Lotus Elan

11-02-2003, 08:53 AM

I've got a 1966 Elan visiting the shop for the Winter...
She be getting a re-seal, clutch, Weber overhauls and other misc. freshings. If anyone is interested, I'll post some pictures along the way to recovery.

Regards,
David

11-02-2003, 11:10 AM

Please do! I really like those things. I haven't seen one in person since I lived in Europe. I'd love to get your take on the ownership experience, especially what is the perceived bane of Lotus ownership: reliability.

Cheers

11-02-2003, 03:30 PM

Reliability...LOL...Sorry, that word cannot be used in describing the Lotus Experience. This car will be for sale, once repairs have been completed.

I'll post some pictures latter in the week.

Regards,
David

11-02-2003, 03:53 PM

Cool!

Yeah, I thought I might get that reaction out of you.

I'm told they're worth the headaches though.

Cheers

11-02-2003, 03:55 PM

I agree with Taek, I love seeing all these cars. I owned a Jenson Healey for yrs, loved driving that thing!!!

I've wanted a Triumph Stag forever! Love the look!

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Regards, JRV

11-03-2003, 08:27 AM

Gents,

These cars are worth the (mild) headaches...as the driving experience is quite incredible. Nothing like a Lotus in the handling department!

I've had three, thus far.

67 Elan-Fun and pretty reliable (Daily driver for 2 years)
70 Europa-Always broken
65 Super 7 (The real one) RHD-Unbelievable fun and pretty reliable, as well.

Jensen Healey-I drove a new one back in 1978...It didn't make it through the new car road test, and had to be trucked back to the dealership. Cool car, but...!

Regards,
David

11-07-2003, 09:07 PM

A couple of pics of the Elan before "surgery"...

11-07-2003, 09:33 PM

Wow you got that engine out fast, just one pic to the next and it's out!

HaHa!!

That thing looks nice, looks like it will be a sweet ride when it's done!

Best, JRV

11-07-2003, 10:54 PM

LOL...HA!

The engine did come out reasonably quickly...though those Brits do do a great job at hiding some of the engine to transmission bolts behind/under the carbs pretty darn well. And we won't talk about the engine-mount bolts which are in shear, meaning that the engine has to be supported before the bolts can be removed...but the car is too low for the cherry picker to slide underneath it...

But...the oil leaks will take a bit longer to repair than the engine R&R did. What's the deal with "rope" seals and cork gaskets? Looks like a sure fire way to ensure oil leaks....

Actually it's not a bad project car to work on...Parts are very reasonably priced and readily available through Dave Bean Engineering.

Regards,
David

11-08-2003, 01:36 AM

That thing is COOOOL!

Had I the courage I'd spring the cash for something like this.

"Rope" seals and cork gaskets!! Gasp! Can these problems be preempted and addressed or do they pop up to the point of leaving one stranded constantly?

Cheers