Excel SA

Hi Pete - I think you need to explain exactly what you've done to your engine! Neil.

For my Excel fuel tank I bought the following: RSN 8-14mm Banjo 14x20x1.5Cu washer x 2 I haven't fitted them yet, and have a 1987 Excel. Neil.

The picture of your pedal box has caused me to change tack on my installation! I was going to use the bottom hinged pedal that came with my Lexus V8 motor, but will now do something similar to what you have done - install the sensor on the pedal box - much easier and neater - thanks for posting that! My Excel accelerator pedal has no rubber on it at all, so I am of no help there either... Neil.

The hard wax and the polyurethane will likely give you two very different results in terms of colour. The wax will normally bring out the colour and the grain in the wood much better than the sealers. A two part epoxy or polyurethane will give a harder, easier to maintain finish - a primer used first can also affect/help with the final colour. The gloss levels of the finish will also differ - hard wax will be matt, 2-part sealers will normally come in a range of gloss levels - from matt to gloss. The hard wax will also be a fairly thin protective layer, the others are much thicker.... Neil.

Once you've drilled holes you can also use a jigsaw to cut the rest The edges left sand easily and quickly to finish the holes off. Neil.

I am, with a large Excel project....

This is out of the service notes for the Elite and Eclat - it should help. Neil.

$22 must be for 100! Try this https://www.alliedelec.com/product/te-connectivity/926973-1/70468256/?utm_source=octopart&utm_medium=part_sourcing&utm_campaign=partsourcing_octopart&TEdistID=614733525&TETID=buqdx5YQR9 I did have a look at them - US$0.22 each, but they have a US$5.00 handling fee, plus shipping which put it on a par with the price over here - in South Africa, I paid the equivalent of about US$7.00 (GBP5.00 or so) for 10 plus shipping, but added them to other bits and pieces I needed to order. They may be available in other places in the US as well?? Neil.

I have found some of these connectors for my Excel - the fuse box and connectors look the same as the pictures above. The description of the connector is a "Standard Timer socket contact, 17-13 AWG, and has a part number of 926973-1 - a Google search of the part number should come up with a part from TE Connectivity. I bought mine from RS Components here in South Africa - they took under a week to get to me despite not being in stock in SA. The RS Components stock number is 7187123 - you get a pack of 10 connectors. I have trial fitted one - without clipping it in completely as I can't, for the life of me, get any out despite knowing how they lock in place! They do fit. Neil.

I'm busy rebuilding the door skin on my Excel - if the damage is that bad on the outer skin, there is also likely to be damage to the mounting points as well. It's not a quick or fun repair removing all the old repairs and then trying to rebuild everything properly. First prize would be a replacement, unfortunately Lotus Bits is a bit far from me to be an option! Neil

Nice to see all the progress. Pete, yours had to open to change your air filter.... Neil.

As far as I can tell the rear springs for the Excel should be 12" long. I can measure the front ones from my car on the weekend as they are in a box and not fitted yet after refurbishment. The rubber pads they sit on should also give a clue as to which goes where as I think the diameter is slightly different as well. Neil. Also have a look at https://www.lotusexcel.net/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=9058 - that shows the front spring length options - all longer than 12".

I'm pretty sure the springs front to back are different sizes on the Excel, but off hand have no idea which is which. Suspension bush bolts should also only be tightened when the car is under it's own weight, and sitting level. Neil.

Nice to see all the pics of someone else's repair! Have similar, but more extensive damage to the front of my Excel - some was patched up badly, and some damage was just left as it was with no repairs even attempted. Neil.

Hi Dave, Good luck with the conversion! I'm currently trying to squeeze a Lexus V8 into my Excel - it is a pretty tight fit. This will keep you very busy and your mind thinking all day (and night..) trying to work out where to fit everything! Will be keeping an eye on your progress as well. Neil.