Seven S-2 Steering Rack Mount - LotusTalk

gtlars · 10-12-2009, 09:13 PM

I just bought a 1-owner 1962 Lotus Seven Series 2. It came to me just like it did to the original owner...in a box. Actually there are several boxes. It had been in storage for 30+ years...disassembled!

My initial plan is to revive, not restore. I have ordered some books, as this is my 1st Seven. While I'm waiting for the books I thought I would make it steer and stop.

The steering rack appears to be mounted without bushings, but it looks like it uses two locating pins to keep it clocked in the proper direction. I cannot find the pins in any of my boxes. Does anyone know about these pins? Where can I buy them? That will make steer.

Now to make it stop...it has 4-wheel DRUMS and uses a single 3/4" bore master cylinder. In fact it's the same part number used for the clutch slave. I would like to fit a proper (and safer) dual stage master cylinder. Does anyone know if there is a dual stage master cylinder that will fit? Perhaps one from a "newer" British car? Does it have to be one that has 4-wheel drum brakes too?

Thanks!

goldengatehornet · 10-13-2009, 06:42 PM

Keep the drum brakes, if you can. Most have converted the fronts to discs, which came later in the S2 production. The steering is from the Triumph Herald/Spitfire, so lots of parts available. Get the Spitfire catalog from Victoria British. If it's stripped to the tube frame, weld the extra tubes that are suggested by Ortenburger, 'Legend of the Super Seven'.

gtlars · 10-13-2009, 07:44 PM

Are the drum brakes known to be from another model as well? I will look for the Spitfire steering parts. The outer panels are attached.

Thanks for the advice!

tvacc · 10-13-2009, 08:46 PM

You should really join the lotus cars group on yahoo.com

That is where they talk about the original Lotus 7 and you can get a lot of help from them.

What is the serial number of your car? It should be SB something.

goldengatehornet · 10-14-2009, 09:01 AM

the front drums are Triumph Herald, I believe. The rear axle and it's brakes are from a Triumph Standard 10 sedan, but parts are available. The Ortenburg book is a good starting reference, though not all of his info is correct. I did a lot of research on the seven, as i've restored an S1 and an S2. The first reality is that no two sevens are alike!

gtlars · 10-14-2009, 11:16 AM

[quote=tvacc;1371418]You should really join the lotus cars group on yahoo.com

That is where they talk about the original Lotus 7 and you can get a lot of help from them.

What is the serial number of your car? It should be SB something.[/QUO

It's SB1233. I have already received all of the original build information from John Watson at the Lotus Registry.

gtlars · 10-14-2009, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by goldengatehornet

the front drums are Triumph Herald, I believe. The rear axle and it's brakes are from a Triumph Standard 10 sedan, but parts are available. The Ortenburg book is a good starting reference, though not all of his info is correct. I did a lot of research on the seven, as i've restored an S1 and an S2. The first reality is that no two sevens are alike!

It's good to know that there are parts available. The fact that you have done 2 cars means the first one didn't scare you away. Thanks for your insight.

gtlars · 10-14-2009, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tvacc

You should really join the lotus cars group on yahoo.com

That is where they talk about the original Lotus 7 and you can get a lot of help from them.

What is the serial number of your car? It should be SB something.

I forgot to say thanks for the Yahoo Groups information. I have signed up and will start posting soon.

tvacc · 10-20-2009, 08:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jacob5

where is yahoo group.

Yahoo! Groups - Join or create groups, clubs, forums & communities or Yahoo! Groups - Join or create groups, clubs, forums & communities

10-12-2009, 09:13 PM	#1 (permalink)
gtlars Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Orange County, CA Posts: 5	Seven S-2 Steering Rack Mount I just bought a 1-owner 1962 Lotus Seven Series 2. It came to me just like it did to the original owner...in a box. Actually there are several boxes. It had been in storage for 30+ years...disassembled! My initial plan is to revive, not restore. I have ordered some books, as this is my 1st Seven. While I'm waiting for the books I thought I would make it steer and stop. The steering rack appears to be mounted without bushings, but it looks like it uses two locating pins to keep it clocked in the proper direction. I cannot find the pins in any of my boxes. Does anyone know about these pins? Where can I buy them? That will make steer. Now to make it stop...it has 4-wheel DRUMS and uses a single 3/4" bore master cylinder. In fact it's the same part number used for the clutch slave. I would like to fit a proper (and safer) dual stage master cylinder. Does anyone know if there is a dual stage master cylinder that will fit? Perhaps one from a "newer" British car? Does it have to be one that has 4-wheel drum brakes too? Thanks!

10-13-2009, 07:44 PM	#3 (permalink)
gtlars Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Orange County, CA Posts: 5	Keep the Drums Are the drum brakes known to be from another model as well? I will look for the Spitfire steering parts. The outer panels are attached. Thanks for the advice!

10-13-2009, 08:46 PM	#4 (permalink)
tvacc Head LOONY Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Buffalo, NY Posts: 2,226	You should really join the lotus cars group on yahoo.com That is where they talk about the original Lotus 7 and you can get a lot of help from them. What is the serial number of your car? It should be SB something. __________________ Tony Vaccaro 2005 Ardent Red, Katana Supercharger, Touring, Hardtop, Driving Lights, HIDs, Rear Window Shield, Red Mounts, Laser Shifters, V1, LETSLA Shifter, www.lotusowners.com LOONY (Lotus Owners of New York) and the Church of the HolyLotus Supplier of Polycarbonate Shield for Rear Window IN STOCK , Drive Fast Take Chances

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10-13-2009, 06:42 PM	#2 (permalink)
goldengatehornet British Car Restoration Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 154	Keep the drum brakes, if you can. Most have converted the fronts to discs, which came later in the S2 production. The steering is from the Triumph Herald/Spitfire, so lots of parts available. Get the Spitfire catalog from Victoria British. If it's stripped to the tube frame, weld the extra tubes that are suggested by Ortenburger, 'Legend of the Super Seven'.

10-14-2009, 09:01 AM	#5 (permalink)
goldengatehornet British Car Restoration Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 154	the front drums are Triumph Herald, I believe. The rear axle and it's brakes are from a Triumph Standard 10 sedan, but parts are available. The Ortenburg book is a good starting reference, though not all of his info is correct. I did a lot of research on the seven, as i've restored an S1 and an S2. The first reality is that no two sevens are alike!

10-14-2009, 11:16 AM	#6 (permalink)
gtlars Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Orange County, CA Posts: 5	[quote=tvacc;1371418]You should really join the lotus cars group on yahoo.com That is where they talk about the original Lotus 7 and you can get a lot of help from them. What is the serial number of your car? It should be SB something.[/QUO It's SB1233. I have already received all of the original build information from John Watson at the Lotus Registry.

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