Now running properly

Having removed the distributor cap, cleaned it up and secured all the leads, we started the engine with the cap still loose so it could be rotated by hand to try to find the best position for start-up. Rather unexpectedly, it started without too much problem and didn't seem to be overly sensitive to the cap position. If anything, it was better in the fully retarded position so it was tightened up there and now it starts fairly reliably either cold or warm (not really been properly hot yet). A pretty loud auxiliary belt noise was obvious though, but eventually I found a way to get some tension into it - wrapping some electrical cable around the alternator a couple of times and then pulling it tight while doing up the bracket seemed to do the trick. So now we have a real running engine! Sounds pretty good too, although I'm sure some timing and carb adjustment is necessary - something I'll let the guys at Lotusbits have a look at when I get it up there for an MOT and front-end respray.

Refurbished and refitted brake master cylinder

Getting close to this point now (at last!). The brake master cylinder finally showed up and everything went together OK. Some fresh fluid has been added but now need to make use of the Eezibleed system to get the clutch and brakes working. This uses the pressure from the spare tyre to pressurise the cylinder while you release the bleed nipples - saves someone sitting in the car and pumping continuously on the pedals! the only problem is access to the nipples and having a suitably small spanner - some on order now from Ebay!

Also been trial fitting the bonnet, as this will be the last job before it is potentially drivable. Seems a little wonky on first try so will have to remove and do some slotting work with a file to get the holes in the fibreglass a little bigger. Hopeful that this won't prove too tricky. What might be more troublesome is getting all the electrics sorted - some of this (e.g. windscreen and washer jets) need to work to get through the MOT...