Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

scott_budds · Joined: 20 Nov 2008 Posts: 175 Location: Norwich

Happy 2010 to everybody!

Just to prove I havent been sitting on my bum for the last few months I thought I would show you all some of the progress Ive been making

Firstly just before Xmas I got my headlining bits back from Nick Fulcher. I was very happy with the job. Nice work on all the joins especially where the different sides of the sun visors come together I just could not of done those. All I got to do now is to fit back into the car.

I finished painting and cleaning the gearbox, and I got all the M7 & M9 bolts re-plated. I was really happy to get the engine & gearbox back together, feels like a big step. I got a few more bits I want to get done; making the heat-shield for the end of the cam towers is next on my list. I was going to get some of that triple layered heat shield material from Merlin Motor sport for the job.

Buddsy
_________________
Im looking for an Elan plus 2 for my next resto project...if you see one think of me please!!

Nic Jarman · Posted: Sat Jan 09, 2010 12:05 pm Post subject:

I hope you are not going to get that superb engine dirty by starting it. My Morris was first sold by Browne & Son in Loddon, who are still there so I will be taking it to Norwich. See you soon.
_________________
1936 Morris 8 Series 1
1973 MGB roadster
1977 MG Midget 1500
Dax Rush

scott_budds · Joined: 20 Nov 2008 Posts: 175 Location: Norwich

Well its been far too long since my last post but I have still been quite busy with the car. Spent ages and ages stripping, then polishing then painting the BBS Wheels. All my other jobs were backed up as I needed to move the car out of my garage to be able to open the drivers side door. Something I was unable to do with the car in the garage and with no wheels on, or even tyres on my wheels it all had to wait until the wheels were done!!! The wheels were originally silver but I wanted them gold to pick up on the pinstipe and the "Turbo Esprit" decals...Brash as hell but soo very 80s!

I was also able to fabricate some exhaust brackets the old ones were not very nice so I got them lazer cut in Stainless bent and welded them up myself.

So for the first time in a year or so she saw the light of day!!

I was then able to finish the roof trim I had redone as you can see by the cloths pegs around the sunroof hole!!

I am now working hard fitting the petrol pipes and new black Samco silicone water pipes getting ready to fit the engine back in. Last job I have to do on the engine is to statically set the timing...its funny how some jobs you kind of just keep putting off!! I have got an idots guide of the Lotus forum so fingers crossed should be ok!!

Buddsy
_________________
Im looking for an Elan plus 2 for my next resto project...if you see one think of me please!!

pryantcc · Joined: 07 Sep 2009 Posts: 88

Budsy, this is fabulous work & you will have a stunning car when it's done. You already have a stunnig car, actually! Keep it up!

JC T ONE · Joined: 30 Oct 2008 Posts: 1139 Location: Denmark

Hi

that is a awesome job you have done.
I dont have the Dellortho book, to give me advice/hints,
so I am very pleased that my carb was OK.

It was nice to see the pic of your petrol tanks, makes me wonder if my RH tank is done by the same company?? looks VERY simelar to yours,
I always asumed it was a SPEEDWELL tank, as it looks like their product, but after seeing your tanks, maybe not?
Always wondered where JANSPEED would find a 60ies fueltank, so long after it was made?
must ask the mechanic that built my car about this Question

I think it was SOO right of you to paint the wheels Gold Cool

Team Gold Leaf colour, as pr Colins F1 cars (1968 & on) Wink

(must remember your Lotus history Wink

)

You can look foreward for the startup, its the most rewarding moment of all, its 3 years since I got my car running,
but I still remember the feeling & exitment from that morning.

Good luck with the rest.

Jens Christian
_________________
http://www.eurods.eu/wp/index.html

scott_budds · Joined: 20 Nov 2008 Posts: 175 Location: Norwich

Hi Jens thanks for you kind coments.

Im not sure about the fuel tanks, I assumed Lotus made them or got someone else to make them? I dont think they are too special a few of my fellow Esprit owners have had sheet metal workers remake in stainless.

The first start of the engine I am looking forward to and nervous about in equal measures!!!

Buddsy
_________________
Im looking for an Elan plus 2 for my next resto project...if you see one think of me please!!

JC T ONE · Joined: 30 Oct 2008 Posts: 1139 Location: Denmark

scott_budds · Joined: 20 Nov 2008 Posts: 175 Location: Norwich

Oh so here we go!! A bit quiet at work the other day so I took James who works for me and my engine home.

Thats James.

So after a bit of adjustment to give me more angle all was looking good!

After a bit of fighting with the engine to line up mounting rubbers....

Ok so it looks a whole lot easier than it was in the pictures!!! It was not the easiest job but as its now in I am able to work on getting the pipes and electrical cables connected up!!

Buddsy
_________________
Im looking for an Elan plus 2 for my next resto project...if you see one think of me please!!

JC T ONE · Joined: 30 Oct 2008 Posts: 1139 Location: Denmark

great stuff Cool

keep posting Wink

_________________
http://www.eurods.eu/wp/index.html

pryantcc · Joined: 07 Sep 2009 Posts: 88

Wohoo! I was hoping when I saw your thread moved back up the list that you'd posted another update!

I love tracking your progress and have great admiration for the quality of the work you're doing. Top class, keep the updates coming!

Nic Jarman · Posted: Sun Oct 24, 2010 11:17 pm Post subject:

Buddsy, I really enjoy your posts but could you please get it on the road ASAP as you are making the rest of us feel pretty inadequate. Wink

_________________
1936 Morris 8 Series 1
1973 MGB roadster
1977 MG Midget 1500
Dax Rush

smiffy220 · Posted: Wed Nov 24, 2010 2:14 pm Post subject:

Hi, just joined the forum and seen your thread. Gorgeous car mate, look forward to keeping up with your progress. I'm a big Lotus fan, kind of on the lookout for a nice Excel in next year or two. (Need four seats as have 2 kids!!).
Lovely quality of work your doing, I know who to come to for advice if I get one.
Cheers,
Dave
_________________
Born to rally, forced to work!

1980 Opel Manta 2.0 SR Berlinetta
1934 Morris Cowley Four (my late fathers)

Car-Nut · Joined: 06 Feb 2010 Posts: 146 Location: Lancashire

Buddsy,

Youve done the car proud, excellent work..... Wink

_________________
Car-Nut
'62 S1 Jaguar E-Type 3.8 FHC
'70 420G - 13th from last RHD
'70 420G - 17th from last RHD

thegetawaydriver · Joined: 16 Aug 2010 Posts: 2

Looks stunning - my dream car when growing up. Looks like you are doing a great job
_________________
www.thegetawaydriver.co.uk
www.greatescapecars.co.uk

Bellisin · Joined: 19 Dec 2010 Posts: 16

Just read every word of your thread. The engine in particular looks amazing.

I will take some heart form this and get back to my own restoration!

Super cool car when finished.