And the Rotus Journey Begins

[Ruadhd2]

I just took delivery last week of what has been described as Rotus #3, but I can't prove it yet. I hear there were only 60 of these made. They are 4 inches wider and 10 inches longer than a Lotus 7, which means you can actually sit in one. As soon as I got it the car went to a my mechanic for basic stuff. Now all the electrical is working as well as the handbrake and a choke has been installed under the dash. My car has the Corolla 2T-G engine and a Supra rear end. Pics are coming soon.

 

So as I begin the journey I have specific, nitpicky Rotus questions for other Rotus owners. I hope I am posting this in the right place.

 

 

1. What is the best way to attach a front license plate as required in Maryland?

 

2. Do others seem to need to run their fan all the time? My car heats up quickly. Anyone install an automatic thermostat driven fan?

 

3. Where can I get a replacement and maybe more modern headlight? Mine have pretty big rust pits.

 

4. Anyone have a working tonneau that I can borrow to copy the pattern and have one made?

 

5. Anybody know a good upholstery person within 200 miles of DC where I can get nice carpeting and the tonneau made at a reasonable price?

 

6. Any favorite body work and paint shops within 200 miles of DC?

 

7. Can you recommend a portable jack to carry in the car's boot?

 

8. Any favorite rear view mirror setup for those who have a top and side curtains?

 

9. Any cheap and reasonable mods that you've made to the Corolla engine?

 

Thanks in advance for your consideration. Steve

[Ruadhd2]

Anyone figure out a way to secure the bonnet in an aesthetic and efficient manner?

Edited May 1, 2010 by Ruadhd2

[slngsht]

1. I can't think of anyone who runs a front plate. A few have temporarily attached them and then removed after inspection. I've been driving mine in MD for 5 years, and talked to a few cops, and none of them have said anything about it yet - but I guess it's only a matter of time.

If you want to mount it permanently, you have a couple of options, depending on how your Rotus is equipped. Rotus had 2 different style noses. One with a little chin spoiler at the bottom, and one without. If you have the chin spoiler, I suppose one option is to bend the plate around that.

Also, rotus had 2 different radiator mounting styles. Some cars, like mine, have the radiator immediately behind the opening in the nose. Others, like Rob's (solder_guy) have the radiator behind the front suspension. If yours is in the back position, you could mount the plate inside the nose, spring loaded... so as soon as you get going, air pressure pushes the plate out of the way. Worth a look.

 

2. You can pickup an adjustable thermostat from any parts store... probe goes under the radiator hose clamp, and it has a knob on it to set the temp. Fan wire goes through it. If you have a cooling problem, here is what I suggest:

a. Given the age of the car, try flushing the radiator (or ask Dan if he ever did). It could just be really dirty inside

b. Make sure there is a good seal around the radiator to force the air through it, rather than around it.

c. Make sure your fan is running the correct direction

After those, you can look at aluminum or multiple core radiators. I have an aluminum one sitting around that I never used. If it comes to that, let me know and I'll get you the dimensions.

3. Search here for HID. I think you can buy the round housing headlights like the one you have pretty cheaply from Jegs or speedway.

4. Talk to Rob. Back when my car was still considered a Rotus, I had one, and I sent it to Rob for him to copy. Be careful though, as the first couple of cars were slightly different. So double check.

8. For rear view mirror, you can go conventional from any parts store, or buy the mirrors bsimon sells here specifically for sevens. everyone who has them loves them from what i've read.

9. I like your attitude. Mod fever already

[slngsht]

Anyone figure out a way to secure the bonnet in an aesthetic and efficient manner?

The way the Rotus is done is typical of all sevens.

[DeanG]

There is a cool Miata mechanism that holds front plate vertical when stopped but air pressure while driving causes to pivot horizontal.

 

There is a big Lotus & Se7en presence around DC. Someone should be able to make a recommendation on shops.

[MHKflyer52]

Anyone figure out a way to secure the bonnet in an aesthetic and efficient manner?

 

On my car I have anchor nuts mounted on a tab that is attached to the frame and use a bolt that has a knob for the head and use that to secure the bonnet / hood to the car. Here is a link to a photo that shows what they look like on the car.

 

http://picasaweb.google.com/MHKflyer52/ALotus7Replica#5368521760232243938>

 

Hope this helps and give you some ideas.

[Ruadhd2]

Thanks to everyone for the welcome and the help. Lots of little projects now. Steve (Ruadhd2)

[BMW RACER]

There is a cool Miata mechanism that holds front plate vertical when stopped but air pressure while driving causes to pivot horizontal.

 

There is a big Lotus & Se7en presence around DC. Someone should be able to make a recommendation on shops.

 

Do you have any more info on this?

[DeanG]

I did buy one many years ago to use on my Elan but decided the purchased version was too heavy.

Can you imagine it is made of steel?

 

http://www.teammiata.com/mall/TM305.aspx

 

http://www.miata.net/garage/swingplate.html