The Race to the Motor Show | Lotus Elite Front Suspension & New Interior | Classic Obsession | Ep 84

[@ramsayward6582]

Fair play to you Gary for doing this kind of work on the deck. I'm a time served mechanic and I've owned 2 Lotus' in the 80's. A 76 Eclat and an 86 Esprit. They weren't the easiest car's to maintain even in the workshop. Great channel and down to earth content.

[@Matnrach2-mf9qr]

Spoke to Gary at the NEC. What a nice chap!

[@drivingaclassic4644]

Hi Gary, i was the chap(probably one of many) who came and spoke to you immediately after your spell on the stage Saturday afternoon (i’m the one with the 350SL) thank you for being so professional and courteous in our chat. What you do inspires many. Keep up the great work. Would really like to see you doing some road trips in 2025. Great content as the No1 influencer on utube. Thank you

[@thesmithsUK]

Both cars looked fab at the show, Gary. Credit to you (and Tom).

[@east1666]

I absolutely love these videos on the Lotus, you're doing a great job Gary. Colin Chapman would be impressed....

[@markdanson5754]

saw both at the NEC today and both looked mighty good Gary. Top job !!

[@martinclapton2724]

Good stuff . Interior lovely. The simplicity of the Lotus s suspension really impresses me , yet so incredibly effective.

[@richardgraham1167]

Yay! Happy Saturday everyone.

[@kenpallister5804]

Thinking the same thing!

[@robertcampbell1307]

Gary, you make it look so easy! Crack on! 👍🏽

[@andyplage6590]

It's a testament to both Tom and Yourself keeping it alive it's looking better each video was nice chatting to you about the 928 when I met you in Hall 5 keep up the Great videos

[@stewartevans3875]

Loved that GAZ ! Great to see you as always at the NEC and enjoyed our chat over a coffee😊 Calling out Georgia here -unsung hero of the channel and was lovely to meet and chat to her too ! I took a look at the Lotus , that interior just looks magnificent and the job on the headlining is just amazing; so many curves and seems to deal with - what a first class job. The colour is spot on on and the recolouring on the console etc is just genius. I’m in awe of the way you just plough through these jobs and find a workaround when challenges are presented. Been racking my brains about what model the latest addition to the fleet could be…..can’t wait to see. This channel is the b*ll*x ! Keep up the great work GAZ 😊 Cheers Stew

[@classic.obsession]

Was a pleasure as always Stew!

[@seang7012]

Love the interior of this Lotus Elite and wonder if it looks even MORE avant-guard in 2024 than it did when the car came out in the 1970's!

[@rogerpritchard]

I think you should write to father Christmas and ask for a four post car lift.... How you manage without one is amazing. Great video as always Gary.

[@steve291274]

The Elite sits well on the stand Gary. I bet it drives really well with the new suspension parts on. These cars now are really starting to come into there own I think.... As you say it's a credit to the previous owner and your good self for keeping the Elite on the road and looking amazing....👍

[@Plodalong-allday]

Ah, a delightful chronicle of careful suspension rebuilding with top quality parts and fine British craftsmanship on the rear seat rebuild, all completed on a very rare and unique Lotus. I can’t recall ever seeing even one of those here in the states. I trust you did well at NEC. Thanks again Gary for bringing us fellow British car enthusiasts on such an enjoyable journey with you. Can’t wait for the next one in the queue.

[@classic.obsession]

Much appreciated!

[@MartinvonBargen]

You kicked that suspension like it was a DJ who'd forgotten his Phil Collins LPs ;)

[@bantam49]

I enjoyed working on suspension like this. Very satisfying when building it back up. Wonder if people know you should prime dampers before fitting? Good job Gary!

[@TheHorsebox2]

Gary, you’ve done Tom proud. Very enjoyable channel.

[@pedrosalas4460]

Another perfect restauration That car will last 50 more years Your job is priceless

[@klwthe3rd]

I know Tom would be so proud to see his car on the Lotus stand. It's just glorious honestly. As a side note, in the United States, Lotus was always know for their exotic and superb suspensions. So much so, other car manufacturers would pay Lotus royalities to use their suspension on their own cars to increase their sales. I can remember the Isuzu Impulse(their sports cars) had Lotus badges on the front fenders and often raved about the fact in their humorous commercials. Sadly, Lotus as a car brand never really took off here like other European makes. They went the way of the wind like Truimph, MG and Austin Healey. Personally since i was born in 1974, 50 years of the Lotus wedges seems fitting. 😃

[@neildonaldsonlotusexcelresto]

That interior is first class... I doubt I will get mine anywhere near as good as that.

[@brookeharris5046]

Brilliant Gary , many thank for another great video.

[@Liam-vm9uy]

The interior looks brilliant Gary!

[@mkalamo]

Oh my, this was a good one! Would’ve loved to hear your thoughts on how it drove with all of the new suspension bits

[@a1topdog]

I'll try and say hello at the NEC tomorrow. Last year I couldn't get closer then 10ft as you are surrounded by old dears all day long 😂

[@anthonydonnelly8419]

Nice, methodical work as always and the car looks great on the stand. Hope to get back out in my Excel in the coming weeks

[@scottstrails9369]

Top job from a top blood on the top channel..thanks again Gary ..see you at the NEC

[@scuderiadeipazzi6968]

Always nice to See you... And the red army in the garage as well! Good job. Enjoy

[@mickparry703]

That bottom arm you replaced obviously had Colin Chapmans ‘just add lightness’ philosophy about it 🤣! Once again great informative video, keep posting ‘em, I’ll keep watching ‘em!

[@martinogold]

I saw the Lotus at the NEC and it looked fab. Sadly I missed the 928, I would have liked to have a nosy around it too.

[@DonAl9114]

Hello Gary , the Lotus looks amazing. We could see busy wiping the car in the last Harry’s Garage video. 😊😊😊

[@GaryCoppell-i3s]

Managed to see both cars yesterday !! Love the sympathetic restoration done on both 👌 hope you managed to show Tom soon 👍

[@billywhizz98]

Well done Gary another enjoyable video and a job well done

[@j14phe]

Gary brilliant job John your friend from Glasgow

[@johnslater2488]

We’re so lucky in Australia that we don’t have to deal with crusty rust. Good job Gary.

[@ulflindstrand1169]

Looking forward to next one!

[@csnelling4]

I know you haven’t got the roof hight in your garage but you so deserve a Bradbury hoist to make life easer Gary. I was really impressed with your body and paint spraying skills on the Mercedes, have you ever worked in a body repair shop Gary ? Thank you for the video, so relaxing , mechanics made to look easy Gary 🤗

[@classic.obsession]

I’d love a Bradbury hoist!! No. I’m self teaching and still learning all the time! Regards

[@TheMcinto65]

Another quality video Gary!

[@malcolmclenton1663]

So Lotus use front suspension from Triumph. Those lower trunnions are identical to Herald,Spitfire,Vitesse and GT6. Nice work.

[@classic.obsession]

I’ve never worked on them but very interesting and I’ll take your word for it. Regards

[@senta2431]

Gary a fantastic job. I just love watching your Videos. Keep up the great work.

[@no.7593]

Super job!

[@Erwinhooi]

Enjoyed this episode, thanks!

[@tim205Mi]

Another great vid Gary, the Lotus and Porsche have such a good back story with Toms ownership! well done keeping their historical journey going! One thing, how did the Lotus drive with the new suspension? cheers Tim 👍🍺

[@classic.obsession]

Thanks Tim I haven’t driven it as I had to have it trailered to the NEC as I also had to drive the Porsche here. But looking forward to testing it out. Regards.

[@jamesstanden3252]

Aces Gary!!

[@britboy70]

I owned an Elite back in 1987 in the same color except mine had a zebra headlining.

[@ronniewilson6597]

Great video Gary 👍🏻😀

[@mb280sl7]

The new rear seats are the ticket!

[@Simon-ry1lw]

Another brilliant video 👍

[@martinboulden4388]

Another great video. Hope you’re keeping well Sir.

[@classic.obsession]

Are you attending the steel city Porsche meet on the 7th in Sheffield?

[@BMan100]

Collection bucket of all the mud for the previous owner, then tell him it's part of the weight reduction plan. (HOPE TO SEE HIM SOON WHEN THE CARS ARE DONE!!)

[@classic.obsession]

It’s planned for 3 weeks time! Regards

[@BMan100]

@@classic.obsession great to hear! can't wait to see his reaction!

[@chriskennard5920]

Good to see the 'Strong Arm' getting some good use. Likewise the handy 'bit of string' - bet you were a boy scout in your day? I'm not a big fan of spring compressers - BOING! said Zebedee!

[@barryuttley1164]

Well done Gary! Cheers from Canada

[@HanBoonstra]

Hello Gary, Am I wright...does Lotus uses some parts for the front suspension from Triumph. I recognise some parts from my Spitfire. By the way its nice you seeing working on all of you're cars. Thanks for sharing this on KZbin.

[@TheJensenInterceptor]

Gary, please always use copper grease on fittings and every area that is metal to metal, it will make such a difference in years to come. not on threads though or very sparingly on threads unless the threads are locked.

[@jamesellsworth9673]

So...did the ride quality exceed your expectations?

[@classic.obsession]

Not driven it yet! Will let you know! Regards

[@Dg-zj6jo]

what a job Gary looks brilliant a lot of work i like the log burner do you have that on sometimes. no blue jeans on them new seats

[@classic.obsession]

Ha!! I need to fit that log burner if I ever get a minute!! I know. Terrified to dirty those new seats!

[@abuhamza1970]

Alright the Gary, sounding a bit rough there lad, hope you’re feeling better soon

[@marktaylor7959]

Thank you, good video

[@christianmichael1970]

Shame I missed ya. I had EVERY intention at being at the NEC this year which would have been the first time in over 25 years. But £60 to walk through the door with entry fees and parking before buying a coffee.... I'll give it a miss lol

[@ianwallace5043]

He he, I would never get out of them back seats, even if I wanted too..

[@classic.obsession]

Most comfortable seats I’ve ever sat in!

[@Saaketti]

Great video as always. I did not see but did you torque all the arm bush bolts at the riding level ?

[@classic.obsession]

Yes. Regards

[@olly22n]

I was always advised to put gearoil, not grease in the trunnions. What are your thoughts on this?

[@classic.obsession]

I hear this too but I swear by this green tractor grease so I’ve pumped plenty in and doused the new bolt and I promise you this has got to be a million times more efficient than that dry, seized up old bolt!! Regards.

[@olly22n]

@ always better than nothing. Just don’t let the elan trunnion oil nazis see what you’re doing 😂😂😂

[@dermotevans206]

“Watch the bolux Gary” 😀

[@johncollier608]

A lot of work there, Gary. But was it worth it? You didn't mention if you could tell the difference after all that effort. Thanks for sharing.

[@classic.obsession]

I trailered it to the nec whilst I drove the Porsche!! So I don’t know yet!! Regards.

[@johncollier608]

That would explain it, then, Mr. Mavers. 🙂 Thanks fo answering, nonetheless.

[@DikkeBetha]

At 5:40 should those lower shock-bolts not be torqued under the normal angle, when with wheels on the ground and under load? (or do it with a jack under it, pumped up to simulate the angle and load). At 6:50 the other rear shock seemed to be done like that.

[@classic.obsession]

Yes. Put a jack under and simulate normal tide height. Sometimes it may not look that way but sometimes you just have to get the shot for the film but rest assured, I do things properly! Regards

[@patrickdixon4945]

What does the 501 badge signify?

[@simonmenzies3142]

Love the work going on with this car. And what a great turn around. But man that joseph’s technicolour Dreamcoat of 20 beige’s is bugging me so much lol

[@jimbeglinger]

I was thinking..."a little ADHD eh?" and then you said it (out loud) lol. I was waiting for the rear seat belts to be installed. Perhaps later.

[@japfan8161]

Shouldn't hammer the threads on a bolt when removing it you'll mushroom the end. Plus u should use anti seize grease on all them long bolts when re fitting them all

[@classic.obsession]

I always use copper grease and didn’t mushroom any..

[@robinfoster7597]

You were in the background of Harry Metcalf's Auction review, I thought you were selling it! lol. Glad you're not. Good effort, well done. The car must have felt different to drive? - You didn't tell us! :)

[@classic.obsession]

Haven’t driven it yet but will report back. Had to trailer it while I drove the 928 as I was on my own!! Regards

[@robinfoster7597]

@@classic.obsession that makes sense. The 928 was looking glorious too.

[@EwanMcKay-i7y]

Better to use gear oil on trunions last longer

[@Therighteousone522]

No axles stands is not good. Interior is beautiful.

[@classic.obsession]

Two jacks

[@Sport-Dave]

Is Tom previous owner still around?

[@classic.obsession]

Yep. 95!

[@duncankerr8258]

Those bushes should not be tightened until the car is on its wheels with half a tank of fuel and 2 people sitting inside.

[@robertsmith9373]

I can't believe he hasn't Copper Slipped or greased those spindles before reassembly.

[@1968spikey]

​​@@robertsmith9373 my thoughts exactly. Regardless of what car I'm working on EVERY bolt, nut and screw gets a smear of the stuff. It makes any future work a breeze.

[@ColFar-s3k]

Hello Dunc, but what about the 36kg in the boot also? (Elite&Eclat Tech data pg 25/26). Ride Height can be a variable fickle thing. I think Gary did a very good job again. He’s definitely got a lot of spanner experience no doubt, and I reckon that you would really concede to that as well. Keep showing the elite to the rest of the world mate, your presentation and mechanicing is top class in my opinion . Cheers Col. (just an Excel driver here).

[@johnmoruzzi7236]

They should be done “at normal ride height” so just jacking up the arm / hub to a set distance from the wheelarch would have been a good enough approximation. Also the rusty hub faces and rear of the wheel seemed to need rubbing down and smearing with copper grease ! I saw the car on the Lotus stand in all its original glory… the interior was a delight !

[@timbullough3513]

Never mind the bollocks and crack on 😅

[@SuperWayneyb]

🤘😎🤘🍷🎥👍👍

[@simonblunden2151]

Watch those bollocks 😂

[@terrythornton4823]

Really enjoy the show but stand the awful canned music, definite turnoff for me!!!!!!!!!

[@neilperry2224]

Typical Gérard free kick or any England player, failed first time round

[@garymellis1775]

Keep it fresh ………time to change the music it’s boring

[@classic.obsession]

You try trawling the free music for KZbin for days on end. I’m busy!!