Gear cables / Seat Restoration

fd · Post by fd » Sun May 31, 2015 3:58 pm

So, just bringing my car back to life . . . 7+ years in diesels and single seaters leaves me wondering whether I really want an Elise . . . so we'll see whether this is it's pre-sale service or the start of another 100K miles . . .

I changed all the pedal box bushes, hellish job, but what a difference, the throttle pedal no longer feels like it's going to fall off . . .

First - seats need re-upholstered really, no padding left after 100K miles of use . . . I'm in Perth area - anybody any experience of a seat upholsterer in this area, or as close as possible ? . . . not looking for anything too fancy, just new leather at a good price - it's not a polishers car - probably do the sill covers at the same time . . . I don't really have the time or inclination to drive to the other end of the country for this . . . more local is better really . . .

Second - one of the gear cables is jammed (after I wazzed it about a bit to try and loosen it off) so I'll replace both - I assume the elise parts ones are the ones to go for (not even sure if there are any alternatives) - certainly when I stopped using the car the gear change was poor - lots of stiction in the cables.

Other than that - key in, started in 5 seconds of cranking . . . everything works . . .

Advice appreciated . . .

Fd

woody · Post by **woody** » Sun May 31, 2015 4:35 pm

Have the Elise shop cables waiting to go on next week, bought them ages ago before the EP ones were available but haven't got round to it.

However, having disconnected the original cables, they're not stiff at all, but the bell crank at the box was almost completely seized. EP offer a refurb kit but I'm looking at another, 1 off , solution with a bracket supporting the bell crank on both sides. Skulls make some progress this week.

rossybee · Post by **rossybee** » Sun May 31, 2015 7:38 pm

Classic Restorations in Alyth, not far but possibly pricey...worth a call to Charles?

Stu160 · Post by **Stu160** » Sun May 31, 2015 8:46 pm

Transcal in livingston, very good job, but again, not sure on cost.

Glad to see you breath some new life into yhe old steed.

Stu

Post by **campbell** » Sun May 31, 2015 9:59 pm

Fergus, I haven't used Transcal so can't talk from experience, but when the time comes that's almost certainly who will be refurbing my Elise interior. All based on other recommendations.

If the remoteness from Perth is a concern, I'll happily transit your seats there and back for you. I pass periodically to visit Dad in Carnoustie. You invested plenty time in my Elise over the years, so delighted to return a favour or several.

Great that you are rolling the Elise out once more.

Corranga · Post by **Corranga** » Mon Jun 01, 2015 1:39 pm

I used Transcal back in 2010, I'm sure it was around £700, possibly 800 for S1 seats and sill pads in leather with embroidered 'Lotus' in the headrests. Obviously not a clue what it'd cost 5 years later...

It's held up well, there was a tiny issue with some of the bonding coming loose after 12-18 months but they were happy to fix at no cost.
The guys I dealt with were very passionate about their job, and the quality is easily OEM in my opinion.
I'd be more than happy to sue them again if I needed some trimming done.

Corranga · Post by **Corranga** » Mon Jun 01, 2015 1:41 pm

Oh, and I fitted the Elise-shop motorsport gearchange cables in 2012.
Assuming it's still the same cables as 3 years back, they are a bit thick which meant they were tricky to fit, but they do feel much more substantial than the originals.

Dominic · Post by **Dominic** » Mon Jun 01, 2015 3:04 pm

Corranga wrote: I'd be more than happy to sue them again if I needed some trimming done.

Did not realize that you were an American.

fd · Post by fd » Mon Jun 01, 2015 7:11 pm

'kinell . . . 700+ quids ? . . . better off buying some second hand seats . . . what seats fit in an S1 ? . . . S2 rover, S2 yota . . . ?

Fd

rossybee · Post by **rossybee** » Mon Jun 01, 2015 7:35 pm

On the flip side, a close relative had a less than brilliant experience with Transcal, retro-fitting heaters to leather seats in a convertible. Came from my advice based on positive comments from pistonheads.

And they weren't cheap.

alicrozier · Post by **alicrozier** » Mon Jun 01, 2015 8:37 pm

S2 probax seats would seem appropriate but I think you need the runners too.

I have the brand new seats from the 211 with drivers runner if you want a quick try before you buy (I want to keep mine). 211 currently has carbon GT2 HANS seats with fixed FIA drivers mount.

fd · Post by fd » Wed Jun 03, 2015 10:07 pm

There's an auto trimmers in Perth on the Dunkeld road - I'll see if they can do it . . .

God a set of cables from Elise Parts, they look pretty much identical to the ones in the car, just not jammed . . . so we'll get them put on and that should be enough to get it MOT'd . . .

Will need a set of tyres . . . what's the current fave, road use only, will never be on a track again I suspect . . .

Also on the look out for a set of seat belts . . . if anybody has some they want rid of . . .

Fd

Post by **campbell** » Wed Jun 03, 2015 11:09 pm

Yoko C Drives on mine just now. Seem fair enough. Still stand by Toyo T1R though. And great vfm.

fd · Post by fd » Thu Jun 04, 2015 12:01 am

T1R's still about then . . . used to be fine . . .

Post by **campbell** » Thu Jun 04, 2015 1:36 am

Robin put the C Drives on last summer purely for convenience during a rental period

I haven't bought tyres for the Elise in years but last set were Toyo.

Just put Avons on the Evora. Impressed so far. And much cheapness.

Scottish Elises