The Esprit Strikes Back

[skiing]

That is brilliant - working on these cars is like an archaeological dig...

[Bibs]

 

[snowrx]

25 cent UJ spacers are the cheapest parts on the car, whatever the exchange rate!

[Bazza 907]

Makes cents but still disappointing if he paid top dollar for it 

[LOTUSMAN33]

The $1 driveshaft is focked after removing the UJ’s today so heading out to the scrap heap!

All three parts have had it unfortunately as the splines are worn where the nut wasn’t torqued up.

 

 

[Lotusfab]

1 hour ago, LOTUSMAN33 said:

The $1 driveshaft is focked after removing the UJ’s today so heading out to the scrap heap!

All three parts have had it unfortunately as the splines are worn where the nut wasn’t torqued up.

 

 

Thats annoying!

[LOTUSMAN33]

Yes it was rather but at least I’m slowly finding all the problems, I managed to get a secondhand good one for £70 which wasn’t bad with perfect UJ’s so that’ll do as they say 😉

[LOTUSMAN33]

Time for an update as been busy on the Esprit although the basic refurb has turned into a nigh on restoration now with the budget blown 🙄🙂

The bodywork has taken a fair amount of work converting to domestic spec but come out well, colour flatting and buffing still to do along with a repaint of capping rails, Bootlid, roof and rear valance to action next.

Engine is all done and carbs rebuilt ready for the accelerator pumps to be set up on my rig.

The chassis is ready to receive after I finish renewing some wiring and all engine connectors which were looking tired.

Gearbox is done ready to mate to the new clutch, lightened flywheel and new input bearing. The input shaft has been resleeved restoring to as new condition.

All the suspension items are refurbed ready to install as well.

Dave  

 

[Lotusfab]

2 minutes ago, LOTUSMAN33 said:

Time for an update as been busy on the Esprit although the basic refurb has turned into a nigh on restoration now with the budget blown 🙄🙂

The bodywork has taken a fair amount of work converting to domestic spec but come out well, colour flatting and buffing still to do along with a repaint of capping rails, Bootlid, roof and rear valance to action next.

Engine is all done and carbs rebuilt ready for the accelerator pumps to be set up on my rig.

The chassis is ready to receive after I finish renewing some wiring and all engine connectors which were looking tired.

Gearbox is done ready to mate to the new clutch, lightened flywheel and new input bearing. The input shaft has been resleeved restoring to as new condition.

All the suspension items are refurbed ready to install as well.

Dave  

 

Looks great Dave!

[LOTUSMAN33]

Engine back in from above as planned which was pretty easy even on a sloping drive, mind I did enlist the help of the boss to assist on the lift while I guided it down.

Gearbox next then connect it all up. 🙂

 

[Lotusfab]

Nice job!

[LOTUSMAN33]

Gearbox in with all gears easily achieved thanks to a complete new set of bushes right upto the lever and a new cross gate cable with mod kit. Still loads to do but slowly ticking things away from the list 🙂

 

[jonwat]

I've eaten my dinner off dirtier things than that 

[ramjet]

With how cheaply some of the bodges have been done, I'm surprised at the PO using what amounted to $1 on the drive shaft. I'm sure he could have found some greenery from the garden that wouldn't have cost anything at all except the other half yelling:

"I saw you! What are you taking leaves off the Hibiscus for now?"

[Djs44]

On 08/07/2022 at 21:23, LOTUSMAN33 said:

Time for an update as been busy on the Esprit although the basic refurb has turned into a nigh on restoration now with the budget blown 🙄🙂

The bodywork has taken a fair amount of work converting to domestic spec but come out well, colour flatting and buffing still to do along with a repaint of capping rails, Bootlid, roof and rear valance to action next.

Engine is all done and carbs rebuilt ready for the accelerator pumps to be set up on my rig.

The chassis is ready to receive after I finish renewing some wiring and all engine connectors which were looking tired.

Gearbox is done ready to mate to the new clutch, lightened flywheel and new input bearing. The input shaft has been resleeved restoring to as new condition.

All the suspension items are refurbed ready to install as well.

Dave  

 

I was warned never to leave the gearboxes as shown in the pics - apparently it isn’t good . 

[williamtherebel]

I have 2 gearboxes stored exactly like that in my garage. Can I ask why I shouldn't? Cheers.

[Djs44]

20 minutes ago, williamtherebel said:

I have 2 gearboxes stored exactly like that in my garage. Can I ask why I shouldn't? Cheers.

Lotusbits told me , I’ll ask 

[910Esprit]

Because any detritus will potentially find its way into the bearings at the end of the pinion/primary shaft - even if the oil is drained.  TBH I generally store them like that too 

[drdoom]

I'd expect that over time the oil applied during assembly of the 'box would migrate downward to the bellhousing end but would that be problematic?

[Djs44]

Mike Taylor, Lotusbits, told me that all the boxes he'd stored like that  were damaged/ us as a result . So probably better to store flat , can't do any harm that way. 

[LOTUSMAN33]

Thanks for the advice chaps, I’ll lay the other box down to be sure although both boxes have been stripped, cleaned and only had assembly oil when stored that way for a short period.

This cars box is quite happy now filled with oil 🙂

 

[Lotusfab]

Nice job Dave!👍

[Djs44]

4 hours ago, LOTUSMAN33 said:

Thanks for the advice chaps, I’ll lay the other box down to be sure although both boxes have been stripped, cleaned and only had assembly oil when stored that way for a short period.

This cars box is quite happy now filled with oil 🙂

 

That looks great ! 

[obi-nu]

How have I only just found this thread?!

Love the title, amazing work, starting to come together by the looks of it Dave!🙂

[LOTUSMAN33]

Been busy on the S1, suspension now built up although I do have play in a wheel bearing which I suspect is the driveshaft as it push into the bearing with relative ease. I’ll investigate this over the winter when I’m doing the interior work as priority is getting it running and into my garage before the real inclement weather hits.

New domestic stainless exhaust fitted to allow the valance to fit correctly.

The carbs are now in and brakes bled along with the clutch, getting close now with just some commissioning of the electrics to do next.

Carbs set up on my rig and now installed 

I still need to connect the throttle and choke, fit the coil and mark the flywheel TDC position then it’s just the usual of priming the oil, checking for spark then giving it a go. It’s not run for years so it will be nice to pump some life into the old girl. 🙂