Another eventful day , started on the bubble arches and thought i better do the sills at the same time . 
Getting to the end of having to chop rot out of this car which is a bonus . 
Engine turned up last weekend so I threw a battery onto the starter to grab some compression figures .
145 - 150 - 145 - 40   
This did not fill me with joy ---- bloody ebay .
Havent time to rebuild it myself so dropped it to a friend who is going to rebuild , sadly a cost i had not budgeted for . 
Was in 2 minds at one stage to bin the engine and buy another but looking for 15 year old turbo engines is a chance game and i may just buy another crapper so ill persist with this one . 
Bored of typing now here is some pics 
 
Bruce

yeah but is there a spare 100 missing of the end or a typo?
 
Neat work Bruce, it will be a shame to put paint on.
Maybe just a polish and wax over the top?

No typo im afraid . 
Turns out head gasket was knackered .
While he has it in bits were going to do shells ,rings and anything else he finds.
Got the old girl in primer one one side today then depressed myself as the other side i havent even started yet. 
Theres another 2 weekends spoken for. 

Guys , 
Does anyone know of anyone reputable where i can get this car painted ? 
I dont mind travelling 100km or so if there good . 
I live in Shell cove near Kiama . 
All suggestions welcome . 
I dont need underneath or engine bay etc painting , I will do that myself . 
Cheers
 
Bruce

Thanks Blue ,
What do you guys think is a reasonable price for a paint job .
Body is fully prepped and primed .
Underneath , engine bay and inside car is already painted so its just exterior and door jams etc ie a usual respray .
Color is RS orange  with a few coats of clear for depth. 
Ive no idea what this costs here . 
 
Cheers
 
Bruce

Guys,
what do you use in oz for killing rust ?
The stuff im used to from uk doesnt seem to be available here.
Ive uncovered some rust on the passenger side inner wing and i sont want to change the panel as its only surface and the wheel side is already prepped in undercoat and is fine . 
 
On another note i have a sr20det for sale x2 as decided to go the cosworth route so have one on route from pommy land . 
Intercooler arrived so starting mocking that up 

Always preferred the cosworth engine but prices are painful and I guess i was being a tight ass . 
Did consider a BDR :   https://www.ebay.com/itm/Cosworth-BDR-Lotus-Elan-Seven-Caterham-1700cc-Engine-45-mm-DHLA-Delorttos/232737562386?hash=item36303d5f12:g:MRQAAOSwdVFawV9R 
But i went with what i know as I have fitted many and love the boost .

Not yet mate. 
Had a couple of leads and a couple to follow up on but not progressed much on the paint. 
Been driving me insane deciding on an engine so i can build the transmission tunnel and intercooler to suit but thats now sorted . 
Hoping to have it ready for paint in 4 weeks so i better get a move on and find someone .