Blog about restoration of a "hedge fund" '86 Excel

amarshall · Post by **amarshall** » Tue Jun 26, 2012 12:18

Thought I'd pop this in here until the owner gets his account sorted :

http://www.danslotusproject.blogspot.co.uk/

crofty1984 · Post by **crofty1984** » Tue Jun 26, 2012 14:12

Hello!
Yes, that's me.
The car's name's Henry. It's my friend's mums (or at least was!) and has been sat there for at least 12 years. And probably 3 years before that, going by the tax disc.
I was told that she can't bring herself to scrap it/ or sell it for parts/someone to do up just to flog on, but if I don't change the colour and let her see it when I'm done then it's mine.
It's a 1986 LC engined widebody. The plan is get her back on the road, MOT'd and cleaned up a little. Then think about a proper full-on restoration.
First job is to get the barn cleared and get her in there on axle stands so I can inspect the chassis. I'm hoping it will be OK, seeing as it's been away from road salt, though admittedly it's outside.

I'll be spending a lot of time in here, so thought I'd best stick my nose round the door and say hi!
Anything to look out for/advice/tricks/checks/etc would be more than welcome.

Dan

amarshall · Post by **amarshall** » Tue Jun 26, 2012 14:24

Glad you made it here at last!

Chassis will probably be fine - they're all galvanised.

crofty1984 · Post by **crofty1984** » Tue Jun 26, 2012 14:34

Yeah I made it. Spent most of today frustrated I couldn't log in with my newly-reset password, having not noticed the bit of the email that said: FIRST YOU NEED TO CLICK THIS LINK HERE - THIS ONE, DO YOU SEE IT? THE LINK JUST BELOW THIS TEXT. IT'S BLUE AND LOOKS LIKE A LINK. YOU NEED TO CLICK IT. CLICK IT NOW!
Easy mistake to make.

Thanks for your help, here and on the other forum.

johnthebass · Post by **johnthebass** » Tue Jun 26, 2012 14:46

Keep us posted Dan! Always good to hear of another Excel about to be put back on the road!
John.

rbgosling · Post by **rbgosling** » Tue Jun 26, 2012 14:51

Welcome Dan!

Hopefully it should be relatively straightforward to get this back to an MOT-worthy condition. No surprise to see the headlining has gone, that's a pretty standard failure.

With any car that's been standing that long, I would strongly advise to RENEW THE ENTIRE BRAKE SYSTEM!!!! A car that stops but doesn't go is a lot safer than one that goes but doesn't stop. I'm talking replace all flexible brake pipes, new pads, overhaul calipers and master cylinder.

Otherwise, be glad you haven't got any rusty bodywork issues to deal with (although I'll bet the door beam has a little).

Enjoy the fixing, it can be almost as fun as the driving. Well, to some of us.

chrisw2811 · Post by **chrisw2811** » Tue Jun 26, 2012 19:17

Hi Dan, Nice blog and welcome aboard. Looks like the Excel has found a good home with you. Hopefully you'll find all the technical information and help you need in the forum. Whereabouts are you based? Regards, Chris

crofty1984 · Post by **crofty1984** » Mon Sep 03, 2012 13:45

Just a quick bump - Henry has moved a total of a number of feet! Yards in fact!
Pictures and updated blog here:
www.danslotusproject.blogspot.com

bauke · Post by **bauke** » Mon Sep 03, 2012 20:00

nice projecht!!! keep up the good work, nice that you will share the overhaul with us,
great that this excel is saved,

amarshall · Post by **amarshall** » Mon Sep 03, 2012 20:03

Offer of assistance and a run out in one that works (to inspire you when it all seems too much) is still open.

crofty1984 · Post by **crofty1984** » Tue Sep 04, 2012 08:45

amarshall wrote:Offer of assistance and a run out in one that works (to inspire you when it all seems too much) is still open.

Cheers Angus, think I'll need it! I'm in Norfolk, are you nearby?

amarshall · Post by **amarshall** » Tue Sep 04, 2012 09:02

crofty1984 wrote:
amarshall wrote:Offer of assistance and a run out in one that works (to inspire you when it all seems too much) is still open.
Cheers Angus, think I'll need it! I'm in Norfolk, are you nearby?

Not exactly - but any excuse for a drive !

I'm sure the more local members (quite a few) would be happy to take you out and help out too.

excel tel · Post by **excel tel** » Tue Sep 04, 2012 11:44

Where are you in Norfolk, im in Norwich,my excel looked like yours did when i first got it(mine was under a car port not in a hedge)
Took 7 years to do but got there in the end,dont give up.

Cheers Terry.

MrCoolA · Post by **MrCoolA** » Tue Sep 04, 2012 17:50

Yes welcome.....................especially if she is a (Pacific) Blue one....................Angus we may need another vote soon.....

Don't worry we are all a bit crazy in here,,,,,,,,,To explain there are people who think that Blue is not the best color for an Excel.....very strange as i am sure you will agree

Radar · Post by **Radar** » Sun Sep 09, 2012 23:52

Welcome, whereabouts in Norfolk are you...not the old A11 on the approach to Wynondham?

The Lotus Grand Tourers

Blog about restoration of a "hedge fund" '86 Excel

Blog about restoration of a "hedge fund" '86 Excel

Re: Blog about restoration of a "hedge fund" '86 Excel

Re: Blog about restoration of a "hedge fund" '86 Excel

Re: Blog about restoration of a "hedge fund" '86 Excel

Re: Blog about restoration of a "hedge fund" '86 Excel

Re: Blog about restoration of a "hedge fund" '86 Excel

Re: Blog about restoration of a "hedge fund" '86 Excel

Re: Blog about restoration of a "hedge fund" '86 Excel

Re: Blog about restoration of a "hedge fund" '86 Excel

Re: Blog about restoration of a "hedge fund" '86 Excel

Re: Blog about restoration of a "hedge fund" '86 Excel

Re: Blog about restoration of a "hedge fund" '86 Excel

Re: Blog about restoration of a "hedge fund" '86 Excel

Re: Blog about restoration of a "hedge fund" '86 Excel

Re: Blog about restoration of a "hedge fund" '86 Excel