Calling all rotus owners.... schematics?

[ptegler]

I know it's a long shot, and not all cars were the same, but does any real Rotus owner here have an electrical schematic for their car?

I ask as while tearing into mine to clean up a couple issues, I notices the wiring actually has printed wording defining the wires function. So I have to assume Custer famred out premade harnesses and adapted the cars from there. Since I have zero oem documentation included with my purchase, anything at all would be a start/helpful.

thanks

ps. Got #93 running earlier the afternoon! It actually started quite easily (with the new carb and intake)

Paul Tegler

[coffee break]

@solder_guymay be able to help out, thou I haven't seen him post lately.

[solder_guy]

Fantastic that you got your Rotus running!   Congratulations!

 

My wiring is a custom loom made 18 years ago by a tech who used to work for Custer at Rotus.   The old loom was so bad that the only thing to do was start over.  There is no schematic but rather standard colors for functions.  I suggest that you use a multimeter to check continuity between two points and document as needed.   Also know each fuse connects to what function, etc.

Edited October 16, 2023 by solder_guy

[ptegler]

thanks for the comments solder_guy.  Having spent 5+ decades as an electronics design engineer (factory automated manufacturing and test design), an automotive harness is simple to me.  My wiring is actually in VERY good shape, (mechanically) save jumpers and tie-backs someone tried to perform to circumvent faulty/non-working switches.  I've completely rewired quite a few systems and everything now works as originally designed. (with a few personal upgrades added) Even the fuse block was so badly tarnished it was not saveable. (was replaced)


@solder_guy... I'm building a website to document the complete history of Rotus cars.  I've had a few comments from those I've contacted (p.o.'s of Rotus') giving me enough info to realize it IS worth the effort.

Just for ref here.... mine is serial number # 93. The 'highest' serial number I've been able to find.  I know of 41, 50, 92 and of course mine 93, (off the top of my head here)  If you are 1981, it's an early car?  serial #??  would you be interested in contributing to such a site?

My other sites would bury the content, (WAY too big) so am working a dedicated resource, to document anything and everything I can regarding these cars.  For me it has been a 36+ year eclipse, finally owning one, having almost bought one brand new in 1987. The x-wife wanted a camping vehicle, not another sports car, which is the only thing that stopped me back then.

...best I could get away with back then was my sweatshirt....

 

A new wife, new playground (big ass garage addition), retirement, and stumbling on this Rotus on BAT (bringatrailer...latest one sold) it was a no-brainer to snatch it up.  Mechanically it was in great shape. The p.o. wrapped it in a tarp way to tight and in two years did major damage moisture damage. So all rubber, brakes, bulbs, and a lot of aluminum cleanup, she's prepped to hit the road fully operational before the end of October for last local car gathering.

For me, ...the biggest headache, I believe I spend more time in front of the computer just trying to figure out what parts are what, as I have no 'original' paperwork to go with the car.  I've probably restored 2 dozen cars over the last 4 decades, but this oh so simple design has been kicking my ass.   So it's small inputs here and there I thank you graciously for. (all of you other 7 owners as well)

 

v/r
Paul Tegler
 

 

[speedwagon]

  "@solder_guy... I'm building a website to document the complete history of Rotus cars.  I've had a few comments from those I've contacted (p.o.'s of Rotus') giving me enough info to realize it IS worth the effort."                                        Paul, I do not have a rotus, but I have a rotus (chassis) It is modified to accommodate a body of foam covered in thin fiberglass (like scaled composits aircraft) that was patterned after a 1960 Lola mark1. Only the chassis is rotus, but as it has a rotary engine. but there is an abundance of documentation for it. It is now in the slow process of being converted back to turbocharged fuel injection from NA/ webber 48.  Let me know when you are ready for info and I will try to find time to sort through the box.    john

[ptegler]

@speedwagon  ...was just re-reading old threads here...  would LOVE any documentation you can supply regarding running gear, parts, dims  yada yada yada.
any and all is VERY welcome even now as I near, calling this resto done. (as if we ever actually are ever done.)

tia

Paul Tegler

[speedwagon]

Paul (ptegler) as usual I am behind the 8 ball. But since I am planning to sell the car soon it is time for me to sort through my file on it.  may be a while.    john

[ptegler]

...know that feeling all too well.... I'll update that later....  never get back to it. ... BTDT..... learned the hard way to document the hell out of it while your there!

any info collectable, is worth the wait.  I truly appreciate the this offer for info.
v/r

ptegler

[Marek]

I've yet to see, or see mention of, any Rotus schematics or loom diagrams. I do wonder if Dennis Hedges has any such information.  I've been meaning to meet up with him, but times have been busy when I've been in the area.

[Croc]

12 hours ago, Marek said:

I've yet to see, or see mention of, any Rotus schematics or loom diagrams. I do wonder if Dennis Hedges has any such information.  I've been meaning to meet up with him, but times have been busy when I've been in the area.

 

I have been collecting all technical information as I see it for posting on USA7s.  Nothing has ever surfaced on Rotus.  If you do find something, please send me a copy and I will add it to the technical library on this site.