V8lightweight 38 Report post Posted May 25 I purchased an '89 Turbo SE a short while ago, which was featured in the first issue of Absolute Lotus. It was more of a 'straw-filled' garage find, than a barn find, but through a very sad turn of events, had sat under a tarpaulin for 10 years or so. The car has been in the same family from new. The car had an engine rebuild before becoming tarpaulin-bound, but seems only to have done 5 miles or since (so the belt and hoses need doing). Whilst everything us there, including the original dealer plates, tool kit etc, the method of storage has meant it's in a sorry old state. In the last couple of months, I've part-stripped it, it's been to the paint shop and is having new carpets and seats. It should be coming home next week, then needs to be rebuilt (after a couple of little things, such as the removal of the engine and tanks!) By the end of next month for my God-Daughter's prom Deep breath..... 2 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dan E 1,174 Report post Posted May 25 Good effort Sir. 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
82s3 5 Report post Posted May 26 Who did the respray and, if you don't mind me asking, how much did they charge you? Bob Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Llewelyn82 88 Report post Posted May 26 What a great project!! Looking forward to more updates I was going to ask the same question about the respray! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
silverfrost 1,386 Report post Posted May 26 Fantastic Job, Nice to see some Stevens cars getting a full resto, its normally the G cars Quote A Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bibs 8,954 4 Vehicles Report post Posted May 28 Quote 88 Esprit NA, 89 Esprit Turbo SE, Evora, Evora S, Evora IPS, Evora S IPS, Evora S IPS SR, Evora 400, Elise S1, Elise S1 111s, Evora GT410 Sport Evora NA For forum issues, please contact the Moderators. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
V8lightweight 38 Report post Posted May 29 Hi chaps, the respray was done by Clint Drake at Wild West Custom paint in Exeter. Absolutely lovely bloke, and the job is excellent. I stripped the car right down (especially enjoyed taking the bumpers off!) and paid 2.5k, plus a couple if extras (specialist glass removal etc) albeit that it was done as a 'hospital' job as and when he had a bit of free space. Would thoroughly recommend him to anyone in the area (he did work to my TVR and 944, both of which were every bit as good). Cheers, Steve Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jonwat 263 Report post Posted May 29 1 hour ago, V8lightweight said: Hi chaps, the respray was done by Clint Drake at Wild West Custom paint in Exeter. Absolutely lovely bloke, and the job is excellent. So, how about some pics of the finished job then? Quote Cheers, John W http://jonwatkins.co.uk Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
V8lightweight 38 Report post Posted May 29 It went straight from the paint shop to the trimmers, so hasn't been home yet! I'll get some pics as soon as I get it back 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
V8lightweight 38 Report post Posted May 31 Quick visit to the trimmers today. Seats being tensioned and carpets nearly done. On 29/05/2019 at 08:55, jonwat said: 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
V8lightweight 38 Report post Posted June 3 Bit of tinkering before the car comes home tomorrow - scraping the old veneer from the dash (anyone just lacquered the bard masks?) and rebuilding the headlong mounting panels. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Escape 599 2 Vehicles Report post Posted June 4 I didn't like te veneer either, especially as it was all cracked. So I scraped it off and just had it painted black. You get a bit of texture from the wood, so it doesn't look like cheap plastic. Very happy with it. Filip 1 Quote I have made many mistakes in my life. Buying a multiple Lotus is not one of them. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
V8lightweight 38 Report post Posted June 5 Thank you Filip - I think that I might well try that as a temporary solution, as I can always get it re-veneered at a later date. Its now home from the trimmers and on axle stands while the wheels are being powder coated. Just need to find some tyres next..... 3 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
maydharm 29 2 Vehicles Report post Posted June 5 Looking good, keep up the good/hard work. Is Sinderella going to make it to the ball? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
V8lightweight 38 Report post Posted June 5 I sincerely hope so, but I've organised an E30 M3 to be on standby just in case! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
maydharm 29 2 Vehicles Report post Posted June 5 Nice, I took my daughter to her prom in my V8, it went down a storm, hope you get done in time. Jaz in the Middle 4 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
V8lightweight 38 Report post Posted June 6 Bolted a few bits back on this afternoon. Its squeezed in the garage, but I couldn't resist a few pictures of the finish. 3 5 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
V8lightweight 38 Report post Posted June 7 Early start this morning - picking up a few bits from the powder-coaters. 4 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
silverfrost 1,386 Report post Posted June 7 New paintwork looks stunning, always nice to put the Lotus badge on, wheels look top notch also, this will be a lovely car to own and you will benefit from knowing it inside out too, which is an added bonus. Keep up the great work and the pics coming too 1 Quote A Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
V8lightweight 38 Report post Posted July 7 After a bit of an hiatus, there are a few bits going back on now (smallest always take the longest time). A few more photos of the progress.... Headlight backing plates and adjusters replaced/rebuilt... 2 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
V8lightweight 38 Report post Posted July 22 Still a fair way to go, but it did make it to its first show! 4 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
