Purchased my Lotus in 1997, drove her on the street for 8 years and started to do a complete restoration. Well, this project is now getting rather long in the tooth so decided to get my tail in gear almost 2 years ago. At this point in time I have the frame completed ( finished Jan 2018), shipped it off to Georgetown , Ontario for a new skin- way beyond my capabilities. Got her back last Oct and Man!! what a fantastic job he did. It was worth every penny. So then re-assembly has begun- most of the suspension has been cleaned painted and new bushings installed, radiator had all paint and excess solder removed and then polished the brass tanks. Fuel tank ready to go to a shop to get an internal liner and sender unit repaired. I made up and installed a new dash panel complete with a black vinyl cover and set up as close to a Series 3 guages and switches.
For the last 2 weeks have been working on replacing all the wiring. The harness that came with the car was so cobbled up I couldn't even use it for a pattern. First step was to draw up each circuit on a seperate piece of paper, determine what guages and lengths of wire I would need and then order the wire- after a lot of research found a great company in Rhode Island, Rhode Island Wire Service, in West Kingston. Great prices, great delivery.
My Lotus came with a key ignition as per the 81+ Lotus, so decided to keep it as is and integrate it into the Series 3 system using the correct wire covers as much as possible. Also decided to use modern electric controls- fuse box, relays for lighting, perhaps an alternator with integral regulator. The wiring is now about 1/2 finished- all power into the switches and guages complete and today will wire up the relays.
AS well as my Lotus, I have a full race Ford Cortina GT, owned for 49 years and she is still racing, with my son , Mark as the driver. Started full restoration, including on a Rotissuie, in Oct 2015 and completed it 2 years later. Had some series issues with the engine and clutch but hope to have her back on the track this year. I have been involved in MotorSports since 1968 and have no intentions giving it up.
I should mention that I will soon be 73 years old and I have a progressive muscular condition- Beckers Muscular Dystrophy- which is slowly weakening my muscles. I can still walk , with a cane, use an electric scooter around the shop and the yard. I am getiing rather limited in what I can do but usually find a way around them with the help of Wife and sons. I do try and inspire others not to let their physical problems get in their way of doing what the love best. My Motto- "It may slow me down but won't stop me"
Gerald Elliott
Elliott Racing
