Esprit Turbo project car - part3 - the further continuation

[Andyww]

I'm going through this process as well having just replaced the bearings, but the new sleeves are really tight even after carefully cleaning up the casting holes.

I am worried that by simply tightening up the stud to pull the sleeve inwards towards the lower link when fitted might crack the ears off the casting, so I am trying to devise a method of doing this without applying all the load to the casting itself.

 

[Lotusfab]

Nice job.

[Fridge]

17 minutes ago, Andyww said:

I'm going through this process as well having just replaced the bearings, but the new sleeves are really tight even after carefully cleaning up the casting holes.

I am worried that by simply tightening up the stud to pull the sleeve inwards towards the lower link when fitted might crack the ears off the casting, so I am trying to devise a method of doing this without applying all the load to the casting itself.

 

That was exactly my worry. It's definitely a casting you don't want to break!

[Steve V8]

You're over thinking it, there's more chance of popping the lug than breaking it off completely, lug breaking is for neanderthals with hammers, it will wind in there as it was designed to like a knife through butter.

Anyhow, the lower link bush needs to be in there before you can position it properly as the split spacer produces the correct clamping force on the snubbers, so you may as well wait until final assembly, it's gotta move some more from where tis.

[Fridge]

I'd also advise reading up on the use of LM grease on these as opposed to copper slip.

[Lotusfab]

I've done this job before on the S1. Should be complete soon. Just debating whether to Aqua blast the parts?

[Andyww]

8 hours ago, Steve V8 said:

You're over thinking it, there's more chance of popping the lug than breaking it off completely, lug breaking is for neanderthals with hammers,

You are probably right, I might be worrying unnceccesarily.

Quite a few of these seem to get broken but all seem to be on the dismantling, either by using a hammer or by trying to turn the stud or push it out when its seized into the casting. 

[Lotusfab]

I now have the seats back which have exceeded all my expectations. Months of colouring leather Hyde suddenly seems worthwhile. They are stunning and have retained the originality. Things like this make such a huge difference to the finish of these cars. The old leather had simply had it! The pictures don't do these justice! Steve Fulcher from Fulcher Coachtrimmers - thank you!

I could have planned this resto better. I have immobilised the car by removing the hubs and now can't get the doors open far enough to refit the seats!  

[canamfan]

Those seats look perfect! Done exactly (from what I can see in the photos) as to factory, something not so commonly done nowadays, very nice!

[Lotusfab]

Thanks, he has done an outstanding job. 

[Lotusfab]

Managed to squeeze in the seats! 

 

[stephenwhyte]

You must be very happy now Fabian - it’s all coming together beautifully👌😎

[Lotusfab]

Yep, it seems been a long time- but getting there!

my car.Bond car

[stephenwhyte]

Just need the Cortina backdrop on the garage wall and you’re there😉

[RichardJGC]

I can just see a Cortina backdrop and a Sardinia backdrop on two opposing sides of a future double garage 😀

[Andyww]

Here is a suitable Cortina backdrop

[Gis]

16 hours ago, Lotusfab said:

Yep, it seems been a long time- but getting there!

my car.Bond car

I’d choose yours, anytime. Brilliant job Fabian!

[Lotusfab]

Thanks Gis, much appreciated!

[Lotusfab]

The wind is behind me now, with renewed vigour I am speeding towards the finish! Aqua blasting of hubs and gearbox case. Then reassemble. The engine is gleaming on the stand. Covers to redo as they aren't good enough yet. Need to figure which parts to refit before the engine is dropped back in. All the time consuming stuff is finished, apart from the racks and Skis - which will be the last job.

Talking of skis I made a mistake. The bindings I thought were Tyrolia 380s. Why, because these were on another well known replica. They look very similar. I should have treated that info with caution. Anyhow thanks to Roo on here, who has a talent for these things and is a skier, I discovered they are in fact Tyrolia 360s. Fortunately I have managed to acquire the 360s thanks to people in the USA and Italy. The international resto continues! If anyone wants some Tyrolia 380s I’m your man! 

I shall be testing this beast long before that (I hope). Need to redo the front wheels as well, this is a real pain but the lips have to be correct! Worse still ai am probably only one of about five people who could spot the difference, but I’ve come this far so it has to be 100 per cent. Very pleased with the interior.

Of course when it’s all one piece that’s when the real work starts refining the finish, painting bits and perfecting it all.

 

[Fridge]

Sorry Fab, you're welcome to your Tyrolia 380s. Technology has moved on a bit. 😀

I'm sure there'll be some crusty old French skier somewhere in the Haute Savoie who will think they're the latest thing!

Yes, finishing. Mmmmmmmmmmm I'm near that stage. However time seems to be extending in some sort of perverted 1990's CGI'd SciFi worm hole.

I finally "drove" my car yesterday though. All of 6ft of the driveway to the roadside. Then reversed back. Bond is back!

Edited June 1, 2019 by Fridge

[Lotusfab]

Well done David, a few more feet and you would have been on the road! Not long now! 

[Lotusfab]

Bearings removed, new one ready to fit when this has all been aqua blasted.

[Fridge]

16 hours ago, Lotusfab said:

Well done David, a few more feet and you would have been on the road! Not long now! 

I have to make sure the cooling fan circuitry is all OK, and then I'll tentatively test it out on the road. Starting with a 1/4 mile around the block a few times to make sure it's all working OK. It's quite loud without the engine cover and no bulkhead glass or insulating trim! I've SJ's stainless steel manifold and single rear muffler exhaust system.

[Lotusfab]

Yep it is loud even with all the bits!

[Lotusfab]

Now for the rest!