LGM Federal Tail light Valance

[lotusgirlmarie]

Now that the LGM turbo upgrade is finally coming to a close I've decided to finish up on the valance. As it sits now it is very near completion of the prototype. I already have started a mould for it and willl be producing a VERY limited quantity due to time constraints. This valance will only fit the Federal models unfortunately. It will include the valance and new plate lights. Cost is not yet exact but if I had to guess I'd say around $600 USD because of the mould. Projected delivery time would be the third quarter next year....possibly sooner depending on time.

As for a UK model? Dunno...... Without a car to test fit the prototype on Im not sure I can get a good seal at the top edge nor amm I sure on the plate placement. The Federal cars also has to "bumps" that limit the size of the plate depression. Im not sure if the UK plates would fit. I'd be happy to give dimensions though and if someone was willing to play guinea pig........ We'll see what happens.

Required items for completion: Lotus Elise/Exige or Esprit round lamps and 1 Lotus nose emblem (the Valance has a recess in it to have the emblem sit flush as on the bonnet)

1. Ekapol
2.
3.
4.
5. LGM
6.???? depending on time

[lotos]

How much are the Elise lights?

Curious - how bad would an 18 year old paint job match new paint on the valance?

[Doc Fizzix]

How much are the Elise lights?

Curious - how bad would an 18 year old paint job match new paint on the valance?

Your paint is fine Randy, car is like new and spent most of its life in a garage.



Marie, I am in

1. Ekapol
2. Doc Fizzix
3.
4.
5. LGM
6.???? depending on time

[Doc Fizzix]

If it matters, I want mine un-painted

[lotos]

1. Ekapol
2. Doc Fizzix
3. lotos (Randy)
4.
5. LGM
6.???? depending on time

Thanks, Marie.

[lotusgirlmarie]

The light pricing really depends on which sets you want. LED or lamp. As for the emblem, eBay. Dealers are way to expensive.

[XiPHiAS]

I'm slightly intrested but ...

- I own a EU version
- 600$ + shipment is very expensive

[lotos]

The light pricing really depends on which sets you want. LED or lamp. As for the emblem, eBay. Dealers are way to expensive.

Whatever is cheaper, probably. I love that you made a place for the emblem. Looks great.

[lotusgirlmarie]

The whole idea behind this was to make a piece that looks like it was OEM. Not an aftermarket piece hence the use of lotus lights. Also considering that the Renault lights are no longer available....

Again IMHO the car really needed an update. And a bit of differentiation to set it apart from the rest

[Matt RI]

1. Ekapol
2. Doc Fizzix
3. lotos (Randy)
4. Matt RI
5. LGM
6.???? depending on time


I have been holding a set of rear lights since you mentioned this project to me years ago, Marie... I am IN!!!

[lotos]

Also considering that the Renault lights are no longer available....

You don't think Renault just screams "exotic sports car" ?

[lotusgirlmarie]

Umm........ No.

Quick update. I finished the prototype today and have photos though they are on my iPhone and the site won't let me upload them. Moulding to come soon along with a final cost. This depends greatly on the price of the rest of tv mould. Should have an idea by the end of the month or so.

[cliffyg]

Can newbies be added to the list of "I'm in"?? If so--I'm in.

cliff

[Jackonicko]

What's next, LGM, a new trunk lid with an invisible/relocated lock and L O T U S spread out across it?

[Ekapol]

Went there for a quick test fit today. Good news for me, it fits perfectly.

ps. Quality of my iphone pictures are just so so. It did really bad in shade or when you have quite a contrasty scene, but you have the idea.

[XiPHiAS]

Is there already a correct price available ?

[Elanlover]

Marie, how are you lighting the license plate (or are you not lighting it at all?)?

[lotusgirlmarie]

The plate will be lit and the lighting will be included in the final price. I still haven't had time to get the rest of the moulding materials. Been busy getting turbos packaged, fitting rear valance, repairing 1/4 panels,...... The list goes on. As soon as I do finallize cost I'll post it up.

[XiPHiAS]

The plate will be lit and the lighting will be included in the final price. I still haven't had time to get the rest of the moulding materials. Been busy getting turbos packaged, fitting rear valance, repairing 1/4 panels,...... The list goes on. As soon as I do finallize cost I'll post it up.

Count me in, "depends on the price" ... I think $600 is alot of money for just some polyester.
I made several frontspoilers (quiet similar size) and we can still earn some money when it when we ask 200€-250€ (~$250-$300)...
But now I see accessories are included ... that's a whole other story!

+ I need to be sure if it's plug and play on my European Elan to ...

I was planning to made my rear panel myself this year, and it's my idea from so long ago ...

But ... you've got my attention

[lotusgirlmarie]

A couple of quick notes before I get to far, just to clarify.

1. This valance will only fit Federal Elans. The trunklids are very different for the ROW Elans. Being that I don't have easy access to a ROW Elan test fitting is not a viable option at this point. This may change once I get going on and build a few examples.

2. I don't use polyester ressin. It has far to low a melting point for my needs. 165F just doesn't do it for me. I use Vynil-ester. It's 3-4 times more expensive but has a far higher melting point, 240F, and has a considerably higher tensile strength when used properly compared to Polyester.

3. I've incurred quite an expense already with the pieces of the mould I do have as well as the prototype. I dont expect to recoup this cost and thats fine buti I would hope to soften the blow. The price I quoted was a guess. I still need to build the rest of the mould and it has to be acurate, durable and reusable. The final price may get cheaper. It may not. I won't know til I get the mould completed and only then will I quote a final price.

Bottom line is this, I do these projects to help out our community. My satisfaction comes from seeing my work on othersl
cars and seeing their enjoyment. I don't know a final cost and won't until I start the run. Soapbox speech over. Going back to working on my car. She needs a new fan switch and thermostat.