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Re: Maintenance after storage

 

Hi Peter,

It has been reported that rotors where the contact on top is RIVETED are not very reliable. Just a heads-hp for anyone planning to replace these parts.

Also, replace your spark plug wires if more than a decade old.

Measure the resistance of your coil, replace if out of spec...resistance is in the Service Notes.
--
Atwell Haines
'88 Esprit Turbo
Succasunna, NJ USA
Re: Centre console loose wires

 

On Thu, 18 Jan 2024 at 09:55, John M via groups.io
<john.mrozik@...> wrote:

You’re quite right, although it was sold to me as an S3 it’s not, rather just a Lotus Esprit
Usually referred to as an X180, after its internal Lotus project
number, or as a 'Stevens' after Peter Sevens who did the restyle.

The S4 came later; because Lotus.

--
Paul Compton
www.paulcompton.co.uk (YouTube channel)
Re: Centre console loose wires

 

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You’re quite right, although it was sold to me as an S3 it’s not, rather just a Lotus Esprit ?- I’m pretty sure it’s the model below?

?

?

From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Paul Compton
Sent: 18 January 2024 08:01
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [S1S2euroS3LotusEspritOwners] Centre console loose wires

?

If it's really a 1990 car, it's not an S3 (unless very late registered).?

?

On Thu, 18 Jan 2024 at 02:13, Dave Everett <daveeverett01@...> wrote:

I checked my wiring diagrams and could not find. Lilac/black that would be there. But my Esprit is an S2/S3 so five years earlier.?

?

I concluded I had nothing to report.

?

Dave

?

On Thu, 18 Jan 2024 at 13:06, Bill Galbraith <Lotus@...> wrote:

I guess no one else wants to answer this. I don’t know S3s, but have you checked the wiring diagram?

?

Nd Bill

?

From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of John M via
Sent: Tuesday, January 16, 2024 7:27 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [S1S2euroS3LotusEspritOwners] Centre console loose wires

?

Hi Guys
I'm currently in the process of refurbishing the interior of the S3 (1990) and when I removed the centre console I found that someone had left 4 loose wires - see photo - does anyone know to what they should be connected?

The unconnected wires are -
Large gauge Green & a Black
Smaller gauge black & a purple/black

Many thanks
John

?
Re: Centre console loose wires

 

If it's really a 1990 car, it's not an S3 (unless very late registered).?


On Thu, 18 Jan 2024 at 02:13, Dave Everett <daveeverett01@...> wrote:
I checked my wiring diagrams and could not find. Lilac/black that would be there. But my Esprit is an S2/S3 so five years earlier.?

I concluded I had nothing to report.

Dave

On Thu, 18 Jan 2024 at 13:06, Bill Galbraith <Lotus@...> wrote:

I guess no one else wants to answer this. I don’t know S3s, but have you checked the wiring diagram?

?

Nd Bill

?

From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of John M via
Sent: Tuesday, January 16, 2024 7:27 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [S1S2euroS3LotusEspritOwners] Centre console loose wires

?

Hi Guys
I'm currently in the process of refurbishing the interior of the S3 (1990) and when I removed the centre console I found that someone had left 4 loose wires - see photo - does anyone know to what they should be connected?

The unconnected wires are -
Large gauge Green & a Black
Smaller gauge black & a purple/black

Many thanks
John


Virus-free.



--
Paul Compton
(YouTube channel)
Re: Maintenance after storage

 

Anyone with a S1 or S2 in the , Toronto, Mississauga, Oakville, Hamilton, Grimsby, Niagara?Falls area that is extremely knowledgeable of these cars. I have some questions in regards to ignition , Cap , Rotors, Electronic ignition. And also someone who understands ,
WEBER'S 40 DCOE-18
People call Peter at 905-643-0554


On Wed., Jan. 17, 2024, 11:42 p.m. Selbe, Shah, <shah.selbe@...> wrote:
Thank you all for the great advice everyone! I was familiar with the Soup Classic channel and would certainly watch a few of those episodes again before diving in. Also, thanks for the link to the timing video Bill.

The car was running fine-ish when parked but was just put into storage because work/life got hectic. Before I knew it, a decade went by! Funny how life does that to you. The only issue with the car previously was an ignition issue. This car was updated to an MSD 6A/Pertronix system by the previous owner, and I would have issues with?it frying rotors randomly. I didn't sort that out before storing the vehicle so that is something I plan to chase down as well.?

I may just pull the engine/transaxle anyways to get a good look at everything before getting it roadworthy again. If that isn't a huge task, then I feels like it might be worth it.?

Thanks again,?
Shah

Re: Maintenance after storage

 

Thank you all for the great advice everyone! I was familiar with the Soup Classic channel and would certainly watch a few of those episodes again before diving in. Also, thanks for the link to the timing video Bill.

The car was running fine-ish when parked but was just put into storage because work/life got hectic. Before I knew it, a decade went by! Funny how life does that to you. The only issue with the car previously was an ignition issue. This car was updated to an MSD 6A/Pertronix system by the previous owner, and I would have issues with?it frying rotors randomly. I didn't sort that out before storing the vehicle so that is something I plan to chase down as well.?

I may just pull the engine/transaxle anyways to get a good look at everything before getting it roadworthy again. If that isn't a huge task, then I feels like it might be worth it.?

Thanks again,?
Shah
Re: Centre console loose wires

 

I checked my wiring diagrams and could not find. Lilac/black that would be there. But my Esprit is an S2/S3 so five years earlier.?

I concluded I had nothing to report.

Dave

On Thu, 18 Jan 2024 at 13:06, Bill Galbraith <Lotus@...> wrote:

I guess no one else wants to answer this. I don’t know S3s, but have you checked the wiring diagram?

?

Nd Bill

?

From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of John M via
Sent: Tuesday, January 16, 2024 7:27 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [S1S2euroS3LotusEspritOwners] Centre console loose wires

?

Hi Guys
I'm currently in the process of refurbishing the interior of the S3 (1990) and when I removed the centre console I found that someone had left 4 loose wires - see photo - does anyone know to what they should be connected?

The unconnected wires are -
Large gauge Green & a Black
Smaller gauge black & a purple/black

Many thanks
John


Virus-free.
Re: Centre console loose wires

 

开云体育

I guess no one else wants to answer this. I don’t know S3s, but have you checked the wiring diagram?

?

Bill

?

From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of John M via groups.io
Sent: Tuesday, January 16, 2024 7:27 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [S1S2euroS3LotusEspritOwners] Centre console loose wires

?

Hi Guys
I'm currently in the process of refurbishing the interior of the S3 (1990) and when I removed the centre console I found that someone had left 4 loose wires - see photo - does anyone know to what they should be connected?

The unconnected wires are -
Large gauge Green & a Black
Smaller gauge black & a purple/black

Many thanks
John


Virus-free.
Re: Maintenance after storage

 

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If you are going to do the timing belt with the engine I, I have a video on my web site showing how to do it, without the body in the way. Certainly makes it easier to understand what you are doing, since you can’t really see it.

?

?

Bill

?

From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of ZenHorizon via groups.io
Sent: Wednesday, January 17, 2024 8:18 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [S1S2euroS3LotusEspritOwners] Maintenance after storage

?

Shah, I also have an s2 in the USA. I have ordered from every single vendor. Tim is out most knowledgeable man here for sure. But when you go to order stuff, feel free to email me your list of parts and I can tell you who would be the best to order through and the best updates to do. Uprated s3 style motor mounts, updated engine stays etc. I've had really hit or miss build quality with sjs. Jae is fabulous, no one has mentioned r dent out of PA who also has been a godsend for me for some local specific oem stuff, and if they don't have it they know the people who will. Regardless of you need some to review ya list and say yeh don't order this item from this vendor, this one's a better deal or better quality, lemme know. I've legit completely tore my entire car and rebuilt it at this point. There alot of info available for us on this forum, but not many videos. So if suggest watching George's channel who's overseas restoring a series 2. He uses a specific editing style that really helps you see how the parts come apart. Of you are going to be taking the car or parts apart check out his channel. You will be so thankful to see a video of how it's done and it will really help you visualize the job ahead of you. They sure helped me. If you go to playlist you can see all of his lotus videos.??. My email is zenhorizon@... if ya need help. I sometimes gotta ask a question or stuff on here and luckily most the times I get answers lol. Best of luck!? ?- Blake

?

?

Sent with secure email.

?

On Wednesday, January 17th, 2024 at 6:55 PM, Selbe, Shah <shah.selbe@...> wrote:


Wow thank you all (Murray, Bill, Tim, and Steve) for the great info here! It sounds like I have a healthy bit of work ahead of me. Fortunately, the car was stored in a rather dry climate and covered and garaged, so I hope the issues around rusted parts during the storage will be less likely. Either way, I will be sure to check all the things listed here. Going to pull together a shopping list of stuff based on this feedback. I live about 1.5 hours from JAE (and just down the street from Lotus by Claudius) but already have an order opened with SJ Sportscars so maybe I can sneak in a few extras into that shipment.

I will certainly do a search of things on here to learn more. Does any of this work require pulling the engine or do you think I could get away with leaving it in place??

?


Virus-free.
Re: Maintenance after storage

 

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Do you know why the car was parked up?

?

If I were in your shoes, I’d get a new timing belt on there and run a compression check. That will help assess the state of the engine. I’m sure Tim The Wizard will have more on that topic. You’ll probably want to check the valve clearance.

?

If you have to pull the fuel tanks because of rust holes, I’ve heard that it’s easier with the engine out. It’s not actually that hard to pull the engine and transaxle, then you can get easy access to everything like water pump, timing belt tensioner, and cam holders if the valves are out. While it’s out, a good excuse to replace the throw out bearing, clutch and pressure plate to ensure years of trouble-free driving.

?

A little tip for you, and for others. I had a water pump bolt break off, so I had to pull the engine. Look up Rescue Bit on Amazon. It always me to eat out the steel bolt out of the aluminum block without too much damage to the threads. They were still there, but not strong enough to hold a bolt. Look up Time-Sert on Amazon as well. It’s basically a solid helicoil, or a headless bolt with a threaded hold down the center. You drill the aluminum hole out larger, and insert a Time-Sert, which is steel. You are then screwing your steel bolt into a steel insert. Sweet stuff.

?

Bill

?

From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Selbe, Shah
Sent: Wednesday, January 17, 2024 6:56 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [S1S2euroS3LotusEspritOwners] Maintenance after storage

?

Wow thank you all (Murray, Bill, Tim, and Steve) for the great info here! It sounds like I have a healthy bit of work ahead of me. Fortunately, the car was stored in a rather dry climate and covered and garaged, so I hope the issues around rusted parts during the storage will be less likely. Either way, I will be sure to check all the things listed here. Going to pull together a shopping list of stuff based on this feedback. I live about 1.5 hours from JAE (and just down the street from Lotus by Claudius) but already have an order opened with SJ Sportscars so maybe I can sneak in a few extras into that shipment.

I will certainly do a search of things on here to learn more. Does any of this work require pulling the engine or do you think I could get away with leaving it in place??


Virus-free.
Re: Maintenance after storage

 

Shah, I also have an s2 in the USA. I have ordered from every single vendor. Tim is out most knowledgeable man here for sure. But when you go to order stuff, feel free to email me your list of parts and I can tell you who would be the best to order through and the best updates to do. Uprated s3 style motor mounts, updated engine stays etc. I've had really hit or miss build quality with sjs. Jae is fabulous, no one has mentioned r dent out of PA who also has been a godsend for me for some local specific oem stuff, and if they don't have it they know the people who will. Regardless of you need some to review ya list and say yeh don't order this item from this vendor, this one's a better deal or better quality, lemme know. I've legit completely tore my entire car and rebuilt it at this point. There alot of info available for us on this forum, but not many videos. So if suggest watching George's channel who's overseas restoring a series 2. He uses a specific editing style that really helps you see how the parts come apart. Of you are going to be taking the car or parts apart check out his channel. You will be so thankful to see a video of how it's done and it will really help you visualize the job ahead of you. They sure helped me. If you go to playlist you can see all of his lotus videos.??. My email is zenhorizon@... if ya need help. I sometimes gotta ask a question or stuff on here and luckily most the times I get answers lol. Best of luck!? ?- Blake


Sent with secure email.

On Wednesday, January 17th, 2024 at 6:55 PM, Selbe, Shah <shah.selbe@...> wrote:

Wow thank you all (Murray, Bill, Tim, and Steve) for the great info here! It sounds like I have a healthy bit of work ahead of me. Fortunately, the car was stored in a rather dry climate and covered and garaged, so I hope the issues around rusted parts during the storage will be less likely. Either way, I will be sure to check all the things listed here. Going to pull together a shopping list of stuff based on this feedback. I live about 1.5 hours from JAE (and just down the street from Lotus by Claudius) but already have an order opened with SJ Sportscars so maybe I can sneak in a few extras into that shipment.

I will certainly do a search of things on here to learn more. Does any of this work require pulling the engine or do you think I could get away with leaving it in place??

Re: Maintenance after storage

 

Do not brace yourself against... or put any weight on the intake manifold. You risk cracking some of them. The early 907 Zenith-Stromberg manifold is pretty strong, you can pull the engine just by wrapping lift straps around it. But some later intake manifolds can be cracked just by leaning upon them. If you don't know which is which, don't lay upon them!!

Regards,
Tim Engel


01/17/2024, 6:33PM, gsauerphd1, <gsauerphd@...> wrote:
I just made a nice mat over the top of my engine and laid down on that and did it all but it certainly takes getting used to.
(Snip)...
Re: Maintenance after storage

 

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I just made a nice mat over the top of my engine and laid down on that and did it all but it certainly takes getting used to. But painting it also so had the hatch off which helped. And yes, I replaced the tensioner unit, the water pump, which turned out was not the original style, and then didn’t have a core to give to JAE but they supplied me with a nice one and the tensioner, I got from SJ and the belt I got from the Jensen Healy guys. Then I replaced all the other belts plus the air conditioning compressor thinking that had lived its life. And all new hoses and found out that the water hoses were actually attached incorrectly, which was really odd, and hard to figure out why my expansion tank never used any fluid coolant. And had to replace both fuel tanks so be sure about yours as you’re digging around that deep in the engine and that rubber stuff on top of the fuel tanks, makes them rot just from condensation from changing temperatures not from water anywhere else. Gordon.?

On Jan 17, 2024, at 5:55?PM, Selbe, Shah <shah.selbe@...> wrote:

?Wow thank you all (Murray, Bill, Tim, and Steve) for the great info here! It sounds like I have a healthy bit of work ahead of me. Fortunately, the car was stored in a rather dry climate and covered and garaged, so I hope the issues around rusted parts during the storage will be less likely. Either way, I will be sure to check all the things listed here. Going to pull together a shopping list of stuff based on this feedback. I live about 1.5 hours from JAE (and just down the street from Lotus by Claudius) but already have an order opened with SJ Sportscars so maybe I can sneak in a few extras into that shipment.

I will certainly do a search of things on here to learn more. Does any of this work require pulling the engine or do you think I could get away with leaving it in place??

Re: Maintenance after storage

 

Wow thank you all (Murray, Bill, Tim, and Steve) for the great info here! It sounds like I have a healthy bit of work ahead of me. Fortunately, the car was stored in a rather dry climate and covered and garaged, so I hope the issues around rusted parts during the storage will be less likely. Either way, I will be sure to check all the things listed here. Going to pull together a shopping list of stuff based on this feedback. I live about 1.5 hours from JAE (and just down the street from Lotus by Claudius) but already have an order opened with SJ Sportscars so maybe I can sneak in a few extras into that shipment.

I will certainly do a search of things on here to learn more. Does any of this work require pulling the engine or do you think I could get away with leaving it in place??
Re: Maintenance after storage

 

I am in agreement with both Tim and Bill in regard to all points cited and wil add a couple further notes. Whenever you change out ( replace ) the distributor rotor, cap, or plug wires retain the oldies until the newer items are thoroughly checked out in service. I have had experience with confounding ignition trouble due to the most minute, barely visible fault with a rotor. Also, you may find it impossible to engage any gears with the engine running, car at rest, indicating that the clutch disc is bonded to the flywheel by rust. This is not uncommon at any point, probably most prevalent in moist climates. We'll talk you through freeing that up if needed. Great car for the discerning driver, worth the cost and effort to see it made right.

Cheers
Steve
Re: Maintenance after storage

 

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Shah,

?

Welcome to the group, and to Lotus ownership.

?

I have a web page with lots of good information on it.

?

You will find the service and parts manuals. Even with the infamous “It ran when it was parked”, you have no idea of the condition when it was parked. I would recommend checking EVERYTHING in Schedule A and B.

?

DO NOT TURN THE ENGINE OVER WITH THE STARTERUNTIL YOU REPLACE THE TIMING BELT.? If the belt breaks, it is very likely you will bend valves.

?

With the timing belt, you want to replace the other drive belts, probably rebuild the water pump.

?

I would suggest replacing all the rubber hose, including fuel, coolant, and brake hoses. Yes, I said brake hoses. If the clutch hose is translucent plastic, replace it with the braided stainless steel hose available.

?

At a minimum, flush the brake fluid and clutch fluid. Your better bet is to rebuild the master and slave cylinders. Kits are available to replace the rubber parts. I hope you are handy. The emergency brake part of the rear calipers is probably frozen. Remove and soak in a 50/50 mixture of acetone and ATF for many days, removing and exercising it daily until it is loose, then another day or so.

?

If you are still running ignition points, replace them with an electronic ignition. Pertronix offers a bolt-in unit that is pretty good, but I’ve had trouble. I converted to a F.A.S.T. system like Tim Engel has, but don’t have as much experience as Tim.

?

There are parts suppliers in California such as Dave Bean and JAE for the normal expendable parts. Those guys are extremely helpful. However, with the amount of parts that you need to buy, you might consider getting parts from SJ Sports Cars. They not only stock the normal replacement parts, but also the harder to find trim parts, etc. I love that they have an online catalog with prices. Prices are cheaper, but shipping is a bit more. However, if you put in a big order, and can wait a couple extra days, you will save money.

?

Search the archives for this group, as EVERY question has been asked and answered.

?

Bill

79 S2 JPS 24

77 S1 “Charro”

?

?

?

From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Selbe, Shah
Sent: Wednesday, January 17, 2024 1:28 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [S1S2euroS3LotusEspritOwners] Maintenance after storage

?

Hi all,?

?

I am new to the group here. I am eager to be more active in this community.?

?

I have a 1979 S2 that has been covered and in garaged storage for around a decade. It was running fine when parked. I am looking to bring it out and get it on the road again. What sort of maintenance would?you?recommend before starting it up for the first time? I was planning to change the fluids and possibly replace the timing belt, but I wanted to ask the experts here what they would do in that situation. What are some key problem areas to watch out for? What would you replace/check while doing the timing belt?

?

Thanks,

Shah Selbe


Virus-free.
Re: Maintenance after storage

 

Definitely replace the timing belt and tensioner bearing. The belt is OLD, and sitting idle is harder on it than normal, periodic use. The belt is 'trash', and the bearing isn't far behind it. Replace both. The follow-up trick is to set the belt's tension correctly. For that you'll need a proper tension gauge. We can talk about procedure when you get closer to doing the job.

The Lotus 9XX series engines are "interference engines". That means if the timing belt fails (breaks) or jumps timing, the pistons will collide with the valves, and bend them all in a heartbeat. Timing belt maintenance is critically important, and not to be ignored.

Now would be a very good time to check all the valve clearances. If they're out of spec, then re-shim the clearances. If you're going to do one, then do them all.
0.005"-0.007" Intake
0.010"-0.012" Exhaust

While you're in there (ie, timing belt off), replace the V-belts. They're old.

Also 'while you're in there', now would be a good time to rebuild the water pump and replace the front main seal. If you elect not to replace it now, and it leaks after the car is back on the road, then replacing it will involve first removing much of the stuff you just removed and replaced.
Would you like to do it again? If not, then replace the seal 'while you're in there".

The fuel in the tanks, hoses and carbs has all gone bad over time. In the process, varnish deposits have probably plugged all the carb's jets. Even the balance pipe that connects the two tanks could be plugged solid (I've seen that happen). Plan on draining and cleaning the entire fuel system. Replace all the rubber fuel hoses with modern 'ethanol compatible' hoses. CLEAN the carbs. At a minimum, remove and clean the jets. But it wouldn't surprise me if a full disassembly & clean is required. Replace the accelerator pump's rubber diaphragm!

The ignition shouldn't require a full rebuild, but do give it a complete tune-up. What is in the distributor... breaker points, Lumenition, Pertronix... etc?

Thoroughly drain the engine oil. Replace the oil filter, and fill the sump with a high-ZDDP, 20W50 (or 10W60) motor oil.

Drain and refill the transaxle. I recommend Redline MT-90.

Drain the brake lines, refill and bleed the system. It is common for the brake discs to rust in the spot where the pads sit for all those years. In that case, the discs will all have to be machined. If the rust went too deep, then the discs will have to be replaced. Now would be a very good time to rebuild the brake calipers.

All new tires! 10+ year old rubber is toast.

Expect to have some electrical issues to deal with. Nothing specific, but a lot of idle/sleepy electric connections have probably corroded. In a fiberglass bodied car, electrical grounds are all "wired" in (no simply grounding to the body). Expect to be chasing bad grounds for a while.

Regards,
Tim Engel


01/17/2024, 12:27PM, Selbe, Shah <shah.selbe@...> wrote:

Hi all,

I am new to the group here. I am eager to be more active in this community.

I have a 1979 S2 that has been covered and in garaged storage for around a decade. It was running fine when parked. I am looking to bring it out and get it on the road again. What sort of maintenance would?you?recommend before starting it up for the first time? I was planning to change the fluids and possibly replace the timing belt, but I wanted to ask the experts here what they would do in that situation. What are some key problem areas to watch out for? What would you replace/check while doing the timing belt?

Thanks,
Shah Selbe
Re: Maintenance after storage

 

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Shah, I have a friend that has an Esprit S1 that he just bought that was stored since 2012. He can talk you through what may be needed. You can text Peter at +1 (905) 643-0554 and he’d be happy to talk you through it. He is not on the email list - I’ll make sure to get him added.?

Good luck?

Murray Graham


On Jan 17, 2024, at 2:02?PM, Selbe, Shah <shah.selbe@...> wrote:

?Hi all,?
?
I am new to the group here. I am eager to be more active in this community.?
?
I have a 1979 S2 that has been covered and in garaged storage for around a decade. It was running fine when parked. I am looking to bring it out and get it on the road again. What sort of maintenance would?you?recommend before starting it up for the first time? I was planning to change the fluids and possibly replace the timing belt, but I wanted to ask the experts here what they would do in that situation. What are some key problem areas to watch out for? What would you replace/check while doing the timing belt?
?
Thanks,
Shah Selbe
Maintenance after storage

 

Hi all,?
?
I am new to the group here. I am eager to be more active in this community.?
?
I have a 1979 S2 that has been covered and in garaged storage for around a decade. It was running fine when parked. I am looking to bring it out and get it on the road again. What sort of maintenance would?you?recommend before starting it up for the first time? I was planning to change the fluids and possibly replace the timing belt, but I wanted to ask the experts here what they would do in that situation. What are some key problem areas to watch out for? What would you replace/check while doing the timing belt?
?
Thanks,
Shah Selbe
Centre console loose wires

 

Hi Guys
I'm currently in the process of refurbishing the interior of the S3 (1990) and when I removed the centre console I found that someone had left 4 loose wires - see photo - does anyone know to what they should be connected?

The unconnected wires are -
Large gauge Green & a Black
Smaller gauge black & a purple/black

Many thanks
John

centre console wires.jpg

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