The Lotus Grand Tourers

I'll second the motion for mirrors, or at least the rubber covers. Mine are the only cosmetic evidence that the car is nearly 40 years old and they are quite obvious, being fairly large objects. The surfaces have become rough and one has a small crack. I have no idea how to restore the surface appearance and would be afraid to try unless I had a spare mirror to experiment on. We may be too small a market ourselves to warrant repops, but I understand the Rover SD1 sold fairly well and has a dedicated enthusiast base.

Given the plethora of brands/models that use the Citroen CX mirror it does surprise me that somebody hasn't come up with a solution/replacement for those. Especially given some of its more expensive applications. Even if the solution was to fit a similar looking mirror. I know some with TVR owners have done it, but I don't think any are particularly straightforward. Would be nice if a 'kit' was available to fit something more commonplace, if the CX parts couldn't be reproduced.

This is full on Teddy Bear (Esprit again)

Zaphod wrote: ↑

Sat Apr 06, 2024 22:05

Oh and +0.015" main bearings!

Failing that, another option is to use the main bearing shells from the American Chrysler 273, 318 & 340 V8 engines. The Inside Diameters and widths match the Lotus application. The Outside Diameter is +0.027" oversize, compared to the Lotus +0.015" oversize shells. Even if the engine has already been over-bored once, it's got another chance at life with the larger OD Chrysler bearing shells.

Quality levels range from OEM "street" level, to full blown drag racing... very good, better, best. So read carefully while you shop. Or just buy the best. The costs are "low" compared to the cost of genuine Lotus oversize bearing shells.

Regards,
Tim Engel
Black 1978 Eclat
Red 1979 Eclat

The website for CTL seems pretty awful in terms of finding parts. Did they mention whether they have any plans to update that or is it really a case of calling them about parts? I've heard the name CTL, but until they started take an interest in PML they were not really on my radar in terms of the Excel.

Brilliant information, as usual, Tim. Your posts always fill the gaps.

Bash

LotusMonkey wrote: ↑

Tue Apr 16, 2024 08:13

The website for CTL seems pretty awful in terms of finding parts. Did they mention whether they have any plans to update that or is it really a case of calling them about parts? I've heard the name CTL, but until they started take an interest in PML they were not really on my radar in terms of the Excel.

I email get a quick response too.