OUCH!!!! An old friend managed the parts department for Lotus in Northern California. I will contact him to see if he still has any contacts along that line.
Geez Loiuse. The betrayal by someone you trusted, (and I imagine loss of friendship) and the loss of original irreplaceable parts is gut wrenching. Somehow things will work for you. You've got a faithful group of car enthusiasts that understand the importance of your parts. They'll get found.
You’ve come so far George - I’m sure the Lotus owner’s community will rally round, we love what you do and how you do it…keep up the great work and chin up - something will turn up and it will be ok…”and stay stuck in!”
In 2004 I took a chance while on a business trip to the UK, jumped on a train and showed up (on a Wednesday, I think) unannounced at Hethel. While it wasn't a "tour day", the folks at the guest center were extremely accommodating and walked me through the line where Esprits were assembled. The highlight (and point of this comment) was that I met the lady who oversaw the seat trimming and interiors. She asked me what year Esprit I had and when I replied '83, she pointed to a bolt of cloth and said "that's the fabric I used on your car". It's been another 20 years, so it's a super long shot that she's still there, but if she is - she'd be the absolute best person to ask. (Internet - if you could find her name, that'd be awesome!) Best of luck George, I'll keep an eye out Stateside.
Sadly they did outsource their trimming department in recent years, although it might be worth having a chat with the guy's at Classic Team Lotus because they are talking about taking on servicing work on all the old classic cars (not just Formula 1) so the chances are they'll know somebody who knows somebody 👍😁😉🙏
Hey George, just watching a youtube video on Gary Mavers channel “ Classic Obsession”. He is working on a mid 70’s Elite. He visited a Lotus specialist called PNM Engineering in Cheshire and they have an Aladdin’s cave of Lotus parts, accumulated over 30+ years. You’ve probably already heard of them but wanted to let you know in case not. Gutted for you re the interior. Fingers crossed it’ll all work out. Great job on the Soup channel, BTW. Cheers Neil
Comunity needs to know the name of those shadey people. To be avoided forever. Man, I was so glad to see the new video comming - than my heart sank. I have been there and I know exactley how it feels.
@@soupclassicmotoring it's not about nailing anyone. theft is a crime, not to mention the unprofessional and deceitful way that the situation was handled with. I can understand you not wanting the hassle though. anyway, crack on and best of luck with the project.
At loss.. I'm so sorry to hear that news.. some people.. are just disappointing - and just heartbreaking to have to .. deal/cope with.. In any event - your channel is an inspiration for many. Rock on mate. Rock on..
I’m sorry to hear and read on the forum from rbgosling about the loss of your interior! We have a Lotus collector next to our unit, I will ask the question and fingers cross it turns up a result.. Keep doing what you’re doing, and good luck!
Following you a long time George, your channel is unique and we all love following your journeys with all of your vehicles! Totally gutted for you, go catch some big autumn swells up the west coast🏄♂️, it will do your heart good and as they say the rest will follow🤙
A friend stored some parts in his neighbour’s garage. It burnt down. Even though the neighbour got an insurance pay out he refused to replace the parts or pay compensation as the fire ‘wasn’t his fault’. Mind boggling. Sorry for your trouble George. It was not easy to share, I know this. All the shame is on that thief who is also a trimmer.
Sorry to hear this george,hope you can get it sorted,Almost bought one in the 90s, for 1500 pounds, but had a young family, so i didn't go through with it, love that car.👌
Sorry I don't have money to donate, but I've said before and I'll say it again and again, this is the most underated automotive restoration channel ever. I enjoy every episode. I sincerly watch every video and of the hundredes of subscritions I have, this is the only channel I have notifications turned on.
I imagine that many of your viewers have subscribed to see this childhood dream come true. How many of you saw this car in that bond movie and wanted one for the last 50 years? I hope you change your focus to working on this thing, and that helps viewership support you better.
The stop motion makes sense to show the “how it goes together” aspect. Thank you for what you do and best of luck with the specific parts you need now.
I cant wait to see this finished. I am a Dublin based Éclat S1 owner currently at the interior restoration stage of a nut and bolt resto of my grandfathers car. I also had a disaster with an Irish trimmer and was very lucky to get 95% of my parts back after months wasted and many strongly worded messages and legal threats... Not good for the soul and makes you fall out of love with the.... project but keep the faith!!
Really stinks that someone you trusted betrayed you (or whatever happened.) I hope you get what you need, and that YOU stay stuck in to this project as well.
Posted on Pistonheads for you chap - as much as it is a hive of scum and villainy, it is also a source of much expertise and kindness to fellow man. As someone who is up to his giblets in a Duetto rebuild and has Classic Alfa on speed dial, 4 years into the whole affair and speaks to Classic Alfa more than his wife, I feel your toil and pain. Keep your pecker up - even if you have to sit on a deckchair for a few months, you'll have one hell of a car.
I've only ever seen a Lotus like yours ONCE. I wouldn't be able to recognize the real thing. I WILL be on the lookout though. I have been SO impressed with your work. Keep on, Keepin ON
Really sorry to hear the news George, rest assured that you have a lot of dedicated fans out there. I'm sure that if we all do our little bit and pull together, we can make something happen for you. Best of luck man and keep on keeping on 👍
Interior door handles are standard BL items which I think had their origins in the Austin 1800 Landcrab. Also used on the S4 Elan, Morris Marina/Ital and Maxi's. Probably other BL' stuff too. Good luck, somebody will have the bits you need. Cheers!
Okay, that truly sucks! I'm watching from the US and there are like almost no Lotus Esprits from the early years in the whole country. Dang it! Still, I look forward to every one of your videos. Thank you for explaining the stop motion reasons and motivations. That make much more sense than I realized! It's also way entertaining and a butt load of work, I bet. I will subscribe to your channel, because I like your work ethic and I like vintage Lotus cars. Your Irish accent is a fav, too! Keep going!
Id bet if they are somewhere online itll probably be a us site where its found. Sheer scale and the universal language make it much easier to find than in some german, french or whatever forum that hardly anyone knows about.
Oh man that sucks - I feel your pain on this. Not sure I can help but am rooting for you. I'm a pro graphic designer of 25+ years, so if you ever need any help on repro decals (better than originals) / custom dial graphics or anything like that do give me a shout.
Keep your chin up, Colin Chapman is smiling at your dedication. Hope you are blessed with the parts and friendships that you need. I will keep an eye out here in Arizona, we do love our cars here. 😃😃😃
Can't believe someone has let you down so badly but I have no doubt this little drama will generate some goodwill from your subscribers and a new interior will be found.
This is sad, I’m sorry this has happened to you and hopefully you can get it back, somehow. I saw the hard work that you’ve put it and I can imagine the frustration and anger that you’re probably feeling. I hope it’s found and given back.
I feel your pain I bought JPS 55. over the years owners added and removed things I need original radio and speakers all the pollution items and the engine bay fan
What a massive turd they must be to do that. We need to know who did this, so others don't fall into the same trap. Love the channel, your videos are always fantastic as is the care and attention to detail with all you do. I have a feeling/hope that the missing parts will find their way back to you
Such poor sportsmanship from whoever it may be - MASSIVE fan of your work, both on the car and with a camera so will keep my eyes peeled on the sites I use for the seats - fingers crossed they appear!
George, I am really sorry to learn of this dastardly deed that has been done to you, absolutely fn gutting. I truly hope one of your guardian angels turns up the interior fitments you need.
Holy 💩 balls. What a betrayal. I’m sure the Lotus community will come to the fore. Best of luck and looking forward to the next instalment. All the best from Perth West Aus, Elise S1 owner.
Such a terrible thing to happen. In the future when you look back at the car with a beautiful interior you’ll smile at the journey it took to get there. I’m sure it’ll come good. Best of Irish luck 👍🏻
I can feel your pain, I had the same happen to me with a Porsche 912 engine tinware, which of course was easier to replace but it took around 2 years. Obviously, we don't know what went down, but my only advice would be to not let this lock you up. These types of things kill friendships and projects, try to rise above it, and see the bigger picture. I will of course see if there's anything in northern Germany for you. Good luck...
I watch your channel for the exact reasons you give: "a guy doing things" and "to see it get done without even tools in the way". I also enjoy it for 2 other reasons: 1. You seem to understand that UA-cam is NOT live TV, but a record of what we are doing, so it should be valuable (a reference) beyond mere distraction, and still be entertaining. 2. I watch it for who you hold yourself up to be. I admire your efforts, your honesty and your erudition (Simpsons references and all!). You are cheerful and clever and serious and probably a gas to just sit in a pub with. So the idea that I might get the chance to see you, of all people, try your hand at re-trimming your own seats is an opportunity I didn't think I would get. I get the idea that upholstery is a tough go, but the cost of materials might be low enough to let you try it on some other seats 1st...(maybe?). I say this because I think you might be as much of a silver lining kinda guy as I am. I hate setbacks, but this is the 1st place my mind goes: to the next opportunity. I hope you don't find this crass in light of your setback. Cheers. And I am voluntarily staying stuck in.
I’m so gutted for you by far one of my favorite projects to watch and have loved the animation you add in to the videos! Chin up and fingers crossed something turns up!!!! The lotus investigation team are on the case!!!
I know it is only a minor part of the interior, but those door handles are found in heaps of BLMC vehicles of the 70's and 80's, including Marina, Allegro, etc. so they should be reasonably easy to source. Good luck with the hunt for the rest! The community usually has a way of surprising you!
Austin Maxi as well, and probably other things. It's a small part, I know... Are those seats Lotus-specific (I know the trim is), or are they from someone else's parts bin?
It happens. Our son is building an (insane) Supra. His lockup was broken into, and the Link ECU stolen - nothing else. Three months later, he had a call from the storage facility manager. The ECU had mysteriously returned. No explanation, hmmmm. Hopefully the same happens here.
I watched a video series on YT earlier this year about a guy who owned a Lamborghini that he entrusted to someone for storage. Needless to say the Lamborghini got stolen and stripped of major components. Lights doors parts of the interior wheels. All special to that model. After a few weeks of detective work by the channel and a subsequent police investigation the parts were located, just one part or two parts were missing.. If Enough awareness is Broughton about these seats, it will be difficult to sell them as people will be looking out for them.
Love your chanel for the exact reasons you mentioned. Make the car as good as it can get and do as much as possible by yourself. You show it works. You're a role model to all those guys, who have this dream about one day (re)building their dream car.
Very sorry this happened to you. Unfortunately, it's far from the first time I've heard of that sort of thing happening to someone. But I have absolute faith that this will not slow you down for getting the car back on the road, and you will eventually get the interior how you want it to be.
This is sad news mate, it’s really becoming a beautiful work of art and I’m gutted that someone should be strung up by his nuggets after being slathered with honey over an ant hill. I’m truly sorry this happened to you.......hopefully someone on your side of the world will be able to help you recover your original interior for the lovely machine art you have been faithfully bringing back to life........
I really just wanted to leave a comment for the algorithm to help out. But as I am following your journey for so long now and i enjoy the way you cut your videos and narrate them so much I just need to thank you for once. Also i hope that you will find a interior set that matches your car as I get how much of a perfectionist you are just by watching the videos and seeing you work on your cars and I know that you won't be satisfied with non original parts.
Blimey, what a pain,! I know it's not cheap but (as you probably know) Allon White's in Cranfield, UK, are the guys who do a lot of trimshop work for Lotus themselves and hold stock of older OE fabrics. Did a cracking job on my Exige. Hope this works out for you.
I know I can’t help, but DAMN….. I feel really bad for you. I’ve lost irreplaceable parts in the past as well. I wish you the best of luck in acquiring the correct seats for your Esprit.
Wow, godsmacked mate. Been following you as a Patreon for.... multiple years for sure! I feel sick watching it, I cannot imagine how you feel. I have put some feelers out myself, good luck! I wish you the best
I am very sorry to hear what happened to those interior pieces. I would be just sick if that happened in my build. I will keep an eye out for sure in our Esprit community for anything that can help you out. All the best in getting what you need and don’t let it stop you continuing on.
Wow! Can’t express how sorry I am to hear that my man. That’s quite a blow. I think the best thing you could have done was to share it. Im sure the lotus community will help in every way they can. I wonder, is there no legal route to take here? If you can’t get the seats back, can’t you be compensated for them?
George so sorry to hear this news but am glad you have been able to “compartmentalize” this. I am in. I am in Nova Scotia Canada and might know a few friends who have connections with the club / community! I will follow up when we get back from vacation. We are in Ireland at the moment on vacation!
Losing the seats and trim or the betrayal of trust, I'm not sure which is worse. Hopefully you will be able to replace the missing parts, there's a lot of support for what you're doing. If I hear anything I'll relay it back. Good luck
So Sorry to hear this news but dont give up, this has to be one of the best channels on UA-cam. Dont want another project Binky situation. All the best, and you have my support.
I'm saddened by your loss. I love your videos, the whole stop-motion thing and the music, I find it all very relaxing as well as informative. I wish you all the luck in the world because the Lotus Esprit is my favourite car and I love to see all the details that go into it.
Dude, I'm so sorry that happened to you. We've seen you overcome serious obstacles before, so I've no doubt you'll surmount this one as well. It absolutely sucks that you have to go through the pain and stress that will undoubtedly come with it.
You may not believe me now but you will. This is going to turn into something way better than you could have planned. You may not believe, but there are many people praying for you. You brighten people’s lives with your spirit and the contents of your heart. For these reasons I know you will be blessed. If you have faith that you will complete this no matter how long it takes, it will happen. Don’t get it twisted, we’re not watching you because you are working on a car with fancy pants parts. We appreciate you! Brother. If I could I would send you the parts. But then I probably wouldn’t have written this.
I just bought an 84 Esprit, and have been loving all the lotus content available. Your channel is one of the coolest and most informative in restoration and imagination. Can't wait to see things develop for your car, and wish you the best in this journey. Cheers!
OUCH!!!! An old friend managed the parts department for Lotus in Northern California. I will contact him to see if he still has any contacts along that line.
Thank you!
You sir are a legend.
That's absolutely heartbreaking, that original interior was fantastic. Sorry for your troubles George.
Thank you kindly
Geez Loiuse. The betrayal by someone you trusted, (and I imagine loss of friendship) and the loss of original irreplaceable parts is gut wrenching. Somehow things will work for you. You've got a faithful group of car enthusiasts that understand the importance of your parts. They'll get found.
I entrusted a GT Cortina to storage, and never saw it again. It's 20 years later and I am still bitter. I can feel your pain lad.
Thanks for perspective, and sorry 😬
You’ve come so far George - I’m sure the Lotus owner’s community will rally round, we love what you do and how you do it…keep up the great work and chin up - something will turn up and it will be ok…”and stay stuck in!”
Phenomenal rally! Thanks Jimbo
In 2004 I took a chance while on a business trip to the UK, jumped on a train and showed up (on a Wednesday, I think) unannounced at Hethel. While it wasn't a "tour day", the folks at the guest center were extremely accommodating and walked me through the line where Esprits were assembled. The highlight (and point of this comment) was that I met the lady who oversaw the seat trimming and interiors. She asked me what year Esprit I had and when I replied '83, she pointed to a bolt of cloth and said "that's the fabric I used on your car". It's been another 20 years, so it's a super long shot that she's still there, but if she is - she'd be the absolute best person to ask. (Internet - if you could find her name, that'd be awesome!)
Best of luck George, I'll keep an eye out Stateside.
You don't recall her name do you?
Sadly they did outsource their trimming department in recent years, although it might be worth having a chat with the guy's at Classic Team Lotus because they are talking about taking on servicing work on all the old classic cars (not just Formula 1) so the chances are they'll know somebody who knows somebody 👍😁😉🙏
Hey George, just watching a youtube video on Gary Mavers channel “ Classic Obsession”. He is working on a mid 70’s Elite. He visited a Lotus specialist called PNM Engineering in Cheshire and they have an Aladdin’s cave of Lotus parts, accumulated over 30+ years.
You’ve probably already heard of them but wanted to let you know in case not.
Gutted for you re the interior. Fingers crossed it’ll all work out.
Great job on the Soup channel, BTW.
Cheers
Neil
That felt like news of a terrible illness or end of an era… really hope someone is able to help, you deserve the support.
Gary Mavers (classic obsessions channel) recently attended a Lotus parts specialist who had interior parts for early Esprit’s if I remember rightly.
Will have a look , thanks
Comunity needs to know the name of those shadey people. To be avoided forever.
Man, I was so glad to see the new video comming - than my heart sank. I have been there and I know exactley how it feels.
Not out to nail anyone, shit happens and sometimes people can't step up. Thanks for the support
@@soupclassicmotoring it's not about nailing anyone. theft is a crime, not to mention the unprofessional and deceitful way that the situation was handled with. I can understand you not wanting the hassle though. anyway, crack on and best of luck with the project.
What a bummer! Good idea to get your request out here. Who knows, perhaps something very worthwhile will come from it.
Stay stuck in 😊
Cheers Bernard
At loss.. I'm so sorry to hear that news.. some people.. are just disappointing - and just heartbreaking to have to .. deal/cope with..
In any event - your channel is an inspiration for many.
Rock on mate. Rock on..
🍻
Never seen you so upset George, just purchased two of your tee shirts chap. Stay strong
Thank you!
I’m sorry to hear and read on the forum from rbgosling about the loss of your interior!
We have a Lotus collector next to our unit, I will ask the question and fingers cross it turns up a result..
Keep doing what you’re doing, and good luck!
This guy needs our help , I’m up for it . I want to see this car fully restored to Concourse plus condition
Thank you! 🤝
Following you a long time George, your channel is unique and we all love following your journeys with all of your vehicles! Totally gutted for you, go catch some big autumn swells up the west coast🏄♂️, it will do your heart good and as they say the rest will follow🤙
Gutted for you George. I'll keep my eye out for yours, or for similar. Keep your chin up fella, we're right here with you!
🍻
A friend stored some parts in his neighbour’s garage. It burnt down. Even though the neighbour got an insurance pay out he refused to replace the parts or pay compensation as the fire ‘wasn’t his fault’. Mind boggling.
Sorry for your trouble George. It was not easy to share, I know this. All the shame is on that thief who is also a trimmer.
Sorry to hear this george,hope you can get it sorted,Almost bought one in the 90s, for 1500 pounds, but had a young family, so i didn't go through with it, love that car.👌
Oh man! Hope you get what you need George.
Sorry I don't have money to donate, but I've said before and I'll say it again and again, this is the most underated automotive restoration channel ever. I enjoy every episode. I sincerly watch every video and of the hundredes of subscritions I have, this is the only channel I have notifications turned on.
I imagine that many of your viewers have subscribed to see this childhood dream come true. How many of you saw this car in that bond movie and wanted one for the last 50 years?
I hope you change your focus to working on this thing, and that helps viewership support you better.
11 episodes over the last 5 months focusing on the Lotus! Thanks
What a gut punch! Very sorry to hear this. Will keep my eyes open in British Columbia, Canada
That is heart-wrenching. This is one of my favorite automotive channels, and I hope that all the interior pieces are found.
Can see how gutted you are man, that sucks. Wishing you all the luck in finding either the originals, or some worthy replacements 🙏
The stop motion makes sense to show the “how it goes together” aspect. Thank you for what you do and best of luck with the specific parts you need now.
Keep calm and stay optimistic, help always finds the way to people that need it! Cheers from Greece
I cant wait to see this finished. I am a Dublin based Éclat S1 owner currently at the interior restoration stage of a nut and bolt resto of my grandfathers car. I also had a disaster with an Irish trimmer and was very lucky to get 95% of my parts back after months wasted and many strongly worded messages and legal threats... Not good for the soul and makes you fall out of love with the.... project but keep the faith!!
Good luck with the rest of finishing, congrats too :)
Really stinks that someone you trusted betrayed you (or whatever happened.) I hope you get what you need, and that YOU stay stuck in to this project as well.
Ah bollox! No words for how gutted you must feel! Good luck in the hunt.
Devastating news, George. So sorry, man.
Thanks dude
Posted on Pistonheads for you chap - as much as it is a hive of scum and villainy, it is also a source of much expertise and kindness to fellow man.
As someone who is up to his giblets in a Duetto rebuild and has Classic Alfa on speed dial, 4 years into the whole affair and speaks to Classic Alfa more than his wife, I feel your toil and pain. Keep your pecker up - even if you have to sit on a deckchair for a few months, you'll have one hell of a car.
Thanks a million 🫶🏼
I've only ever seen a Lotus like yours ONCE. I wouldn't be able to recognize the real thing.
I WILL be on the lookout though.
I have been SO impressed with your work.
Keep on, Keepin ON
Good call getting the word out. Super easy to spot these.
One of one.
I am new here, and this is my 4th video I am.watching. i am here due to the film festival upload via Stancework channel. I am loving what you doing.❤❤
Really sorry to hear the news George, rest assured that you have a lot of dedicated fans out there. I'm sure that if we all do our little bit and pull together, we can make something happen for you. Best of luck man and keep on keeping on 👍
Already amazing Richard, still in limbo but amazing response
Interior door handles are standard BL items which I think had their origins in the Austin 1800 Landcrab. Also used on the S4 Elan, Morris Marina/Ital and Maxi's. Probably other BL' stuff too. Good luck, somebody will have the bits you need. Cheers!
They look the same as the 80’s Leyland/clubman mini too
Okay, that truly sucks! I'm watching from the US and there are like almost no Lotus Esprits from the early years in the whole country. Dang it! Still, I look forward to every one of your videos. Thank you for explaining the stop motion reasons and motivations. That make much more sense than I realized! It's also way entertaining and a butt load of work, I bet.
I will subscribe to your channel, because I like your work ethic and I like vintage Lotus cars. Your Irish accent is a fav, too! Keep going!
Id bet if they are somewhere online itll probably be a us site where its found. Sheer scale and the universal language make it much easier to find than in some german, french or whatever forum that hardly anyone knows about.
Oh man that sucks - I feel your pain on this. Not sure I can help but am rooting for you. I'm a pro graphic designer of 25+ years, so if you ever need any help on repro decals (better than originals) / custom dial graphics or anything like that do give me a shout.
Appreciate the offer, thanks
Keep your chin up, Colin Chapman is smiling at your dedication. Hope you are blessed with the parts and friendships that you need. I will keep an eye out here in Arizona, we do love our cars here. 😃😃😃
What I enjoy most from your channel is the stop motion and your personality 👍
Terribly sorry to hear the bad news, but keep on trucking! I'm sure somebody knows someone that has these seats!
Can't believe someone has let you down so badly but I have no doubt this little drama will generate some goodwill from your subscribers and a new interior will be found.
This is sad, I’m sorry this has happened to you and hopefully you can get it back, somehow. I saw the hard work that you’ve put it and I can imagine the frustration and anger that you’re probably feeling. I hope it’s found and given back.
I feel your pain I bought JPS 55. over the years owners added and removed things I need original radio and speakers all the pollution items and the engine bay fan
What a massive turd they must be to do that. We need to know who did this, so others don't fall into the same trap. Love the channel, your videos are always fantastic as is the care and attention to detail with all you do.
I have a feeling/hope that the missing parts will find their way back to you
Such poor sportsmanship from whoever it may be - MASSIVE fan of your work, both on the car and with a camera so will keep my eyes peeled on the sites I use for the seats - fingers crossed they appear!
George, I am really sorry to learn of this dastardly deed that has been done to you, absolutely fn gutting. I truly hope one of your guardian angels turns up the interior fitments you need.
Gutted for you mate, been following and supporting you for a while now, fingers crossed.
man, this SUCKS so much. I am so incredibly sorry for what happened!!!
That sucks. I've seen similarr things happen to friends several times over the years. Not a LOT, but enough. Good luck!
Holy 💩 balls. What a betrayal. I’m sure the Lotus community will come to the fore. Best of luck and looking forward to the next instalment. All the best from Perth West Aus, Elise S1 owner.
Such a terrible thing to happen. In the future when you look back at the car with a beautiful interior you’ll smile at the journey it took to get there. I’m sure it’ll come good. Best of Irish luck 👍🏻
That just sucks George. Really sorry for you. I do hope you manage to find what you want. I never miss any of your superb content.
I can feel your pain, I had the same happen to me with a Porsche 912 engine tinware, which of course was easier to replace but it took around 2 years. Obviously, we don't know what went down, but my only advice would be to not let this lock you up. These types of things kill friendships and projects, try to rise above it, and see the bigger picture. I will of course see if there's anything in northern Germany for you. Good luck...
Very sorry for your loss, but keep going. Beautiful things come with great pain. You'll get there in the end.
I'm sorry to hear about this bud. Every good story seems to have a downside before the triumph. Don't give up.
Man. I hope you find these parts dude! Don’t lose motivation! We’re really pulling for you to get this car done no matter what! ❤️
I watch your channel for the exact reasons you give: "a guy doing things" and "to see it get done without even tools in the way".
I also enjoy it for 2 other reasons: 1. You seem to understand that UA-cam is NOT live TV, but a record of what we are doing, so it should be valuable (a reference) beyond mere distraction, and still be entertaining. 2. I watch it for who you hold yourself up to be. I admire your efforts, your honesty and your erudition (Simpsons references and all!). You are cheerful and clever and serious and probably a gas to just sit in a pub with. So the idea that I might get the chance to see you, of all people, try your hand at re-trimming your own seats is an opportunity I didn't think I would get. I get the idea that upholstery is a tough go, but the cost of materials might be low enough to let you try it on some other seats 1st...(maybe?).
I say this because I think you might be as much of a silver lining kinda guy as I am. I hate setbacks, but this is the 1st place my mind goes: to the next opportunity. I hope you don't find this crass in light of your setback.
Cheers. And I am voluntarily staying stuck in.
Time to name & shame! Wouldn’t want anyone else to suffer like you have. Take care, very best of luck to you and your project.
Sorry to hear it. I hope you get them back.
I’m so gutted for you by far one of my favorite projects to watch and have loved the animation you add in to the videos! Chin up and fingers crossed something turns up!!!! The lotus investigation team are on the case!!!
I know it is only a minor part of the interior, but those door handles are found in heaps of BLMC vehicles of the 70's and 80's, including Marina, Allegro, etc. so they should be reasonably easy to source. Good luck with the hunt for the rest! The community usually has a way of surprising you!
Incredible people everywhere trying their best to help ☘
Austin Maxi as well, and probably other things. It's a small part, I know... Are those seats Lotus-specific (I know the trim is), or are they from someone else's parts bin?
Esprit specific
You’re not alone in knowing what it feels like to have to reevaluate a friendship. That stinks and I am sorry your parts are gone
Poking forward to the next instalment regardless of this bad news. Keep the head up my friend. It will work out in the end, 100%
I am so sorry to hear this. It is a long time since my years in the motor trade...but i can still look for you...fingers crossed.
Hoping maybe through the mysteries of karma, that interior will find its way back to you.
It happens. Our son is building an (insane) Supra. His lockup was broken into, and the Link ECU stolen - nothing else. Three months later, he had a call from the storage facility manager. The ECU had mysteriously returned. No explanation, hmmmm.
Hopefully the same happens here.
I watched a video series on YT earlier this year about a guy who owned a Lamborghini that he entrusted to someone for storage.
Needless to say the Lamborghini got stolen and stripped of major components.
Lights doors parts of the interior wheels.
All special to that model.
After a few weeks of detective work by the channel and a subsequent police investigation the parts were located, just one part or two parts were missing..
If Enough awareness is Broughton about these seats, it will be difficult to sell them as people will be looking out for them.
Love your chanel for the exact reasons you mentioned. Make the car as good as it can get and do as much as possible by yourself. You show it works. You're a role model to all those guys, who have this dream about one day (re)building their dream car.
Very sorry this happened to you. Unfortunately, it's far from the first time I've heard of that sort of thing happening to someone. But I have absolute faith that this will not slow you down for getting the car back on the road, and you will eventually get the interior how you want it to be.
What a bugger... I cant help you with your interior parts in any way, But i hope there are people out there that can. Good luck George.
This is sad news mate, it’s really becoming a beautiful work of art and I’m gutted that someone should be strung up by his nuggets after being slathered with honey over an ant hill. I’m truly sorry this happened to you.......hopefully someone on your side of the world will be able to help you recover your original interior for the lovely machine art you have been faithfully bringing back to life........
I really just wanted to leave a comment for the algorithm to help out. But as I am following your journey for so long now and i enjoy the way you cut your videos and narrate them so much I just need to thank you for once. Also i hope that you will find a interior set that matches your car as I get how much of a perfectionist you are just by watching the videos and seeing you work on your cars and I know that you won't be satisfied with non original parts.
Blimey, what a pain,! I know it's not cheap but (as you probably know) Allon White's in Cranfield, UK, are the guys who do a lot of trimshop work for Lotus themselves and hold stock of older OE fabrics. Did a cracking job on my Exige. Hope this works out for you.
I know I can’t help, but DAMN….. I feel really bad for you. I’ve lost irreplaceable parts in the past as well. I wish you the best of luck in acquiring the correct seats for your Esprit.
Wow, godsmacked mate. Been following you as a Patreon for.... multiple years for sure! I feel sick watching it, I cannot imagine how you feel.
I have put some feelers out myself, good luck! I wish you the best
My heart sunk for you in the first minute.
Wow, what a kick in the teeth. Something this rare will be spotted eventually. Good luck.
I am very sorry to hear what happened to those interior pieces. I would be just sick if that happened in my build. I will keep an eye out for sure in our Esprit community for anything that can help you out. All the best in getting what you need and don’t let it stop you continuing on.
Ouch, sorry this happened. Keep up the great job on these videos, love them!
I'm a patron and thats all i can really do as im not plugged in to anything lotus. Just love watching you work.
Oh man bad news like that, a gut punch, I know the feeling. Keep your head up, you're doing great work! Your approach is why we're here.
Wow! Can’t express how sorry I am to hear that my man. That’s quite a blow.
I think the best thing you could have done was to share it. Im sure the lotus community will help in every way they can.
I wonder, is there no legal route to take here? If you can’t get the seats back, can’t you be compensated for them?
That's bloody awful mate. What sort of unconscionable bastard would do something as rotten as this?
Gutted to hear this. Your work and videos are just amazing - keep your chin up mate!
This is horrible to hear George. You are doing great work and it will pay off. Just keep going.
George so sorry to hear this news but am glad you have been able to “compartmentalize” this. I am in. I am in Nova Scotia Canada and might know a few friends who have connections with the club / community! I will follow up when we get back from vacation. We are in Ireland at the moment on vacation!
A nice laugh despite hard times.... I love goldddd! Sorry to hear the sad news
sorry for the setback. I've loved your work across all the vehicles.
That's a kick in the nads😡 Hope this gets sorted for you, Love the content and the quality you put out. 👍🇳🇿
Losing the seats and trim or the betrayal of trust, I'm not sure which is worse. Hopefully you will be able to replace the missing parts, there's a lot of support for what you're doing. If I hear anything I'll relay it back. Good luck
That sucks man, stay strong, your video`s keep getting me back into my Garage.
So Sorry to hear this news but dont give up, this has to be one of the best channels on UA-cam. Dont want another project Binky situation. All the best, and you have my support.
Noooo! Hope you find some more interior parts, and again I wish I could recover them for you.
I'm saddened by your loss. I love your videos, the whole stop-motion thing and the music, I find it all very relaxing as well as informative. I wish you all the luck in the world because the Lotus Esprit is my favourite car and I love to see all the details that go into it.
Wow, so sorry for you. I really hope you find the right parts for that work of art.
Dude, I'm so sorry that happened to you. We've seen you overcome serious obstacles before, so I've no doubt you'll surmount this one as well. It absolutely sucks that you have to go through the pain and stress that will undoubtedly come with it.
My god, you must be devastated, I hope you get them replaced soon
I’m heartbroken for you mate. If I had the money I’d get you everything you need. Keep going.
You may not believe me now but you will. This is going to turn into something way better than you could have planned. You may not believe, but there are many people praying for you. You brighten people’s lives with your spirit and the contents of your heart. For these reasons I know you will be blessed. If you have faith that you will complete this no matter how long it takes, it will happen.
Don’t get it twisted, we’re not watching you because you are working on a car with fancy pants parts.
We appreciate you! Brother.
If I could I would send you the parts. But then I probably wouldn’t have written this.
Bummer about the seats and interior. Good luck pulling all the pieces together- we’ll be here watching all the while.
I just bought an 84 Esprit, and have been loving all the lotus content available. Your channel is one of the coolest and most informative in restoration and imagination.
Can't wait to see things develop for your car, and wish you the best in this journey. Cheers!