Lotus Elan Central

by **gtm100** » Sun 26.08.2007, 20:13

I couldn't wait for developments as it was too embarassing to arrive everywhere with wet trousers (it's not so bad when you are going home) so I have worked out a DIY solution using standard off the shelf profiles at about £10 per side see http://lotuselancentral.com/forum/viewt ... c&start=60 for how I did it. Would you believe it? It hasn't rained since so I havn't been able to test them for real.

by **surfboardfiller** » Mon 27.08.2007, 12:23

geoffsmith wrote:
tweetdriver63 wrote:Anyway, if the patent holder, in this case, I assume, Lotus,

A patent will only be granted against something that is new and innovative and hasn't previously been disclosed. Seals have been around for years, so they could not patent them unless provided a radically new feature.

If 'we' managed to get Lotus specifications for the seals and got someone to manufacture to that specification, then we could be in for trouble. If we approach a manufacturer to "make something to keep the wind and rain out of that gap" or if we define a specification, then as you say, there is not an issue - this is how the aftermarket parts come into being anyway.

Usual legal cop-out - IMHO!

IMHO the shape should be different anyway as this would avoid copyright problems and if done well, keep the rain out! It's no good replacing with the same old crap. IMHO

:-D

by **tweetdriver63** » Wed 29.08.2007, 05:21

Is anybody getting anywhere with Lotus, or any other potential supplier?

I don't know jack about rubber manufacturing, or anything like that, but ignoring any legal issues, are these seals something that a company like trim-lok could affordably fabricate for us?

There's a local company in my town that calls itself a "rubber and gasket" company, and advertises custom work. Could I just go to them with the car and say, "I need you to make me these?"

I realize this is probably a stupid question, and I've read this whole thread, but much of it lost me in the technical rubber fabrication methods stuff.

Website · by **theelanman** » Wed 29.08.2007, 09:18

tweetdriver63 wrote:There's a local company in my town that calls itself a "rubber and gasket" company, and advertises custom work. Could I just go to them with the car and say, "I need you to make me these?"

Id say yes......if its a different material and very similar there should be no argument about copyright......
the other thing being that we dont really want a copy of the old ones as we all know they dont work that well....wot we'd like is something that fits the pillar and door, made of rubber or rubbery foam stuff and doesnt let the water in :-D

....

see what they say

by **Rogerf** » Wed 29.08.2007, 18:31

I can feel a group buy coming on!! :wink:

Good luck
Roger

by **tweetdriver63** » Sun 02.09.2007, 06:33

Well. The local shop said they're not capable of fabricating the seals for me. They pointed me in the direction of another company about two hours away, in Jackson Mississippi. I'll contact them as soon as I can. I'll be going there a couple of times in the next few months anyway. I'll post if I get anywhere.

by **adecruz** » Tue 16.10.2007, 13:46

I'm in Singapore and recently purchased another Elan, this will be my 4th Elan in 12 years. Tried lving without it and I only lasted 6months before I caved in again. Anyway, I have with me a pair of 'A' pliiar seals in Singapore. How I got it was when I was introduced an Import/export guy who deals with automotive parts. Showed him what I wanted a week later and US$450 lighter excluding freight charges I now have the seals. I have measured/ compared it to the existing ones on the car and they are a match. (Pls see attached photos) It did not come with part numbers but my guess is that it came from Korea (KIA Elan) Bulk purchase is possible according to the supplier.
Regards,
Allan

by **Sy V** » Sat 03.11.2007, 18:30

I have been made aware of a possible source for A Post seals (but I'm not at liberty to divulge the details of my source). I have tested this source out and have received 6 initial pairs without problem. This offer is only open to members who I know or who have been long-standing participants in the forum.
I am awaiting confirmation but I think they'll work out at ~£260/pair from now on.

Please PM me if you are in need and can afford to pay straight away and I will forward the payment instructions once I have confirmed the price.

There will be a wait (after payment) so that a batch can be delivered to me for onward distribution.

by **rip** » Sat 03.11.2007, 18:45

Available A post seals?
I will be interested to see these tomorrow. I am not ready to purchase yet though.
As I understand it, I am not qualified to get some anyway. Not yet at least.

by **Sy V** » Sat 03.11.2007, 20:21

Jack/Rip

1130 at my car in the cowsheds, tomorrow.

by **GeoffSmith** » Sat 03.11.2007, 20:57

Santa comes early. :smt111

by **Specky** » Sat 03.11.2007, 23:34

Sy V wrote:Jack/Rip

1130 at my car in the cowsheds, tomorrow.

Fight Fight Fight Fight Fight....

My money is on Rip...

TTFN

by **DaveO** » Mon 05.11.2007, 14:57

Sy, so you found another supplier in Korea !!!!

What's the chances of individuals ordering direct from them, and what other parts are available ?

by **woody** » Mon 05.11.2007, 16:06

Umm Kia Rear Lights possibly ?

by **Sy V** » Tue 06.11.2007, 09:13

I think someone's taking 2+2 and making five here.
Who mentioned Korea or anywhere in the far East for that matter.

by **GeoffSmith** » Tue 06.11.2007, 09:23

Sy V wrote:I think someone's taking 2+2 and making five here.

More like 6¼ - they didn't look very Korean to me! :lol:

by **dapinky** » Tue 06.11.2007, 11:26

The writing on mine looks far more like it comes from a GMT-6 time zone, than a GMT+9 one!

(and, unless I'm mistaken, there is a faint whiff of Maple about them :wink:

)

by **DaveO** » Tue 06.11.2007, 13:24

dapinky wrote:The writing on mine looks far more like it comes from a GMT-6 time zone, than a GMT+9 one!

(and, unless I'm mistaken, there is a faint whiff of Maple about them )

They're all made in Canada, including the ones sold in Korea.

by **DaveO** » Tue 06.11.2007, 13:25

woody wrote:Umm Kia Rear Lights possibly ?

I heard that they're all sold out, but I'd also be keen if you find a source.

by **dapinky** » Tue 06.11.2007, 14:16

DaveO wrote:
dapinky wrote:The writing on mine looks far more like it comes from a GMT-6 time zone, than a GMT+9 one!

(and, unless I'm mistaken, there is a faint whiff of Maple about them )

They're all made in Canada, including the ones sold in Korea.

....ahh.....

.......but.......

....I know where i sent the PayPal money to, and in which $ currency :wink:

Lotus Elan Central

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