The Lotus Grand Tourers

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

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

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

Glad you made it here at last!

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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?

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.

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.

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

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