1966 Lotus Elan FHC: The "Bought-not-Built" car

[varg]

Ah, that makes sense. Why not run the cable forward then turn it in parallel to the intake runners? A new/modified throttle arm, and an adjuster bracket that bolts to the filter flanges which could probably even be flat cut sheet metal which isn't too hard to come by these days.

[Chilezen]

I told Simon I would send him a screenshot of the model but I can't remember why or what specifically of, so, here's the whole thing.

I 3D printed the parts, and now he just has to install the prototype so see how it fits and operates. Then I can build the parts out of metal and he should be a happy camper.

[2mAn]

I 3D printed the parts, and now he just has to install the prototype so see how it fits and operates. Then I can build the parts out of metal and he should be a happy camper.

Its only taken 10 days, but I finally installed the bracket. I still have to trim the threaded shaft, but that wont happen until next week sometime.





If this doesnt quite make any sense yet, I challenged Kevan to take the throttle bracket that I purchased from Jenvey to make it a 'low-rise' version so that the hood could close. Obviously this was a TON of work to design within the constraints of the limited area. My hope is that his work can be repaid by myself and Jenvey to aid them in having a full "Elan" kit they can sell. We still have to get it fully functional, which requires me to get in the garage with some free time to trim that shaft down. Luckily, my anniversary has passed, my birthday has passed and the main extra curriculars (HPDE @ Sonoma & World Cup) have been passed also... A few more events in August so I have to try and get going on this before this becomes a winter project again...

[2mAn]

Was having a great time this past weekend at Laguna Seca / Monterey for Car Week. I mostly hang out at the track but had a good time going to sneak into the Quail and RM Sothebys... Highlight was definitely this Lotus Elan 26R that was rippin, and took 2nd place in the group of nearly 40 cars!











Also, saw this guy a few times...


and this Europa had a silly asking price




It got me excited to get back to work on my own Elan. V3 of the throttle was waiting for me so I promptly installed it, but still need to trim the threaded sleeve to test the throttle travel.

[2mAn]

Using some fresh enthusiasm and taking advantage of a small window between work & family life, I snuck out into the garage and wanted to get the threaded shaft. I always hate cutting threaded shafts because I worry the threads will be ruined...


Trimmed it and luckily have a longer shaft leftover just in case I trimmed it too much.


Luckily the shorter one was good, and this is threaded all the way in, just in case I need to extend the shaft.


This seemed to be good enough for Chilezen so we should have one in metal soon. All of this credit goes to him and I hope to get his product sold through Jenvey so they have a 'low rise' version next to their fancier bracket.

[econti]

If you want to make it really easy to cut and keep the threads, wind a nut on before you cut, after its chopped just do a bevel with a grinder then wind the nut off and it'll re-make the threads. Work basically every time.

[2mAn]

If you want to make it really easy to cut and keep the threads, wind a nut on before you cut, after its chopped just do a bevel with a grinder then wind the nut off and it'll re-make the threads. Work basically every time.

I'm aware of that (notice theres a nut on both halves), but I always get nervous

[2mAn]

While the throttle bracket process crawls along, I wanted to get cracking on another side quest: the headlights. I love the quality and output of the Hella lights (not that I have driven this car... at night), but I have never loved the look. I was hoping I could make them look better but it looks like it wont, so I decided I would revert to a more 26R appropriate look. I initially thought they were 7" round lights but I actually did some searching and it looks like they are actually 5 3/4" and luckily I have one spare light that came off my E30.



Figured it was worth a shot, so I bought some headlight mounting pieces off Amazon, and installed the light into the mount.I think the chrome on the backing plate is a bit much, but overall I think Im on the right track.



Trying to get an idea of how the whole thing looks... getting this pic was a lot harder than you think haha

[Panici]

I think the chrome on the backing plate is a bit much, but overall I think Im on the right track.

Trying to get an idea of how the whole thing looks... getting this pic was a lot harder than you think haha

Agreed on blacking out some of that chrome.

Haha I see those fingers in there! Were you under the car contorted to hold the lamp in place? Or did you superimpose two pics?

[Northern]

Took me a while to notice the arm.
Throw some smileys in there

[2mAn]

Took me a while to notice the arm.
Throw some smileys in there

I am actually strongly considering this!

[2mAn]

Metal and zinc plated throttle bracket has arrived. Huge thank you to Chilezen for doing the hard work and delivering a bracket for me to install.

First trial run is looking very promising. Need to make sure I get full WOT actuation, but it looks like its time to get back to the electrical side of things...

[Panici]

Custom!
Nice touch zinc plating. Looks right at home there.

[Chilezen]

Custom!
Nice touch zinc plating. Looks right at home there.

Thanks for appreciating the details. That was more of a mission to get done than I anticipated. Learned a bit along the way too.

Now if only he would align those plastic tabs holding the cable... it's driving me mad

[2mAn]

Now if only he would align those plastic tabs holding the cable... it's driving me mad

I’ll do you one better, in the true Colin Chapman way, adding lightness