Which Elan?

[tvacc]

To each their own opinion.

Yes...there are the power windows, which in the many Elans I have owned have never given me problems.

There is the ignition switich located on the column and a combo vacuum and light switch....and some other things like a power windshield washer switch

On some cars there was a anti theft switch in the glove box and there was some sort of anti fail switch on the headlights...which for every car I have ever had did not work or were disconnected. I really dont see much a difference other than that. I dont see any of this contributing to a more complicated car. This is/was really simple stuff.

Nothing here in these differences that would make much a difference in whether to buy a Series 2 or Series 4 car.

Now the Plus 2 was quite a difference.

The series 2 cars were postive ground, which presents is own problems when trying to install things like radar detectors and radios.

[JLSELISE]

My S3 was also positive "earth" originally, but the process to convert to negative is very simple--just remember to turn the power window control switches upside down after the conversion .

[glb]

It's my impression that the power windows were installed because they were lighter than roll-ups and that they afforded more room in the door for drivers' armrests. In > 20 yrs, I had no problems with them.

Yes, the glovebox anti-theft switch almost stranded me one day b4 I figured out the prob.**

After adding much hp, I put +2 frt brakes on. They were a bit heavy, which one could feel, but great stopping. Fronts locked up 1st, which is what I preferred, and really easy to modulate.

Mine was very weather tight - for a British car.

Hint: I wrapped a towel around metal roof hoops so that:

1. They wouldn't abrade the top

2. I always had a dry towel (was reluctant to put top up; once had a small pond in tray above trans cover )

My conclusion: The Elan is the best "classic" Brit sports car ever made. Surprisingly roomy, good trunk, actual spare tire (do not remove for track days: it's part of your safety protection), great heater, intermittent wipers (not designed that way), awfully good o/s visibility w/top up, very comfy seats, the BEST steering & feel, good ride w/great handling, wonderful trans/shifting.

I did feel safer after installing Spyder roll cage to protect my feet, but was likely an illusion. Great Spyder rear axle conversion; a must for me.



** In the old days, my theft prevention was a switched wire grounding the coil. Add all the wires you want, until you find the switch, car will not start.

-g

[tvacc]

Originally Posted by glb

It's my impression that the power windows were installed because they were lighter than roll-ups and that they afforded more room in the door for drivers' armrests. .

-g

Yes...that is true. I had a long talk with Ron Hickman. We talked about that....and the doors which they could not get to fit at the bottom. the difference in the hood attachment point on the windscreen..all sorts of stuff.

One of them most informative hours I have ever spent with somebody.

[gjz30075]

Tony, I know it's hindsight but those conversations shoulda been recorded. I know I wouldn't have thought about it either, at the time.

[TorsinADoc]

This has been a helpful thread. Thanks much.