Daniel

Take a group of sports cars on a test run to see which one is the best at being a sports car. Immediately dismiss the one which has the best sports car attributes, acknowledging that it has the best sports car attributes and bang on about the Porsche. I remember now, why I stopped reading EVO.

Edit. Just noticed you got an Elise.

I'm coming to the end of a full mechanical resto and the current running total is a shade over 9K with probably another 1K to go. I've done all of the work aside from the engine rebuild. If there's bodywork and interior work to do, it'll be comfortably 15-20K.

Just to confuse the issue more, I took my gearbox out from below and then my engine out from above using a normal engine hoist........ I think I'll put them back that way too.

I've used products from a company called Buzzweld. I'm really impressed with the finish.

I'm still working through the lockdown, but not going out generally has focused my efforts somewhat. I managed to get over-spray from the wheel arch paint on to the freshly painted underside. Re-prep'd it and painted it again and for some reason the paint kept reacting. In the end I re-did the lot with the textured black, then went over the tub paint with a matt finish keeping the chassis a silk finish........ subtle but I like it. Doubt it'll be noticeable when everything's back together. Front end now pretty much complete I got the refurbished radiator back and the frame had been blasted and re-coated and wasn't in great condition, so I thought about the aluminium replacement. Pete at PNM recommended keeping the refurbished radiator and having the frame re-done in stainless steel, so it's with him now. I've also had to order new coolant pipes. I put the old ones away as they looked ok, but when I cleaned them down they were heavily pitted with lots of micro holes. Considering it was all done with the shell on, I'm really pleased with the finish Just now waiting for those coolant pipes and I can think about getting the engine and gearbox in. I'm now making plans for lots of 2021 road trips!!!

@C43, Christian did you have to adapt your dust shields for the Wilwood calipers? Just done a test fit and they seem to need cutting.

Nice one Pete. I was hoping that the ARB would pull it up. I'm just having that re-finished as I dropped it. Plenty of other stuff to be cracking on with!! I got my refurbished radiator back the other day. I was disappointed with the finish as they'd basically just tidied up and sprayed the frame and it was very pitted and tatty. That was what I'd asked for but I didn't think it was that bad. Anyway, I've sent it back for them to fit a new stainless steel frame. In the meantime, I've ordered a much better quality spring compressor, so the other side should be an easier job.

Thanks for the info', I'll definitely be careful with the brake line. Just need to separate the front hubs from the disks now. I forgot that was a job I gave up on...... something to look forward to!!

Managed to find some other images on line. It actually looks right. I just don’t ever remember noticing that the bottom arm leaned on the chassis. That’s going to chip the paint every time I lift it. Anyway, I’m just excited to see bits finally going back on!

As I thought, when I unloaded the spring, the whole thing just seemed to over extend so the top arm touched the spring and the bottom arm touched the chassis. Can't be right, surely.

I can but it lifts the car well before the spring compresses much. i need extra weight or perhaps heavy duty ratchet straps under the jack

Yes, that's the problem I'm having. With no engine and other bits, it's very light. The spring compressors clearly aren't correct for the job, so I'll have to weight up the car and compress the spring from underneath before I remove them. Thanks for your help.

Once I unload the spring, the bottom arm will push down against the chassis plate, or will the top arm stop it?

Could someone please update my record? I'm still down as owing Sport 350 no. 32 (row 649), which I sold to Mike Sekinger My current Esprit: Daniel Waugh S2 1979 7904/0725G Lemon Yellow Black / Marcasite interior Lancashire UK fanks