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Anglia windscreens used a universal seal, cut and joined along the bottom edge. Then the seal was sprayed with a water-based lubricant and the screen laid on top and gradually eased (and thumped) into place. Use strong string pushed into the seal and then pull it past the edge of the screen to ease the lip of the seal over the screen. Fit the chrome seal filler.

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Fitting the rear window is the same. The Plus 2 originally came with two 1/2in hoses leading from the fuel tank up the roof pillars for breathers. These perish and leave the car stinking of fuel. Spyder use a single hose to connect it to an extra pipe at the end of the fuel filler neck. The other fuel tank connection is used as an overflow return from the swirl pot.

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Nearly there, but you can almost guarantee that the rear bumpers have rotted away. Fortunately, new replacements are available. Curiously, the front bumpers rarely need to be replaced, just rechromed. They were sourced from Ford's 105E Anglia, in case you're interested. Spyder also had all other brightwork parts rechromed at the same time.

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The Plus 2's pop up headlights were designed to be operated by vacuum, drawn from the engines manifold. Unfortunately, if the vacuum system fails, the lights fail to raise or to stay up. Spyder modify the system to remain raised if the vacuum system fails. They also fit halogen H4 headlight units in place of the old sealed beams.

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Leave the bonnet of until everything is connected and the engine is at least roughly running - it helps access as well as protecting the paintwork on the bonnet while fitting the screen, vents, wipers, etc. The bonnet simply bolts into place but take care to set the catches properly: slamming the bonnet may eventually crack the surrounding fibreglass.

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And here's the (virtually) finished car. Spyder now fit a twin silencer exhaust system for added refinement, which still sounds properly sporty. With just one man working on this car it proves that the chassis swap and Zetec conversion can be completed in approximately six hard-working weekends, assuming that professionals sort the bodywork and trim.

PROJECT PROFILE

THE PLUS 2 was the Lotus company's attempt to build on the success of the two-seater Elan, by adding rear seats and a few luxurious touches. The backbone chassis of the Elan was lengthened and the glassfibre body was all-new.

The new model emerged in 1967 and sold well. However, it's never been as popular as the two-seater Elan and many have been abandoned as beyond economic repair, even though the bodies are usually still good.  Spyder's Zetec conversion addresses this, being cheaper than a restoration to original specifications.  The resulting car is also significantly faster, more reliable and better to drive.

Car: £1000 (£1600 purchase, minus £600 for parts sold) 

The company later developed chassis for other Lotus models.  The Spyder chassis (for Elan and Plus 2) will now accommodate the original Twin-Cam or the Zetec, and the original four- or five-speed gearboxes, or a modern Ford five-speeder.

PRACTICAL CLASSICS JUNE  2003

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