1988 Excel SE. Brief Update

[MetBlue]

. I might commandeer some assistance and have a go myself

I have a new screen for the Elite and was thinking of a DIY fit. I'd be up for a bit of joint learning. The race is on for the first to be ready.
Tony

[Pete Boole]

You're on!!

Pete

[Radar]

Hope you chaps get the screen sorted.

Latest update on my Excel is that the nose cone has now been painted at long last. Looks so much better.

[Radar]

MOT passed today. Next job is to the drivers seat sorted and figure out why the passenger side electric window has stopped playing ball

[Pete Boole]

Congrats on the MOT!!

Pete

[Radar]

Well just as we head into December and the year is nearly done time for a little update:

The Excel has attended 40 meetings and events this year: Shelsley Waish, Chateau Impney, Gaydon and Classic Team Lotus have all been visited. The excellent 'Winterbottom Run' was perhaps the highlight. It was great to have so many Excel, Elite and Eclats together to honour 'The Creator'

Also attended multiple club and local meetings

Essentially, in 2600 miles, it has run well. Had to have a flat spot/misfire sorted by Lotusbits (Distributor fettle) and the passenger side electric window has given up the ghost again. But overall I am really happy, even did two 500 mile weekends with ease and in comfort. They are an excellent GT

So over winter I'll the get the window sorted and treat it to a good service

Here's to 2023!

[richardw]

Thats brilliant Radar - a great achievement to do all those events.

Also raising my glass to 2023!

Cheers, Richard

[Radar]

Thats brilliant Radar - a great achievement to do all those events.

Also raising my glass to 2023!

Cheers, Richard

Thanks Richard, I have snuck in another event since, so clocked up 41 for the year in the end

Excel booked into my local Lotus specialists for a fettle at the end of January. Get here ready 2023's fun and games

[Radar]

Just had the Excel serviced at Classic Sports Cars Limited in Stourport-on-Severn. They ex Paul Matty boys. Running lovely.

I had new anti roll bar bushes fitted on the front. The old ones were completely worn out

Also passed the MOT

So far in 2023 managed seven local events

However the speedometer has developed an odd fault. the Speed reading works, but the odometer doesn't. Hmmm.
£100 for a certified used replacement from Lotusbits, or £300 for a reconditioned example with the correct mileage.

Still yet to fix the passenger side window

[Radar]

Well I popped down to the Morgan factory in Malvern on Sunday in my trusty Excel. Not to switch allegiance, just to attend a car meeting! A somewhat damp 45 mile round trip, but a pleasant way to round off a busy 2023 for my Excel.

41 events attended with highlights including being part of a carnival parade (Bewdley) another visit to the factory (for the reunion) and some lovely runs with members of my local car club. 1800 miles added.

Attended multiple local club and breakfast meetings

Not too much trouble this year. The passenger side electric window is still occasionally dormant, and the headlamp lift can be erratic too. Both are currently fine!

The speedo had to be rebuilt and that's been it.

Swift, comfortable and fun to drive. Its been a good year for me and my Lotus

Plans for 2024?

Finally go to a Club Lotus event
Castle Coombe track day?
A run up Shelsley Walsh?
Finally get the roof painted

[Radar]

A bit of a health do stopped paly for a bit

But been back up and running for a wee while now

Been busy

Small service done at Classic Sports Cars
Top Half re-spray done

Spent five days on the stunning Isle of Man back in May and tackled the TT Mountain course and the Sloc hill climb section
Been to Wales with a sports car group and had an excellent weekend in good company
Taken part in two carnival parades (Bewdley & Wolverley)
Popped into Shelsley Walsh for a Noggin and Natter and attended multiple meetings of both my own local car club (Bewdley) and others in the area

2025 - 26 meets/events and runs so far
That's 158 in total since I had a big chunk of work done in early 2021
about 9,000 miles or so in that time.

Next jobs/wish list,
Replace one of the rear lamps
Perhaps get a nice header tank and tidy up the under bonnet a bit more
Finally fit decent speakers?
Refurbish my spare set of wheels

[Pete Boole]

The Isle of Man trip sounds great - any photos? Glad your health is on track again!

Pete

[bash]

Cars keep better when used thats for sure. Was the IOM trip with classic tours, if it was what did you think

Bash

[AndrewWebber]

I agree, 47 years of Lotus ownership, tells me they are 'more' reliable if used fairly regularly ....and probably used hard at times so each component sees a wider range of movement, stresses, temperatures, conditions....

Andy

[Radar]

Cars keep better when used thats for sure. Was the IOM trip with classic tours, if it was what did you think

Bash

Hi, sorry for the late reply - they were excellent...recommended