My Quandary; Change to Excel?

[DavidOliver]

I also have arrived at an age where heavy work like engine removal takes double questioning. Lying on your back is not good for our bones.
However, and having had an Elite, if you got some keen yougun to lift the engine (and gearbox together) and remove the diff you will probably still enjoy fixing them yourself. For engine bits Lotusbits has got some interesting prices for even cylinders or crankshafts.
Do not bother repainting, any future buyer can go to that expense. Localised paint repair is hardly detectable.
So you will be way below 5000 quid to do the mechanicals.
You can then enjoy the car particularly as you see the sale price rise over the next couple of years, perhaps more than an Excel.
After all, the Elite is the original Lotus Grand Tourer.

End of Quandry?

Dave the cog.

[ChrisJ]

I saw 2 Elites at GST in Newmarket yesterday when I picked up my Excel. It might be worth givng Gerald a call to see if he can help. He is normally booked up months (years) in advance and doesn't take on many new customers ... but if you don't ask etc.

Whereabouts in Essex are you?

[Mike C Sailor]

I'm at Canvey Island, south Essex near Southend on Sea.

I see that Barry Ely is at Maldon, not too far away, 2 bus rides I think. The web site suggest he does engine rebuilds.
The car has been unused for a few years so a change of timing belt and probably a new battery will be needed and even with the problems it's driveable, and it is insured and declared to be on the road. So I should be able to drive it there.

Thanks to all the suggestions, I am listening and taking note.

[AndrewWebber]

I agree of course, the Elite.

Andy

[Mike C Sailor]

I am indeed rethinking my strategy in that direction for a couple of reasons.

Yesterday I had to fix a doorlock that didn't close; I was a bit apprehensive. But the bolts came out easily, because I'd greased them last time it was off, I always do that. Some oil on a stuck lever and it now works, smoothly. Gave me a bit more confidence which I think was lacking, and you guys here have helped. As I've undone most bolts and greased them on assembly, and often have used wax putty to protect the heads from rust, ongoing maintenance may not be too bad.

Above all, I'd like to get the car nice and it could be fun, I may well get my money's worth from this even if I end up losing money if I sell.

[Mike C Sailor]

Nothing much happened over the winter, but it's all happened now.

I've bought an Excel.
It's a really lovely 1989 SE, from UK Sports Cars. An excellent example, exterior and interior are superb and it drives well apart from a slight bit of play in the steering which they will fix.

Several reasons for the change of direction.
The main one is I'm getting older and I've lost some enthusiasm for working on the Elite. A fair bit needs doing, and I need to take care of myself. It was becoming a millstone.
I was ready to spend quite a bit to get things done on the Elite, but I could see this being about £5k and I wasn't sure that this was the car I'd most want for this expenditure; future upkeep would still be needed, and though potentially a good car, I might really want something better in terms of finish, features, quality generally.

I can afford a good Excel (I could buy 10 of them), but I'm reluctant to spend capital rather than income on a non-essential car; but I had a 10k windfall! Some investments had changed hands and I hadn't received the income for 2 or 3 years. So this money, plus the £4k I'd need to spend on the Elite, has bought the Excel.

The Elite won't be easy to sell, I may end up having to scrap it, but for my health reasons it has to go.

Over the last year I have not spent much on it, and the work has been OK, very much it's been physiotherapy helping with my recovery, good exercise, so not wasted at all.
I have other pursuits that I'm looking forward to; sailing, and some more boat maintenance; gardening; and a very special hifi speaker project is designed and waiting for my time.

Thanks folks!

Ebay listing while it's still there:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/276078216513 ... R7ynjKT-Yw

[pistolpete]

Looks a great car, you will enjoy it. Any small issues there our so many good people on here to help.

I'm sure the Elite will not need to be scraped, does it start?

[dancroft1984]

Thanks Pete, this option is definitely on the table, and getting more likely.

It is interesting that Elites/Eclats seem to be getting some recognition now. I seem to remember that a few years ago you could hardly even give them away, nobody wanted them even at silly prices. OK, they are still not highly in demand but things seem much better.
This does perhaps answer one of my concerns; if it costs say £5k to get it sorted, and I then keep it, that could be a good result!

Though I listed my concerns, there's a lot that's OK with mine. Chassis is sound and rustproofed, door beams have been repaired properly and rustproofed, door hinges are OK, well lubricated, window frames are well attached to the door beams.

I'm in Essex; I'll do some searching but I don't think there are any classic Lotus specialists near me; it's a very long way to SJ Sportscars.

Mine was literally given away. To me Though I did need to dig it out of the bush myself.

[dancroft1984]

Looks a great car, you will enjoy it. Any small issues there our so many good people on here to help.

I'm sure the Elite will not need to be scraped, does it start?

If I wasn't elbows deep in my Excel I'd have a crack at that Elite, I'm sure someone will be able to get that back on the road and useable.

[Hawaiis0]

John walsh of lotusrescue may be interested in your Elite probably as it looks too good to scrap.

[Mike C Sailor]

Thanks guys.
I've just fitted a new cam belt to the Elite, I have a new battery so I'll try to start it. If so it should be driveable though on 3 cylinders and a clutch that needs nursing to avoid slipping.

The work that needs doing:
engine, probably a full rebuild
clutch
water leak, probably something needs sorting out in the plenum chamber, probably needs door seals as well
headlining
front calipers probably need replacing, seem to work but may not work right
a few more things I can't think of.

Not bad project car for the right person.

[Pete Boole]

Very good project! If only I had the space

Pete