First Lotus LE work starts

[Ginettaman]

I thought I'd inspect my new Evora LE underneath so I took off the engine under tray. Lots of alloy oxidation but the engine and box are dry and looks ok.

I then thought I'd also remove the exhaust under tray but what a nightmare. All the silly socket heads were seized solid and the side brackets were almost rusted through. I had to drill out and split the alloy tray rivets but still no luck. I couldn't see any way of removing the plastic part with the reverse sensors so left it on. In the end I had the angle grind the socket heads off to eventually release the under tray in 3 bits. I guess I'll have to make replacement brackets and maybe come up with a better solution to hold it all back together. I'll need to come up with a way to get those studs out of the plastic side pieces as the rusty captive back plates are glued on. One came off and spun but not the other 3. Prising each off may be the best option just leaving holes for stainless nuts and bolts. I'll probably paint the under tray whilst it's off and maybe add more ribs.

I'm supposed to be getting a cat delete pipe posted from the previous owner but the exhaust clamps and flange bolts look like they'll never undo as very rusty. That too looks like a terrible job I'll leave for later I think.  

[Bibs]

Wait 'til you see the mudguard brackets! 

[Ginettaman]

Rear difuser modified with extra fins and repainted. New stainless bolts and new brackets to replace rusty one . Grills were all seized solid so bought some expensive stainless captive fasteners.

Painted the grills similar to body colour before fitting to under tray with socket heads. Won't know if it works until out in daylight but at least it's tidy now. Exhaust polished too!

Edited February 17 by Ginettaman

[Ginettaman]

Brakes and suspension restoration now ongoing. Calipers were black and a little boring especially with black wheels. Hubs and discs will be similar to body colour and calipers red eventually. The paint is slow going and on third coat but it's not drying very well as it's cold in my garage. I've wire brushed the rusty uprights and painting them black for protection. I hate to see rusty bits through wheels. Wheel nuts and brake bolts all scotch brighted to clean metal and painted black. Other side still to start but safer left until later as on my home made ramps.

[Ginettaman]

At some point I want to remove the springs and shocks to get the coils blasted & powder coated but for now just a touch up.