The Lotus Grand Tourers

Elite in NZ, chassis 76080913A, rego lea221 (I already posted about this one)
https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/cars ... f=gXKhniX0

https://www.carjam.co.nz/car/?plate=Lea221

There are 2 different columns fitted depending on year. I had about 15mm in/out play on an early one - lower bearing completely shot. Also the lower dome that bolts to the bulk head was rotten - managed to get a good used one. Mine is early, only two UJ, it seems there is no “thrust” bearing adjust...

Key words above are "wheels off the ground". That's how my car is sitting right now and power steering fluid is drained, but steering wheel can be turned smoothly just with one finger pressing to a spoke on the steering wheel. I'd suspect a column UJ. As Pete suggests slide the lower UJ up the spli...

I will need new top ball joints as the seals have rotted. Note the car has hardly been used for over 25 years before I bought it, and drives ok. If it’s still got the original upper ball joints and it’s just the rubber boots that have split, I would check for any play and if all good, repack with g...

Pete Boole wrote: ↑

Tue Jan 09, 2024 23:19

Try and isolate first whether the rack itself is stiff and notchy or the column/ujs are stiff and notchy.

Pete

Thanks

Key words above are "wheels off the ground". That's how my car is sitting right now and power steering fluid is drained, but steering wheel can be turned smoothly just with one finger pressing to a spoke on the steering wheel. I'd suspect a column UJ. As Pete suggests slide the lower UJ up the spli...

For sale in nz yellow 1975 elite rego elit75
Vin 7A8B9020796156770
Chassis 74110386A
Engine C74109875

https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/cars ... f=ne6FSrgF

https://photos.app.goo.gl/ACXdnkRVxTa3j2po7

With the front wheels off the ground my local testing station pointed out the steering is stiff and notchy. It passed the test but I agree with them. Even with the engine running, wheels off the ground, and power steering going you can feel the notchyness, it’s only just possible to turn the wheels ...

Thanks for posting this. Back in ‘99 after failing an MOT I paid 900 quid for a refurbished rack plus labour to fit it. Back then there was no help from forums etc so I had little choice but to pay the bill, and shortly afterwards sell the car. Owning a classic like the Excel is so much easier (and ...

A 501 elite spotted on an nz facebook pg

Thanks again Alan, so… Dry sand (defo not wet) Repair cracks 2k Epoxy sealer High build primer (optional) and block 2k or non 2k base (solvent or water based, doesn’t matter) 2k clear (ditto) I could save some $ if I did the non spraying parts ( if a professional sprayer would let me). I am still in...

Here's a wrapped car - think the owner did it himself. Was good but some of the edges on the bonnet air intakes weren't great. https://onedrive.live.com/embed?resid=c879f1a1772c751b%2112872&authkey=%21AOgKnNi0s7k-7NI&width=4896&height=3672 https://onedrive.live.com/embed?resid=c879f1a1772c751b%2112...

I’m just (almost finished) repainting my Calypso pink car. The original factory paint is clear over base. At that time the base would have been solvent, which is still available (in the UK). The industry is moving towards water soluble base coats, but neither are 2k, and it doesn’t matter which is ...

My “84 car has been mostly stored in a shed for the last 25 years, but still has a bit of paint fade eg going pink on corners etc, the paint is in pretty amazing condition otherwise. However, NZ is notorious for its high UV and new red cars of a “certain age” (into the ‘90’s) faded after just a few ...

. (and not driving it far from home……) Been there. Done that. With my recent spark gremlins, I lost confidence and one evening did 10 miles, never actually being more than a mile from home just in case. Please to say confidence does return, but I'm yet to venture onto a motorway. - maybe I should l...