Lotus Elan Central

by **Paul.P** » Mon 10.07.2006, 18:56

Ok folks, so whats the bumpers made of, i think its not fibreglass, but don't know what it is made of.
My bodyshop needs to know, to do repairs.

by **Gary** » Mon 10.07.2006, 19:38

plastic?

by **F1 LOTUS** » Mon 10.07.2006, 20:26

'Flexible reinforced polyurethane'

by **Paul.P** » Mon 10.07.2006, 20:39

F1 LOTUS wrote:'Flexible reinforced polyurethane'

Now thats a more sensible answer, cheers mate !

by **F1 LOTUS** » Mon 10.07.2006, 20:52

...or vinegar and brown paper (BRG models?)

by **TommyK** » Tue 11.07.2006, 06:33

Paul.P wrote:Ok folks, so whats the bumpers made of, i think its not fibreglass, but don't know what it is made of.
My bodyshop needs to know, to do repairs.

Repairs?!? Do tell...

by **Paul.P** » Tue 11.07.2006, 07:26

Tommy, some Mondeo rep driver hit me up the arse last wednesday on the way to East midland lotus meet. I pulled up at a junction to let car past, & he thought better of stopping !. Although its nothing major, he hit me on left hand side of bumper, bumper has got to be completely stripped & repainted, & its took a very small piece out of the wheel arch section & done some crazing in section above centre line. Its more annoying than anything, as you wanna drive in the summer, not have car stuck in repair shop !

by **Gazza** » Tue 11.07.2006, 09:37

Paul

Glad to hear it is only minor damage, but have you lifted the boot carpet to see if the boot floor is o.k?

My first Elan was written off because of this :evil:

Gary

by **johnbenk** » Tue 11.07.2006, 15:08

Hi

They are from a PRIM material Reinforced Reactive Injection bonded to a stiffening and shock absorbing composite armature.

Painting should be with the Bumpers REMOVED and put ON A STAND.

A "flex Agent" should be added to the paint to help combat stone chips.

If using a HVLP Gun it should be sprayed at "Handspan" width with NO ARM ARC at the end of the GUN PASS.

You Body shop will understand what the above means. If the painter follows the curve of the bumper with the Gun he will leave an even depost of paint just where stone chips seem to "HIT"

With an "arm arc" the paint misses these areas and is not as even in thickness. The" flex agent is added with the paint and thinners. Data sheet comes with the flex agent.

Try to go for "Clear over Base" paint rather than "Waterbourne" paint that the modern body shops are now using.

by **Paul.P** » Wed 12.07.2006, 21:55

Checked Gary, no visable damage, it was only a very light knock, mind you the paint on the bumper has crazed significantly.
Insurance quote is £1157 !

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