You're a lucky guy to have such a great friend. Those a long steel tubes that carry coolant from back to front, and then back again. They accumulate rust that gets 'filtered' by the rad. While you are doing the brakes, disconnect coolant hoses at the front. This will drain the steel tubes (catch the coolant). Then seal the front ends of the two steel tubes and fill with cleaning vinegar from the back. When you've done the brake job, drain the vinegar. Flush the rad with a hose and reconnect. Also, when running the engine put your hand on the top and bottom of rad to make sure water is flowing through it (hot at top and bottom). Overheating is usually due to a clogged rad and if it isn't clogged now, it won't take long for a car that's been sitting. So much fun ahead of you!
Thanks for the comment! What is the rad? Good advice on cleaning the system. I’ve planned on draining the coolant system this week but I didn’t think of running vinegar that’s smart.
@@michaelgideon6422 Sorry... rad = radiator. My comment about 'filtering' was confusing. A radiator can act like a filter, trapping rust that breaks away from the insides of those 8' steel tubes. Look for 'cleaning vinegar', it's stronger than the stuff that goes on french fries.
I like the fire extinguisher near buy. One trick that us old mechanics use is to put the cooling system under light pressure with a pressure tester. Then after a few minutes crank it over with the plugs out ,but don’t stand in front of the holes you may get wet. Can’t wait for next week’s video, I think we’re all cheering for you. 😎😎😎
We didn’t have a compression tester but we get each piston up as high as we could (measured with a straw) and added compressed air. Each one seemed to have good compression with no leaks. I want to buy a tester eventually. That means a lot! Thank you John!
Thanks for this! Wanted to buy one back in '71 but could only afford a new MG Midget ($2,800). I think the Europa was close to $4000 back then. The JPS version was my favorite color combo.
Good for you, nothing better than starting up an old engine that's been standing, I thought I sounded sweet. All the best to you..... Thanks for taking the time to show us your project.
I bought a UK 1969 Europa in 1973 and I still have it. I had it restored once on a new chassis about 20 years ago and it is still in my collection of cars. Just one tip on lifting the car, try and avoid placing the jack under the rear hoop (or any part of the chassis, because the rear of the chassis is not designed to take all that weight. The chassis is strong and light to the Chapman formula so it is not really meant as a jacking point anywhere. After some years the chassis can crack on the horizontal chassis sections behind the wheels, if you keep doing that. The correct jacking points are places on the side body (front and rear of the sills). If you need some information from the Workshop manual I could send you relevant pages. These are great cars and the engines are pretty strong if you maintain the cooling and lubrication systems.
thanks for this comment. I got a workshop manual with the car, but I may need some info in the future. I'm starting to work on the car again. What's your email?
really good vide. I love it that you keep the parts in, in which you and your friend puzzle about what could be the problem, because it teaches me also alot. You earnd some more subs
Hi Micheal, this is actually my first post on YT, I would like to thank you for such a great channel, such a great content, it ticks all my boxes. I'm also into vintage Porsches, bought my first Porsche 914 when I was 18, 30 years ago and I still own that car! I added a 911 and also vintage dirt bikes. A Lotus was also on my list, but I guess I can't add any more vehicle without getting divorced, so good to see it on your channel! Keep on the good work, hopefully your channel will grow fast! all the best from Germany
Hi Michael, this is your subscriber in the West Coast Los Angeles. Check out this video on RUclips for your Lotis. It’s under Petroleum & Co ! The video is called this 1970 turbo Cosworth Lotus ! I don’t know if you seen it already, but I think you will like it check it out and anyone else that likes lotuses
Looking awesome Michael, looking forward to see more, you bought one of the best handling car. Lotus is well known for that. I got mine more than 10 years ago and I do not get tired of it, each time I seat in it and drive it is a whole new world. This car is awesome to drive, you will get the real British sport car experience, way better that a Porsche 911 from 1972 for a cheaper price. I love it.
I gotta say I love to hear this 👆at this point all I can do is imagine how it drives. I’m so excited to see what it’s like. Better than a 72 911?? That’s saying a lot!
Congratulations! It appears to be a very clean car too. There’s a Wheeler Dealer episode where they “restore” a Europa that you may find interesting. Cool cars! P.S…lose the sunroof! 🙂
I don’t want to rain on Michael’s parade because he’s having such a great time ( so cool to watch) but I have to agree that the JC Whitney catalog sunroof is not a plus but to reverse it would be costly.
Really excited for you. It looks a good example to work on too. Not too messed with and quite original. I just got into the Lotus story too with an Elan i bought last year. Popular cars over here in the UK. Its worth reading up on Colin Chapman too. He was a real pioneer. Good luck and ill be following your progress. 👍🏻
Really exciting to see it running. I've always wanted one of these to put my spare Toyota 4agze Supercharged Twin Cam engine it (from a Mr2 AW11). I bet it would really rip with that engine in it. Hell a Toyota 4age engine would be really cool as well. More video's of this Lotus....PLEASE!
I was so happy it fired up and ran smooth. The Toyota swap is popular for sure. I'll keep this Renault engine for now and see how it goes. More videos coming soon!
I'm looking forward to you next videos. I bought a 73 Europa Special TC new in my late 20's, drove for 125K miles and sold it a Japanese collector for more that twice what I paid new. You might loose you time but not your initial investment. At 78 I'm currently restoring a 70 Europa S2 which I bought by way of it original owner in Sacramento. SN 331R just a little off from yours and originally sold new by BMC in San Francisco. It looks as if it has never left California. It still has the oil change stickers on the inside door from the Shell station on Howard St in SF. Consider joining the Golden Gate Lotus Club which has a sub-chapter in SoCal, a great bunch of people. Best of Luck.
So great to hear from a Europa owner. 125k miles! Now that's something I love to hear. I haven't read or heard of any owners putting serious miles on these. Truthfully I've heard more about the cars that suddenly burned to the ground, which has made me wonder about reliability on these. Sounds like you have a great car now, really cool. I'll look into joining this club for sure, thank you!
Always like the Lotus Europa, especially the later years. The later years had the Ford engine in it rather than the Renault motor. Ford motor has a little more horsepower and torque which made the little rocket pocket move a little quicker. Once everything's up to Snuff you'll really enjoy it
I had a twink big valve special for 9 years. drove from FL to TX to AZ to NM to CA to AZ to ND. Many many miles. 32 MPG at 80 mph on highway. super reliable. drove it hard too. with the header, probably about 130-135 hp. ZS head not a weber head.@@michaelgideon6422
@@michaelgideon6422 Yeah, I still have the Renault. I'm presently rebuilding it as I was having overheating problems going back a few years although I don't think autoslalom and track days did it any good. They are nice engines capable of good power and beautifully built.
@@kevinokephoto nice! Cross flow or original wedge head? I haven’t been able to find much info on engine modifications on the 697 wedge head. Most that I’ve seen switched to the 807
It’s a great car. My view from the start was just let the engine run for more time! If a head gasket has gone, it can’t do any real damage as long as the engine doesn’t overheat & it’s likely a iron block & head anyway. Fuel lines & brakes obv need attention & then it’ll v likely drive great.
Yea I hear ya. I don’t have much experience bringing a car back to life and just wanted to be extra careful. It is an iron block I believe. Appreciate the comment Drew!
I second this request. Saw that it was lifted up with the rear wheel off in the background of one of your other videos. Hoping this means you will be posted something else before another year goes by.
I was working on it, then stopped to finish up the 912. I'm getting ready to start back on it and hopefully driving it by Christmas. I'll post a video in the next few weeks. Thanks for watching!
So Michael what happened to the Europa is it running? And you driven it I’m in the UK and love Europas be careful however you know what Lotus stands for and it can be true
You're a lucky guy to have such a great friend. Those a long steel tubes that carry coolant from back to front, and then back again. They accumulate rust that gets 'filtered' by the rad. While you are doing the brakes, disconnect coolant hoses at the front. This will drain the steel tubes (catch the coolant). Then seal the front ends of the two steel tubes and fill with cleaning vinegar from the back. When you've done the brake job, drain the vinegar. Flush the rad with a hose and reconnect. Also, when running the engine put your hand on the top and bottom of rad to make sure water is flowing through it (hot at top and bottom). Overheating is usually due to a clogged rad and if it isn't clogged now, it won't take long for a car that's been sitting. So much fun ahead of you!
Thanks for the comment! What is the rad? Good advice on cleaning the system. I’ve planned on draining the coolant system this week but I didn’t think of running vinegar that’s smart.
@@michaelgideon6422 Sorry... rad = radiator. My comment about 'filtering' was confusing. A radiator can act like a filter, trapping rust that breaks away from the insides of those 8' steel tubes. Look for 'cleaning vinegar', it's stronger than the stuff that goes on french fries.
I like the fire extinguisher near buy. One trick that us old mechanics use is to put the cooling system under light pressure with a pressure tester. Then after a few minutes crank it over with the plugs out ,but don’t stand in front of the holes you may get wet. Can’t wait for next week’s video, I think we’re all cheering for you. 😎😎😎
We didn’t have a compression tester but we get each piston up as high as we could (measured with a straw) and added compressed air. Each one seemed to have good compression with no leaks. I want to buy a tester eventually. That means a lot! Thank you John!
Thanks for this! Wanted to buy one back in '71 but could only afford a new MG Midget ($2,800). I think the Europa was close to $4000 back then. The JPS version was my favorite color combo.
Good for you, nothing better than starting up an old engine that's been standing, I thought I sounded sweet.
All the best to you.....
Thanks for taking the time to show us your project.
Thank you for checking it out! Still haven't driven it. Hopefully soon
YAY, congrats man. That thing's gonna be a blast. Good luck Michael.
Yessssss! Now you know it runs, it should make the fettling process so much more fun! Great bro' letting you keep it at his place too!
Working on other systems is certainly less exciting when you have a non runner haha. Yes great friend
I bought a UK 1969 Europa in 1973 and I still have it. I had it restored once on a new chassis about 20 years ago and it is still in my collection of cars.
Just one tip on lifting the car, try and avoid placing the jack under the rear hoop (or any part of the chassis, because the rear of the chassis is not designed to take all that weight.
The chassis is strong and light to the Chapman formula so it is not really meant as a jacking point anywhere. After some years the chassis can crack on the horizontal chassis sections behind the wheels, if you keep doing that. The correct jacking points are places on the side body (front and rear of the sills). If you need some information from the Workshop manual I could send you relevant pages. These are great cars and the engines are pretty strong if you maintain the cooling and lubrication systems.
thanks for this comment. I got a workshop manual with the car, but I may need some info in the future. I'm starting to work on the car again. What's your email?
really good vide. I love it that you keep the parts in, in which you and your friend puzzle about what could be the problem, because it teaches me also alot.
You earnd some more subs
Way to go!And way to stay calm😂A little nerve racking for a minute there.
Haha definitely a nervous couple hours of discovery
Hi Micheal,
this is actually my first post on YT, I would like to thank you for such a great channel, such a great content, it ticks all my boxes. I'm also into vintage Porsches, bought my first Porsche 914 when I was 18, 30 years ago and I still own that car! I added a 911 and also vintage dirt bikes. A Lotus was also on my list, but I guess I can't add any more vehicle without getting divorced, so good to see it on your channel! Keep on the good work, hopefully your channel will grow fast! all the best from Germany
Thanks for this comment. Thanks for the story I loved reading it
Hi Michael, this is your subscriber in the West Coast Los Angeles. Check out this video on RUclips for your Lotis. It’s under Petroleum & Co ! The video is called this 1970 turbo Cosworth Lotus ! I don’t know if you seen it already, but I think you will like it check it out and anyone else that likes lotuses
👋I’ve seen that video several times, I love it!
Looking awesome Michael, looking forward to see more, you bought one of the best handling car. Lotus is well known for that. I got mine more than 10 years ago and I do not get tired of it, each time I seat in it and drive it is a whole new world. This car is awesome to drive, you will get the real British sport car experience, way better that a Porsche 911 from 1972 for a cheaper price. I love it.
I gotta say I love to hear this 👆at this point all I can do is imagine how it drives. I’m so excited to see what it’s like. Better than a 72 911?? That’s saying a lot!
Glad to see more content on this.
🤝more on the way!
Congratulations! It appears to be a very clean car too. There’s a Wheeler Dealer episode where they “restore” a Europa that you may find interesting. Cool cars! P.S…lose the sunroof! 🙂
I don’t want to rain on Michael’s parade because he’s having such a great time ( so cool to watch) but I have to agree that the JC Whitney catalog sunroof is not a plus but to reverse it would be costly.
Thank you! I’ll have to go check that video out
Really excited for you. It looks a good example to work on too. Not too messed with and quite original. I just got into the Lotus story too with an Elan i bought last year. Popular cars over here in the UK.
Its worth reading up on Colin Chapman too. He was a real pioneer. Good luck and ill be following your progress. 👍🏻
Thanks! I really like the Elan also. I’ve been learning more and more about Lotus and enjoying the process. Chapman really was a genius!
Great video! I am looking forward to the next one. I hope the car meets/exceeds all your expectations!
Thank you! Time will tell 🤝🙏👊🏻
Bad ass man congratulations!
Thanks Dean! Appreciate it man
Heck yeah man! This car looks like a win for sure, can't wait to hear/see this beauty ripping down the roads!
Appreciate it man! Yes I cannot wait to see what this driving experience is like and share it with you guys
Really exciting to see it running. I've always wanted one of these to put my spare Toyota 4agze Supercharged Twin Cam engine it (from a Mr2 AW11). I bet it would really rip with that engine in it. Hell a Toyota 4age engine would be really cool as well. More video's of this Lotus....PLEASE!
I was so happy it fired up and ran smooth. The Toyota swap is popular for sure. I'll keep this Renault engine for now and see how it goes. More videos coming soon!
There’s just something about bringing something back from the dead. Nice job man.
Especially with interesting cars you haven’t experienced. Thanks bro
Yep guys, "two heads are always better than one"! Nice job! 😊👍 (ya got to Love that dash!)
Helps to avoid stupid mistakes with two 😊Way more fun work with a friend. Thanks!
Great that you've just expanded (though Porsche is great). I'm now learning about another great car brand.
Alright! Glad some Porsche guys are enjoying something different 🤝🙏👊🏻
I'm looking forward to you next videos. I bought a 73 Europa Special TC new in my late 20's, drove for 125K miles and sold it a Japanese collector for more that twice what I paid new. You might loose you time but not your initial investment. At 78 I'm currently restoring a 70 Europa S2 which I bought by way of it original owner in Sacramento. SN 331R just a little off from yours and originally sold new by BMC in San Francisco. It looks as if it has never left California. It still has the oil change stickers on the inside door from the Shell station on Howard St in SF. Consider joining the Golden Gate Lotus Club which has a sub-chapter in SoCal, a great bunch of people. Best of Luck.
So great to hear from a Europa owner. 125k miles! Now that's something I love to hear. I haven't read or heard of any owners putting serious miles on these. Truthfully I've heard more about the cars that suddenly burned to the ground, which has made me wonder about reliability on these. Sounds like you have a great car now, really cool. I'll look into joining this club for sure, thank you!
Gosh guys, water is a byproduct of gasoline burning before the engine is warmed up. Every car, old and new.
Good point
Hey, love the car. Any updates?
Always like the Lotus Europa, especially the later years. The later years had the Ford engine in it rather than the Renault motor. Ford motor has a little more horsepower and torque which made the little rocket pocket move a little quicker. Once everything's up to Snuff you'll really enjoy it
The motor had more power but was heavier and more problematic..from what I've read
I had a twink big valve special for 9 years. drove from FL to TX to AZ to NM to CA to AZ to ND. Many many miles. 32 MPG at 80 mph on highway. super reliable. drove it hard too. with the header, probably about 130-135 hp. ZS head not a weber head.@@michaelgideon6422
Congrats🎉!!
🤝🙏👋
Congratulations Michael and Tom, car is really cool, always liked the Europa. By the way, are you still doing RE?
Thanks! I’m not doing real estate anymore. Seems like I got out at a good time 😬
Me too, I’m more interested now in car and bike reviews, lol go figure.
Looks like a really nice car. Give us an update! I have a 1970 S2, you won't regret the purchase but... it is a Lotus!
Thanks! Do you have the Renault engine still in yours? I’ll do an update in the next few weeks 🫡 some parts took 3 months smh
@@michaelgideon6422 Yeah, I still have the Renault. I'm presently rebuilding it as I was having overheating problems going back a few years although I don't think autoslalom and track days did it any good. They are nice engines capable of good power and beautifully built.
@@kevinokephoto nice! Cross flow or original wedge head? I haven’t been able to find much info on engine modifications on the 697 wedge head. Most that I’ve seen switched to the 807
It’s a great car. My view from the start was just let the engine run for more time! If a head gasket has gone, it can’t do any real damage as long as the engine doesn’t overheat & it’s likely a iron block & head anyway. Fuel lines & brakes obv need attention & then it’ll v likely drive great.
Yea I hear ya. I don’t have much experience bringing a car back to life and just wanted to be extra careful. It is an iron block I believe. Appreciate the comment Drew!
How about an update on the car? I am looking at one as I type this.
I second this request. Saw that it was lifted up with the rear wheel off in the background of one of your other videos. Hoping this means you will be posted something else before another year goes by.
@@sjhorton1184 Yea it was hidden away for 15 years and now it will be again for another 15 I guess.
This is cool
Thanks Rich
little question. Does the europa have a synchronization disc?
I’m looking at a 69 Europa it’s been restored for $15,000 is that a good price
No idea honestly..these cars are all over the place in value..maninly down in value haha
Mikael, I'm Lotus guy and I didn't see any follow up about your Europa since this video, any issues?
I was working on it, then stopped to finish up the 912. I'm getting ready to start back on it and hopefully driving it by Christmas. I'll post a video in the next few weeks. Thanks for watching!
So Michael what happened to the Europa is it running? And you driven it I’m in the UK and love Europas be careful however you know what Lotus stands for and it can be true
Not yet, I had to wait a few months for parts. Now I have them and am getting to work. I will be careful thanks mate
What a good friendship guys it's super nice to see. @taylorjs2534 said everything !
What ever happened to this car?
It is still waiting for my attention to finish it
@@michaelgideon6422 I just brought one '70 s2 back to life .