Am i being hopefull or is there really a chance.....GT3

[Dodgey_Rog]

I've been offered a 1997P GT3 in Azure Blue with 29k miles, i'm right in thinking this will have have the old dash, as the change over was in 1998. I'm not a huge fan of the old style dash as i felt more comfortable in the later syle interiors.

The car is perfect with regards of mileage, condition (so i'm told) spec and colour. Am i living in hope of doing a total interior transplant with a salvage Esprit with a good interior, or is it totally impossible??

[jk1]

Anything is possible depending on how much time/money you want to put into it. Besides the trim bits you would also have to rework a/c vents and controls, airbags(?), assorted wiring along with a myriad of other things you will run into along the way.

It won't be as simple as just pulling out one dash and replacing it with another...

[rob.e]

Very hard job to do.. much cheaper/easier to sell it and buy a later car.

I'm also a fan of the later (98-on) interior.. my gt3 had this and also my v8.. HOWEVER the 'old' style dash on the GT3 was actually pretty cool IMO:









>> Edited by rob.e on Wednesday 12th October 19:03

[DAVES_GT3]

i agree the older dash is retro and inkeeping with the car and style. plus it has a boost gauge!!!! vital if u ask me.
go for it. i wouldnt bother changing the dash though. big job. buy a newer style version if that is what you want. the are a few about at the moment which is very rare.

[Dodgey_Rog]

Thanks for that, i always wondered how bigger job it was. I might just buy it, use it and then swap it for a V8 later on. The last Esprit i drove had the fixed seats and didn't feel entirely comfortable, i might just bite the bullet and go for it. The only problem is the guy won't ring me back which is annoying. When you get your heart set on something. I'll keep you posted on progress and try and post some pics if i get a chance to see it.

Cheers, Rog.

[Dodgey_Rog]

Also, i would want to change the wheels, either this style;



or these ones;



If i can't find those ones anywhere, i'll have to have these ones;



Wheres the best source for Esprit Alloys, either new or reconditioned??

I've found some, reasonable price too. £540 +vat for exchange set, Saturn/Monobloc???

>> Edited by Dodgey_Rog on Thursday 13th October 10:09

[rob.e]

Rog

The saturns (first pic) are pretty rare, but the AWI (second pic) are even rarer. The third pic (magnesios) are SUPER rare.. as these were only fitted to the sport 350.

Southwest lotus usually have a selection of wheels, or keep a look out on lotusespritworld "for sale" section.

[scoule]

The Sport 350 Magnesios will be at least £2k for a set, IF you can find them. Two single wheels sold on ebay a while back, the front made just under £500, the rear just under £800 ...

I go into a cold sweat parking near a curb!

[Dodgey_Rog]

Dodgey_Rog said:

I've found some, reasonable price too. £540 +vat for exchange set, AWI's

Thats for the second picture set and the top set.

Thats a bargain then!!!

>> Edited by Dodgey_Rog on Thursday 13th October 12:25

[Loosecannon]

Is that with tyres? If not sounds like its probably just the going rate maybe, especially if you have to give them yours existing ones in exchange (which you could probably get a few hundred for).

[Dodgey_Rog]

Loosecannon said:

Is that with tyres? If not sounds like its probably just the going rate maybe, especially if you have to give them yours existing ones in exchange (which you could probably get a few hundred for).

Thats plus tyres, but i can get them fairly cheap anyway. I thought it was good, not sure if i have to give them my alloys, but still, they look better than the small GT3 ones anyway.

[dodgey_Rog]

the won't take anything but AWI's which is fair enough. I'e managed to source some (As new) Saturns for £1200 plus tyres. Mind you, i've posted an ad in the accessories section and i've a range of responses from people with just the 1 wheel, which is damaged to a whole set.

I've managed to track the guy down who's selling the GT3, he said he'd call me today, no joy, i'll chase him tomorrow. I'm pretty much sold on it now, i just really want the thing!!!!