Loose lower front wing

[GreasyJoe]

I'm a new owner so on a steep learning curve at the moment.

This one is the drivers side, front wing. Lower section above the sill is not fastened to anything so sticks out slightly.
I've included a pic where I've carefully lifted it away slightly to emphasise it.

The Elan is totally new to me, just 3 days in, so can you advise if there is some kind of retaining clip that's gone missing or any other information to get the wing back where it should be.

[HJ2]

Open the door and have a look at the a-panel bottom (thats what the wing is called)
There should be 2 bolts in there, perhaps they are not tightened.

They tend to rust so soak in penetration oil a couple of days before attemting anything!
Pray that the nut under it is still okay…

Good luck!

[par]

Here is a picture of what is behind the A-panel which may help, you should be able to make out one of the fixing points at the bottom where I had to use Riv-nuts as the original fixing had completely rusted away thanks to the strategically placed drain tube which directs water straight into this area.

[GreasyJoe]

Thanks all for your responses. Will be delving in with my can of 40 for a squirt session and hopefully get the wayward wing back in place in next few days!

[GreasyJoe]

After a long time I've finally got the clamp nuts replaced, the clamp bar de-rusted and painted and new bolts in place.
Tried to remove the panel but the little top nut kept turning and going nowhere.
In the end just did the work with the panel in place though slightly away from its final location.
Lots of huffing and puffing, aching fingers, arms legs and back, digging through the tool box I got the old crumbling clamp nuts out and the new ones in.
Think the clamp nut closest to the open door took like 30 mins to get done, the one tucked away at the back took 2 days in time but eventually did it. Using an Allen headed bolt and a nut to compress it in that tight area was nearly a 'sod this' moment a number of times.
Bit of faffing about again screwing the new bolts in place but now I have the panel back where it should be and not catching on the door. It will not be going anywhere!
Unfortunately as was never addressed by the previous owner its worn some of the paint off from the constant rubbing when opening and closing the door against the panel, so will need touching up for now.

Next job drivers side headlight pod has a squint. Repair kit for the motors cogs, etc. wow you have to take the wheel liner off first. Anything on these cars that is straight forward? Seems to be a constant fight. Nearly fainted watching the youtube vid on changing the timing belt!

[muley]

Great post, did make me laugh.

(I keep a bottle of 'man-up juice' in the garage for those oh so many 'sod this' moments)