ianashdown

There is a strip on the top and one on each side. Nasty and rusty! I’ve used butyl before, but not on a 7, thanks for reminding me! It can get messy. I believe Caterham can supply the rubber extrusion, it’ll be a while but I’m in no hurry. Ian

I think, while the screen is out, I will make a wood template for possible future use. Maybe even have a spare made if the price is reasonable and time is on my side. The holes where the screen attaches are square! A coach bolt was used there. I’m not sure what is correct, I’ve not checked yet. I’m thinking the Marine Vinyl all round is going to be the way to go! I like that it designed for a salt water environment, I live 2 miles from the ocean, and also for elevated UV. I want to buy a red leather steering wheel, and will check the color match. I can adjust the leather color if needed however. Ian

I’ll check it out! Thank you. Ive recently had the original color conformed by John Watson and Old English White is the lead contender at the moment! Ian

You make a good point! Maybe some plated steel screws . . . Ian

The screen frame came apart with little trouble. There was a red sealant that had gone hard all around the screen. There was a ‘home remedy’ of steel strips to keep the screen in position presumably while the sealant was setting up. I’ll look for the correct rubber extrusion from the usual 7 suppliers, but if there’s nothing available I’ll try to find a generic extrusion that will do the job. In the mean time I’ll clean and polish everything, see if I can find new SS hardware etc, and get it ready for reassembly. Ian

While figuring out the bigger plan I’m going to take on some small projects that can be wrapped up and put away for the final assembly. Small parts that can be polished or painted etc. I think the first small job will be to disassemble the windscreen, clean and polish it and reassemble it. The sealant in there now is red and breaking up and falling out, but will be replaced. The question is, what is the best sealant to use? A mastic type sealant, RTV, silicone? Are there any instructions or guidance anywhere? Could be a nice little project! Photos and description to follow. Ian Just a late thought. Should there be a rubber extrusion to seal the screen?

The Yellow car you mentioned has has the Dash Re-Upholstered but looks very good in my opinion! Maybe a touch bright perhaps. Here is the Powdercoat sample and the dash mentioned for comparison The only advantage I can see with the powder coat is that its part of the steel, much like the Lamiplate. The Vinyl might feel better to the touch. Here is the Marine Vinyl I found. I think any one would do just fine! Here is an area of my side panel: I cleaned up the small area with some MEK. Something else might work better, but the vinyl is tatty and really just needs to be replaced. Ian

So it's not just me then! Most interior shops have the Lamiplate or the red Vinyl? I haven't been able to fine Lamiplate anywhere, but yes, the red vinyl is readily available. I just feel that marine grade might be a little mor suitable to a car with little to no weather protection. UV etc . . Ian

The Vinyl on my Dash and side panels seems beyond recovery. I did hear of someone in the UK who had remade a batch of Lamiplate, but cannot find that informatioin now for the life of me! So, it seem that I have a few alternatives. I have found a Marine grade Vinyl in the correct color that I think would look reasonably good, is not too expensive and could be used on the seats and possibly steering wheel too. Or, I have found a leather texture powdercoat. See below I feel this would work well for the Dash and side panels. I want to keep my car as close to original as possible, but some finishes are just not possible. This may be a viable alternative. What are your thoughts? Ian

Sorry! I think I need a little more direction. Ian

Good thought! I’ve had contact with Mike before, but it’s been many years. Thank you, Ian

I know Tony! I’ve bought all kinds of Lotus related things from him, even as recently as yesterday! I will see if he has any thoughts. Ian

Now I have everything unpacked and taken an inventory of what I have, and what I don’t have, I’m starting to formulate a plan. The first and pivotal thing is to get the chassis back in to good shape incorporating some additional tubes for strengthening. The first thing will be to get the whole chassis sand blasted so I can reveal any hidden damage, cracks repairs etc. I have the ability and equipment to Tig weld and Nickel-Bronze Braze, but I know I’m not the best welder/fabricator, and it may not be the best use of my time with so many other things to be done. So, can anyone make any recommendations for someone who knows these cars and car do the chassis work needed, SoCal or West coast would be great! Arch Motors are of course Option 1, but the cost of shipping from CA and back will probably cost more than the work needed! There is the added advantage that they could reskin the chassis at the same time. I’m hoping that there are closer, but also capable companies. Or if all else fails, maybe I will have to brush up on my skills! Ian

I’ll do the same, and if I’m able to get a decent color patch I will do my best to get a representative color photo and share with all. Ian

I was referring to my car. I haven’t tried to reveal more original paint, but what I can see is quite a cream color. My unrestored ‘64 S1 Elan (should never have sold that car) was Old English White so I’m familiar with the color. Ive seen some of the brighter whites and the don’t have the ‘rich’ look that OEW does. If I go white on my 7, which is the favored path, it will be OEW, but it largely depends on the condition of the aluminum panels, will they polish up OK, which will need to be replaced etc. Ian

You read my mind! Ian

I don't think mine is going to work, even with modifications. I have the correct lugs etc on the underside of the frame so I'll just have to go on the hunt for the right part. Fortunately I have a year or so to find one! Also, I appreciate the pic of the correct Tach! I think that may not be too difficult a find. Ian

Thank you for the photos of the white 7. I actually think that whit looks pretty good! It's nicely understated. As this was the original color it's the lead contender at the moment. The Dash, interior side panels and seats would be red in that case. It does look like it was Old English White. Ian

One more thing before I check out for the night. I decided to see if the engine was locked up, and put a 5/8” socket on the crank nut and . . . It turns! There were even some healthy compression sounds! The engine will be refreshed/rebuilt etc before use, but this was great news! Ian

A few more . . . The original Primary exhaust. I have the complete system! Pedals and Master Cylinders Throttle Pedal A second set! It needs rebuilding and re-sealing, but very nice! So, assuming the Handbrake I found is not correct the major parts I’m missing are Handbrake Lever, Windscreen Wiper Motor Assembly, Starter Motor, Speedometer, Tachometer, All Dash Switches, Steering Wheel, Clutch Slave Cylinder, Trunk Floor and the Air Intake Scoop. For a project in storage since 1969, and bought sight unseen, I’d have to say that I think this is a really great Project with nearly all the major parts there and original. It’s still going to be lots of work, but I think the potential is here to have a really fine, near original car at the end. I have decide on a color fairly soon as it does affect some decisions on interior trim colors etc. It was originally white. I want to pick a period looking color, and was thinking either Pale Yellow (E-Type color) or Lotus Yellow, Red, or the original White. Interior would be Black for the Yellows or Red, and Red for the White. Suggestions? Time for a cup of tea and relax for the evening! Ian

These are the last of the parts unpacked today. The Horn is a nice find but see my previous post! It looks like the crappy roll hoop was welded on without removing this shroud - both side are chewed up from the arc of the welding. I’ll have to try and recover these parts so I can use them. The roll hoop is coming off! Aft cover for the tunnel. Footbox Number Plate Light Regulator The Original Lotus Horn I think

I’ve just watched a YouTube video of the Lucas Twin Windtones. OMG! They sound amazing! I don’t know if there is room for these anywhere on a 7, but I do know that having a LOUD horn on these small, low cars is a good idea! Ian

These were in amongst the Lotus parts. They are made by Lucas even though the look like the belong on a ship! I have to put some power to them just to hear the noise! I don’t think Colin would approve! Ian

The last of the boxes was unpacked today. There was a moment of elation when I found the Handbrake lever! But after thinking for a minute, I don’t think this is the correct lever for this car! Talk about an emotional roller-coaster! There are so many MGTD parts mixed in with the 7 parts, some really nice parts too, and given the MOWOG marking, I assumed it was from an MG TD but looking at images on line it doesn’t seem to be. Now I’m confused! Can anyone confirm that this is NOT a 7 handbrake? More photos of todays hoard a little later. Ian

I’ve used Nisonger too and was very happy with the results. Unfortunately, according to their website, they are not doing repair work since the building where the repairs were done was 6’ under water when the last big storm blew though there last year. I’ve also used North Hollywood Speedo with good results, but I don’t know if they will do AC. I’ll call soon to find out. Ian