DeanB

I am tempted to make the trip over for this. I have been to the Northern Lights cinema before, it's good.

Nasty. Gav put some Spitfire hub carrier bolts in mine today after he had noticed one on the front was starting to loosen - eek!

That looks fabulous ?

Great stuff and welcome back to LitP David. Are you booked on?

I agree with Martin get it looked at by a specialist. I would ask Gav at Unit 4 in Burton on Trent if you and the Car or reasonably close to there. He won't charge a lot but the car really needs to go on a ramp so he can take the undertrays off and inspect the chassis for damage (and the steering in this case as it may have had a big knock) - if the alloy chassis is damaged they can't be repaired so the car is effectively a write off. Brake and wheel balance problems should be an easy fix but will cost money and should be reflected in the price. S2 cars with standard 175 front tyres should have light steering. If the brakes feel wooden without much bite it's probably just rubbish pads. Gav will tell you how much to fix the heater fan, that might not be cheap either. My advice would be buy the best car you can afford - It will be cheaper in the long run. Service history is essential. High miles not a huge problem if it has history and is in good condition. Remember too that these cars are slowly appreciating and the good ones will appreciate faster than the ropey ones. Hope that helps. If you are looking at cars in Notts or Lincs I may even be able to come and have a look with you. Welcome to MLOC and happy hunting!

We need some pics! I love the 400

There were a few of us learning this year's LitP runs in the Peaks but not many ...

I wouldn't pay them to do it again. You could try and force them in to doing it again for free - solicitors letters threatening to sue and so on (no guarantee of success but it might work) or go somewhere else. Option One have a very good reputation for painting Lotuses but I'm told are quite dear. I had mine resprayed last year at Edmonds Auto Refinishing in Burton who did a nice job at a decent price. One piece of advice I would give though - whoever you use - is to try and avoid driving the car for at least a month after the paint goes on to allow it time to properly harden off. If you don't you will get lots of little stone chips.

I was a witness to this also! Very funny it was too, although he saved it with consumate skill and panache! I am really enjoying reading this thread (what a great idea!). It is bringing back lots of terrific memories, it's hard to pick a number one.

Really really nice that is mate congratulations. ???

So yesterday I took off the wheels, diffuser, toe links and toe link brackets. All by myself! Today Gaz from Spitfire popped by with some outer bearings and collets and I fitted them, albeit under Gaz's supervision. Did someone say Gaz was a nice guy? Not 'arf! The car is now back together but could do with the geo re setting. Good news in the end, although I am cross with myself for forgetting, at the age of 47, that if you buy cheap you buy twice A quick update on this. I took your advice and contacted Gaz at Spitfire who was, as people have said, very helpful. He reckons the collet design on my kit may not be ideal and could contribute to another failure even if I use the correct spec and quality bolts (he uses 10.9). As this is only an issue at the hub end of the link he has agreed to supply me with a pair of his (top spec!) outer rod ends (bearings) which are necessary to accept his collets which he will also supply along with nuts and bolts for inner and outers, both sides. Hopefully that should get me back on track safely. I will keep you posted. Thanks for your advice and a big thanks to Gaz at Spitfire ☺

A quick update on this. I took your advice and contacted Gaz at Spitfire who was, as people have said, very helpful. He reckons the collet design on my kit may not be ideal and could contribute to another failure even if I use the correct spec and quality bolts (he uses 10.9). As this is only an issue at the hub end of the link he has agreed to supply me with a pair of his (top spec!) outer rod ends (bearings) which are necessary to accept his collets which he will also supply along with nuts and bolts for inner and outers, both sides. Hopefully that should get me back on track safely. I will keep you posted. Thanks for your advice and a big thanks to Gaz at Spitfire ☺

Erm ..... No it's gone

Thanks Gaz :-) Pm sent