SOUP - My new series about my Series 2

[GTK]

7 hours ago, Sparky said:

I use the standard threaded bar/drift setup   ... It needs a lot - more than you'll think is reasonable

Yeah see I gave it loads and the rubber started pulling away from the steel inner a the tapered end. I'm starting to think that the paint is too thick on the arm, or too rough, or both. I also tried heating the bush to soften the rubber btw. Then I tried using a bolt and pressing it through with the hydraulic, I stacked nuts up inside the bush to space the bolt out to where the press would only contact the bolt... it pressed the nuts through the metal of the bush. Sufficed to say I gave it enough lol.

1 hour ago, eeyoreish said:

Are the ARB bushes in any way the same 

They're different mate, but a similar tool would probably work to help dial out the bush not seating straight initially.

[JonSE]

It might be worth a call to PNM / LotusBits / Foulds / South West to see how they manage if your struggling, based on the response it might flush out if your paint level is too thick and you are just going to write off the inserts regardless of any technique used.

At disassembly mine were a bit loose so I wouldn’t expect an extra few layers of paint to be the deciding factor, just the rigidity of the new insert when trying to get the thing in. But if they are tearing, it might point to the size not being quite right in the first place?
 

Which make did you use?
 

Im probably going to stick with the original type but if your faced with an impasse, would you use 2X part units in that location etc… 

[Fridge]

You just have to persevere with the ARB bushes. They have to go in square. Obvious, but I found that tricky to manage in practise, as the increasing applied pressure tender to skew them before locating. @Sparky idea probably closer to the mark. I don't think the paint thickness is much of an issue, as that will be thin comparatively to the dimensions you're dealing with. The bushes are easily wrecked if the number of attempts are excessive.

The one thing I have noticed from your video is the use of an automatic (compressor fed) press. I would always do this by hand pumping and leverage as it is a better way to gauge resistance, if there is a misalignment, as you experienced. I have mentioned this in the You Tube comments also.

Edited August 5 by Fridge

[GTK]

On 01/08/2024 at 10:49, eeyoreish said:

Are the ARB bushes in any way the same as they are on a later Stevens car?

Not sure but I managed to get the remaining undamaged one in with a combo if measures.

Thanks to @peteyg for the top arm bush hack inspirado, clever fella 

I pressed both the front top arm bushes and the rear wheel bearings in with the hydraulic press too, as per my latest video. I have some really interesting info in there that I think might shed light on the phantom knock some owners have experienced in the rear (see what I did there), (I hope I never get a knock in the rear). Got an awesome bearing packer for the rear bearings too, I somehow didn't think the old palm of the hand method would cut it.

 

[GTK]

On 01/08/2024 at 12:26, JonSE said:

It might be worth a call to PNM ...

Which make did you use?

Not sure if we're on the same page here but Pete at PNM said there are only one type of bush available for the ARB to front lower link, and only one maker iirc. So no two piece items or poly types. I got one to seat though which is a massive relief. I'll update on that but essentially I used thinners to remove the paint they cost the bush in for storage, and then used rubber grease and the press to seat the bush.

On 05/08/2024 at 11:52, Fridge said:

The one thing I have noticed from your video is the use of an automatic (compressor fed) press. I

I've since found and slowed down enough to use the manual feature on the press   Getting on much better with the machine now, thanks for the tips. The bush (arb to lower link) I found to be more easily held square with the press doing the heavy lifting, least until it disappeared below the level of the arm.

[Fridge]

Your driver's door propped up against the wall as set dressing worries me. You know that both the drop and quarterlight glass are virtually unobtainium?

[peteyg]

8 hours ago, GTK said:

Not sure but I managed to get the remaining undamaged one in with a combo if measures.

Thanks to @peteygor the top arm bush hack inspirado, clever fella

 

[snowrx]

Love the fabrication of the bushing guide.

[GTK]

15 hours ago, snowrx said:

Love the fabrication of the bushing guide.

It was all stuff lying around, most notably the tube was leftover from the stock I bought to replace the front upper wishbone mounts in the chassis 

23 hours ago, Fridge said:

Your driver's door propped up against the wall as set dressing worries me. You know that both the drop and quarterlight glass are virtually unobtainium?

I definitely try and keep the place tidy and I respray the bench top black most weeks, but set dressing the door aint. Frankly it’s safer there than tucked away at the back where it’s messy. I might throw something over the glass but I’ve always found that just breeds complacency. 

[Fridge]

You have been warned. A few of us restorers have broken glass during the process to quite a cost and trouble of finding replacements. Which are now becoming ever rarer.

I kept all my glass safely tucked away in a spare bedroom, away from the heavy stuff.

[snowrx]

4 hours ago, GTK said:

It was all stuff lying around, most notably the tube was leftover from the stock I bought to replace the front upper wishbone mounts in the chassis 

Once there's a welder available, I find metal tends to lie around in increasing amounts!

[peteyg]

Thanks @GTK for the mention! Glad all my head scratching lessened someone else's and that's what this fine forum is all about. Your fancy clamp however does put my effort to shame, very impressive!

Pete

 

[GTK]

My chassis now rolls, and I wish I had found the simple version of electroplating sooner. I have no frame of reference for whether I've done it well enough but just being able to do some little bits is a game changer. 

Very excited to start into the engine and see what's what. The oil pressure modification alone may mean I open it up regardless, but first I'm going to try and get it running.

 

[drdoom]

Just lovely, as always George. I'm truly chuffed to see my drawing in your compilation clip, rather over my reluctance to be ID'd for a spot of credit.

Cheers

[GTK]

It seems further and further away Steve but one fine day when I have a garage to put this car in, your drawing is getting framed for hanging over it. I s hit thee nay.

[GTK]

I've had a bit of knock back and it has taken a while to be ok with it, but if I'm going to have any chance of making things right it'll likely be through the Lotus community. Any thoughts or help will at least make it feel like I tried. Thanks

 

[JonSE]

Ah man, sorry to hear this.

Yes the parts are rare, the seats can be built up though just from frames if you can find them, there are folks that can do this without having to have the originals (I can let you know who I’m using).

Cards -will keep an eye out.

There are seats that are quite close that can keep you moving in the interim, one option below.

Keep the momentum going, chin up, and let’s see what else is in the parts pool out there….

Also try Lotus Bits, was there yesterday and he has a stack of stuff in an Aladdin’s cave warehouse, not sure I spotted any cards or seats for an S2 but ring him and ask as he might have some / know of some…..

Looking at the door card inners, they are just GRP so they can potentially be copied if required I reckon….

https://bbclassics.co.uk/products/pair-bb1-clubsport-classic-bucket-seats-with-headrests-universal-runners?variant=44134099550510&currency=GBP&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&cmp_id=19179379818&adg_id=&kwd=&device=m&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADqqWR63Ey67RgPv7bZwhQH_nbo52&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIirXy3eW7iAMVfpxQBh0JYxGTEAQYECABEgLrv_D_BwE

[GTK]

Thanks Jon, I put the calls in to Lotus Bits/SJ/PNM right away, no joy there unfortunately. Keeping all options open! Thanks 

[Fridge]

Jeez, that's a real bummer @GTK

This is why I keep banging on about good storage etc, as I know the rarity of these items.

Due to business turndown due to the pandemic I ran my S1 with just its originally trimmed torn seats and binnacle, and later added the door cards to tidy it up for car and coffee meets. It meant I could progress snag testing and also enjoy the car during those depressing days.

As @JonSEhas also mentioned, the trimmer I eventually used knows Esprit interiors extremely well and made a fabulous job of my interior without having to pay the usual 6 figures outlay that some owners have made. At no lesser quality I might add. And I am very stringent!

Yes, you're right, you do need the seats and S2 seats and door cards are specific. The seats being squarer in the shoulders than the slimline sculptured S1 variety. The door cards being identical I believe, and sadly rare. S3 door cards, like the seats, differ I believe.

I have already asked a pal who I had hoped still had access to a recovered set, but they were from S3 when we both checked them out in June to see if they were from an S1 as we'd been originally told. They went back to their owner, but at least those type are available if required.

I would advise you speak to Steve Fulcher, who I believe may have obtained a set of S1 door cards from someone I know who bailed on his restoration. Though I cannot be certain of this. Steve is a really nice fella and will help were he can.

I have found the S1 and wider community very helpful and I sure a suitable set will be located. Getting a correct, albeit in battered condition, will mean you will get a great interior without perhaps the outlay you imagine. Foam sections can be replaced if damaged. Materials for a typical authentic S2 interior are not expensive.

As I have said before, due to your rate of progress at least you won't need an interior for quite some time. I estimate another 5 years when compared to my own 8 year restoration. So you have time on your side.

So keep the faith, and keep asking around.

 

Addition:

Whilst looking in the UK is OK, it's a very small pond. Do not discount looking further afield. I was stiffed on the Wolfrace wheels by a self-proclaimed Lotus enthusiast who thankfully for them shall remain nameless. I obtained them, at additional expense, from the US, and very nice they were too. And I think this route may prove to be your best chance of obtaining another interior. I have contacts there too, so will begin asking on your behalf.

Edited September 11 by Fridge

[Bibs]

I've shared on fb and LinkedIn (which has a lot of factory staff follow us). Fingers crossed.

[eeyoreish]

I'm at the Beaulieu International Autojumble this weekend so I'll keep my eyes peeled for you. With about 2000 stalls from all over Europe you never know what might turn up there. Maybe pm me your mobile number (if you're happy to) just in case I spot something I can Whatsapp you a photo etc...

[skiing]

So sorry to hear George - was a bar-steward of a situation. If it is any consolation, these parts do come up on Ebay every now and again - I have certainly seen S3 ones recently - and as above with the right trimmer these could be made to work? - and you never know what people have in an old shed or an attic... I also hope to be at Beaulieu probably on Sunday so will keep my eyes open! 

[Nelly]

I have had my S2 for 15 years now and am still missing a couple of bits.  I have managed to source some hard to get parts recently, so they are out there but obviously very rare.  Helps when they are common to the S1 and S3 as well.

Patience, tenacity and a bit of luck and hopefully you will come good.  Maybe add a full list on here for reference of what you need, and update as and when you get them (some positivity there).

As you say at the end of each episode....Good luck!

[williamtherebel]

Ive been in touch with Bauk @Tocus for a lead. He had suggested getting in touch with Matthew Oxley. Im afraid I personally dont know who that is though? Perhaps you do?

[GTK]

Thanks all for the words of support and networking. I have met Matt Oxley before at the NEC and will give him a shout, he's a lovely man. Since posting I have a couple of leads but I'm not counting my chickens because I've learned how easy it is to mistake S2 seats for ones from another model.

A list is a great shout, just for reference so here goes:

1 pair Esprit S2 seats

1 pair Esprit S2 door cards

1 pair Esprit inner door locks (the item that opens/locks the door)

1 full set (both sides) Esprit S2 aluminium door trim strips and retaining clips

I'm 99% certain I have a pair of seat runners, just need to confirm. Leads on any of the above would be amazing. I do know that the door locks and aluminium trim are available from the Lotus specialists, but as skiing said above, if they can be found in someone's attic it might be feel good all round.