deanchad
Part of things
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http://retrorides.proboards.com/thread/131936
Posts: 142
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Jun 25, 2012 21:27:45 GMT
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The term nostalgia describes a sentimental longing for the past, typically for a period or place with happy personal associations........................... Certainly described why I decided to go for a car around the time I was conceived. An age where mechanical, hand built and rust are words we all still use to describe the 80's. All of which at some point plagued all the cars of the era, so purchasing a car which eliminates 1 of those words already helped with the running and the restoration of a car. A GRP body and galvanized chassis A 1981 Lotus Esprit 2.2 n/a was what I have ended up with ;D I had an idea what I wanted so all I needed was something that caught my eye. I also looked at a 1982 mk golf cabriolet after viewing the lotus for the first time. It was metallic brown with a brown roof. BUT with the most unenthusiastic owner and a text from the guy with the lotus saying ''its a runner'', it was time to boomerang back up to Telford from stafford to view the car for a second time in the light of day outside the dusty factory. Needless to say I was sold and so was it. The next day it was sat on my drive ready for a drive............ Well, after I gave it a thorough going over ![:D](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/grin.png) ![](http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e262/dean_chad/lowshot.jpg) Although I liked these cars in the original condition, I always thought they looked a little high so plans were to give the car more stance without compromising ride or comfort. With the original tyre and wheel combo, this wasn't possible so that was part of the change but not a drastic one. The car is still under construction but here it is on its first shakedown outing in Evesham.... ![](http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e262/dean_chad/282778_10150887538814538_580021965_n.jpg) ![](http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e262/dean_chad/spacethere.jpg) ![](http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e262/dean_chad/556289_10150887536544538_862988434_n.jpg) No chassis alterations at all during the build before you ask ![;)](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/wink.png) . Oh and I don't drive the car at that height, it would rattle out my fillings out. The suspension however has been altered ![8-)](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/cool.png) More build pics coming soon, from interior strip to general repairs which as always with a lotus are never ending!
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Last Edit: Oct 1, 2014 19:36:47 GMT by deanchad
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Jun 25, 2012 21:34:47 GMT
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Awesome, thought the first pic was a photoshop - glad it's not.
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Jun 25, 2012 21:35:15 GMT
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"...more stance without compromising ride or comfort...."
What a transformation! That's Dez Stringer levels of lowness there, I can see why you wouldn't be driving around like that though!
Are they 15s or 16s out of interest?
Joe
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Mart D
Part of things
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Posts: 149
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Jun 25, 2012 21:37:07 GMT
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Love that, epic!
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deanchad
Part of things
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http://retrorides.proboards.com/thread/131936
Posts: 142
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Jun 25, 2012 22:23:02 GMT
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They are 16's. It took quite a while to find a set of wheels close to original but a bit wider and refurbed. I found these on the wheel sanctuary. Same pcd, ET but an inch bigger and 2 inches wider all round! The only slight difference was the centre bore which was the same as series 5 BMW. I sorted this with custom spacers...... 40mm at the rear ![](http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e262/dean_chad/DSCF2059.jpg) ![](http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e262/dean_chad/DSCF2058.jpg) major rear camber follows contour of the body, Whilst at ride height the camber is standard ![](http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e262/dean_chad/DSC_0159.jpg) Also have these I picked up off ebay. Daimler monoblocks, worth a bid as they got my attention. Cant find too many picutes of these. ![](http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e262/dean_chad/DSC_0011.jpg) AND the ride hieght difference when the air struts are aired out ![](http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e262/dean_chad/DSC_0046-1.jpg)
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Last Edit: Jun 25, 2012 22:33:00 GMT by deanchad
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Jun 25, 2012 22:42:44 GMT
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Cool car, almost DeLorean looking in silver.
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Jun 25, 2012 23:00:51 GMT
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LOL that is AWESOME. Really like it! need some pics of the interior and engine bay too!
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Jun 25, 2012 23:01:48 GMT
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very Delorean looking, those monoblocks make it look so awesome
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Jun 25, 2012 23:09:55 GMT
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Wow ![8-)](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/cool.png) One of my favourite ever designs, and total respect for buying one. I think I would always be too nervous to step into Esprit ownership, but now I think of it, that seems so lame. We need more pics!
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rysz
Club Retro Rides Member
Posts: 2,554
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That is just amazing! Thanks for sharing with us!
Rysz.
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Mike
East Midlands
Posts: 3,387
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Top work! That's just plain great.
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Wow!!
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300ce lowrider c220 track car c280 youngtimer S320 ...vip no 4 S430 .. 2 x slk 230 500se , E36 amg E 430 E55 amg Ml 320 C43 amg
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goldnrust
West Midlands
Minimalist
Posts: 1,872
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Awesome. I think i've seen you round Bromsgrove a couple of times? Looked amazing when rolling!!
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Seth
South East
MorrisOxford TriumphMirald HillmanMinx BorgwardIsabellaCombi
Posts: 15,523
Member is Online
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Like, totally excellent! ![8-)](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/cool.png)
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Follow your dreams or you might as well be a vegetable.
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Clement
Europe
ambitious but rubbish
Posts: 2,095
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Awesome car, terrific stance and the Daimler wheels are perfect for it! I like the Compomotives as well but they are less 'special' ![:)](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/smiley.png)
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stealthstylz
Club Retro Rides Member
Posts: 14,869
Club RR Member Number: 174
Member is Online
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Awesome. Could the front go down another 10mm or so to even the arch gaps?
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my goodness.. this is incredible please say it'll be at the gathering!
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deanchad
Part of things
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http://retrorides.proboards.com/thread/131936
Posts: 142
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Jun 26, 2012 10:04:24 GMT
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Cheers fellas for the comments. I have been in two minds wether to post or not. As the lotus through and through owners would maybe turn their noses up. Ive gone to every length to keep thecar as original as possible so if I decide to return it to standard, I can. Ive source second hand control arms etc so I hqve a second standard set. When I find all the stut picsi will post them up I'm currently fabricating new front control arms so the front can be lowered to chassis or there abouts, well spotted. The rear end was a doddle but the front has been a bit of an issue. Not the modification but stripping the originl 30 year old kit off- ![:)](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/smiley.png) Goldnrust, spotted you too have you got a bit of a buil diary? Love the car mateB-) Sorted a sticky rear brake caliper last night so fingers crossed with the weather I will be at santapod the weekend Cheers Dean
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goldnrust
West Midlands
Minimalist
Posts: 1,872
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Jun 26, 2012 14:12:06 GMT
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If it was me I'd raise the rear to get the arch gaps equal, but fair play to the level of fabrication it sounds like you're going to go through to get the front lower. Doing it properly always demands respect:) And cheers! There's a link in my signature to build of the rx7 mate ![:)](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/smiley.png)
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Jun 26, 2012 16:08:31 GMT
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Best Lotus by far!
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'95 Toyota MR2 Turbo '72 Toyota Celica TA22 '74 Mercedes 350 SL '68 Mercedes W108 280SE '03 Renault Clio 172
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