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Lotus 7 Project Arrived


ianashdown

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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

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Edited by ianashdown
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I’ve just watched a YouTube video of the Lucas Twin Windtones. OMG! :classic_ohmy: 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

 

 

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These are the last of the parts unpacked today.

 

The Horn is a nice find but see my previous post!

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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!

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Aft cover for the tunnel.

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Footbox

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Number Plate Light

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Regulator

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The Original Lotus Horn I think

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Edited by ianashdown
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A few more . . .

 

 

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The original Primary exhaust.  I have the complete system!

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Pedals and Master Cylinders

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Throttle Pedal

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A second set!

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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

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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

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10 hours ago, ianashdown said:

The last of the boxes was unpacked today.  There was a moment of elation when I found the Handbrake lever! :cool:image.thumb.jpeg.cb4d9b38b6fd0808a656c458f18a8b8f.jpegIMG_8346.thumb.jpeg.8dbbc3c35868d5a14e0e0d5c062746aa.jpeg

 

But after thinking for a minute, I don’t think this is the correct lever for this car!  Talk about an emotional roller-coaster! :classic_angry: :classic_sad:
 

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 can't say for certain about earlier S2s, but that is different from the handbrake lever and mechanism on my 65.  I only have this picture on my phone, which probably doesnt help you much, but will try to grab one today or tomorrow of the mechanism itself to see if it has any identifying numbers/markings.

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For 7 purposes,  most HB levers were bent at an angle.  This was a modification, no OEM part is bent like this.

I wouldn't decide on looks alone, see if it can bolt up to the bung in the frame.  It might be there because it could be made to work.

Edited by IamScotticus
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On 6/10/2023 at 9:58 PM, ianashdown said:

< snip >

I’m undecided on the eventual car color.  It was originally white from the factory, and I actually think they look pretty good in white.  Pale yellow, Lotus yellow and red are all my favorite, depending on the day!  Then there is the decision of how much, if any, alloy remains.

< snip >

Ian

If your car came painted it was probably "old English white". As you may know it looks white until you park beside a pure white vehicle and then you see the hint of cream (yellow). I have only found black and white photos of early white S2 Sevens but I bet they were all "old English white". Mika's Lotus was "old English white" with green panels and yellow pin strips with black carbon fiber. If I'd continued my open wheeled racing I'd have had my new helmet painted similar to Mika's car.

 

 

 

1960 S2 seven_07.jpg

Mika's Lotus_102B.jpg

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Grabbed a couple pictures while st the shop...

 

Handbrake from below - no obvious markings but may help you establish if yours might work.  As you'll see (and someone noted previously), in the Seven the inner cable is anchored to the chassis and the outer sheath is what is moved back and forth.

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And my tachometer - correct for 1965 and positive earth, not sure whether it was different in earlier S2s.

 

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Edited by SENC
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20 minutes ago, theDreamer said:

 

1960 S2 seven_07.jpg

 

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

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20 minutes ago, SENC said:

Grabbed a couple pictures while st the shop...

 

Handbrake from below - no obvious markings but may help you establish if yours might work.  As you'll see (and someone noted previously), in the Seven the inner cable is anchored to the chassis and the outer sheath is what is moved back and forth.

IMG_20230612_134826.thumb.jpg.4d36fa575666f83c521596132d35c544.jpg

 

 

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

20 minutes ago, SENC said:

 

 

 

Edited by ianashdown
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On 6/12/2023 at 11:07 AM, ianashdown said:

...It does look like it was Old English White.

 

Ian

Ian, when you say, "It" are you referring to the black and white photo posted above or to the white on your body panels?

 

I'm asking because I have a 1960 Series 2 America that was "White" according to the build records (from John Watson, Lotus Seven Register).  I asked if he might know the specific white Lotus used at the time, but he didn't have an answer.  I want to bring mine back to original (now burgundy), so am looking to determine which white Lotus was using on Sevens back in the day.

 

Mark

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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

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Excellent information, most appreciated!  I was trying to look at old Lotus paint codes and found nothing older than 1967 which was Cirrus White (a bluish white) and much brighter than OEW.  I have always liked OEW, but haven't seen any color pictures of a Series 2 Seven in OEW.  I'll be looking carefully when I strip the paint from mine in hopes of finding remnants of white to better tell if it was in fact, OEW.

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44 minutes ago, straightcut said:

Excellent information, most appreciated!  I was trying to look at old Lotus paint codes and found nothing older than 1967 which was Cirrus White (a bluish white) and much brighter than OEW.  I have always liked OEW, but haven't seen any color pictures of a Series 2 Seven in OEW.  I'll be looking carefully when I strip the paint from mine in hopes of finding remnants of white to better tell if it was in fact, OEW.

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

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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!:classic_ohmy::classic_sad:

 

Ian

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