SENC

Here's a link to the first of 4 videos I made disassembling one of mine... you should be able to find the others from this one. May be useful in prepping for your disassembly.

Looks like he has the later box with the "remote" built-in to the tailshaft extension. I've rebuilt a couple of the early ones, fairly straightforward to work on and in, only a few small bits to be aware of/keep your eye open for when opening and disassembling to avoid loss. If you aren't aware and don't have a good manual, drop me a note and I'll be glad to share what I have. As for leaks, there are 2 primary spots to be aware of: 1, the rear seal in the tailshaft extension will wear unevenly or become distorted if sat for long and, if heavily used, the propshaft yoke can also become grooved where it rubs on the seal - check both when apart to assess. Replace the seal regardless. 2, one of the front lower bolt holes for connecting the bellhousing to the box actually goes all the way through to the box. This bolt must get a sealant applied on reassembly or the box will leak even if everything else is perfect.

Thanks! It is great fun!

The new Lotus dealership in Wilmington celebrated their grand opening today with a couple Emiras in for test drives. A beautiful car, but I prefer the old ones, so didn't drive it but did get a few shots of the Seven with its youngest sibling.

Have had something come up so doesn't look like I'll get to WNC as hoped, unfortunately.

great progress, well done!

Saturday afternoon and Sunday are looking spectacular - any interest?

Still a ways out, but Cherokee forecast looks like 40-50% rain overnight Friday night, sunny by midday Saturday and upper 60s/70 Saturday and Sunday. I'm going to think about trailering up Friday afternoon/evening for some drives Saturday afternoon and Sunday. Anyone interested if the weather holds?

Still early, but long range forecast looks pretty decent next weekend...

Looks fantastic! Well done!

Thanks for sharing, wish it was closer. Many used these (modified) as a stronger replacement for the S2 axle.

From the lotus7registry site: Wingard 1055 combined rear and stop lights pre August 1965 and Thorpe PT 675 later.

Keep us posted. I'm hoping to find some time to get that way this Spring/early Summer, too. May is out for me.

Wait! There's going to be an actual, functioning car at the end of all this?

I was going to speculate that since the PO had S2 bits laying around perhaps he was going to put a pre-crossflow engine in this - other than the scoop, would be a fairly simple swap. I wouldn't discount the Ford/Lotus engine out of hand. Parts new and old aren't hard to find, nor are good blocks and heads (even new ones). Elan owners who wanted an updated motor have generally gone the Zetec/Duratec route, so those may work in the S4 Seven, too.

Also, check out the Lotus 7 registry site, some good information and pictures there - as well as information on contacting the registrar who may have access to information on yours. http://www.lotus7register.co.uk/ser4page.htm

If you haven't already find a used copy of Tony Weale's book on the Seven - lots of great information and details including the S4. Ortenburger's Legend of the Lotus Seven is also useful.

Check the downloads section, there are some useful resources there. I have the Series 4 section out of the old shop manual published by Caterham for the Lotus S2,S3, and S4 after buying the licensing from Lotus. The S2 and S3 sections are in the download sections, but I didn't have reason to scan the S4 section. Happy to send that section to you if you need it, just PM me your address.

The 560sl was the last of the R107 class Mercedes, whose hardtop retained that pagoda look from the prior class of Mercs. I really prefer the look to the later SLs. You're right, and she already has new shoes (that and brake fluid flush were first!) and, for that matter, new feet. The original wheels had been chromed by the dealer, as was frequently done in California at the time, but the chrome was peeling. Refurbished factory wheels were cheaper than I suspected I could have the chrome ones redone, even if possible to do well.

While we're on the topic of long noses, my most recent addition to the project list. More like the recent Cadillacs than my Lotus - heavy and with a big engine - but a fun ride. I wasn't looking for it and generally don't go for black cars, but it was offered to me twice over a couple months time and I thought it might just satisfy my bride's wishes for an older convertible sportscar. It's an 80k mile 560sl that has been driven less than 10k miles in the last 15ish years. It was well maintained, but as you'd expect for a car driven so little it is in need of a fairly complete refresh. To date, all major system fluids and filters have been flushed/changed, timing chain guides replaced (chain itself exhibited next to no stretch), cam oilers replaced, and plugs replaced. The plan now is to work on some minor and/cosmetic stuff and to take advantage of nice days to get some miles on it to see what it might need.

Redline can provide a tonneau cover for you.

cool!

Sorry Bruce - I knew that, but just got caught up in the story. Cool car and story.

Great write-up Barry!

Just be patient - there are only so many of them, but the right one will come along. Don't discount importing one, either - with shipping costs on the way down and still a good exchange rate, that may be a viable option. I imported mine a number of years ago because it was too good a car to pass up given its price. If you haven't found them, yet, there are a few active FB groups for Lotus and 7s - the historic lotus group being one. They would be good places to let your interest be known.