Garage Update: 1962 Lotus 7 Project

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I recently posted a video about one of our current projects, but since that one is on hold while we wait for the cylinder head work to be completed, I’ve redirected my attention to one of our other projects. This 1962 Lotus 7 America came to us from the same barn as the Mini. It’s in pieces and needs a lot of work, but these are as basic a vehicle as you can get! Be sure to watch the video of this project below and let me know what you think of this find in the comments.

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Comments

  1. bobhess bobhessMember

    Nice find, great project. The couple 7s I’ve had close contact with had the 3/16 brake line from the clutch master down to a bracket on the body which was then connected to a flex line to the slave cylinder. We use SS flex line on the race cars. The Sprite factory line should work if you want to go completely original. Also, there is a chance the throw out “bearing” is a flat disc instead of a bearing. If that hasn’t been changed already I’d suggest getting the kit to convert it to the ball bearing type. 7 Enterprises or Mini Mania can help on that. Keep updating. It’s an interesting project for us.

    Like 4
    • Josh Joshua MortensenAuthor

      Thanks for the info Bob! I’ll look into the throw-out bearing.

      Like 1
  2. Joey MecMember

    @bobhess. Hey Bob!! How come you are always looking at the same stuff as me. Sprites, Lotuses or Loti? We must be brothers from a different mother!!
    Was able to help build a Super 7 with a friend who has a Lotus dealership in NJ back in the 70’s. LHD and we dropped a spare Twin Cam in it. I just drove it down on alley and that was a rush!! Fun, raw build!!

    Like 3
    • bobhess bobhessMember

      Well, considering I’ve owned 2 S2 Europas, 4 Sprites, 2 ’55 Healey 100s, 1 MG Midget, 1 MGB and 24 Porsches, 15 of which were 356s I Guess I’m addicted to weird and interesting cars too.

      Like 3
      • bobhess bobhessMember

        …. make that 2 MG Midgets. Long day, can’t count.

        Like 2
      • Joey MecMember

        Hey Bob, Yes we are brothers from different mothers. Here is my list 10 Spridgets, 22 BMW 2002’s,( 5 great drivers and my favorite car) 4 Lotus Elans, Elan S130. 5 MGBs, 2 MGB GTs/. 2 Arkley SS builds ( look it up if you are not aware, built off Spridget platform), almost a Porsche 912 but never happened. 2 Minis, one old ,one new, 3 Morris Minors (Traveller, coupe and ragtop). All fun and I like to play in the ‘smaller sandbox’ cars unlike what is happening on BAT. Never lost money on a build or a car. It’s how I made my money as a kid. Still enjoy doing it as a senior. Currently project is bringing back a 69 MGB GT to driving status and looking like a 67. My first daily driver 50 years ago was a 67 BGT so I am retracing my roots. Another fun build!!

        Like 0
  3. Lawrence Smith

    I would love to find a Lotus 7 or clone to rebuild ,but im a pensioner (78) & there to expensive, I think the Mazda Miada sup frame engine , trans & back axle works great, keep up the good work.

    Like 2
    • Garry

      Lawrence, great goal! I was going to buy a seven “clone” at one stage, a Nota Sportsman. Australia had several seven type vehicles, including Amaroo and Elfin. I presume that the USA had similar clones.
      My favourite Lotus 7 came with a Coventry Climax motor. It shot through like a Bondi tram!

      Like 1
    • Joey MecMember

      Hey Lawrence. We are same generation. My older brother took an early Miata, cut the body off and dropped a Morris Minor shell on the sub frame. It worked out really nice and was solid driver. No rattles whatsoever and typical Japanese reliability. It may still be online. Marc Meccia’s Minor Miata. Check it out. You may enjoy. http://www.britishv8.org/Other/MarcMeccia.htm

      Like 0
      • Lawrence Smith

        Hi Joey, yes its still on the site, its a kool car,Larry

        Like 0
  4. Allen hogan

    Iredid one of these cars 1988 89 for my silent partner he vintage raced the car for 25 years hot rod motor gearbox etc redo steering column with a spitfire one which is collapsible also remove donut at base of steering column replace with u joint also at top of steering column when you replace shaft put a plate to stop from stabbing you have owned 200 British cars

    Like 1
  5. JMB#7

    Great find, great project. To me, this is the true essence of what a “sports car” is. Your not close enough to the ground unless you can hang your arm out and drag your knuckles on the ground. Thank you for sharing, and all the best in your restoration.

    Like 2
    • Joey MecMember

      My one Super 7 drive, I did what you said. It was a nice manicure. Nothing like driving a 100 hp go kart!!!! : > )

      Like 2
  6. Chris Beebe

    Best I can tell from the limited viewing of the back-axle assembly, it is likely from a Triumph TR-10 sedan.

    If you find the hub that supports the drum is attached by one large nut, that will be your answer. Be very cautious in trying to remove the hub from the tapered axle !! One can easily damage parts attempting to separate the hub from axle using heat and improper pullers.

    Like 1
  7. Peter McCarthy

    I would advise not to change the very effective carbon throw out bearing ( will continue to function even after it has worn into the fork at 80,000 + miles ) for the lubed once ball bearing that will fail when that lube has dried up ( 10,000 or less ) especially when using uprated pp

    Like 0
    • bobhess bobhessMember

      If you had your bearing go out at 10K you didn’t have your clutch pedal adjusted right. You don’t think all the other throw out bearings out in the world only last 10K do you?

      Like 2
  8. PRA4SNW

    Man, this is going to be fun when it is complete.

    I saw one parked at NHIS during one of the early NASCAR races there. I could imagine how much fun it was to drive to and from a race in something like this.

    Like 1

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