Angus553 10 Report post Posted July 8 Hi All Due to popular request and general interest I will add this story to the list of 70's wedges under reconstruction. Having spent the first half of last year looking at a classic car to do up, physically looking at 4 scimitars (hours on ebay car and classic etc.) nothing really fitted the bill so my second choice of Elite/Eclat got more attention.(third choice Interceptor BTW) This particular car was talking to me though!! and I quote "save me save me" A cheeky bid was submitted via the classified ad price and the car was mine. It came with a full Mot, engine gearbox rear brakes propshaft radiator rebuild all documented(7k spent recently by a member on here) and also a new chassis and S/S exhaust not documented or mentioned in the advert. So the car was basically sound and needed a respray, interior and electrics looking at. So you are a Lotus Man now, as confirmed by the pics and conversations had at the 2 stops on the way home. 165 miles no problem's at all. Started the resto by sorting out the electrics and interior out for zero expense but many hours and it is about halfway complete LOL. Had a starting issue firstly just couldn't start it, this was my fault and now have the technique sorted. However removing the dizzy to replace the leads was a mistake as I must've disturbed something and it just wouldn't start. Lots of whirring popping and banging (you all know what I mean) Many hours of frustration later and new coil elec ignition cap rotor trigger wheel along with previously purchased battery plugs and leads. All combinations tried and not much luck , only a misfiring engine but atleast it was starting( along with a crazy rev counter whilst misfiring.)Stripped and cleaned the carb, new fuel filter and only a minor improvement. My instinct was the rotor/trigger wheel was misaligned somehow so having decided to swap back the electronic ignition, what a job that is!! when replacing the rotor and trigger wheel some how it seemed to fit better and hey presto it doesn't misfire/crazy rev any longer. "Perfection" I say to myself and take my Son out for a drive in the 'posh car' as he calls it. He sits in the front as their are no rear seat belts. 2 days later and the accelerator cable snaps but Iam being very philosophical about it, ordering a new one from SJ along with some other bits as well. The upside is the car starts without the use of the accelerator now!! Similar luck with bleeding and flushing of the brakes, all done great, take it for a short drive to check the work err no I don't think so, it wouldn't start for 2 days!! Do1job and create 2 more seems the order of the day. The resto which will be minor compared to some I have seen on here. My plan is to have it has a use and improve 2nd car. The jobs that have been done so far are refurb brake master cylinder and servo which were working perfectly when bought. The rear suspension will be replaced/refurbed as necessary along with a respray or half a respray to keep it in period with the rest of the car. Needless to say it has headlights which only stay down for 5-10 mins,heater not working properly and the rear wiper doesn't work(washer all good though) ……...as things progress will add info and pics and hopefully not too many pleas for help etc!! thanks for reading Angus 4 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tom kilner 103 Report post Posted July 8 Post us a pic Angus- sounds like you're having fun already. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Angus553 10 Report post Posted July 8 Having lots of fun going to the supermarket doing the weekly shop!! The boot is big enough for this as you can see. Not much to show as to works in progress though. 2 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Clive59 80 Report post Posted July 8 clearly the rear wiper doesn't work...it's missing! 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ChrisJ 1,026 2 Vehicles Report post Posted July 9 I was very surprised at how many suitcases go in the boot of my Excel - 5 cabin cases plus room for more squashy bags. 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mikeeech 291 Report post Posted July 9 Very nice. Post regular updates of progress since it's always good to see an elite being improved and cared for. Welcome to the forums. I had two scimitars and they were great cars but they ruined the brand with the robin! 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tom kilner 103 Report post Posted July 9 22 hours ago, Clive59 said: clearly the rear wiper doesn't work...it's missing! No need for a wiper with a boot that full - never mind the visibility, the mechanism would get tangled in the tagliatelli. Great to see car in practical use 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
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