Spitandpolish

Now to finish it all and get a decent flatted coat of primer on. First time doing this work, so it’s a bit of an experiment I so far, it looks ok. Worst case if I completely mess up is to buy another clam!

Once the clam was removed the damage was easier to see. Decided to have a go at repairing the clam, as there wasn’t much to loose A few screws to hold the shape, some epoxy glue and then fibre glass from behind… IMG_2560.mov Decided to remove the indicators and relocate them to the fake front vents… Fibreglassed over the old vents and then cut in new halo driving lights with indicators built in

A couple of easy jobs to get the build going…

Brakes are rusty and crusty, and the tow point is super rusty, so will do these first

Well taking the clam off wasn’t easy, at least 6 different types of fixing, mostly rusted. Anyway, the good news is that there is no damage to the crash structure. There are however some cracks in the radiator shroud, and I cannot locate a new one, so will have to repair.

This looks really smart, is this the car on YouTube?

Hi Bibs, I agree completely! parts 29 and 30 are plates with bolt threads welded to them, these are then bonded to the underside of the lid. I am thinking some Epoxy, but maybe drill a couple of holes through to see if that helps.

Hi, after several decades of wanting a Lotus, I finally achieved that goal yesterday with the arrival of my purple 2005 Elise 111s. It certainly needs some work, and any device long the way would be gratefully received. The aim is to to come custom mods, for fast road use not track, but nothing over the top. As it came off the trailer, the engine cover lock fell off, and has clearly done so before. What is the best adhesive to stick metal to glass fibre? Thanks

Thanks!

I am sure you will all have seen the engine fire damaged Esprit for sale, commiserations to the previous owner, if on here! My questions are: Given the amount of damage, while a refurb of the existing engine is no doubt an option, are there any other popular engine swaps for these cars? Something that has been done, not needing to reinvent the wheel… Also, if a track car build looks like an option, does anyone still sell a wide body kit for this car? Any ideas very welcome, with thanks.

Hi all, and thanks for the input. I now have a contact to follow up for some idea of restoration budget. The next topic was going to be price, but before questioning the asking for this car, I wanted an idea of the spend, and eventual value. If only the chap who sold it for £5k had advertised it here!

Thanks Bibs, I am waiting on Scott for some updated photos of the black one. This S1 just caught my eye, but is clearly a proper project.

Hi All My first post. Hope I am in the right section, apologies if not! I have been looking for an Esprit for a while and hope to buy one early in the new year, having wanted one for a good 20 years plus. This site is very useful, especially on restoration. I decided to look for an early car, but having found that very difficult, swapped completely to looking at later GT3 models. My question relates to this car: http://www.uksportscars.com/view/lotus-esprit-s1-l-h-d-1977-original-tartan-green-interior-orange-carpets/ I could not restore it myself and would need to get a specialist on board. To refurb chassis and engine, refit the body and get the car working, what kind of budget would I need ( ball park range). Re spray and interior can wait, but the car must be useable. My biggest worry is spending way over the cars eventual value. Any advice gratefully received. My fall back is to give up on early cars, and simply pick up the best GT3 I can in the new year. If anyone is thinking of selling towards the end of Jan, please let me know. Thanks for reading.