Lotus 7 S1 aluminum panel & fender source needed.

[Van]

I am starting a 7 S1 build from original Lotus drawings. Is there a source for aluminum pre formed body panels and front and rear fenders and nose? 

All help will be appreciated!

Van

 

 

[IamScotticus]

Arch Motors UK

but since you are building the chassis, its probably better to work with a metal man locally.  Those who can form aircraft panels can do a 7.

Motorcycle tank builders can make the nose and fenfers, assuming these will be metal.

Edited April 18, 2023 by IamScotticus

[Van]

Thank you very much for your reply.

I appreciate your help.

I also would like to say I hold Arch in high regard.

Thank you,

Van Perkins

[IamScotticus]

Van, where are you?

[Van]

USA, just outside of Kansas City,Missouri

[IamScotticus]

What will you use for the engine and final drive?

[MV8]

You might also try Barber Motorsport Museum in Leeds, AL. They may have wood bucks left over from their s1 restorations. Great place to visit.

 

I like the s1 rear fender shape but the narrow front fenders attached to the body appear to be more effective as a wind catcher than stopping dirt and stones. I'd jump forward a few years with a composite nose and clamshell wings direct from Caterham.

Edited April 18, 2023 by MV8

[11Budlite]

You might contact these guys: https://axminsterspecialistpanels.com/lotus/

 

[Christopher smith]

MV8- your recommendation on clamshells and nose is exactly what I did a long time ago. I drove to Caterham and they assured me they would fit-- and yes they did fir my series 1 #475 so should be good on an exact replica frame. So now I call it a series 123. The cowling will probably be the hardest part to bend an exact replica. I was lucky and mine was in decent shape when I imported #475 less engine, trans and rear "wings" from England. I like the look.

[Van]

IAmScottus

 

 

 

I would like to source a Climax Coventry or a BMC A 948, not sure of transmission or rear axle yet.

 

 

[Christopher smith]

Van---The original rear axle on most of the series 1 was Morris Minor type. Mine was originally sourced from an Austin A40 with 4.22 to 1. So Sprite is perfect and lighter than some newer ones if I understand correctly. You are welcome to measure mine as well as suspension which is very different from series 2 and 3 if you want to. Series 2 and 3 stress the axle housing and many failures ( cracking) of the TR10 housing were reported. I think some of the later ones used Escort Mk1 and Ital axles after the source of TR10 ran out. That Axminster firm looks interesting for complex body parts. We used 3003 H14 for most and annealed where bends were tricky. Floor is higher strength alloys with really strong rivets.

[Van]

Christopher, you are a lifesaver. Thank you. I think I can source a 948cc easier than most but am looking at the 105E also. Coventry might be tricky to source and build. 

Van

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Van]

Christopher,where are you located?

Van

[Christopher smith]

Van-

I am about 300 meters just outside the northwest corner of Philadelphia

[Van]

😊 Thanks

[MV8]

Another potential source, "Cornfield Customs":

 

(A link was posted on locostusa.)

[Van]

👌 Awesome

[CarlB]

Always fun to watch someone with a lot of skill. 

[Van]

CarlB, yes it sure is. 

 

 

 

[Christopher smith]

If anyone wants to try metal shaping themselves and spend $ on equipment you can check Eastwood. They even offered a course in metal fab methods. I certainly am short on skill but had a friend with a lot of the specialized equipment and engineering skill.