2

[stratosboy]

ooh, hey nice one Martin, I'll measure them and get back to you about this.
Aren't you lot friendly from NYLOC?
Cheers
Dave

[elanman999]

Dave,
Re the springs. I know from when I rebuilt my +2 that the car did not get down to the final ride hight until the last piece of trim was fitted. So do not change the springs until the car is on the road and ready to go.
Looks to be coming along nicely. Keep up the good work.
Cheers
John

[stratosboy]

Thanks John, I'll do this
Dave