Carld21 1 Posted March 12, 2010 Report Share Posted March 12, 2010 Hi Nice to see it coming along, brings it all back. I think you've made the same mistake I did with the front suspension, the lower bolt needs to go through the lower hole in the suspension arm. The spring will sit correct without them bending. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
smokingkills 1 Posted August 8, 2010 Author Report Share Posted August 8, 2010 Cheers Carlos, I'll try that. After a few disasters that life throws at you I am back on track with an update. Some pictures of the gelcoating I have now started: On with the gelcoat: Magic dust for the guide & sanding in progress: Light at the end of the tunnel: Lets get buffing: Much much more sanding & buffing to go but pretty pleased with how things are going again now. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Tony K 127 Posted August 8, 2010 Report Share Posted August 8, 2010 Bravo, Kris!!!! For anyone who wants to restore one of these unique early S1s, I think you are going about it the best way. Nicely done. Quote Tony K. Esprit S1s #355H & 454H Esprit S2.2 #324J 1991 Esprit SE Link to post Share on other sites
matk 17 Posted August 8, 2010 Report Share Posted August 8, 2010 Looking pretty good, well done. Quote Regards Mat Link to post Share on other sites
smokingkills 1 Posted August 8, 2010 Author Report Share Posted August 8, 2010 Thanks gents. I'll try to visit this site more often to keep you updated. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Advantage 910 Posted August 8, 2010 Report Share Posted August 8, 2010 I'm intrigued by the Magic Dust you mention? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Tony K 127 Posted August 9, 2010 Report Share Posted August 9, 2010 I'm intrigued by the Magic Dust you mention? Quote Tony K. Esprit S1s #355H & 454H Esprit S2.2 #324J 1991 Esprit SE Link to post Share on other sites
smokingkills 1 Posted August 9, 2010 Author Report Share Posted August 9, 2010 It's just magic I'll get the name of it when I get home. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
cjtpb13 11 Posted August 9, 2010 Report Share Posted August 9, 2010 Kris, Just discovered this thread. Nicely done ! I know the amount of work that goes into gel coat repair. I utilise a product called Dye-chem that achieves the same effect. Leaves a blue/purple coating so you can see when you have sanded down the high spots. Interesting technique with the brushing. I usually spray my gel coat then a thin layer of Dye-chem followed by smoothing with 3M Imperial Compound to a shiny smooth surface. Interesting to see the beginnings of this thread in regards to the colour selection and the interior. Nice to see that you have decided to maintain as original as you can. Keep of the fantastic work and look towards reading and viewing more. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
richard100 2 Posted August 9, 2010 Report Share Posted August 9, 2010 Hey... it has to be white....that is why this car is famous! To answer your previous question.........I'm close to you in Bournemouth and come to Plymouth regularly......My s1 is feb 78 and was originally black leather interior.....mine is currently being trimmed. Rich Quote Link to post Share on other sites
smokingkills 1 Posted August 10, 2010 Author Report Share Posted August 10, 2010 (edited) Thanks Chris T, the brush technique with crystalic gelcoat works for me. A friend who builds yachts gave me some tuition in the layup but you are correct lots of hard work, and the only stimulant used has been coffee & monster energy drinks lol. The dust is 3M 09560 Noir, without it would be very difficult to flat back evenly. Rich, have you got your flame suit on? It would have been white but I have been guided by some decent advise on here. I believe that only 22 orange gelcoated cars were ever made, which makes it even more exclusive Mr Bond. Give me a shout when you are with your S1 in Plymouth, having never seen another S1 in the flesh so I'd love to have a gander around yours. Edited August 10, 2010 by smokingkills Quote Link to post Share on other sites
smokingkills 1 Posted August 16, 2010 Author Report Share Posted August 16, 2010 Some more pictures, I have just collected the chassis from storage soon to be reunited with its body (hopefully).. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
LOTUSMAN33 1,120 Posted August 30, 2010 Report Share Posted August 30, 2010 Hi Chris Well done mate, seems like a life time ago I spoke to you about the restoration, at the time you had just bought the car and I thought you were out of your depth! You have done a great job and seemed to have learnt a load. Glad you went with orange in the end as it suits the S1. It has been over 7 years since I did a restoration like that with my S1 and it brings back fond memories and many late nights. Like to get back in contact and help if I can, Rhys has kept me updated now and again. Cheers Dave (Dockyard) [email protected] Quote Do or do not, there is no try! Link to post Share on other sites
The Veg 0 Posted August 31, 2010 Report Share Posted August 31, 2010 WOW! Nice work Kris! Can't wait to see more! Quote "If you can't fix it with a hammer, it's electrical." -somebody's dad Link to post Share on other sites
smokingkills 1 Posted September 2, 2010 Author Report Share Posted September 2, 2010 Hi Dave, long time no speak. I don't think you got around to seeing it before did you? There is still a mounatin to climb, I did feel it was out of my depth when I started taking it apart but with time and persistance I'm getting there. I've dropped you a pm. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
smokingkills 1 Posted February 20, 2012 Author Report Share Posted February 20, 2012 Now up for sale. Open to offers!!! No progress since last update sadly time to pass on for someone to finish & enjoy. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
esprit s2 94 Posted February 21, 2012 Report Share Posted February 21, 2012 No way! All that work. Where is it up for sale? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
LOTUSMAN33 1,120 Posted February 21, 2012 Report Share Posted February 21, 2012 Hi Chris Sorry to hear you have decided to pass her on, It would have been nice to have seen them together in Plymouth some time. You should have no problem selling as people are always after S1's and you have done a lot of the hard work. Good luck with the sale although I am sure it won't be with you for long. Quote Do or do not, there is no try! Link to post Share on other sites
Buddsy 1,552 Posted February 21, 2012 Report Share Posted February 21, 2012 Just looking back through this project...I would soooo love an Orange S1 Buddsy Quote "Belief is the enemy of knowing" - Crrow777 Link to post Share on other sites
smokingkills 1 Posted February 21, 2012 Author Report Share Posted February 21, 2012 The car is in Plymouth, Devon. I will be sad to see it go as a lot of time & money has been spent. I've just lost momentum with this, too many projects on the go, not enough money to finish to the standard that it should be done. Not sure of the value as things stand, but I have spent a small fortune on it. I don't want to break it as it will be another one lost forever What do unfinished projects go for ££ anyone estimate?? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Bibs 10,563 Posted February 21, 2012 Report Share Posted February 21, 2012 http://www.lotusforsale.com 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. I will aim to respond to emails/PM's Mon-Fri 9-6 GMT. Link to post Share on other sites
smokingkills 1 Posted February 21, 2012 Author Report Share Posted February 21, 2012 Thanks Bibs Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Paul Coleman 451 Posted February 21, 2012 Report Share Posted February 21, 2012 (edited) Out of interest what chassis number is it? If you can't afford to finish it and don't desperately need the money just sling a cover over it and come back to it in a few years - it won't eat anything. I've come close to selling mine a couple of times over the last 5 years but I'd never get back what I've spent on it and although restoring it is a love/hate thing I'd regret it if I sold it. Money may be tight at the moment but it won't always be that way. Given the amount of work you've done to it and taking into account the fact it's in bits I'm going to say (assuming it's a complete car of course) somewhere around £8,000. Just my opinion of course!! I'm tempted as I love the orange ones but I've already got 4 cars with 2 of them in bits and 'er-indoors would probably go ballistic hehehe Paul. Edited February 21, 2012 by Paul Coleman Quote Lotus Esprit [meaning] a 1:1 scale Airfix kit with a propensity to catch fire Link to post Share on other sites
LOTUSMAN33 1,120 Posted February 21, 2012 Report Share Posted February 21, 2012 Chris Agree with Paul about price as that was my estimate, having seen your car it is a good project for someone. Paul is right though about covering it up and going back to it later if you have the space, I have regretted selling several projects in the past. If you put it on ebay you may sell quickly as foreign bidders pick S1's up quickly. I have sold cars to Germany, France, Switzerland and Sweden and loads of parts abroad. In all cases they did all the transport arrangements. Good Luck Dave Quote Do or do not, there is no try! Link to post Share on other sites
Paul Coleman 451 Posted February 21, 2012 Report Share Posted February 21, 2012 (edited) Paul is right though about covering it up and going back to it later if you have the space, I have regretted selling several projects in the past. Yeah I think we've all been there... I sold a matching numbers 99% complete 1962 English RHD e-type fixed head coupe restoration project about 6 years ago for £6,500. Now I couldn't buy it back for double that Paul. Edited February 21, 2012 by Paul Coleman Quote Lotus Esprit [meaning] a 1:1 scale Airfix kit with a propensity to catch fire Link to post Share on other sites
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