Lou R

Phil, Thanks for your earlier response to my query on the composition of the brake servo tube that runs through the chassis. Could I impose upon you for an additional detail ? Specifically, I checked the servo hose that connects to the alloy tube and it is indeed 3/8" as you noted. So, I will endeavor to have an alloy pipe fabricated to the 3/8" diameter you advised earlier. Unfortunately, this tube was missing from my car at the time I purchased it. Can you please advise if this chassis tube is a straight run or if it has any bends at either end. Many thanks, Lou R

Hi Paul, Thanks very much. After reading your response I recall seeing the rear brake and clutch lines passing through the front crossmember. When I purchased my car it didn't have the brake servo hose attached to anything and there definitely wasn't an additional tube passing through the chassis. But, of course, it only makes sense that it would have to connect to a vacuum source in the engine bay. Can you please confirm if the brake servo tube that runs through the chassis is also an alloy tube (similar to the heater core tubes) and is not a hose. I see where SJ lists one but no photo. I suspect it is an alloy tube so I'll plan to measure it up and have another tube fabricated similar to the heater core tubes. I hate to think of the problems this would have caused had I not asked the question. Thankfully, there are forum members such as yourself to help newcomers on their restorations. Thanks again for clarifying. Lou R

Hello All, I'm in the early stages of restoring my 79 Federal S2 and could use some advice from those who have gone through this before me. Specifically, I'm getting ready to use a local shop to fabricate the alloy cooling tubes that run through the chassis. When I disassembled the car I removed (4) tubes at the front crossmember - the two larger tubes that are the radiator supply and return lines (at the top of the crossmember) and two smaller tubes that, presumably, serve as the heater core supply and return lines (at the bottom left of the front crossmember, as you face the crossmember). When you look at the crossmember, there are (8) holes (sorry, having difficulty posting a photo). I'm fairly confident there are only the four tubes described above but I would feel much more comfortable if someone could confirm this with their car so I can be certain these extra "holes" are not used. Also, the number of holes that exit the chassis at the rear doesn't correspond to the holes on the front crossmember. Does anyone have an explanation for these apparent extra "holes" ? Thanks, Lou R

Hi All, I was wondering if someone could clarify a detail on the S2 Speedline wheels. Specifically, are these wheels made from magnesium or an aluminum alloy ? I recall reading somewhere they were true magnesium wheels but all the Lotus literature refers to them as "alloy". As I'm sure everyone knows, restoring true magnesium wheels is a much more difficult task than restoring typical alloy wheels. Does anyone have any definitive proof (one way or the other) on the true nature of these wheels ? Thanks, Lou R

Hi All, Trying to restore my 79 S2 Federal to original specs and getting close to the time when I'll have to re-install the shocks/dampers. I prefer to stay with the original Armstrongs but having them overhauled is about the same cost as buying a new set of Spax. Does anyone know the Armstrong part # for the front and rear shocks/dampers ? I need Armstrong's part # (not the Lotus part #) to see if I can locate an NOS pair. Does anyone have the cross reference that will provide the Armstrong part # ? If so, I'd be very grateful if you could educate me on the correct part # for the S2's Armstrongs. Thanks, Lou R

Hi All, I'm currently restoring a 79 Federal S2 and it appears the front lower control arm bushings (where the control arms bolt up to the chassis) were never updated per Lotus' Technical Service Bulletin 1980/34. I'm a little surprised my car doesn't have the modified control arms given the October 1978 manufacture date of my car. I'd like to perform this modification but I need specific details that are probably only in the Service Bulletin. I know that SJ sells modified control arms but given the cost to ship them to the US it's probably much less expensive if I go to a local machine shop and have mine machined so they'll accept the larger (non-Opel) bushings. Does anyone know where I can obtain a copy of TSB 1980/34 ? Thanks, Lou R

Chris, Thanks very much. Now I can locate a set that will closely match the dimensions you've provided. I'm pretty certain the nuts you have on your wheels are original - see attached photo of some that are for sale here in the US (unfortunately he only has 3 and wants $12 each). Not likely we'll ever find aftermarket nuts that are close to the originals. I'll follow-up with you once I locate an aftermarket set so you can decide if you want to change yours out. FYI, the sets I've seen so far here in the US are quite a bit cheaper than the price you quoted for a single nut (e.g., I've seen sets of 16 going for around $25 US (about 15 GBP). Don't know about the quality though. Thanks so much again. Lou R S2 Lugs.pdf

Chris, Thanks - I really could use the overall length and socket size of the originals. The thread size is 12mm x 1.5 threads and I believe they are an "acorn" design (not the "bulge acorn"). I've been looking for a long time for some originals but have never seen any show up. I've found a few aftermarket ones that are close to the originals (and fairly inexpensive) but none are exact matches. Once you give me the dimensions from yours I'll probably buy some close aftermarket nuts - I'd be happy to send you a photo and other details if you are interested. Thanks again, Lou R

Hi All, Can someone with a set of original Speedline lug nuts please tell me the overall length of the lug nut (tip to tip) as well as the socket size required to remove/tighten it (3/4", 13/16" ?). I'm having a difficult time locating a similar aftermarket replacement and knowing the above info would help me greatly narrow down the search. Thanks, Lou R

Hi All, Can anyone explain the difference on the S2 rear light assemblies used on domestic cars vs. federal cars ? They seem identical but have different part numbers. All I really need is to replace the lens that is positioned next to the amber flasher (it was glued on and it broke during my attempt to remove it). Can't seem to find a replacement for this lens so I'm looking for an entire assembly (probably will have the same problem when I go after the other side). Can someone please enlighten me if I can use a domestic assembly in place of my federal assembly. Thanks, Lou R

Hi All, Has anyone with a Federal S2 ever changed the rear valence from the Federal version to the UK version ? I much prefer the looks of the UK spec rear valence but I've been advised elsewhere that I need to modify the body tub to accept the UK valence. I know I need to replace the bumper as well (and get rid of the wedge) but I can't see where any mods to the body tub would be required. I don't mind drilling some new mounting holes but some previous advice indicated I had to either cut the body or cut the valence. Can anyone provide some advice on this ? Thanks, Lou R

Hi All, Thinking of re-finishing my S2 engine cover but am having a difficult time finding a suitable paint that will provide the "textured" satin black finish as per original. I looked at Hammerite but they seem to be specifically for metal. There are plenty of "hammer finish" paints available but they only provide a textured look - not an actual textured finish. I'll be removing all of the existing paint on the cover and starting from bare fiberglass. Has anyone managed to achieve a textured finish similar to the factory finish ? Also, I'd like to refinish the underside of the cover as well and then glue on a thermo-acoustic barrier. I'd be most interested in any advice/comments from others who have addressed this same decision before. Thanks, Lou R

Thanks for the all the input. Regarding the Hammerite, did Lotus use a textured finish or a smooth finish ? I've looked at all the Hammerite product offerings and they seem to be specifically for rust prevention on metal (like POR-15). Not sure if they will work on fiberglass. Hammerite offers a Stonechip Paint but it's only available in rattle cans - I much prefer to use a spray gun - results are always superior. Can anyone provide any further insight into the specific Hammerite product they used. As an alternative I'm looking at SEM Satin Black Chip Guard (available in quarts). The texture can be customized depending upon how it's applied. Regardless. I always prefer to stay as close to original as possible, hence my interest in Hammerite. Thanks again.

Hi Gav, I was aware of RD's stock - however they only have 3 available now (still at $12/ea). I need a full set so I'm reluctant to buy them from R&D as I might not be able to find 13 more just like them. At least RD had a photo which I can use to find something similar. Hopefully I'll find an original set somehere - I've got plenty of time since my car likely won't be on the road for a couple of years. Thanks for your reply. Lou R

Does anyone know of a source for original style wheel nuts that will fit the Speedlines ? I know the nut size and have also seen them for sale at SJS but the ones they are offering don't look like the originals and are fairly expensive (shipping to the USA is alo very expensive). Lotus seemed to use a lot of parts from other manufacturers and so I was wondering if maybe these wheel nuts are from a different application/manufacturer (?). Anyone have any thoughts or suggestions on where I might find a set ? If anyone has some for sale I'd be most interested in purchasing them (condition not overly important - I can always have them replated). Thanks, Lou R

Hi All, Recently started body restoration of my 79 S2. I've removed the loser panels (front spoiler, sills, rear valence) and am just about completed with the body work on these parts. Next step is to prime and then paint the lower body panels with the black chip resistant paint. Can anyone advise if this black paint was a gloss or semi gloss or "matte" finish ? Can't really tell from the existing panels on my car and I'd like it to be as original as possible. Also, I assume this same finish was used for the "ears" as well as the window frames and other black trim parts on the car. Can anyone verify this as well ? Thanks, Lou R