SENC

"Universal Radiator on the other hand, fusion welded their chassis using an oxy/acetylene set-up with the filler rod the same as, or similar to, the metal to be joined." This from William Fayer's site, https://www.anglocanadianlotus7.ca/lotus-seven-parts-and-repair-notes/. I've found his information reliable.

A level of accuracy unneeded for this discussion, but the nerd in me can't leave it unsaid... The Seven was the 13th car in the Lotus lineup.

I frequently use transglobalexpress.co.uk - you can arrange for them to pick it up, all the seller has to do is pack it and print the packing label you send.

People will do some crazy stuff. All that should need is the paper gaskets and some wellseal or aviation gasket goop. If the breather is functional there shouldn't be any pressure to speak of forcing fluids through reasonably sealed surfaces, and the only other places for leaks are the single bellhousing bolt that enters box and the tailshaft - which with a new seal and good propshaft shouldn't leak.

Well done. I don't see a breather bolt - but then it looks like there may be a hole in the 2nd cap that serves as the breather. Is that correct? Is it baffled?

MG Maroon would fit with the thread discussion above, at least for 1500 supers. In rebuilding mine, I found that POR15 has an engine enamel in MG maroon that looks good. Whether it would satisfy a purist or pass a concours inspection I don't know (or care), but it looks good to my eye. Also generally agree that while lots of things can be determined "standard" for Sevens of certain eras, there was enough variation and they were so heavily modified that current owners can feel pretty free to do as they please without being "wrong".

If Tony is out, check with Mick at xtraspecialsevens.co.uk - the PO of my car had him replace mine, and I can say they are excellent. Mick is quite knowledgeable and has lots of other Seven goodies as well.

I had saved this old discussion from the old Seven listserve. It is specifically for the S2s with Cosworth 1500 engines. Though not definitive, there were a few discussions over the years and as I recall most landed where John's did in this one (his input is the last for each item). When I was researching and found this I found other discussions on other versions and I seem to recall the other versions may have been blue engined, but I dont think I saved or screenshotted any of them - will post if I find anything in my files. The listserve is still around, though largely inactive, so you can still join and search archived messages (a tedious process). S2 Paint Colors.pdf

To my knowledge, only red at that point - the black came along with the S3. If you Facebook, you might join and ask the question of the Historic Lotus Register group and Lotus History-Early Years group. A few employees of that era chime in from time to time and might comment if there were any one-offs.

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