Frankenlise! Bent Brake Mount, Clutch issues and Painting the Sill - Lotus Elise S1
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- čas přidán 24. 01. 2022
- I thought it about time for news on my Lotus Elise S1, the Flankenlise is Back! Ive had a few issues that need fixing plus I need to finish the repair to the sill.. that requires some paintwork!
- Auta a dopravní prostředky
Hey Jack, looks a lot better, you've probably heard this one before but a tip for the paint is just leave the can in a bowl of hot water.
Jack, I never thought of you as a man that had a bright pink hairdryer 😀 good to see the Elise again.
I am not sure that heating and impacting a cast metal caliper mounting is a good idea as disturbing the crystalline structure of the metal by heating and striking it will create fault fissures (microscopic cracks). Also if you are going with the dodgy mounting I would at least consider fitting new pads in order to even out the contact area. Or, if you are going for another no cost "shade tree" fix you could always sand the pads flattish on an even surface. Good luck and drive the Elise slowly (due to the brake mods) as I really enjoy your videos and want you safe to continue!
For the brake discs, I would get them milled back, so the front and back surfaces are flat and without rough area. You would also benefit from using a new set of pads too. Simple stuff to do to get correct and safe braking.
PUT SOME BILSTEINS ON IT
Nice to see how you get that Elise back on the road again, I'm a big fan of your channel! Just a bit of advice from a mechanical engineer: that bracket holding your brake caliper in place is weakened from the impact, heating it and bending it back in place. I would replace it with a new one or good used one, consider it a piece of mind.
Agreed, don't mess with safety systems, you will be unhappy if they fail on you. The only positive is that it is a rear caliper, so is providing a much lower proportion of the overall braking force, ~30-35% give or take.
If I'd had to mess with it I'd have likely shimmed it rather than heating and hammering, not ideal but probably easier.
My wife, a process safety engineer for a major oil & gas company, agrees with the ME, for what it’s worth.
Absolutely - would using much greater heat help?
What's the ME, Stephen?
@@danjones6279 The Mechanical Engineer that @BluO mentioned in the original post.
The bolt in the ali ? For future, use a correct size threaded section of bar (or a cut off bolt). Permanently glue the stud in place and use a washer and a nut for retension. Good to see the Elise again !!!!!
Ah, the joys of working on cars in the winter..-30 here this morning, my daily has to hold together for a few more months before I can even think of changing the oil!!
Looking good, such a lovely little car, will be superb when the weather warms up on those roads near you.
I watched Harry’s latest with his snickerty snick Elan gear change, amazing they forgot how to do it 😄
Nice work with the rattle can 👍
I find the S2 Bilsteins more comfortable than the Nitrons on our roads, but I am old…. Look forward to the upgraded shifter video, still trying to track one of these down myself.
An old body worker that I knew, told me to keep my cans in warm water too. Never tried it but he said it works and he used to do it in all weathers. I would read up on side of can for max can temps before you try it.
The lotus is back at last ,change the calliper bracket don’t like the idea of heat and hammer ok on a competition car ie track /Rally but not on the road
Dan Dan the insurance man may not be happy if it breaks ,I’ve used JB on stripped holes with good success wax the bolt thread after applying some JB in the hole screw it in let it set and unscrew the bolt worked on gearbox dog bone mount ,thanks Jack great vid 👍👨🏻🏭
Very interesting Jack. I would love to have a black Elise to traverse the winding backroads on a nice day. I get the same type of joy from that sort of thing as you do. I think a lot of people could enhance their lives if they acquired a car that they related to and kept it maintained while they enjoyed the soul-stirring drives. I have been doing that for many years and I will continue to do so for the sheer pleasure it adds to life.
I had S2 Elise Bilstein dampers on my S1 for the first 12 years of ownership, then when I refreshed the suspension I ditched them and fitted Nitron Street Series. They are firmer than the Bilsteins, but definitely fine for road use. The S2 Bilsteins require a different front top mount on the S1 as the top of the damper will foul on the standard top mounts, however the Nitrons work with the standard S1 top mounts (rear mounts are fine). Also, my Nitron Street Series required helper springs on the rear to achieve the required ride height, though my car is lowered from standard.
Also, did you know that clutch bracket flex is a common issue on the S1, there is a reinforcing plate you can get from the usual Lotus websites which helps. The other thing that can happen is that the clutch release arm that goes into the clutch housing can seize over time if the car is stood for long periods and then the clutch just stays in. This happened to me (while on my honeymoon LOL). You can buy a replacement arm with a grease nipple on the end so that the issue doesn't come back, I thought it a wise investment as my car doesn't get massive use.
Great video as always Jack, and good to see the Lotus back. 👍🏼
Great work Jack but why did you not do the painting in your new garage with a little heater in there, it would have made the whole process easier and would probably achieve a better finish. You could have thrown a sheet over the Ferrari to protect it. Just a thought 😊 P. S. Still love the content
Nice! I use to put the can in a warm water tray before painting
That sill looks really good all things considered! Well done.
GAZ are such helpful people I'm sure they will have the answer.....should be first port of call.
Exciting to see the Elise back on screen and looking forward to more in the future!!
Thanks Jack for another vid' i'm glad you've not sold it 😎👌👍🖤👨🔧
I've seen it all now, hairdryer and rattle can! Fantastic :)
Great job with the spray can, you're pretty good with them Jack! Another way to warm them is imerse in hot water.
"I've got a blow torch and a hammer" - love it! :)
Just had Nitron Street Series put on my S1, sublime difference and no longer feels like it wants to either kill me or break my back (but the old Bilsteins were a bit worn out). If the gear lever kit you are referring to is the Prodimex one you also won't be disappointed, a huge huge improvement!
True spirit of DIY going on here
A little tip in cold conditions boil a jug of water and allow the aerosol can to sit in it for a few minutes 👍🏼
Nice catch up Jack, bit by bit your getting there, 👍😀😀.
Great work!! Miss channels like yours!! Cheers!
Paint the hair dryer next. Maybe some flames? Great video; hope the new career is going well!
Bret
Jack, heating the cans is a good idea but heating the workpiece is a better one. Use infrared heaters as these heat the item without heating the air around them. Your paint will then be at the correct temperature to tack off and cure before subsequent coats. Loads faster drying times too!
Jack, I have to applauded you working in your open air workshop, I am afraid I would have to get it in the garage with some heaters on to motivate me.
Hi Jack I would recommend spax psx shocks and springs kit set up fully adjustable ( soft to hard 28 setting very easy to adjust )i have them fitted to my 1972 sl350 merc and 1969 fiat classic 500l both cars handle lot better , great videos keep them coming cheers mark
JACK!! ;D...Get yourself a Mapp Gas Torch....Its a Acetylene/Butane Mix and gets super hot super quickly, get the kit with the self igniting torch. It make life sooo much easier! Like the vids and I'm sure all the people telling you to use the garage have forgotten the merc is in there?
I love your can do attitude, we come for the cars but stay for your personality.
I forgot all about you’re Lotus Jack! I’m looking forward to see how it comes together bud 👍
Good video, happy to see any Frankenlise video... My advice is to apologise to Sainsburys for nicking one of their baskets.... Or are they a sponsor 🤣🤣🤣
enjoyed as every other episode of your adventures! TIP for rattle cans, silicone tubes and other glues that you want to use in cold weather - keep them warm on the radiator at home until used outside, or keep them warm in hot bath of water in a bowl😉 my dad thought me that about paint cans and then guys at ambulances factory I've worked kept silkaflex 'sausages' in the warm water before sealing the windows in.
Great to see the Frankenlise back, well done on the progress with the chassis repairs and looking forward to next update
Enjoying the Frankenlise content, having had a VX220t modified, they're a lot of fun on the road and track.
Hard to comment on the shocks, as the previous owner had spent £4.5I on a Set of Nitrons. But what I would say a suspension refresh and then alignment would then give you an idea where the suspension should be and you might find with some adjustment with rebound settings you might find the right compromise.
The caliper bracket, I'd be tempted to machine it flat or buy a new/ second hand one as the surface needs to be flat and with heating will create a weak spot.
Good luck, enjoying your channel.
Wowza, such a lot of work. Well done Jack
Great to see the Elise again. Loving the hair drier 😁 Nice work once again 👍🏼
Hiya Jack! Others have mentioned talking to the Gaz Man about what to do with setting them up. Couldn't agree more - if I already had Gaz adjustables on my car when I bought it, that's the first thing I would look into. My Stag now runs on Koni adjustables and these are sublime, but expensive.....and I believe (after talking to people with Gaz on other vehicles) that Gaz can be modified to give the same ride for a lot less cost up front. Whether true, I don't know, but it is worth a shot.
I wanted a ride that gave me the feel of the road without feeling every single stone or crack also - ie: stiff when it needs to be on the B road corners, but comfortable on the open road when they are long, straight and gently curved. The springs in the Stag are of a standard tension but about 9 years (25,000 miles) old. The Konis are 3 years (10,000 miles) old and still do their job spectacularly.
Conversely, I just replaced the 44 year old shocks and cones in my Mini and wanted a less bouncy ride (in a Mini? Good luck!!). I went with Bilstein B4s and a MiniSpares developed cone called an EVO. Now these EVO cones do not purport to be softer than the Mini's usual sprung tension, but the Bilstein B4s I have had previously in a Mark 1 Escort GT - which are notorious for rear-end bounce. They sorted the Mini like they did the Escort without taking anything away from the true driveability or innate nature of the car itself. The Mini still does things the way a Mini should - it just soaks up a few bumps that would have Minis with stiffer shocks bouncing over them.....and the Mini is MUCH better when being used on the likes of motorways as it is not constantly being upset by the minutest thing. The B-roads around my area are known for their rough surfaces and many hundreds of successive joined repairs and the Mini now just takes them in her stride, yet howls around the corners and handles like a Mini should when I want to put the foot down. The Bilsteins tamed the beast without tranquilising it.
In summary, my advice is to talk to the Gaz guys about what yours are set at and whether they can be adjusted to give the ride you want....and if not, my advice is Bilsteins for budget and Konis for ultimate ride with no expense spared. Good luck and all the best!
Great job Jack, stand out moment 👏 👍 the impressive colour of the hair dryer 👌
Try putting the spray cans in really hot water for 10 mins… and heating the area you are going to paint with a hair dryer works a treat!!!
Another great episode. Surprised the rattle cans worked if it was really cold. It's-8 here with a windchill of -16. Checking tire pressures is uncomfortable but necessary. Looking forward to the next episode 👍
Almost forgotten about the Lotus. Good to see it back and getting some love.
Lovely to see the Frankenlise back again. I love your channel because you fix things the way I would fix things, except you are working on cars I never get to see, never mind touch. I also learn from the comments, this time around regarding the metallurgy of the caliper bracket. Cheers!
I reckon Sainsburys will want their basket back Jack!!🧐.
Elise looking good. Be ready for spring/summer 👍🏼
Made me chuckle that did,I’m sure I have a couple of their big delivery crates knocking about (they are very useful)
@@ralmo9762 can’t beat a supermarket bread basket!! 👍🏼
Well done. I know I suffer though your challenges with you. Really enjoy the content. Also a lot of great information in the comments.
Thank heaven you didn't paint Bismerck with rattle cans,.....ALWAYS warm the cans up in hot water. WORKS GREAT
I don’t know whether to laugh or cry!
Love the channel and love the content Jack!
Don't be surprised if the right rear wheel bearing goes. With all of that heating, it could break down the grease.
I would go Bilstein or Koni for shocks. Put the paint in bucket full of hot water for the paint to warm up.
Great video. I find that using a pot of water heated up works great for heating up paint. Just set the cans directly in for a few minutes before spraying.
Soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo appreciated!
Finally some Frankenlise again, please moooooooore of that.
If you are done, you will have sth. pretty decent for sure.
Loving the Sainsbury's sponsorship.
Lovely Jubbly nice to see it back on here, but always use a bucket of hot tap water when using an aerasol for paint, it really does make a huge difference Jack.
Always happy to be distracted by a number 27 video...
Little yip when using aersols, put some boiling water in a bucket and drop the tin into it until it heats up. The paint will come out much better and also heat the panel your painting with the hairdryer before putting the paint on. Great to see the Elise back on the channel.
Good job considering the weather .
Loving the Elise back on the channell
Now that they're overinflated I'm really loving this series. Long live the Frankenlise!
I reckon a k20 a2 Honda motor swap would make the Elise the perfect car one of the best handing cars married to possibly one of the greatest engine's ever made
I have no experience of Nitrons but everyone seems to rave about them. I have Bilsteins (with the accompanying S2 set up) on my S1 & have no complaints for road driving. I think the tyres will be another huge improvement & Yokohama (with the LTS designation) transform the handling too. Your rear toe links looked a bit rusty & are worth getting checked out. Look forward to more Elise content.
Also, you can sand then rub that clear back and it will look muck better.
I think you did a great job on the paint considering! I have Gaz mono dampers on my Cerbera, they are a big jump up from the golds, perfect for road use. To add: Golds should be good also, so I'd definitely try playing with the bump/rebound adjustment first. Start from full stiff front, 2 softer rear.
On my vx220 turbo(same chassis as the lotus) got bilstein shocks there good for road not too hard , did have AVOs on it but too hard, gaz golds what you have on yours are ok to (people call them budget shocks) but I have them on my TVR Tuscan and do the job well ( they have been set up ) Nitron shocks are supposed to be the dogs but are ££££. Anyway great work there looking forward to the next one👍👌🔧🔧
Gaz are excellent shocks from our experience - also with elise :)
Great to see Frankenlise again - one day I may own one…
Nitron Steet shocks and springs is the answer Jack. They are close to you, i believe. maybe do a vlog on going to see them ?
Just put some Nitron NTRs (fast road) on mine. A big improvement over my old Bilsteins. They are fairly firm, but very well controlled. I'm extremely pleased with them.
Really enjoyed that episode!
Nice work Jack!
Jack, you should have been checking the flatness of the inside surface of that caliper bracket, that is the surface that the caliper would mount to.
great to see the Frankenlise coming back together Jack. My suggestion re shocks are to fit a set of Quantum Racing Zero Dampers, these are great dampers, British made and a good price.
Second these, I've had Gaz and Nitron over the years on my VX220 and Quantum have been the best by far
Looking good great update
“I think it should be ok”. Classic Jack comment lol!
Looks good Jack !!
Sainsbury's here. We'd like our basket back please.
Good video. Nice hairdryer!
I would definitely recommend a Bilstein b6-b8. However one of the smoothest setups I had was an eibach street kit that included springs and eibach branded shocks. The shocks were revealed Sachs for eibach. The package was really well matched.
I have only used Koni yellows and Bilsteins B6 shocks in my cars. Both makes i found over the years to be really excellent.
Don't forget to take your Sainsbury's shopping basket back to the store!!
Nitron adjustable road shocks. Made a world of difference on my Caterham. 4 clicks out to the rear, and 3 to the front to slacken off for more comfortable cruising. Back in again for 80% of the time - attack mode
Good to see the Elise again. Sounds like you need the S2 Bilstein upgrade kit and I would suggest upgrading your rear toe links as they're a common failure point and it can get nasty if one snaps. Another popular option are the Nitron Street Series, I can't speak for them personally but I have Nitron Clubsports on mine and they are amazing. The Clubsports are however definitely on the stiffer side and more suited to track use.
Gaz, besides being good value (since you have them already) is a great choice. It's easy for them to set the compression & rebound range, to your liking.Also - they prob have spec on factory spring rate and you can start/vary; from there.
Keep your eyes on the toe links. I'd be thinking about swapping them. Can create big big issues 😁
Tip from the world of model making: I put the spray can in container of hot water for several minutes prior to use. Makes a big difference, especially in cold conditions.
Put a shim on the caliper mounting to straighten it out. If that doesn't improve the contact, then keep shimming until you know how much is needed. Best to just replace that anyway for safety.
Looks much better - it’s never easy to match up metallics with a rattle can - doesn’t look bad at all!
Loving the elies👍
Hi Jack, I would recommand Nitron shocks, they do the best job for Lotus and you’ll be able to choose from fast road to hard core track 👍🏻
Next time, you could just let the cans sit in your house instead of leaving them in the garage and using the hairdryer! :) New pads have to be worth it for the peace of mind - I bet they don't cost all that much.
My wife works at Sainsburys, I have told her where to find the shopping basket they reported stolen! lol
I boiled a kettle and poured it in a container. I put my paint can in the hot water. Sprayed on much easier 👍
Good work as always 👍😎
Great Progress,paint Job looks alright on an iPad screen 😉
I agree with Greyknight, you should fit Nitron street shocks
She’s just a cool car and I can only imagine how much decent shocks and springs would transform it